UPDATE (3/14/2025): We’re now hearing from Hamilton County Schools regarding Chattanooga Preparatory School’s graduating class. “Our top priority is supporting the students at Chattanooga Prep and safeguarding their academic progress. We are currently verifying senior credits and taking any necessary corrective actions to ensure that the Senior Class will graduate on-time. We are hopeful that…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Early morning vehicle fire, crash on I-75 leaves two injured
I-75 Vehicle Fire / Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a vehicle fire on I-75 early Thursday morning. At 5:10 a.m., March 13, 2025, deputies responded to a vehicle fire in the 15000 block of I-75 South. The vehicle fire involved a truck towing…… MORE
Chattanooga Prep charter in jeopardy over licensing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing big problems from the Kenya White investigation. The Hamilton County School System has begun the process of revoking their charter. This involves issues over teacher licenses at the school. The school system believes almost half of Chattanooga Prep teachers are not licensed to teach their…… MORE
Chattanooga man arrested for dropping meth in North LaFayette Elementary School
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Chattanooga man has been arrested after accidentally dropping meth inside an elementary school in Walker County. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a Walker County Schools employee found a plastic baggie in the floor of North LaFayette Elementary School, just inside the main entryway. The bag contained a suspicious substance,…… MORE
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
UAW files suit against Volkswagen after they announce production cuts and voluntary layoffs
UPDATE: Employees voiced their frustration with the layoffs at a rally Thursday afternoon in front of Volkswagen’s main entrance. A year ago, workers at VW voted by a nearly 3 to 1 margin to unionize in hopes that a bargaining contract would bring them more financial security and benefits. However, Thursday’s news left many of…… MORE
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
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
