Category Archives: Local News

UTC Star Party at Clarence T. Jones Observatory

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – UTC hosted its final Star Party of the year at the Clarence T. Jones Observatory this evening. All were invited for a night in space.  The evening was full of exciting events including an astronomy lecture on Space Volcanoes and amazing planetarium shows.  Because the night was clear enough, a unique opportunity…MORE

Northshore’s Merry Market

 CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Head out and begin your holiday season by visiting the NorthShore Merry Market for shopping and community spirit. The market in Northshore Chattanooga features a variety of local shops and restaurants offering one of a kind holiday gift as well as vendors selling unique gifts, local makers, and some locally made seasonal…MORE

Memorial and Dedication Service for anniversary of Northshore crash

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Last November of 2023, 41-year-old Ana Posso Rodriguez, her husband, 40-year-old Octavio Devia, and her 22-month-old son Jonathan were walking on the sidewalk as a car driven by a Florida resident Randy Vega spun out of control and struck the family on Frazier Avenue.  Ana and her son were tragically killed following…MORE

Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod will not seek re-election

Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod will not seek re-election

  Demetrus Coonrod / demetruscoonrod.com CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod has announced she will not seek re-election for District 9. Coonrod reflected on her time in office as both challenging and rewarding. She emphasized her commitment to building stronger, more connected communities throughout Chattanooga, stating, “We can no longer afford to…MORE

Hiker rescued after injury on Rainbow Lake Trails

Hiker rescued after injury on Rainbow Lake Trails

Rainbow Lake Trails Hiker Rescue / Robert Clark and Neil Baker from Signal Mountain FD SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) — Local first responders rescued a hiker on the Rainbow Lake trails late Friday afternoon. At approximately 4:17 p.m., a 911 call alerted authorities to screams for help coming from the trailhead near Rainbow Lake Falls.…MORE

Plane executes gear-up landing at Collegedale Municipal Airport

Plane executes gear-up landing at Collegedale Municipal Airport

  Collegedale Municipal Airport  COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A safety incident occurred at Collegedale Municipal Airport this afternoon as an airplane experienced issues during landing. According to a statement from the Collegedale Police Department, officers confirmed that the aircraft successfully executed a “gear-up landing.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. Airport officials are…MORE

Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City

 CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Come warm your hearts and journey down the all-new Christmas tree walk through Rock City starting today, November 15th, through January 4th. Rock City is continuing its Enchanted Garden of lights with a variety of fun activities for all ages to enjoy including cookie decorating and experiencing thousands of lights after dark.…MORE

Lookout Mountain man arrested on child exploitation charges

Lookout Mountain man arrested on child exploitation charges

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —   Patrick Bryant Hawley was arrested on November 14, 2024, by federal agents on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children. The arrest was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Hawley made his initial court appearance the same day before Magistrate Judge Susan…MORE

Hamilton County deputies involved in Highway 27 pursuit

Hamilton County deputies involved in Highway 27 pursuit

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were involved in a pursuit on Highway 27 yesterday. In the early morning hours of November 15, 2024, deputies on patrol were notified by an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) of a stolen vehicle in the area of Middle Valley Road near Valleywood Drive.…MORE

East Ridge Breaks Ground on Transformative Town Center Complex

Today marks an exciting milestone for East Ridge City as officials break ground on the highly anticipated Town Center complex, a project designed to transform the community’s heart. The new facility will be versatile, set to host everything from farmers markets to weddings, a true hub for all kinds of local events and celebrations. “We…MORE