Chattanooga volunteers pack 10,000 backpacks through Nehemiah Project
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - With the school year just around the corner, the Chattanooga community is making sure local children head back to school feeling ready and supported.…
Lillian Yi
Articles
Police make second arrest in connection to Read Avenue homicide
UPDATE: Chattanooga police have arrested a second suspect in connection to the Read Avenue homicide. The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) say 18-year-old Mauricio Velasquez was arrested on Monday, July 21, 2025 Velasquez is currently…
Dayton brings the Scopes Trial back to life
DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) - Nearly 100 years after the infamous Scopes “Monkey” Trial put evolution and education on the national stage, Dayton, Tennessee is bringing the courtroom drama…
One dead after fatal accident involving submerged vehicle
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Friday, deputies responded to the 6800 block of Highway 58 near Wolftever Bridge for the report of a vehicle crash with entrapment. According to law enforcement, when arriving on scene, deputies located a…
Honoring the Fallen Five: Healing the mind after tragedy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As we reflect on today's ceremony honoring the Fallen Five, it serves as a powerful reminder that trauma affects not only our physical…
Ten Years Later: Chattanooga Honors the Fallen Five
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Ten years after a domestic terrorist attack shook the heart of Chattanooga, the community is coming together to remember the five servicemen who lost…
Deputies rescue driver after crash and suspected overdose
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Saturday, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy Greg Buck observed a vehicle leave the roadway at 3298 Wilcox Boulevard and crash…
Annual Peach Festival draws a crowd
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - It’s sweet, it’s sunny, and it’s all about the peaches. The annual Peach Festival brought out both locals and visitors this weekend, filling the air with…
Community rallies around young survivor Khloie
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) - A community came together today to support a young girl who’s been through the unimaginable—but continues to show the heart of a true fighter. Earlier this…
Protesters rallied in Dalton against the Big Beautiful Bill
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) - In Dalton, protesters gathered once again in front of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s office, this time to voice opposition to the Big Beautiful…
Four injured in Tyner Community Center Shooting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This afternoon, Chattanooga Police responded to reports of multiple people shot in the 6800 block of Ty Hi Drive. Four individuals were taken to the…
First Responder Hero Award: Luke Meeks, Grundy County EMT
GRUNDY COUNTY, TN (WDEF) - News 12 continues to recognize some of the bravest members of our community through the "First Responder Hero Award". This month's nominee's…
All Gas No Brakes: Benefit for Khloie
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) - A young girl’s strength is inspiring hearts across our region after surviving a devastating car crash that changed her life forever. On January 12, 2024,…
Red white and blueberry pie eating contest
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - During the summer months, the First Horizon Pavilion fills with locals enjoying everything the Chattanooga Market has to offer. This weekend, however, things got a…
The Peach festival is right around the corner
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Market is getting ready to go all-in on one of summer’s sweetest fruits. The Peach Festival returns next weekend, bringing fresh flavor,…
Family escapes late-night fire on Fourth of July
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Fourth of July celebration in Hixson took a frightening turn late Friday night when flames erupted at a home on Friendship Lane, sending…
Red White and Mooo event brings community together
LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) — It was a moo-velous time in LaFayette this weekend as the annual ‘Red, White, and Mooo’ event returned to Blessing Creek Farms, drawing families, local vendors, and animal…
Hixson house fire on the Fourth of July
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) - A family on the Fourth of July escapes a house fire without injuries Friday night. At 11:55pm, a homeowner called 911 reporting a garage fire located at 7307 Friendship Lane. Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department…
Fireworks & Fur: Helping pets feel safe this Fourth of July
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As the Fourth of July approaches, many families are prepping for fireworks, barbecues, and quality time outdoors. But while we enjoy…
City of Chattanooga accepts historic land donation to Protect Missionary Ridge
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined several city leaders to mark the official donation of land on Missionary Ridge, a move that…
