Calls for local ballet dancers for the “Nutcracker”

Sarah Yvonne with Ballet Esprit joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind local dancers that auditions are underway for this year’s Nutcracker ballet in Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It won’t be long til we start hearing those sleigh bells ringing, which means it’s time to get ready for the Nutcracker ballet coming to Chattanooga. On October 21, students age…

Happy Manufacturing Month: A peek behind the scenes

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October is Manufacturing Month, a time to honor the men and women who help build the products we rely on every single day. At Metalworking Solutions in Chattanooga, the celebration began with a powerful moment. Standing together, employees smiled proudly as they shouted, “Happy Manufacturing Month!” It was a simple phrase, but one that carried weight….

What’s Right With Our Schools: Governor’s Literacy Program at Orchard Knob

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A love of reading can take a child far in the classroom and in life. Children at Orchard Knob Elementary recently got to take home 6 new books, for free, thanks to the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation. That’s a page turning example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” Vonetta Maston is the Principal at Orchard Knob…

Flooding, water issues discussed at Northgate TIF hearing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The proposal to create a special tax district for Northgate Mall went through its next step Monday.   The next board to discuss CBL’s TIF District for the Northgate Mall was Chattanooga’s TIF Application Review Board. This district would dedicate a portion of future sales tax revenues to a $15 million project to replace the mall’s failing…

UAW issues counter offer to Volkswagen

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The United Auto Workers says they have issued a counter offer to Volkswagen amid contract negotiations. Chuck Browning on behalf of the union’s bargaining team said they had multiple issues with VW’s final offer. Volkswagen in that offer stated employees would get a 20 percent raise among other benefits. The UAW contends however that the offer doesn’t…

Mayor Wamp addresses criticisms of deed restrictions swap

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is responding to criticism over a proposed deed restriction swap involving McDonald Farm and Enterprise South Nature Park. This is after his announcement that the county is looking at persevering 1,300 acres at the Sale Creek farm in exchange for opening up over 500 acres at Enterprise South Nature Park to…

Watch Party celebrating local country artist Channing Wilson

LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) – Music, laughter, and small-town pride filled the streets of downtown LaFayette, Georgia, as the community gathered for a watch party celebrating local country artist Channing Wilson. Wilson’s journey is being featured on The Road, a new CBS series that follows musicians across the country chasing their dreams. Among those celebrating was Chris Davis, LaFayette City Council…

Runners cross finish line at the 7 Bridges Marathon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The construction on the Walnut Street Bridge paused for a day, making way for one of Chattanooga’s most scenic races, the 7 Bridges Marathon. Hundreds of runners laced up their shoes, filling Coolidge Park with excitement, determination, and community spirit. Jay Nevans, race director, says the event continues to grow each year and inspires runners of…

The Green Eyes Festival returns to Chickamauga

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Green Eyes Festival made its return to downtown Chickamauga, celebrating local folklore and community spirit. The event highlights the legend of Ole’ Green Eyes, a ghost said to haunt the Chickamauga Battlefield. The story has been passed down for generations, capturing the imagination of residents and visitors across Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. This year’s…

Domestic Violence Survivor: Kelsey Bell’s Story

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tonight, we’re hearing from a Chattanooga woman who turned her pain into purpose. Once a victim of domestic abuse, she is now the President of Voices, a local survivor-led organization hosted by the Family Justice Center. Voices helps others find hope, healing, and the strength to rebuild. But before she could help others, Kelsey Bell had…

Disney Magic Skates into Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Disney magic has returned to the Scenic City this weekend as Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party takes over UTC’s McKenzie Arena.  The beloved touring show combines dazzling ice skating, gravity-defying acrobatics, and stunning special effects to bring fan-favorite Disney stories to life in a whole new way. Audiences are invited to join Mickey Mouse and…

Chattanooga Apple Festival Returns for the Weekend

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Apple Festival made its return to Camp Jordan today, drawing crowds for a weekend filled with fall flavors, crafts, and family fun. Now in full swing, the two-day festival features more than 150 local vendors offering handmade goods, seasonal décor, and unique gifts.  Food trucks lined the park serving everything from barbecue and…

Mocs Defeats Rival ETSU 42-38 Behind Wild Fourth-Quarter Comeback

GoMocs-RAIL RIVALRY COMEBACK! The Chattanooga Mocs football team scored 21-unanswered points over the final seven-plus minutes of the game to complete a wild 42-38 comeback victory over in-state rival ETSU during Southern Conference action in front of 9,307 fans at Finley Stadium on Saturday. Chattanooga (3-4, 2-1 SoCon) retains possession of the coveted ‘Rail Rivalry’ railroad tie trophy after recording…

Pride of the Southland Performs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The University of Tennessee’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band made a stop in Chattanooga on Friday, October 17, for a free concert and open rehearsal at Finley Stadium.  The performance is part of the band’s long-standing tradition leading up to the annual Third Saturday in October, the historic Tennessee-Alabama football rivalry. Gates opened at 11…

Join Mickey Mouse on his search for Tinker Bell with ‘Disney on Ice’ this weekend!

Disney on Ice returns to McKenzie Arena this weekend and skaters Katarina and Graham Hockley join News 12’s Chip Chapman to share their experience and career journey. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Your dreams come true in Chattanooga with Disney on Ice returning to UTC’s McKenzie Arena this weekend! This year’s show focuses on Micky Mouse’s search for Tinker Bell to…