CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — This Black History Month, we honor trailblazers who broke down barriers and reshaped history. One such individual is Dr. Fannie Hewlett, whose name will forever be tied to Belmont University. Dr. Hewlett’s journey began in a small Alabama town, where, after finishing junior college, she received a life-changing letter: a brochure…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Mayor Tim Kelly Votes as Early Voting Opens for Chattanooga’s Municipal Election
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Early voting for the City of Chattanooga Municipal Election began today. One of the first to cast their ballot was Mayor Tim Kelly, who is running for re-election. Kelly emphasized his focus on affordable housing, public health, and improving the local economy. “All these fine people behind me and their organizations…… MORE
Driving Our Economy Forward: Catoosa 911 Center
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) –Dispatchers at the Catoosa County 911 center work tirelessly to help those in need. Employees at the center strive to have a standard of excellence in public safety communications every day. We talked to the director of operations about what it takes to be a part of this public safety program…… MORE
Mayor Wamp discusses county level DOGE, responds to pastor after controversial sermon
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, we spoke with the pastor of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Steve Caudle, whose sermon went viral after controversial comments regarding Elon Musk and DOGE. Wednesday, we are learning more about why Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp wants him to resign from the Regional Planning Agency. Mayor Wamp said, “It…… MORE
Realtors, Homebuilders oppose proposal to limit growth in rural Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dozens of homebuilders and realtors opposed a plan to limit growth at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. One proposal would halt new construction from Ooltewah to Birchwood. The other would base permits on buildable land, not total acreage. This is in the wake of Plan Hamilton, the RPA’s strategy for future growth…… MORE
Jewish Communities Face Rising Threats
Today, a disturbing trend is on the rise—antisemitism is reaching record levels across the U.S. and beyond. From hate crimes to online harassment, Jewish communities are facing growing threats. Antisemitic incidents are at an all-time high. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 36% increase in hate crimes against Jewish people in the past year alone. Meanwhile,…… MORE
Will The Penny Fade Into History?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – President Trump has ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting new pennies, arguing that producing them costs more than they’re worth. While some see this as a smart financial move, others worry about what comes next. For more than 160 years, the penny has been a symbol of American currency, featuring…… MORE
Man faces additional charges following multiple pursuits
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — One man is facing additional charges following two separate pursuits with law enforcement earlier this month. Arthur Wright was arrested on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after leading deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and officers from the Soddy Daisy Police Department. Wright led authorities on a foot chase that…… MORE
Catoosa County’s historic patrol car restoration nears completion
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Several organizations have been working to restore a Pontiac Trans Am that belonged to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). In 1978, Catoosa County Sheriff J.D. Stewart bought four Trans Am’s to be used at patrol cars. Later on in 1979 & 1981, Sheriff Stewart purchased eight more, bringing the…… MORE
Hiker finds human remains off mountain in Cherokee County
MURPHY, Nc. (WDEF) — Local law enforcement are investigating the discovery of human remains found off Burrell Mountain Road. Kamron Peter Rondon A hiker reported finding a human skull on January 23, 2025. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted a search of the area on…… MORE
