Precautions to take following fires

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – We have the latest updates on the recent brush fires in Walker County, Georgia, and important wildfire prevention tips to help safeguard our communities.  As of this morning, the brush fires that spanned a four-mile stretch from Rossville to near Chickamauga in northern Walker County have been contained.  The fires, which ignited yesterday, were reportedly sparked…

Resolution would not allow non-WWTA treatment facilities in Hamilton County

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Sewage capacity in rural Hamilton County has long been a point of contention. A resolution proposed by Commissioner Gene-O Shipley of Soddy-Daisy would require all onsite wastewater treatment facilities in the county to be under the ownership of the WWTA. This is as developers say they want to come up with their own solution to rural…

More discussion on local effects of potential dissolution of Department of Education

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)–  Discussion is continuing about how cuts to the federal Department of Education will affect local schools. Doors were closed at the Department’s office today in Washington as Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced they were beginning cuts to staff. There has been ongoing debate here in Hamilton County as to how education will be affected by the potential…

Driving Our Economy Forward: Insane Paintball/Airsoft

ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) —  It’s a premier paintball, airsoft, and nerf facility in Rossville Georgia.  Insane Paintball started serving customers in 2000.  If you are looking for a location to have a birthday party or just a fun afternoon with friends Insane Paintball has plenty of options.  Today with are featuring the 24-acre playing facility in this week’s Driving our…

Hamilton County officials launch new Overdose Prevention Team

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Hamilton County officials announced the launch of the Overdose Prevention Team (OPT) Wednesday. OPT is a new program aimed at saving lives and connecting individuals to long-term recovery resources. This program is operating through two Quick Response Vehicles, designed to bring life-saving medications for opioids use disorder directly to those in crisis. OPT will also…

Man arrested after leading authorities on a pursuit in stolen EPB vehicle

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A male suspect has been arrested after leading authorities on a pursuit in a stolen EPB vehicle. At 12:34 p.m., March 12, 2025, Chattanooga Police responded to the 1000 block of Central Avenue for reports of a vehicle theft. An officer with the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) located and stopped the vehicle in the 3100 block…

Fire crews working to contain Mullins Cove wildfire

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Fire crews are working to contain an active wildfire in Marion County. Mullins Cove Volunteer Fire Department (MCVFD) responded to the area of the Grandview Church of God at 7:18 a.m. for reports of a fire. According to the state’s website, the fire has spread 5 acres and is 50 percent contained. A forestry team…

15 local schools make Georgia under-performing list qualifying students for private school scholarships

ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) – We have 15 local schools on the under-performing list in the state of Georgia. And that means parents of those students can apply to get state money to send their kids to private schools instead. It’s part of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Program. The schools that qualify for the alternative scholarships are the bottom 25% in a…

Brush fires in Walker County contained as of this morning, officials say

WALKER COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The brush fires in northern Walker County are contained as of this morning. According to Walker County officials, fire and smoke will still be seen within the containment zone. Fire officials expect this to last through Thursday, March 13, 2025. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors. Fire officials are actively monitoring the…

Take a deeper dive with the Tennessee Aquarium this spring

Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about some exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences being offered this season. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s spring break season and plenty of families are making their way to the Tennessee Aquarium to make new memories and have new interactive experiences. This season, the aquarium is hosting Surprise and Delight…

A colorful spring break at the Creative Discovery Museum

Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to get students excited for an exciting spring break. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring break is nearly here for Hamilton County Schools and the Creative Discovery Museum is continuing the learning with a fun filled camp. During the camp, kids will get to explore the museum and interact…

Bill that could allow Tennessee schools to not admit undocumented students advances

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A bill that could impact the ability of undocumented immigrants to be admitted into Tennessee public schools is stirring controversy across the state. Proposed by Senator Bo Watson of Chattanooga, House Bill 793 would allow for schools to deny admission to undocumented students. Each school district would have to decide if they would enforce it. He argues…

Hamilton County Schools facing budget cuts; exceptional education jobs in jeopardy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could there be a cut to exceptional education in Hamilton County? It is possible because of the upcoming budget. Hamilton County Schools will have to make staff cuts after a COVID-era grant expired. That adds up to 30 million dollars. This could lead to teachers being transferred, teaching assistants being laid off and  programs being consolidated.  First…

Golden Apple Award: Susan Glasheen, George R. Stuart Elementary School

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – The best teachers truly care about their students. That certainly describes Susan Glasheen. Her classroom at George R. Stuart Elementary in Cleveland is a very welcoming place. Students love her. Parents love her. That earned Ms. Glasheen this week’s Golden Apple Award. “You know she is a teacher who cares deeply for students.  It comes out…

City’s Homelessness Fuels Safety Concerns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – While serious crime in Chattanooga has declined, many residents still feel unsafe, a perception tied not just to crime, but to the city’s growing homelessness crisis and lack of affordable housing. A Manhattan Institute report explores why public sentiment doesn’t match reality and what steps can be taken to address both safety concerns and housing insecurity. …

Southwest Airlines to end free checked bags policy for first time in its 54-year history

Southwest Airlines boasts that its passengers’ “bags fly free” — but not for long. Starting May 28 — just in time for the busy summer travel season — only Southwest’s most elite Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members and passengers who book their top-tier Business Select fares will receive two free checked bags. Frequent flyer A-List Members, Southwest-branded credit card holders…

Riverfront Nights return to Ross’s Landing this summer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  It’s official, Riverfront Nights is returning to Ross’s Landing this summer. Starting May 31, 2025 through August 30, 2025, patrons can see several free music series on the riverfront. Activities will being at 4:00 p.m., and Riverfront Parkway will be closed between Chestnut Street and Power Alley.  “We’re thrilled to be a part of this amazing…

Boo Carter Pulling Double Duty For the Vols in Spring Practice

Will the Vols Boo Carter become the new Travis Hunter of college football? Hunter of course won the Heisman Trophy playing both ways at Colorado. This spring, Carter is working at receiver for Tennessee after playing defensive back during his freshman season. Said defensive coordinator Tim Banks:”Yeah I think it has been fine. Boo understands he’s a defensive back for…

Day of Hope Brings Support and Resources

Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) — Today, the Lifestyle Center of Benton welcomed community members for a ‘Day of Hope’ event, part of a statewide effort to support those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. The event featured interactive stations, overdose prevention training, and resources to promote healing and resilience. Tennessee’s annual Day of Hope, now in its sixth year,…

CNE Homes was created to bridge the housing gap

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, or CNE Homes, is on a mission to make homeownership more attainable for working families by building affordable, move-in-ready modular homes. The dream of homeownership is slipping further out of reach for many in Chattanooga, with the median home price now at $340,000. However, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise is taking a bold step to…