Stars honor America’s Heroes at the 2025 Patriot Award Gala

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 2025 Patriot Award Gala was a night of honor, reflection, and celebration in Chattanooga. Last night, audiences heard from the former Secretary of Defense. Now, the spotlight turns to two well-known stars, actor Gary Sinise, best known for his iconic role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, and country music artist John Rich. Both men…

Chattanooga hosts the 2025 Patriot Award Gala

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tonight, Chattanooga hosted one of the nation’s most prestigious celebrations of service and sacrifice. The 2025 Patriot Award Gala brought together Medal of Honor recipients, military leaders, and community members for an evening dedicated to honoring those who have gone above and beyond in service to others. Award-winning country music singer, songwriter, and philanthropist John Rich…

Dave’s Hot Chicken Heats Up Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The wait is over for local hot chicken fans as Dave’s Hot Chicken has officially opened its first Chattanooga location. The Los Angeles-based chain, known for its signature spicy chicken tenders and sliders, opened this weekend on Gunbarrel Road.  Crowds packed the restaurant throughout the day, eager to try the brand’s range of heat levels, from…

A Big Dill in Dalton

 DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – The 2nd annual North Georgia Fried Pickle Festival was a big dill at the North Georgia Fairgrounds in Dalton, GA serving up two days of food, music, and family fun. Day one brought in large crowds ready to shop from more than 200 vendors and sample food from over 30 booths featuring everything from fried favorites…

Plenty of Orange to see Tennessee Vols baseball inside AT&T field

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Tony Vitello, the head coach of Tennessee baseball, couldn’t help but notice the infectious enthusiasm among his players during the scrimmage in Chattanooga on October 4. The excitement was evident in their voices and demeanor as they took to the field for this special occasion. The scrimmage proved to be an exciting affair, with the team divided…

Cameras Versus Cell Phones

This week on Tech Byte, we try to settle the age-old debate of modern-day cell phones versus high end DSLR cameras! Could cell phones really replace professional photography equipment? I’m joined by an expert in his field, Herman Prater, Jr., an award-winning photographer and videographer, to help weigh in. Herman Prater, Jr. works behind the camera in the News 12…

Chattanooga Pride expecting bigger crowds this year

President of Chattanooga Pride Elle Quesenberry joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the public about festivities supporting our local LGBTQ+ community this weekend.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October is LGBTQ+ History Month and to celebrate, Chattanooga is kicking off the first week of October with Chattanooga Pride Festival! There are a multitude of fun, diverse, and inclusive events that…

New non-profit SEED aims to help the environment and community with a volunteer opportunity

Rebecca Love with SEED Chattanooga and ‘Do What You Love’ joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the community about a service event this weekend. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Sustainable Education & Edible Development (SEED) invites everyone to volunteer to clean and improve our environment. On Saturday, October 4 from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M., volunteers can come out to…

Hamilton County Schools Enforce Phone Ban

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County School Board has rolled out a “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban in classrooms across the district. The updated policy is designed to reduce distractions, improve academic outcomes, and encourage more face-to-face interaction among students. This move follows months of discussion and community input.  School leaders began reviewing cell phone use earlier this year after…

Local Actor Turns Pain into Purpose

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Following Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, one Chattanooga man is carrying the message of hope forward. Lorenzo James Darden Jr. is a two-time suicide survivor, actor, and mental health advocate.  Known for his appearances on Oxygen, TV One, Prime Video, and Tubi, Darden’s most impactful role might be the one he’s playing off-screen, helping others realize they…

UTC Markets Highlight Campus Community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Fresh Produce and Student Creativity Shine at UTC Markets UTC students and staff got a double dose of community and creativity today as two campus markets took place. Scrappy’s Market, UTC’s free bi-weekly produce event, returned to Vine Street with fresh fruits and vegetables available to students, faculty, and staff.  The initiative helps support healthy living…

Hamilton County Schools to send out Request for Proposal for new mental health provider

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Schools says they are beginning the process of reintroducing mental health services inside schools. They are sending out a request for proposal later this week. This requires potential partners to submit how they would conduct services and a list of qualifications. Once vetted by administrators, they would send them to the school board for approval…

Fire chiefs to meet with Hamilton County attorney over Hazmat resolution

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  An issue over what is classified as the county’s fire department is being looked into by the Hamilton County Commission. There was supposed to be a resolution voted on Wednesday that would have designated the Hamilton County Hazmat Team as the official fire department for the county. However, there have been concerns raised by fire chiefs of…

County to apply for Rails to Trails grant

SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A potential future trail in Soddy-Daisy received a positive vote Wednesday. The Hamilton County Commission approved the county’s park department to apply for a grant to pay for the Rails to Trails Project. It would create a trail on the unused railroad tracks along Sequoyah Access Road. The project would cost roughly 8 million dollars to complete,…