Category Archives: Local News

Tulip Picking Begins at Lorenzen Farm and Smith-Perry Berries

CHATTANOOGA,TN (WDEF) Spring is in full bloom at Lorenzen Farm and Smith-Perry Berries, as both farms open their doors to the public for a season of tulip picking and family fun. Visitors are invited to explore the vibrant fields, handpick colorful tulips, and create lasting memories in the fresh spring air. Kristen, owner of Lorenzen…MORE

Weather Update: Thursday March 20, 2025

Weather Update: Thursday March 20, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Cloudy. Showers/thunderstorms. Windy. Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25. Thursday: Early showers. Cloud/Sun mix. Cooler. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: W @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: low 30’s. Winds: L&V. Friday: Sunshine. Dry. Mild. Lows: low 60’s. Winds:…MORE

Spring into a Fresh Start

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spring has sprung, and it’s time to shake off those winter blues and get your outdoor space ready for sunny days ahead! Start by washing away winter grime—give your siding, patio, and deck a good rinse to freshen up your space. Then, refresh your outdoor furniture with a deep clean or…MORE

Two people in Walker County charged with aggravated animal cruelty

  WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two people are facing animal cruelty charges in Walker County. Authorities responded to The Animal Medical Center of Fort Oglethorpe (AMCFO) after receiving an alert from staff about a potential cruelty case. Anthony Griggs and Crystal Branch brought their dog in to be euthanized on Monday, March 17, 2025.…MORE

Celebrating Union Gospel Mission

Celebrating Union Gospel Mission

Director Jon and Donna Rector CHATTANOOGA, TN-  Meeting Needs, Making Change, and Magnifying Christ! This has been the core value of the Union Gospel Mission for 75 amazing years. They are a faith-based, non-profit organization providing physical, social, and spiritual well-being to men experiencing homelessness in Chattanooga by offering shelter, food, clothes, community support, and…MORE

Senate committee rejects bill to lower bus driver age

Senate committee rejects bill to lower bus driver age

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Senate Committee rejected a bill today to lower the age of school bus drivers in Tennessee. State lawmakers raised the age of drivers to 25 after the Woo dmore bus crash in Chattanooga that killed six Elementary students. The driver, who was 24 years old, was on a phone when…MORE

Weather Update: Wednesday March 19, 2025

Weather Update: Wednesday March 19, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Wednesday: Mostly sunny, dry, breezy. Highs: mid 70’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25. Overnight: Cloudy. Showers/thunderstorms. Windy. Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 10-15 MPH, gusts 20-25. Thursday: Early showers. Cloud/Sun mix. Cooler. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: W @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20-25. Overnight: Mostly…MORE

Driving Our Economy Forward: Rock City

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Each year more than 500 thousand people visit Rock City from around the world.  They come to see the gardens and enjoy the attraction.  Tonight, we are learning more about the history of See Rock City Incorporated and the many businesses the company owns.  From Grandview to Clumpies Ice Cream, Rock…MORE

Chattanooga police officer charged with simple assault/domestic violence

Chattanooga police officer charged with simple assault/domestic violence

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) has opened an internal investigation into an officer facing Simple Assault/Domestic Violence charges. CPD opened the investigation March 19, 2025 after officers with the Neighborhood Policing Bureau responded to an Assault in Progress in the 3100 block of Mountain Creek Road. Upon arrival, officers determined the…MORE

Hamilton County to restore Fireman’s Fountain

Hamilton County to restore Fireman’s Fountain

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A longtime Chattanooga landmark will soon get a rehabilitation.The Fireman’s Fountain located across from the Hamilton County Courthouse will be restored by Hamilton County Parks and Recreation after receiving approval from the county commission. The historic Fireman’s Fountain to be restored across from the Hamilton County Courthouse. The fountain was built to…MORE