Former ER Judge Arrested in Florida
Former East Ridge Municipal Court Judge Cris Helton was arrested in Panama City Beach, Florida late last month, accused of threatening to kill his wife and a mutual friend. According to an affidavit of complaint, the 63-year-old disbarred attorney texted a photo of a black and silver knife to his wife Kimberly with a...
Residents Still Displaced Two Months After Historic Flooding at The Crossing Apartments
Catoosa County, GA — Two months after devastating floods swept through the Chattanooga area, many residents of The Crossing Apartments in Catoosa County are still without a place to call home. “I’m 69 years old. I’m not getting any younger, you know,” said Brenda Crouch, a longtime resident of...
Tennessee Aquarium to release 500 Lake Sturgeon into Tennessee River for 25th anniversary
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Aquarium and its partners in the Southeast Lake Sturgeon Working Group will release hundreds of state-endangered Lake Sturgeon into the Tennessee River and Cumberland River watersheds this month. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the reintroduction program's first release in...
New Tony Roma’s Restaurant Opens in Kimball
Tony Roma’s, the iconic ribs and BBQ brand, celebrated the grand opening of its new Kimball restaurant on Tuesday. Doors open to the public at 11:30 a.m. The 105 Kimball Crossing Dr. location, just off I-24, introduces a refreshed, family-friendly Tony Roma’s with classic favorites and exclusive items crafted for...
Switching to Passkeys for Safety
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October is Cybersecurity Month, a reminder for everyone to take small but meaningful steps to stay safe online. Experts say one of the most effective ways to do that is by replacing passwords with passkeys, a newer, stronger, and easier way to sign in. Traditional...
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Today
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7, giving beneficiaries a chance to review and adjust their health coverage for 2026. This is the only time each year when people can make changes to their Medicare plans. Premiums, deductibles, and prescription...
Fallout continues from Red Bank tax mishap
RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF)- The fallout is continuing from a tax assessment mistake in Red Bank. Hamilton County Property Assessor Marty Haynes says that a human error led to a previous, lower tax rate being applied to the city’s taxpayers. This led to Red Bank being shorted a million...
Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair announces schedule for 2025 event
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Little Debbie Hamilton County Fair has revealed their daily schedule for their fun-filled event at McDonald Farm in Sale Creek. The fair will take place on the weekend of November 7 through November 9. Presented by title sponsor Little Debbie, The Hamilton County...
Chattanooga daycare cleared after DHS finds no evidence of improper discipline practices
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) has dismissed a complaint against Shiny Penny Daycare in Chattanooga due to a lack of evidence. This comes after a mother claimed a worker at her 3-year-old's daycare disciplined the girl with a spray bottle filled with water. Back...
Chattanooga councilman cites strain for District 5’s exclusion from new recycling programs
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga city council voted Tuesday to move forward with pilot programs for curbside composting and glass recycling. However, one district will not be participating after their councilman voted against it. The council passed two resolutions at Tuesday's meeting, approving hundreds of thousands...
