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
Category Archives: Local News
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
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
Dallas Bay firefighters put out Stonewall Farms deck fire
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fire crews put out a deck fire in the Hixson area Tuesday night. Crews with Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue responded to 6946 Bullock Way for reports of a deck fire. Upon arrival, officials confirmed a propane tank was on fire along with the deck. Crews extinguished the fire, and…… MORE
12th annual Westside Easter Egg Hunt to honor renowned community leaders
Coogi Doogi joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as he invites everyone to the Westside community for the 12th annual Westside Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 20th at 4 p.m. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Coogi Doogi brings back the annual Westside Easter Egg Hunt for the 12th year in a row. Originally started in…… MORE
Friends take stand on day one of Roberts murder trial
Darryl Roberts walking into his murder trial, charged in the killing of Chris Wright. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In September 2023, a prominent Chattanooga businessman was murdered in front of Patten Towers on Market Street. A year and a half later, the trial of the man charged with killing him has begun. After an argument late…… MORE
