Watson to sponsor bill placing limits on property tax hikes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- After many homeowners saw significant increases in their property taxes last year, one bill is looking to curb that trend. Senator Bo Watson says he is introducing Tennessee Senate Bill 2064. This bill would cap local property tax revenue increases at the inflationary rate, with a max rise of six percent over three years. If a local…

Update given on two Chattanooga wastewater projects

The storage tanks off of I-75 in Chattanooga as of February 2, 2026. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We received an update on a pair of wastewater projects in Chattanooga. Mark Heinzer, who oversees the city’s wastewater department, says that the project to upgrade the Moccasin Bend wastewater facility has fallen slightly behind schedule. This project would upgrade both the processing of…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga IT Pathways Hackathon

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Some of the sharpest local minds recently came together for the Chattanooga I-T Pathways Hackathon. It was a chance to shape the future of our region’s tech workforce. Making sure that students learn the skills they need to land good jobs upon graduation is an important example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “So today we are…

Local viewers capture snow across the area

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local viewers shared these snowy snapshots from neighborhoods across the area. From quiet backyards to snow-covered streets, today’s winter weather made for some beautiful scenes. Thank you to everyone who sent in photos and let us take a look through your lens. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: Local News, snow photos, snow pics

Heavy Stones Claim 5th Skillet Curling Title

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Every year, Chattanooga comes together for one of its quirkiest and most beloved traditions… Skillet Curling.  Inspired by the Olympic sport but played with cast iron skillets, the seventh annual tournament wrapped up this past Thursday through Sunday afternoon at the First Horizon Pavilion, drawing teams, fans, and plenty of friendly competition. This year’s championship saw…

Research Shows Ways to Protect Pets

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A recent survey from the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) shows that many pet owners delay professional care, highlighting ways families can help their pets live longer, healthier lives. The research found that 55% of pet owners wait until their pets are sick or in pain before visiting a veterinarian.  In addition, 61% rely on social…

Chattanooga Zoo is offering families a chance to save this month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Zoo officials announced a 15% discount on annual memberships for the entire month of February. The online promotional code MEMBER15 applies to both new memberships and renewals. Memberships give families unlimited access to the Zoo for one full year, making it easier to visit year-round and stay connected with wildlife from around the world. Jake Cash,…

Crowd concerns prompt Chickamauga Mayor removal meeting postponement

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Chickamauga City Council held a special meeting on Friday at 4 p.m. to consider removing Mayor James “Trey” Deck III from office. Council members have not publicly stated their concerns regarding the mayor. As residents formed a line outside, many said they simply wanted clarity about what was happening. Chickamauga resident Nina Brown said she…

TDOT reports improving conditions after snowfall

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As conditions developed, crews with the Tennessee Department of Transportation moved into position and began monitoring travel routes across eastern Tennessee. Officials say teams were deployed as early as midnight to track changing road conditions and respond where needed. Although Hamilton County experienced only light snowfall, other parts of the region saw heavier impacts. TDOT Communications…

Big Game giveaway

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- There are plenty of places to watch the game, News 12s Brian Armstrong takes us on a trip to one. Tags: Sports, Twin Peaks, Watch party

North Cobb Christian Defeats LFO 61-58 in Region Showdown

Fort Oglethorpe, GA-(WDEF-TV) In a region showdown on Friday night at LFO, North Cobb Christian held off the Warriors 61-58. It was a battle of the region’s top two teams. The Eagles remain unbeaten in region play with the win, while the Warriors drop to 10-3 in region action. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: High School Basketball, LFO,…

Benton Elementary receives poor inspection report

BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- Concerns are rising in Polk County following a negative health inspection report of Benton Elementary School. According to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health, Benton Elementary scored a 68 on an inspection that was conducted last week. This report described 16 different issues. The report describes the following issues: “Observations & Corrective Actions 4: Muliple…

June Scobee Rodgers Keeps Challenger Memory Alive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –The 28th of January marks 40 years since the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster that claimed the lives of seven astronaut crew members. It was supposed to be a routine mission. The crew was to release a commercial satellite into orbit and observe Haley’s Comet as it passed by. It was the first mission to have a civilian…

TechByte: Artemis Missions Take Humanity Back to the Moon

Humanity is returning to the moon before the end of this decade. On this week’s TechByte, we take a look at the roadmap to earth’s natural satellite. NASA is committed to returning humans to the moon before the close of this decade. The last person to set foot on the moon was Gene Cernan all the way back in 1972….

Wofford Stuffs UTC 81-55

(gomocs.com) – The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team struggled mightily on both ends of the floor during an 81-55 home loss to Wofford during Southern Conference action on Thursday evening inside McKenzie Arena. Chattanooga has now dropped three-straight games and falls to 9-13 overall and finishes the first half of SoCon play at 3-6. Wofford earned its fourth-straight win and…

Calhoun Enjoying Another Successful Season

Ringgold, GA-(WDEF-TV) Calhoun beat Heritage on Wednesday to remain unbeaten in region play. Despite that perfect region mark and a 15-2 overall record, Calhoun head basketball coach Vince Layson still feels a little salty. Brian Armstrong explains why. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News Tags: Calhoun, heritage, High School Basketball

Group of residents oppose Hamilton County Sheriff partnership with ICE

A group of protestors in East Ridge opposed to recent actions of ICE. (Photo by: Astral Shoots) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Since last March, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has voluntarily worked with ICE on immigration enforcement. This has continued, even as ICE has received increased criticisms for violent incidents across the country including last weekend’s shooting death of protestor Alex…

BJ’s Wholesale Club Opening Preview

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – BJ’s Wholesale Club is preparing to open a new location at 401 Northgate Mall Drive, marking the company’s sixth store in Tennessee. The warehouse club will officially begin business, January 30th.  Ahead of the opening, the company held an employee event at the store on Thursday. The location includes an on-site BJ’s Gas station, offering everyday…