Fluffy new arrival is waddling around at the Tennessee Aquarium
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Just in time for the holiday weekend, the Tennessee Aquarium is celebrating an adorable addition to its Penguins’ Rock colony: a tiny…
Chattanooga gets a taste of the Philippines at the Filipino Street Food Fest
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - From savory skewers to sweet desserts, the Filipino Street Food Fest brought more than just food—it brought a…
Physical altercation leaves one dead in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Police Department arrested 31-year-old Joseph Tanner Smith in connection to the homicide at a residence on Lindsay Avenue. Around 5:32 a.m., CPD responded to a report of a stabbing within a residence in the…
Flash flooding water rescue at the Pocket Wilderness
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Sunday around 5:30 pm, a heavy rainstorm produced a flash flooding at the Pocket Wilderness hiking area. This afternoon's thunderstorm in Soddy Daisy created the creek to rise rapidly. Several people were trapped on…
The Journey of Pilatus: From Chattanooga to Connecticut
Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) - He’s fuzzy, he’s feisty—and he’s heading off on a new adventure. Pilatus, one of the Chattanooga Zoo’s beloved red pandas, is saying goodbye to…
Chickamauga gathers to celebrate freedom and community
CHICKAMAUGA Ga, (WDEF) - Red, white, and blue filled the streets of downtown Chickamauga as families, friends, and neighbors gathered for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration. Flags waved,…
Athens City Fire Department welcomes new Safe Haven Baby Box
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Athens City Fire Department is celebrating a new addition—not to their team, but to their mission: a Safe Haven Baby Box,…
The Chattanooga Zoo is saying goodbye to Pilatus the Red Panda
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Zoo is saying goodbye to Pilatus, the red panda, as he prepares to move to a zoo in Connecticut.…
Quantum Technology experts take over Chattanooga for UTC conference
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Experts in quantum technology are taking over Chattanooga this week, with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) serving as a central hub…
Men’s Health Awareness Month: Breaking silence and encouraging action
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - June marks Men’s Health Awareness Month, a national observance aimed at raising awareness about the health challenges men face—and encouraging early detection, treatment,…
Congressman Fleischmann weighs in on U.S. strike against Iran
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As headlines around the world focus on the United States’ latest military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the global stage feels tense —…
Knox County deputy critically injured in the line of duty
UPDATE: The suspect, Christopher Michael Hensley, 44, of Powell, has been charged with the following: Attempted Second-Degree Murder Aggravated Assault on First Responder Domestic Assault Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Go Armed Manufacturing/Delivering/Selling/Possession of a Controlled Substance…
Bradley County Woman charged after dozens of neglected and dead animals found
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Saturday (6/21), the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check involving multiple animals at a residence located at 1325 8th Street NE. Upon arrival, deputies discovered numerous animals on the property living in…
Harvest Deaf Ministries hosts car wash to support global mission trip
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — For more than three decades, Harvest Deaf Ministries has been committed to reaching the Deaf community with the message of Christ. Established…
Traffic Alert: Avoid I-24 West at Germantown Road This Weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Drivers are being urged to avoid I-24 West at Germantown Road (Exit 183) this weekend due to major detours and closures. According to…
A group protested at Miller Park demanding “No War on Iran”
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Saturday evening, a protest was held at Miller Park centered on a growing concern: the possibility of war with Iran. The…
Walker Rocks Park expands with inclusive playground features
ROCK SPRING, Ga. (WDEF) - Big changes are coming to one of Walker County’s most well-loved parks. This week, construction officially began on the next phase of Walker…
GoFundMe launched after Soddy Daisy family loses everything
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A late-night house fire in Soddy…
Pops on the River adjusts for 2025 celebration
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – One of Chattanooga’s most patriotic summer traditions is making a big comeback — with a few changes. “Pops on the River,” the beloved Fourth…
CEO talks financial planning at the Pachyderm Club
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Pachyderm Club is continuing its tradition of civic discussions in downtown Chattanooga. The group welcomed guest speaker Mark Fraker, CEO of the Chattanooga…