CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new push to ban cell phones and other personal devices during class could soon become law in Tennessee. The state’s House of Representatives passed a bill Monday that would require schools to prohibit students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, or gaming devices during instructional time. The bill, known as…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Northwest Georgia man sentenced for attacking Chattanooga Masonic Center
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A northwest Georgia man who attacked the Chattanooga Masonic Center was sentenced Thursday. Kadum Harwood Kadum Harwood is serving five years in federal prison. In September of 2023, he pulled down the doors of the building with a chain attached to his truck. Prosecutors say he took a sledgehammer to the…… MORE
TDOT announces weekend lane closures as part of Phase 2
MGN HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Drivers traveling through the I-75 at I-24 interchange should prepare for delays due to scheduled road construction. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced weekend lane closures as part of the ongoing Phase 2 project. Starting Friday, March 7, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. through Monday, March 10, 2025,…… MORE
Man arrested in Chattanooga for shooting in Athens
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has been arrested for shooting someone in Athens, Tennessee. The shooting occurred on February 28, 2025, near McMinn Avenue. According to the Athens Police Department (APD), one person sustained life-threatening injuries. On the morning of March 5, federal authorities and Chattanooga Police took Caleb Darby into custody. He…… MORE
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrests a man for multiple drug trafficking charges
CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. (WDEF) – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit have arrested a man with multiple drug trafficking charges. The recent arrest was a development in a case that began in January 2024. Colby Brett Philips was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine after finding 125 grams of the substance in his possession.…… MORE
Chattanooga State Community College Celebrates Grand Opening of First-Ever Student Health Clinic
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga State Community College celebrated the grand opening of the first-ever Student Health Clinic. The clinic offers a wide range of healthcare services to students, It’s designed to provide convenient access to healthcare right on campus and will benefit students from 16 different programs at the college. “When students feel supported,…… MORE
Residents react to proposed bill that would shield carpet manufacturers from lawsuits
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- A controversial bill regarding forever chemicals was the subject of a tense hearing in Atlanta. House Bill 211, proposed by several area representatives including Kasey Carpenter of Dalton, would shield carpet companies from forever chemical lawsuits. Carpet companies like Shaw and Mohawk, among many others have been the targets of lawsuits related…… MORE
Driving Our Economy Forward: The Hummus Bowl
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Traditional hummus is made from ground chickpeas and sesame seeds. Add a little olive oil, lemon, and garlic, and you the recipe for a delicious source of protein. A local family doing its best to make hummus a staple in St. Elmo. We head to the Hummus Bowl in tonight’s Driving…… MORE
Court appoints Aubrey Preston as conservator in Life Care Centers case
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — The legal battle for control over Life Care Centers of America has been resolved. On the morning of March 4, 2025, a Cleveland judge agreed to name Aubrey Preston as the conservator for his father, Forrest Preston. The father founded the senior aging facility chain that has now gone nationwide.…… MORE
North River Elementary to enter design phase
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The development of a new Hixson elementary school continues to move forward. The Hamilton County Commission approved a contract with Franklin Associates to design the future North River Elementary School. It would replace DuPont, Rivermont, and Alpine Crest Elementary Schools on the Dupont site. The project has faced some controversy from parents…… MORE
