Category Archives: Local News

Starting Today: Chattanooga Shines with the SEA Light Festival

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) Starting February 20th, the Sealight Festival will light up the city with two full months of dazzling Chinese lanterns, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and unforgettable family fun! Visitors can wander through glowing pathways, enjoy stunning light shows, and even interact with some of the installations, making this event more than just a show—it’s a…MORE

Chattanooga workers accused of $80,000 overtime fraud

Chattanooga workers accused of $80,000 overtime fraud

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The state comptroller’s office accuses three Chattanooga employees with over-billing the city for up to $80,000 over a four year period. The three employees worked as traffic signal electricians for the city’s transportation division. The investigation claims the three got paid for overtime work that they didn’t do. They also say…MORE

CARTA awarded over $1 million in grants from TDOT, state programs

CARTA awarded over $1 million in grants from TDOT, state programs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  CARTA has been awarded $1.2 million in grants from TDOT’s IMPROVE Transit Investment Grant program and the Statewide 5339(a) Bus and Bus Facilities Program. CARTA says these grants will be put towards advancements in transit safety and mobility infrastructure. “We are grateful for TDOT’s support in advancing innovative mobility solutions and…MORE

‘The Dream’ receives five day suspension of beer license after shooting

‘The Dream’ receives five day suspension of beer license after shooting

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga nightclub has received its punishment following a shooting in December. Inside of the crowded “Dream” nightclub on Glass Street on December 1st, shots rang out, injuring one person and causing dozens of patrons to exit the club in a panic. At a hearing two weeks ago, representatives of the club…MORE

Charlotte Grace Events kicks off the year with a winter market

Tiffany Miller with Charlotte Grace Events joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about their upcoming market and newest non-profit. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Escape the cold but still have all the fun with the Winter Merchant and Makers Market! Winter Merchant and Makers Market is coming to Northgate Mall with the event being inside…MORE

Frigid Temperatures Grip East Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As winter weather moves in, officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe. From protecting your home to dressing for the frigid air, preparation is key. Temperatures are set to drop well below freezing across East Tennessee, and that means it’s time to prepare for the cold.  The National…MORE

Commissioners express concern over potential elimination of Department of Education

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- How much will Hamilton County be affected if the federal Department of Education (DOE) is eliminated? That’s a question some commissioners asked during Wednesday’s meeting. Concerns were specifically over how potential cuts could affect schools with higher rates of students in poverty. Currently, 40 public schools in Hamilton County are listed as…MORE

Chattanooga man arrested for stabbing woman at local daycare

Chattanooga man arrested for stabbing woman at local daycare

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Chattanooga man has been arrested for stabbing a woman at a local daycare. Reginald Woods On November 4, 2024, at 5:41 p.m., officers responded to a local daycare following reports of an assault. Upon arrival, officers found the victim being loaded into an ambulance with multiple stab wounds. According to…MORE

Chatt Prep releases statement regarding former teacher’s arrest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga Preparatory School has released a statement regarding the recent arrest of former teacher, Kenya White Kenya White. The school released the following statement: Chattanooga Preparatory School is deeply troubled by the recent arrest of a former employee. The safety and well-being of our scholars remain our top priority, and we…MORE

Etowah fire crews respond to three building fire overnight

ETOWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Three buildings were destroyed in a major blase last night in Etowah. It happened around 11:30 p.m. February 18, 2025 at the intersection of 5th Street and county road 6-29. The fire involved two abandoned warehouses and one abandoned home. Seven fire departments took part in fighting the blaze. No injuries…MORE