Category Archives: Local News

Hamilton County man pleads guilty to several charges in Catoosa County

Hamilton County man pleads guilty to several charges in Catoosa County

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Hamilton County man has pleaded guilty to several charges, including shooting at a police officer and being in possession of meth. On May 26, 2024, Travis Downie fired several shots at a responding Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office patrol unit. He then fled the scene and was later discovered by a…MORE

Tariffs Put Pressure on Chattanooga Market Vendors

Chattanooga,TN- (WDEF)On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the Chattanooga Market bustles with the familiar sounds of live music, the scent of fresh food, and the cheerful chatter of shoppers. But behind the colorful displays and warm smiles, many local vendors are quietly grappling with a growing challenge: new tariffs on imported goods are putting serious pressure…MORE

Chattanooga Zoo welcomes rare Pied Tamarin babies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – There’s something worth celebrating at the Chattanooga Zoo, a baby boom among one of the world’s most endangered primates, the pied tamarin. The zoo recently announced that Daphne, one of its resident pied tamarins, gave birth to a single baby, while Carly, another female, welcomed twins. This rare event is significant…MORE

Chattanooga Seafood Bash serves up a taste of the coast

CHATTANOGOA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Seafood lovers from all around the region flocked to downtown Chattanooga this weekend for the annual Seafood Bash, an event that brings the flavors of the coast right to the Scenic City. This year, the event moved to Ross’s Landing after outgrowing Coolidge Park in just two years. By request of…MORE

Weather Update: Sunday April 27, 2025

Weather Update: Sunday April 27, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Sunday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Highs: high 70’s. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: A Few Clouds. Mild. Patchy Fog. Lows: mid 50’s. Winds: N @ 5 MPH. Monday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Isolated PM Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs: low 80’s. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: A Few Clouds. Mild.…MORE

Weather Update: Saturday April 25, 2025

Weather Update: Saturday April 25, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Sunday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Highs: high 70’s. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: A Few Clouds. Mild. Patchy Fog. Lows: mid 50’s. Winds: N @ 5 MPH. Monday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Warm. Isolated PM Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs: low 80’s. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: A Few Clouds. Mild.…MORE

ST. Elmo structure fire

ST. ELMO, Tenn. (WDEF) – Sunday morning around 11:54, firefighters responded to the 1700 block of W 39th Street after multiple callers to 911 reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the structure. Responding units spotted smoke as they were headed to the scene. Firefighters saw smoke as they made their way to the scene…MORE

Grundy County fights back against opioid crisis

GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Saturday was National Drug Takeback Day, as numerous organizations across the Tennessee Valley are looking to curb drug addiction. However, the situation has become urgent in Grundy County. Despite recent tragedies, that community says the only way to overcome a crisis is to come together. Grundy County Constable Kyle Collins said,…MORE

Historic Tracy City restaurant a total loss after fire

Historic Tracy City restaurant a total loss after fire

The Annex Cafe on fire Saturday morning. (Courtesy: John Hargis) TRACY CITY, Tenn. (WDEF)- An historic restaurant in Tracy City has been deemed a total loss after a morning fire. The Hargis family, who own The Annex Cafe, which has been in operation since 1935, says it caught on fire Saturday morning. They say a…MORE