School board candidates debate issues in Hixson as they vie to replace Joe Smith
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Longtime Hamilton County school board chairman Joe Smith announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection in his district. Three candidates are looking to replace him, and whoever does so will make history as the first to represent the Hixson area for District 3 of the Hamilton C
Two arrested on drug charges following traffic safety checkpoint
SCOTTSBORO — Two men have been arrested on drug charges following a traffic safety checkpoint in Scottsboro. According to the Scottsboro Police Department (SPD), officers made contact with a passenger car, occupied by two individuals. The individuals were identified as Adrian Labron Bentley and Christopher James Winche
Former Southern Adventist University student arrested after making threats
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — The Collegedale Police Department has arrested a former Southern Adventist University student following an investigation into a series of threatening communications sent to the university and law enforcement personnel. 26-year-old Michael Whitfield Hanna was arrested in April of 2026. During the in
It’s official: Tennessee has a new record largemouth
The largemouth bass is Tennessee’s most prized game fish, and now there’s a new champion. A 15-pound, 7 ½-ounce lunker caught by Whitwell fisherman Darren Nunley in Nickajack Reservoir has been certified by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency as a state record. The fish, caught Feb. 28,...
TWRA reminds residents how to handle encounters after bear visits Cleveland Wednesday
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — Bradley County officials put Cleveland on high alert Wednesday morning as a bear was seen roaming the city. Now, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is taking the opportunity to remind the residents what to do if they should encounter a bear. Cleveland residents woke...
Questions grow over Tennessee constables helping ICE outside their own counties
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — A viral video showing two Bradley County constables assisting with an ICE operation in Hamilton County is raising new questions about oversight, training and just how much authority constables have outside their own jurisdiction. The video shows the constables working at a construction site alon
Bear In Tree Draws Crowd
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – A black bear spotted high in a tree drew attention in Cleveland Wednesday morning as residents stopped to watch the unusual scene unfold. Cleveland Police and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency crews responded to the area as the bear remained in the tree for an extended period and bystanders
State of Hamilton County Focuses On Growth
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – State and County leaders highlighted major progress and long-term investments during this year’s State of the County address at UTC’s Wolford Center, focusing on education, economic growth, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and outdoor recreation. One of the biggest successes ce
Raccoon Mountain residents crowd city council to back $3.5M plan for running water access
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Dozens of Raccoon Mountain residents packed Chattanooga city council chambers Tuesday to voice their support for a proposed multi-million-dollar project aimed at expanding water access in the area. Many shared emotional stories about living without reliable running water on the mountain. Chattanoog
Sip Happens: Chattanooga’s Must-Visit Coffee Shops
In a city known for its scenic views and growing food scene, Chattanooga has quietly built a coffee culture of its own. From cozy neighborhood cafes to modern, high-energy study spots, the city offers something for every kind of coffee drinker. Whether you're looking for a place to focus, catch up with friends, or just
