Hello St. Elmo Festival showcases local small businesses

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – While corgis took over the streets, the Community Association of Historic St. Elmo gave residents another reason to celebrate with a chance to shop local and support small businesses. The Hello, St. Elmo neighborhood street festival featured dozens of vendors offering food, drinks, and unique handmade items. Live music added to the lively atmosphere, drawing crowds…

Corgi’s take over St. Elmo for Chattanooga’s Corgi Parade

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The streets of St. Elmo were packed with paws and people as community members and their corgis showed off their costumes and charm during Chattanooga’s annual Corgi Parade. The beloved event once again brought smiles to the area, as dog owners and spectators gathered to celebrate one of the community’s most popular traditions. Participants say the…

Bill aims to close truancy loophole in Tennessee

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Good attendance is key for any student looking to do well in school. That logic is why truancy laws are in place to make attendance compulsory. However in Tennessee, a loophole has existed leading some students to miss way too many classes. Representative Kevin Raper of Bradley County says he it is a recurring pattern in school…

Judge questions speed of proceedings in Rick Davis case

Rick Davis appearing virtually for a court hearing on April 10, 2026. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Former jewelry dealer and pawn shop owner Rick Davis made a virtual appearance in court Friday morning. Davis’s hearing this morning was on theft charges he was indicted on by a Hamilton County Grand Jury in late 2024. The indictment stated that he stole thousands…

Explore the beauty and flavors of the south with Dollywood’s “Flower & Food Festival”

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s a one tank trip to enjoy beautiful flowers, delicious food, and thrilling rides at Dollywood! “I Will Always Love You” Festival has only a few days left before the “Flower &Food Festival” kicks off at Dollywood. The “Flower & Food Festival” will feature beautiful flower displays throughout the park, with the theme of “A…

CCS Defeats Baylor 1-0

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a rematch of last year’s state championship game, CCS defeated Baylor 1-0. The Chargers got a run in the third inning, and that was all pitcher Kylie Black needed, as she helped lead Chattanooga Christian to the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Mocs Looking to Rebuild Pass Rush

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Since R usty Wright arrived as UTC’s head coach, the Mocs have been really good at getting after the quarterback. But Chattanooga had a big dip in sacks last year, and now they’re hoping to get the sack-attack-back. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UTC Mocs

First Responder Hero Award: Captain Thomas Finch

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. When danger strikes, these men and women are the first to respond. Now, it is our…

Renovations announced for Fisher Hall at Tennessee Wesleyan University

One of the labs inside of Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Fisher Hall in Athens. ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- One of the main halls at Tennessee Wesleyan University will soon get a much needed renovation. Fisher Hall has long been a central building on the Tennessee Wesleyan campus, housing much of the school’s science courses. TWU President Tyler Forrest said, “Fisher Hall was…

Island Erosion Threatens Natural Landmark

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Maclellan Island is facing a long-term erosion problem, according to leaders with the Chattanooga Audubon Society. The nonprofit said the island has lost about three acres since 1997, shrinking from roughly 27 acres to 24 acres. The erosion appears to be occurring at a rate of about one acre every decade. The island sits in the…

Fleischmann says he believes United States in good position in Iranian conflict

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing from Representative Chuck Fleischmann on the current ceasefire in Iran. That ceasefire was reached Tuesday after President Trump threatened an escalation in attacks if the country did not open up the Strait of Hormuz. Representative Fleischmann says that he supports the President’s actions and believes Iran is much weaker than it was a few…

Bend Project Update Pushed Back

  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A scheduled update on The Bend, the major riverfront redevelopment project led by Urban Story Ventures, was postponed Tuesday after the development team did not appear before city council members.  The council had expected a presentation during the Economic Development Committee, a subcommittee of city council, to review progress on the mixed-use project near South…

New rehabilitation hospital coming to Ooltewah

Ooltewah, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new rehabilitation hospital is on the way to Ooltewah, aiming to bring specialized care closer to home for patients recovering from serious injuries and illnesses. Right now, the site on Mountain View Road is just dirt and construction plans. But in the coming months, it’s expected to transform into a 40-bed inpatient facility focused on…

Environment based competition brings opportunities for students

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Dozens of students gathered at Chester Frost Park to compete in a competition based around the environment. The Envirothon is a national competition for high school students. Bill Dailey is a retired soil conservationist and involved with the competition. He said, “It’s an opportunity to get these kids out to learn more about soils, forestry, wildlife,…

Have the best breakfast with Benton’s Country Ham

MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just an hour and a half away from Chattanooga is some of the state’s best breakfast products located in Madisonville, Tenn., Benton’s Country Hams. Benton’s Country Hams is used in many dishes across the country, chefs always anticipating their next order from them. Their pork products are made with a special recipe that just requires two…

Celebration of life held for Stroud Watson, whose vision shaped downtown Chattanooga

A picture of the late Stroud Watson, who was honored Wednesday evening in a celebration of life at Miller Plaza, one of the many spots he had influence over its design. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A visionary who helped Chattanooga transform its future was honored Wednesday evening. Stroud Watson recently passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes according…