CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, we spoke with the pastor of Greater Second Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Steve Caudle, whose sermon went viral after controversial comments regarding Elon Musk and DOGE. Wednesday, we are learning more about why Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp wants him to resign from the Regional Planning Agency. Mayor Wamp said, “It…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Realtors, Homebuilders oppose proposal to limit growth in rural Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Dozens of homebuilders and realtors opposed a plan to limit growth at Wednesday’s Hamilton County Commission meeting. One proposal would halt new construction from Ooltewah to Birchwood. The other would base permits on buildable land, not total acreage. This is in the wake of Plan Hamilton, the RPA’s strategy for future growth…… MORE
Jewish Communities Face Rising Threats
Today, a disturbing trend is on the rise—antisemitism is reaching record levels across the U.S. and beyond. From hate crimes to online harassment, Jewish communities are facing growing threats. Antisemitic incidents are at an all-time high. The Anti-Defamation League reports a 36% increase in hate crimes against Jewish people in the past year alone. Meanwhile,…… MORE
Will The Penny Fade Into History?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – President Trump has ordered the U.S. Treasury to stop minting new pennies, arguing that producing them costs more than they’re worth. While some see this as a smart financial move, others worry about what comes next. For more than 160 years, the penny has been a symbol of American currency, featuring…… MORE
Man faces additional charges following multiple pursuits
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — One man is facing additional charges following two separate pursuits with law enforcement earlier this month. Arthur Wright was arrested on Saturday, February 8, 2025, after leading deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and officers from the Soddy Daisy Police Department. Wright led authorities on a foot chase that…… MORE
Catoosa County’s historic patrol car restoration nears completion
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Several organizations have been working to restore a Pontiac Trans Am that belonged to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). In 1978, Catoosa County Sheriff J.D. Stewart bought four Trans Am’s to be used at patrol cars. Later on in 1979 & 1981, Sheriff Stewart purchased eight more, bringing the…… MORE
Hiker finds human remains off mountain in Cherokee County
MURPHY, Nc. (WDEF) — Local law enforcement are investigating the discovery of human remains found off Burrell Mountain Road. Kamron Peter Rondon A hiker reported finding a human skull on January 23, 2025. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted a search of the area on…… MORE
Local representative proposes bill to remove sales tax on baby products
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Hixson lawmaker Greg Martin is proposing a bill to help parents in Tennessee. Martin wants to remove the sales tax on diapers, infant formula and baby wipes. The representative says helping new parents is also pro-life. “Being pro-life means advocating for the well-being of both the unborn and the families that…… MORE
Dayton authorities searching for missing juvenile
DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Authorities in Dayton are searching for a missing juvenile. Cianna Jolynn Davis / Dayton Police Department Cianna Jolynn Davis was last seen in Dayton February 6, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. The Dayton Police Department has reason to believe she may be in the Chattanooga area. Davis is a white female with…… MORE
Tennessee Aquarium welcomes new president & CEO, Andrew Wood
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Tennessee Aquarium is welcoming their new president and CEO, Andrew Wood. Wood will begin duties starting March 31, 2025. According to the Tennessee Aquarium, Wood is the fifth person in history to lead to the organization. Wood will be taking the place of Keith Sanford, who retired at the end…… MORE
