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
Category Archives: Local News
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
Two arrested in Walker County after animal welfare check
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Two people were arrested after authorities found several emaciated animals following a welfare check. Walker County Animal Control received a complaint about multiple horses that appeared to be malnourished. When they arrived on the property, an investigation was launched into this complaint. According to Walker County, several animals on the…… MORE
Murray County drug sting ends in two arrests
MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — Authorities in Murray County have arrested two individuals for drug related activity. On June 10, 2025, the Murray County Sheriff’s Office’s (MCSO) Narcotics Division conducted an investigation that led to the seizure of the following: 35 grams of methamphetamine 6 lbs of marijuana, 86 grams of psilocybin a firearm $5,238…… MORE
$200,000 grant to help Henagar repair tornado-damaged roads
HENGAR, Al. (WDEF) — Henagar will soon begin repairs on several city streets after receiving a $200,000 grant from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. The funds come from a Community Development Block Grant Urgent Need award, aimed at helping communities recover from natural disasters. The money will go toward fixing roads damaged by two tornadoes…… MORE
The Pigeon comes to the Creative Discovery Museum!
Mackenzie Steele with the Creative Discovery Museum returns to the News 12 studio to fill in on all the exciting events and exhibits this summer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This season’s traveling exhibit has arrived at the Creative Discovery Museum which celebrates the work and art from children’s book author Mo Willems. “The Pigeon Comes…… MORE
Penguin chicks and dragons on the horizon at Tennessee Aquarium
Alison Pryor with the Tennessee Aquarium joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the host of events and attractions this month. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Penguins chicks are on the horizon and dragons are flying into the IMAX theater at the Tennessee Aquarium. It’s peak penguin nesting season and the Tennessee Aquarium has their eye…… MORE
TVA to hold meetings this week on Pisgah site proposal
PISGAH, Ala. (WDEF)- We are learning more about a potential TVA project in Jackson County, Alabama. A potentially transformational project could be approved by the end of the year. ‘The Tennessee Valley is growing. We need power,” said TVA project director Scottie Barrentine. TVA says that rapid population increase across the Tennessee Valley is causing…… MORE
