Category Archives: Local News

Tim Tebow visits inmates at Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Former NFL quarterback and Christian philanthropist, Tim Tebow, spoke to inmates at the Hamilton County Jail & Detention Center on February 24, 2025. Tebow spoke as part of a program organized by Men of Valor in collaboration with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Silverdale Baptist Church, and the McKenzie Foundation.…MORE

Fatal crash in Bradley County leaves one dead after running into semi

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  One person is dead after a fatal accident in Bradley County Monday afternoon. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser was traveling southbound on I-75 near mile marker 22. Meanwhile an unoccupied 2013 Freightliner was disabled on the right shoulder. The 2014 FJ Cruiser failed…MORE

Dunlap firefighters respond to early morning pickup truck fire

DUNLAP, Tenn. (WDEF) —  The Dunlap Fire Department (DFD) responded to a vehicle fire early Tuesday morning. At 4:30 a.m., February 25, 2025, DFD was dispatched to the southbound exit ramp of Highway 111 at Lewis Chapel Road. Upon arrival, crews found a pickup truck fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the…MORE

Nominate your physician for National Doctors’ Day

Kevin Lusk with the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to encourage patients to say thank you and nominate their doctors for National Doctors’ Day. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Give thanks to the doctor that keeps you healthy by nominating them for National Doctors’ Day. Kevin Lusk with the Medical Foundation of…MORE

HCS Reviews Potential Custodial Contracts

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Schools is taking a major step to ensure its facilities remain clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff.  After reviewing 13 applications, the board has narrowed down two potential candidates. As part of the selection process, two companies presented their proposals today, outlining their plans to provide top-tier…MORE

Chattanooga Zoo Welcomes Two New Warthogs

Chattanooga Zoo Welcomes Two New Warthogs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Zoo has welcomed two new female warthogs, marking an exciting milestone in its history. The warthogs, named Peanut and Big Girl, arrived in late January from a zoo in Florida and have joined Everett, the male warthog, in the Cape of Africa expansion. Jake Cash, Chattanooga Zoo Director of Marketing…MORE

Right At Home promotes care for caregivers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Caregivers work hard to care for our loved ones. Right at Home in Home Care and Assistance is promoting care for their caregivers. Caregivers can give too much and leave themselves with burnout. Bryan Hensley the owner of Right at Home says, “Both professional caregivers and family caregivers find ways to…MORE

DeKalb County inmates train shelter dogs for adoption

DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) —  The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is teaming up with the DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center (DCAAC) on a new initiative aimed at helping shelter dogs find permanent homes while providing inmates with a meaningful rehabilitation opportunity. As part of the program, inmates will work with a different shelter dog…MORE

YMCA kicks off new fundraising event

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The YMCA is kicking off a massive fundraiser today. They are inviting the community to participate in a series of health and wellness events. The events include multiple bike-a-thons and a swim-a-thons, as well as a military fitness competition, graded by local soldiers and YMCA staff. All of the proceeds from…MORE

Weather Update: Tuesday – February 25, 2025

Weather Update: Tuesday – February 25, 2025

WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: A few clouds. Cold. Lows: mid 30’s. Winds: L&V. Tuesday: Patchy morning fog. Sunny, mild, dry. Highs: high 60’s. Winds: NW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: A few clouds. Chilly. Lows: high 30’s. Winds: L&V. Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Dry. Unseasonably mild. Highs: near 70. Winds: S @…MORE