Category Archives: Local News

Day of Hope Brings Support and Resources

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) — Today, the Lifestyle Center of Benton welcomed community members for a ‘Day of Hope’ event, part of a statewide effort to support those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. The event featured interactive stations, overdose prevention training, and resources to promote healing and resilience. Tennessee’s annual Day of Hope,…… MORE

CNE Homes was created to bridge the housing gap

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, or CNE Homes, is on a mission to make homeownership more attainable for working families by building affordable, move-in-ready modular homes. The dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for many in Chattanooga, with the median home price now at $340,000. However, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise is…… MORE

What’s Right With Our Schools: Skyuka Hall Youth in Government Delegates

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Passing a bill can be an intimidating process for even the most seasoned lawmaker. Students at Skyuka Hall recently got a lesson in legislation at the Tennessee State Capitol. Their Youth in Government Delegates presented and defended their bills in front of more than 500 of their peers. What happened next…… MORE

Missionary Ridge Development Continues to Face Opposition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A major development proposed for Missionary Ridge faces strong opposition from neighbors who say it’s too dense for the area.  The Doolittle Farms project, which would add more than 1,700 housing units to a forested hill between Tunnel Boulevard and South Chickamauga Creek, was the focus of a rezoning hearing today. …… MORE

CPD Chief Addresses Pachyderm Club

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This afternoon, Chattanooga’s Chief of Police, John Chambers, addressed the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club to discuss progress and ongoing problems. Chief Chambers has served with the CPD for over 25 years and served as Assistant Police Chief before his unanimous confirmation as Chief of Police in September by the Chattanooga City…… MORE

Dalton Police arrest 53-year-old in sexual assault case

Dalton Police arrest 53-year-old in sexual assault case

DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) —  Dalton Police have arrested 53-year-old Philip Kevin McKinley in connection to a sexual assault case. Philip Kevin McKinley A report was filed with the Dalton Police Department (DPD) on February 12, 2025 by a woman who was performing community service as part of her probation at the Dalton Convention Center. The…… MORE

Students may get more recess time in new Tennessee bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- Are Tennessee students getting enough recess time? A new bill is arguing they are not. Filed by Representative Scott Cepicky of Culleoka, Tennessee, it would increase the amount of required recess time for Tennessee students. Currently, schools are required to allow for 130 minutes per week with a minimum of 15 minutes…… MORE

TBI & Marion County authorities investigating Big Rock Road death

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Authorities in Marion County are investigating a death on Big Rock Road. The death occurred at a property on Big Rock Road. The deceased individual has been identified as 67-year-old Danny Durham. Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) are working alongside personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s…… MORE

Bradley County man arrested on attempted first degree murder

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Bradley County man has been arrested and charged for Attempted First Degree Murder in Hamilton Richard Lee Thomas County. Deputies with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) were dispatched to a home on Flagpoint Drive on March 8, 2025. Upon arrival, deputies located the resident and his girlfriend. While speaking…… MORE