RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – Public Works Appreciation Week kicks off soon, and one local elementary student is helping celebrate in style. The City of Red Bank Public Works Department partnered with Alpine Crest Elementary for a special T-shirt design contest. Fourth and fifth graders were invited to create artwork highlighting the department’s vital role…… MORE
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Four arrested after gunfire incident in DeKalb County
DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — Authorities in Dekalb County are investigating an incident that led to multiple suspects firing shots into homes and a vehicle on Monday evening. Around 6:20 p.m. on May 12, 2025, deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) responded to a shots fired call on County Road 1001 in…… MORE
Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarships Open for Applications Tomorrow
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Starting tomorrow, families across Tennessee can apply for the state’s first-ever universal school choice program — the Education Freedom Scholarships. For the 2025–26 school year, 20,000 scholarships will be available through this new initiative, marking a major step in Tennessee’s broader education reform efforts. The program is designed to give families…… MORE
Ivy Academy Students Win Charter Champion Award for Solar-Powered Backpack Project
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Students at Ivy Academy have earned national recognition by receiving the Charter Champion Award for Community Impact Project of the Year, thanks to their groundbreaking innovation — solar-powered backpacks. These student-designed backpacks are equipped with solar panels that can charge electronic devices like phones and tablets. While the invention itself…… MORE
Janie Varnell confirmed as new Hamilton County Attorney
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County attorney saga appears to have reached a conclusion. The Commission has finally approved a transition plan. After a long and controversial process, Janie Parks Varnell has received approval to become the new Hamilton County Attorney to replace longtime attorney Rheubin Taylor. After several months in a special advisor role,…… MORE
Hamilton County Commission approves significant roads project
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A mass roads improvement project announced Tuesday was approved on Wednesday by the Hamilton County Commission. These improvements aim to improve congestion in the Apison, Ooltewah, Middle Valley, Hixson, and Signal Mountain areas. These include a road extension to Hilltop Drive, two new roundabouts, and several roads to be widened. These projects…… MORE
Weather Update: Wednesday May 14, 2025
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Wednesday: Mostly Cloudy. Showers with thunderstorms afternoon. Mild. Clearing into afternoon and evening. Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Partly cloudy. Mild. Humid. Lows: mid 60’s. Winds: L&V. WMO: State of the Climate 2024 The report on the State of the Climate in…… MORE
Skyuka Hall senior makes school history with athletic scholarship
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A senior at Skyuka Hall has made school history by becoming the first to receive a university athletic scholarship. Logan Smith has committed to Carson-Newman University, where he will join the track and field team as a pole vaulter this fall. His performance caught the attention of Carson-Newman coach Sam…… MORE
Scottsboro police seek public’s help finding missing man
James Anthony Jenkins SCOTTSBORO, Al. (WDEF) — Authorities in Scottsboro are searching for a missing man. 73-year-old James Anthony Jenkins went missing around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2025, near Poplar Street. Jenkins was last seen wearing a blue, short sleeve t-shirt, red sweatpants with a white stripe, and black tennis shoes. According to the…… MORE
BE FAST in recognizing someone is having a stroke
Dr. Tom Devlin with CHI Memorial joins News 12’s Chip Chapman to spread awareness and prevention during National Stroke Awareness Month. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and Dr. Tom Devlin with CHI Memorial shared a few tips to recognize when someone is having a stroke. Chattanooga has the highest incidence…… MORE
