Dooley announces run for Georgia Senate seat

  ATHENS, Ga. (WDEF)- A former Tennessee football coach has officially thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s Georgia Senate Race. Derek Dooley filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend declaring his candidacy. He is running for the Republican nomination. Representative Mike Collins has already thrown his hat into the ring to go up against…

Shopping made cheaper with Statemint’s Fall/Winter Clothing Sale this week!

A special pop-up consignment sale on Broad Street this week will get you and your family ready to be fashionable during the colder months! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In need of some affordable and sustainable back-to-school clothing or wanting to update your wardrobe? The pop-up consignment sale, Statemint, is setting up shop this week at Restoration Southside! Find thousands of…

WTCI PBS faces major funding cut

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s public television stations are facing a significant financial setback. WTCI PBS says a major loss in federal support could impact both local programming and station operations. Leaders at the station say they are now turning to the community for help. Programs like PBS Kids, which use educator-developed curriculum built into every episode, help…

Overnight Storms Trigger Flash Flooding

Dalton, GA (WDEF) – Flash flooding swamped parts of Whitfield County late Saturday night into Sunday, August 3rd, after heavy rains dropped up to six inches in just a few hours.  The most severe impacts were seen in low-lying areas, including Cleveland Highway, Willowdale Road, and Coronet Drive, where roadways quickly became impassable. Emergency crews responded to multiple reports of…

Backpacks, Resources, and Support: Wellpoint Tennessee Hosts ‘Back to School Bash’ in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.(WDEF) — With the start of the school year just days away, Wellpoint Tennessee brought the community together for a “Back to School Bash” to help local students head back to class with confidence. Held in partnership with the Chattanooga Boys and Girls Club, the event provided 250–300 backpacks filled with school supplies, free health screenings, and access to…

More than 40 dogs rescued from hoarding situation

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – More than 40 dogs are now safe after a major animal rescue effort in Athens, Tennessee. Officers say the dogs were found living in deplorable conditions, inside and outside of a home on Halley Street. On Friday, police responded to the residence for an animal welfare check. What they discovered turned out to be a serious…

PenaVegas Help Kids Gear Up

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As students across the country prepare to return to class, many families are facing an uphill battle.  For households dealing with housing instability, food insecurity, or financial hardship, shopping for school supplies isn’t just a seasonal task, it’s a major source of stress. To help meet the need, Carlos and Alexa PenaVega are once again partnering…

Students Begin School Year Early

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) – Students in Rhea County and McMinn County, Tennessee, returned to school on Friday, August 1st, but only for a half day.  It’s a soft launch to the new academic year, giving kids and families time to adjust. With the return of students, drivers are urged to pay attention to school zones and crossing guards.  Speed limits…

Judge tells Liner not to stall over attorney situation in murder case

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Bradley County judge is warning a man charged with the murder of his ex-wife against stalling future proceedings. Craig Liner is charged with felony murder in  the January shooting death of Karen Liner at her Cleveland home. Video evidence at a previous hearing showed a man identified as Craig shooting Karen in her driveway. Friday, he…

Teachers kick off year with Professional Learning Conference amid outside uncertainties

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As Hamilton County Schools embark on a new year, teachers from every school descended on downtown Chattanooga Friday morning. Over 5500 employees gathered at the Chattanooga Convention Center to kick off their brand new school year.  It was a raucous atmosphere as each school was recognized in the opening ceremony of the second annual Professional Learning Conference….

Work still ongoing in developing new Gateway school

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future downtown technical school at the Gateway Building has entered a new phase. Banners promoting the future Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Institute were placed this week on the Westside. It will be the first technical school in downtown Chattanooga since the closure of Kirkman Technical School.  (From: Hamilton County Mayor’s Office) The project is one of the…

Verizon helps with Back To School Tech

Chattanooga, TN – It’s hard to believe, but back to school is finally upon us after a long, hot summer. Verizon joined us this week to help out with some back to school specials in time for next weekends sales. “This back to school season. This is the Motorola Razr 2025. I’ve got that right here. And this cute, fun…

UTC Chief Economist talks Trump tariffs at Rotary Club

CHATTANOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There have been several developments Thursday as it relates to tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump. As these developments unfold, UTC’s chief economist gave his take on the effectiveness of these tariffs to the Downtown Rotary Club. President Trump announced on Thursday a deal had been reached with Mexico to avoid tariffs being enacted for 90 days….

Mayor Meets with Local Residents

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Mayor Tim Kelly met with Chattanooga residents during Open Office Hours on July 31.  The event ran from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and residents had to request 20-minute appointments in advance at cha.city/officehours.  A member of the mayor’s staff contacted selected participants ahead of time to confirm their spot.  Appointments were granted on a first-come, first-served…

Gordon’s Cleaners Closes After Decades

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A longtime Chattanooga family business has shut its doors for the final time.  Gordon’s Cleaners, which began as a small launderette on Frazier Avenue in 1947, closed its McCallie Avenue location today, marking the end of an era for one of the city’s most enduring businesses. Founder Gordon Ledbetter launched the original laundry business shortly after…

Rainbow Lake Trail bridge being repaired after storm damage

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- A portion of a popular trail on Signal Mountain is temporarily closed. The suspension bridge on the Rainbow Lake Trail was damaged by a tree. The bridge connects that trail to Edward’s Point and the Cumberland Trail. That bridge is operated by TDEC. Signal Mountain’s town manager, Matthew Justice, says that this situation accelerated plans to…

Man indicted in fatal February DUI crash on Ashland Terrace

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man involved in the fatal accident on Ashland Terrace back in February has been indicted. Matthew Tyler Parker faces the following charges: Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication Vehicular Homicide by Reckless Driving Under the Influence Parker was driving a 2015 Jeep Rubicon when he crossed into oncoming traffic. He struck a 2021 Nissan Armada head-on, ultimately…