Category Archives: Local News

Weather Update: Wednesday April 16, 2025

Weather Update: Wednesday April 16, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: P. Cloudy, chilly. Lows: mid 40’s. Winds: L&V Thursday: Mostly sunny. Dry. Warmer. Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: SE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Dry. Cool. Lows: low 50’s. Winds: L&V. Friday: Mostly Sunny, dry, warmer. Highs: mid 80’s. Winds: S @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 25…MORE

Driving Our Economy Forward: Flappy Nappies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –Potty -training, it’s a task given to all parents.  Tonight, we are learning about a product to help young children transition to the bathroom during training.  The product is called Flappy-Nappies.  Cloth diapers, if you will, that attach to a separate waist belt.  The invention is made right here in Chattanooga.  It’s…MORE

Hemp Bill Sparks Industry Backlash

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A proposed bill at the Tennessee Capitol is putting small hemp businesses on edge.  House Bill 1376 would shift the regulation and taxation of hemp-derived products, like THC-A, to the alcohol industry.  Critics say the bill threatens to dismantle an industry that has operated legally under state oversight since 2023, when…MORE

Cicadas Return After 17 Years

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Get ready, Tennessee, because millions of 17-year cicadas are about to make their grand entrance.  Brood Fourteen, last seen in two thousand eight, will emerge when soil temperatures hit 64 degrees, expected in late April to early May.  These loud but harmless insects will be seen across the state, especially in…MORE

Chatt Prep avoids charter revocation, moves forward under probationary status

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Following several weeks of review and collaboration, Hamilton County Schools and the new leadership at Chattanooga Prep have reached an agreement regarding the schools charter status. Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson initially recommended revoking the school’s charter. However, after working closely with Chattanooga Prep’s administration, he decided to allow the school…MORE

Mayor Wamp’s State of the County

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Mayor Weston Wamp gave his state of the county address at Soddy Daisy Middle School. The mayor said he wants to focus on the smaller communities in Hamilton county, like Soddy Daisy, and they should get the same love that the city of Chattanooga gets. He also mentioned the upgrades…MORE

Deadly crash claims two lives, including LaFayette High School student

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two people were killed and another seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash on GA-1 near Center Point Road Tuesday afternoon. Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers were dispatched to the scene at 4:02 p.m. on April 15, 2025, following reports of a serious collision involving three vehicles. A gray Toyota Tacoma…MORE

Chattanooga to host base camp for Auckland City FC for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Chattanooga to host base camp for Auckland City FC for FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Auckland City Football Club / Auckland City Football Club via Facebook CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Chattanooga has been selected as the official Team Base Camp Host City for Auckland City FC of New Zealand during the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. This marks a major milestone as the international tournament comes to the United…MORE

Cleveland fire crews contain kitchen fire at Bradley County Jail

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A fire broke out in the kitchen area of the Bradley County Jail Tuesday afternoon. Crews with the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found moderate smoke conditions, and made entry to investigate. When they got inside, crews found an active kitchen fire and mounted…MORE