Meet your favorite Disney character at Boo in the Zoo
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…
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Lillian 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) - 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…
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) - More than 40 dogs are now safe after a major animal rescue effort in Athens, Tennessee. Officers say the dogs were found living in…
POLK COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Friday, Detectives and Deputies of the Polk County Sheriff’s went to 129 Amber Way Old Fort, TN 37362 in attempt to locate Kevin Wade O’Neal. According to the Polk County Police, O’Neal had…
FENTRESS COUNTY, Tenn, (WDEF) – An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Jamestown man accused of violating the Tennessee Computer Crimes Act. According to police, in December of 2023,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As the Tennessee Valley braces for heat index values nearing triple digits, local emergency officials and medical experts are urging the public to take…
Hamilton County, Tenn. (WDEF) - As dangerous heat continues to blanket the Tennessee Valley, it’s not just people who need protection, our pets are also at risk. Local veterinarians…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Dangerously high temperatures are settling in across the Tennessee Valley. Emergency officials are urging the public to take precautions. The Hamilton County Emergency Services say the…
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - This evening, in a News 12 exclusive, we are hearing from two local K9 teams who have been selected…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The initiative brings schools, families, and volunteers together to create safe and welcoming spaces just in time for the new school year. At Calvin Donaldson…
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Pack the Bus was in full swing this weekend, where volunteers came together to collect school supplies for local students in…
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) - A splash of fun and a chance to find a forever friend brought smiles to the Signal Mountain Town Pool this weekend. Some…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Early this morning, 911 received reports of a burning residence, on the 4100 block of forest acres. According to the CPD, when arriving on scene, they found it was a vacant Chattanooga home. Crews found…