Category Archives: Local News

Hamilton County witness to testify in former Tennessee House Speaker’s trial

Hamilton County witness to testify in former Tennessee House Speaker’s trial

MGN NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren are scheduled to stand trial this week on federal charges linked to an alleged kickback scheme involving state-funded mailing services. The two men face a 20-count indictment accusing them of conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering after…MORE

Blackburn, Tillis introduce bill to increase oversight of sister city partnerships

Blackburn, Tillis introduce bill to increase oversight of sister city partnerships

MGN NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have introduced the Sister City Transparency Act. This bill is aimed at increasing federal oversight of sister city partnerships to address potential security risks, including foreign surveillance. The legislation would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study sister city agreements,…MORE

Catoosa County couple sentenced to 20 years following child cruelty conviction

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Catoosa County couple has been sentenced after being found guilty on multiple counts of child abuse. The couple was charged in December of 2023 following an investigation led by local authorities. According to the Lookout Mountain District Attorney’s Office, the couple lived with their teenage children in a mobile…MORE

Second nose pier installed at Chickamauga Lock project

Second nose pier installed at Chickamauga Lock project

A landside nose pier shell is lifted into place around drilled shafts after being delivered to the Chickamauga Lock site on April 5, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee / U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Progress on the Chickamauga Lock Replacement Project continues as crews successfully delivered and installed the second…MORE

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican camerlengo, announces

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican camerlengo, announces

MGN ASSOCIATED PRESS VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Farrell said in the announcement.…MORE

Serving Hope This Easter Sunday

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This Easter Sunday, the front lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center was filled with warmth, generosity, and hope as the Union Gospel Mission served its 11th Annual Easter Sunday Community Dinner. From 1 to 3 PM, volunteers handed out a traditional Easter meal to hundreds of Chattanooga’s unhoused neighbors and…MORE

Missing dog: owner offers cash reward to reunite mother with puppies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A local dog named Reece went missing last night around 6 p.m. in the Chattanooga area. Her owner, Jayden Larson, says time is of the essence, as Reece has a litter of puppies who need to be fed and cared for. Larson says Reece was last seen wearing a pink, red,…MORE

Beloved Easter Tradition Returns to Collegedale: SonRise Resurrection Pageant Draws Hundreds

COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF)— One of Collegedale’s most cherished Easter traditions made its powerful return this year, as the SonRise Resurrection Pageant once again transformed the campus of Southern Adventist University into a living storybook of the final days of Jesus Christ. Drawing thousands of visitors from across the region, the interactive, mile-long experience walks guests…MORE

Weather Update: Sunday April 20, 2025

Weather Update: Sunday April 20, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Sunday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Breezy. Highs: high 80’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Overnight: mostly cloudy, mild. Lows: low/mid 60’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Monday: Mostly sunny, PM Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs: low 80’s. Winds: SW @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Lows: low 60’s. Winds:…MORE

Easter morning Chattanooga house fire

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Witness reports of a house fire on Easter morning led to an extended response from the Chattanooga Fire Department and other agencies. At 8:30 AM first responders were called to the 2700 block of Shepherd View Drive, located near Tyner Road behind Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School. When firefighters arrived, they…MORE