Category Archives: Local News

Hamilton County GOP preparing to elect new chair

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local Republicans are beginning to discuss what’s next for their party following sweeping victories in November. That includes the selection of a new chair of the Hamilton County GOP. The current chairman, Mark Harrison, is not seeking re-election. The two candidates vying for the top spot of the Hamilton County Republican Party…MORE

Mckamey Animal Shelter adopt 250 event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — McKamey Animal Shelter is running an adoption event till march 8th. They have a new adoption goal. James Kay is the director of advancement for McKamey Animal Shelter. He says, “We initially launched this campaign, Mac 250 for what it sounds like. We want to adopt 250 animals in four weeks.…MORE

Thursday Throwback: 1990 Whitwell Light

Change doesn’t always come peacefully in a small town. For our Thursday Throwback, we have one example in Marion County. 35 years ago, the town of Whitwell got their first traffic light. But not everyone was excited about it. In fact, some of the locals treated the new light pretty poorly. Here is the story…MORE

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Dedicates New Home

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) A new chapter has begun for ShaTaylor Thurman and her family as they step into their brand-new home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga. For the past six years, ShaTaylor, a dedicated mother of two, lived in an apartment that lacked basic amenities—no laundry facilities, limited space, and no safe…MORE

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