Category Archives: Local News

Honoring 250 Years: One Soldier Helps Carry the U.S. Army’s Traditions into the Future

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – For 250 years, the United States Army has stood as a powerful symbol of strength, service, and sacrifice. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military prepares to mark its historic birthday on June 14th, a new generation of Soldiers is stepping up to preserve its proud legacy. One of those…… MORE

Red Bank Marks 70 Years Soon

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Red Bank is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Saturday, June 21st, and preparations are already underway for this major milestone. The event will spotlight the people, organizations, and services that make the city a great place to live and work. Community members are encouraged to bring…… MORE

Massive Cleanup at Chickamauga Lake

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Volunteers rolled up their sleeves this weekend to make a big impact on the Tennessee River, hauling out thousands of pounds of trash during a major cleanup effort on Chickamauga Lake. This past Saturday, more than 20 volunteers joined forces with “Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful” for the 5th annual Chickamauga…… MORE

Weather Update: Wednesday June 11, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly clear, mild. Lows: mid/high 60’s. Winds: L&V. Thursday: Mostly Sunny, hot. PM Thunderstorms. Highs: low 90. Winds: L&V. Overnight: Mostly cloudy, mild. Scattered thunderstorms. Lows: mid/high 60’s. Winds: L&V. Friday: Partly cloudy, warm. Widespread Thunderstorms. Highs: high 80’s to near 90. Winds: L&V. WMO: State…… MORE

Weather Update: Thursday June 12, 2025

New certified tax rate presented to Hamilton County Commission

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Commissioners questioned Hamilton County Property Assessor Marty Haynes on the new certified tax rate. Haynes announced last week that this rate is one dollar and 51 cents per 100 dollars of assessed value. He says this is the lowest countywide rate since World War II. This is after a nearly…… MORE

Commission to vote on Hamilton County Attorney restructuring

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County Attorney’s Office is likely to have a new structure next month. This is as incoming attorney Janie Parks Varnell is taking over for the longtime county attorney, Rheubin Taylor. A resolution was put forward outlining formally what positions will be in the office. Many of them had…… MORE

Driving Our Economy Forward: Dynamo Studios

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — It’s a media organization built to encourage the next generation of visual and musical artists. They’re giving local youth the opportunity to succeed in the music industry. Take a look at this week’s Driving Our Economy Forward. “We provide resources to more so underserved youth that aren’t able to get a…… MORE

15-year-old girl facing first degree murder charge in Meigs County

MGN MEIGS COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A 15-year-old girl is facing a first-degree murder charge following the shooting death of Richard High in Meigs County. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning, June 10, 2025 at a home on Gunstocker Road. Authorities say High died from a single gunshot wound inside the residence. The 9th District…… MORE

Georgia officer arrested for sharing sensitive data in Tennessee drug case

MGN WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — An officer is facing serious charges after allegedly leaking official information tied to a drug investigation in Tennessee. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested 52-year-old Kenneth Rankin, an officer with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, for Computer Theft and Violation of Oath of Office. The case began in…… MORE