CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A boat went up in flames on the Tennessee River Wednesday evening, prompting a multi-unit response from Chattanooga Fire. Around 5:08 p.m. on May 14, 2025 Hamilton County 911 received several calls about a boat on fire near the Chickamauga Marina Boat Ramp. Fire crews responded to 2900 Kings Point Road,…… MORE
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — There is a new charge tonight against Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of killing his wife, Karen. News 12 obtained newly filed documents that point to a disturbing murder-for-hire plot authorities say Liner planned while behind bars. Craig Liner is already charged with the murder of his wife. Now, investigators say he…… MORE
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
