Young advocate organizes local vigil for Charlie Kirk
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Here in Chattanooga, community members gathered at the Riverfront to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a man who lost his life while sharing…
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Email LillianLillian Yi is a graduate of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a major in Communication and a minor in Criminal Justice. From a young age, Lillian developed a passion for photography and videography, which gave her valuable behind-the-camera experience. This foundation ultimately built her confidence to step in front of the camera, where her passion for bringing people’s stories to life was ignited.
During college, she served as a writer and lead anchor for both Chatt State News and UTC Mocs News, honing her leadership and storytelling skills. She hopes that her role in media will allow her to help protect children and bring attention to their needs throughout her career. Lillian Yi is dedicated to seeking the truth and sharing impactful stories that give a voice to the people she serves.
Contact Lillian Yi at lillianyi@wdef.com
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Here in Chattanooga, community members gathered at the Riverfront to mourn the loss of Charlie Kirk, a man who lost his life while sharing…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tonight, another vigil was held in Chattanooga to honor the life of Charlie Kirk. The gathering was organized by young conservative Nick Bitzer,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga River Market was bustling with vendors this weekend along the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza. From homemade crafts to baked goods and unique finds, local entrepreneurs…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Families filled the park this past weekend for the City of Chattanooga’s Early Learning Department Fun Fair Festival. The event featured live music, food trucks,…
DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Sunday afternoon, the Mowbray Volunteer Fire Department responded to the Pocket Wilderness after a 19-year-old male was injured in a fall at the Blue Hole. According to officials, a 911 call came in at…
HARRISON, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Sunday, just before 1a.m., the Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department was alerted to an automatic fire alarm in a residence in the 7100 block of Bramlett Lane in Harrison. When arriving on scene, units responded…
CHICKAMAUGA, GA. (WDEF) - Tonight, local community members gathered in a powerful display of remembrance honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, the conservative advocate who…
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) - News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic,…
UPDATE: According to the McCaysville Police Department, this afternoon, Timothy Ramsey was taken into custody and booked into the Fannin County Jail. (more…)
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) - The MLK Blvd convenience center closed after a medical emergency. On Saturday, around 12:30 PM, a citizen was driving his pickup truck into the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Management Authority’s convenience center at 1920 MLK Boulevard when he apparently…
LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) - Early this morning at 7:13 a.m., the Walker County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting that a school bus had struck a…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Spooky season is right around the corner, and the Chattanooga Zoo is inviting families to celebrate with Boo at the Zoo. Boo…
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) - The City of Pikeville is facing serious trouble with state environmental officials after new water quality tests revealed contamination in the Sequatchie River. News 12…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – This past month, you may have noticed us spending a lot of time with our friends at the McMinn Regional Humane…
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A few weeks ago, it was announced that nine volunteer fire departments in Tennessee were awarded a $10,000 grant. One of the recipients is in…
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - On September 5, 2025, Elizabeth Rainwater, a former nurse charged with impersonating a licensed professional and fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance, was arrested and booked into the Williamson County Jail on a $40,000 bond. On…
Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Friday night, September 5, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were working security at the Red Bank High vs. Tyner High…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - With school now back in full swing and families settling into new routines, the Family Justice Center in Chattanooga is reminding the community…
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - Today marked the first day the Small Business Administration set up a local disaster assistance center inside the East Ridge Library.…
Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) – During the early morning hours of September 6, 2025, around 1:45 am, deputies attempted a traffic stop on a white Chevy Impala near the 5400 block of Highway 58. According to the Hamilton County…
Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Friday, September 5, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Corrections personnel assigned to the George Unit responded to an incident in which an inmate was critically injured…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - At the McMinn Regional Humane Society in Athens, Tennessee, there are many furry friends looking for their forever homes. What makes…
PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Nine volunteer fire departments across Tennessee are each receiving $10,000 grants through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, in partnership with the National…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - One Chattanooga woman says her government housing complex has let her down. Denise Morris, who is visually impaired, says she has been waiting…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson (R–District 11) is drawing attention to a new state law he authored, the Right to Try for…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Just in tonight, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office reports a serious crash in the 9500 block of Highway 58. According to officials, the road is currently closed as authorities remain on…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - In the wake of historic flooding in Chattanooga, community members are stepping up to help their neighbors near and far. District 5 Councilman Dennis Clark and…
FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga. (WDEF) - In Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, one family is left picking up the pieces after floodwaters destroyed everything they owned. Timothy and Lauren Gipson, along…
VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF) - News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic,…
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Less than two weeks after rescuing more than 40 Yorkies from a puppy mill, the McMinn Regional Humane Society is…
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEDF) - In Cohutta, Georgia, a new movie is in production titled Set Free. News 12 went behind the scenes to bring you a closer look at what…
MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Grundy County authorities are asking for the community’s help after a disturbing case involving children and dozens of animals.…
UPDATE (8/28): The Chattanooga Police quickly located and arrested 64-year-old Guster Harfield in connection with a homicide on the 7700 block of…
HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn (WDEF) - The TBI special agents are continuing to investigate the circumstances of a Friday morning fatal shooting in Reagan involving the United States Marshals Service. According to the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - City leaders from across Tennessee came together in Chattanooga for the Tennessee Municipal League Conference, a three-day event focused on collaboration, innovation, and celebrating the…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - After a 17-year-old was shot while attempting to complete an online transaction arranged through a social media marketplace, the Chattanooga Police…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A new Medicare initiative is now providing fully covered caregiving support for individuals living with dementia, including right here in Chattanooga through…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - One of Chattanooga’s public television stations are facing a significant financial setback. WTCI PBS says a major loss in federal support could impact both local programming…
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – On Friday, Special Agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) arrested a Jackson man and charged him with Accessory After the Fact to 1st Degree Murder in connection to the ongoing search for Austin…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is investigating a robbery in the 6500 block of Pine Manor Drive that resulted in one person being shot. On Saturday, around 3:06 p.m., Chattanooga Police Robbery Investigators began interviewing the…