HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County budget was approved Wednesday. It is a little over a billion dollars, and features additional money for paving, public safety, among other allocations. It passed ten to one. The one lone no vote was Commissioner David Sharpe. He said that the budget in his vote in his view flies against the…
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Another lawsuit has been filed against the city of Soddy-Daisy in a 2018 vehicular manslaughter case. Justin Whaley, a former Hamilton County EMT, had been convicted of the death of James Brumlow and sentenced to nine years in prison in 2023. However, that conviction was overturned and a new trial ordered because the Soddy…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — In this week’s Driving Our Economy Forward, we’re checking out a new local business bringing fresh flavor and community energy to Chattanooga. White Duck Taco, co-owned by longtime residents, is blending Asheville-inspired eats with a vision for neighborhood connection and creative events. From movie nights to nonprofit partnerships, they’re aiming to make their space more…
UPDATE (6/20/2025): Athens police have obtained surveillance footage of the person driving the dark SUV. According to the Athens City Police Department (ACPD) a white female, age unknown, was driving the SUV. If anyone knows who the driver is, please contact ACPD. ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Athens City Police Department (ACPD) is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident. ACPD…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Skyuka Hall, a Chattanooga-based K-12 school for students with learning differences and ADHD, is expanding in a major way. Thanks to the generosity of local donors, the school has acquired the former campus of Precept Ministries for $11.75 million. The move will allow Skyuka Hall to grow from 120 to 250 students over the next…
ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) – Big changes are coming to one of Walker County’s most well-loved parks. This week, construction officially began on the next phase of Walker Rocks Park, located at the Walker County Civic Center. The new project aims to make the playground even more inclusive and engaging for children of all abilities. “The sound of progress is…
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A late-night house fire in Soddy Daisy has left a family of four displaced after losing everything in the blaze. A heartbreaking house fire early Sunday morning left a Soddy Daisy family of four with nothing. Around 12:40 a.m., fire crews were dispatched to a home on Nale Road. When they arrived, they found the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Both Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp took the stage together Tuesday. In the second annual Chatt With the Mayors event that happened on Tuesday, Mayors Kelly and Wamp talked about a variety of issues including education funding, the impact of DOGE on local politics, and how local government should react to homelessness…
HUNTSVILLE, Al. (WDEF) — Authorities arrested 60 individuals after shutting down an illegal cockfighting ring in Blount County, Alabama. The Gulf of America Homeland Security Task Force led the raid on June 14, 2025. They worked with the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. According to ICE, the operation targeted animal fighting, illegal gambling, and…
CALHOUN, Tenn. (WDEF) — Late Monday night, the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) responded to a major fire in Calhoun. The fire broke out near the Resolute Products facility and quickly grew in size on June 16, 2025. First responders arrived on scene at 10:45 p.m. and were met with heavy smoke and fire. Crews from several Tri-State Mutual Aid Association…
GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A man was arrested in Grundy County Monday night after attempting to solicit a minor. Johnny McNeal engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to solicit sex acts from someone he believed was a minor. The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) says McNeal agreed to meet the individual in Tracy City. When he arrived at…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) When a coach enters the third base box, it’s like Clark Kent entering a phone booth. They may not get superpowers, but they do get super animated, especially when it comes to waving runners home. The area turns into a windmill farm. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s most patriotic summer traditions is making a big comeback — with a few changes. “Pops on the River,” the beloved Fourth of July celebration held in Coolidge Park, was canceled two years ago due to funding issues. Now, in 2025, it returns—but with a new challenge. Brian Smith, Communications and Marketing Director for…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Pachyderm Club is continuing its tradition of civic discussions in downtown Chattanooga. The group welcomed guest speaker Mark Fraker, CEO of the Chattanooga Federal Employees Credit Union—one of the oldest surviving credit unions in Tennessee. During his remarks, Fanker encouraged the audience to take a different approach to financial planning. “Hey, why don’t you start…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s lights, camera, summer fun! Chattanooga Christian School is once again hosting its long-running Musical Theatre Camp—welcoming students from across the region and beyond. From singing and dancing to costume design and teamwork, this camp is giving kids a full taste of life on stage and a great example of ‘What’s Right With Our Schools’. “Musical…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hundreds of paddlers are dipping their oars into history this week as Paddle Georgia marks its twentieth anniversary with a journey unlike any other. The annual week-long event, considered the largest of its kind in the country, begins on the South Chickamauga Creek in Ringgold, Georgia. But without some extra local help, none of this would…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As grocery costs climb this summer, many Americans are looking to save. For twenty-two million SNAP households, every dollar counts. Online shopping is helping as nearly four million families used it each month last year. Amazon Access is expanding affordable, healthy food options, especially in underserved areas. Nancy Dalton, Director of Amazon Access, told News 12…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As Erlanger Park continues its construction, some of the recent discussion around the surrounding district was when nearby development would begin. Monday, the first of those projects broke ground. An empty lot at 26th and Cowart Streets right off of South Broad Street, will soon be the new Broadview Condominiums. The ceremonial groundbreaking of the Broadview condos…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- CARTA gave an update on its plan to modernize its transportation network. They say the goal is to have multiple routes that have a frequency of serving select routes at least every 15 to 30 minutes. Some of the heaviest corridors include Brainerd Road and Broad Street. CARTA wants to create new structures called mobility hubs which…
ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) — Two people are facing aggravated animal cruelty charges after their dogs reportedly charged at a realtor showing a home near Rossville. The incident happened on Ridgeland Road, where a realtor called Walker County Animal Control to report several aggressive dogs from a nearby property. The dogs were barking, growling, and charging at him. Animal control officers…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A state agency is recommending that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) build a crime lab in Chattanooga. This is part of a draft report on how to fix a shortage of forensic services across Tennessee. Currently, local police have to ship out evidence to labs in Nashville and Knoxville. However, the state is having difficulty…
MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A routine traffic stop turned into a major drug bust Friday after a months-long investigation into illegal drug activity in the area. Narcotics investigators and patrol officers with the Murray County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) pulled over a vehicle Friday, June 13, 2025, as part of an ongoing surveillance operation. The traffic stop took place in a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga celebrated Father’s Day in a big way with a brand-new event honoring the men who’ve made a difference in our lives. This past weekend, Art 120 hosted the first-ever DadFest at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens, bringing families together for a day full of music, memories, and appreciation. From 11 to 4, the gardens were…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, Father’s Day got a special treat this weekend with a celebration full of food, fun, and family time. The First Horizon Pavilion was filled with live music, food trucks, and laughter as families came out to enjoy time with their fathers. Local artist Lorenzo shared a message: “To all the fathers out there,…