Category Archives: Local News

Fire crews battle multiple wildfires across region

Fire crews battle multiple wildfires across region

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Fire personnel in our area are working around the clock to fight and contain wildfires. Red Bank At 12:30 a.m., The Red Bank Fire Department (RBFD) responded to 1010 Hiram Avenue on reports of a brush fire. Upon arrival, crews located a working brush fire. According to the city of Red…MORE

Juvenile arrested after leading authorities in high speed pursuit

Juvenile arrested after leading authorities in high speed pursuit

MGN HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Authorities arrested a juvenile Wednesday afternoon after a high speed pursuit. At 4:10 p.m., March 12, 2025, a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black motorcycle driving north in the southbound lanes in the 1200 block of Highway 27. The motorcycle…MORE

Stay dry and warm at the Coffee & Cocoa Festival

Tiffany Miller joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the returning Coffee & Cocoa Festival coming to Catoosa County. CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) – While the last of the cold weather starts to fade out, now’s the time to enjoy some cozy, hot drinks before the spring heat kicks in! Charlotte Grace Events is…MORE

Multi-vehicle wreck and vehicle fire case I-75 backup

Multi-vehicle wreck and vehicle fire case I-75 backup

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A vehicle fire and multi-vehicle crashes cause lane closures on I-75 South at the Scenic Overlook near the Hamilton County line. The wreck was reported just after 5 A.M. on Thursday. I-75 South was reduced to just the left lane, causing traffic to backup to Cleveland. According to TDOT, two…MORE

Code Orange Air Quality Alert

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Officials have issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, meaning pollution levels have reached levels that could pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions are especially vulnerable. Experts are urging residents to limit prolonged outdoor activities and avoid strenuous exercise outside…MORE

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…MORE

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…MORE

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…MORE

Novonix PILOT approved by city council, county commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Novonix’s expansion plans in Chattanooga are moving forward. Both the City Council Tuesday night and the County Commission Wednesday morning approved a PILOT agreement. This is an economic incentive for the electric battery manufacturer to build a new facility at Enterprise South. They had faced criticism for some recent layoffs at their…MORE