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, 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…
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…
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…
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chatt Prep’s Marquis Gardner had 5 touchdowns on the night but it wasn’t enough to knock Tyner off from the list of unbeatens. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
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…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor senior quarterback Briggs Cherry continues to gain confidence in his game this year. The talented signal caller has already verbally committed to Louisville. Brian Armstrong has his story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Reports say one person was injured after trench walls collapsed in on them. The Chattanooga Fire Department says it happened Friday morning in the 2700 block of Kanasita Drive in Hixson at a construction site. They say fire crews responded to the scene after they received a call about a person trapped in a trench. Reports…
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…
Jake Cash and Will Ternes with the Chattanooga Zoo bring some snakes that will be part of “Boo in the Zoo” which will take place every Friday and Saturday in October. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s that time of year for frights but not many bites with this year’s “Boo in the Zoo” with the Chattanooga Zoo! For each Friday…
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…
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…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Walker Valley soccer team continued their successful season on Thursday night with a 3-2 victory over Notre Dame. The Mustangs improved to 11-1-2 on the year with the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Decatur, TN-(WDEF-TV) Meigs Co scored 50 points in the first half alone on their way to a 65-6 home win over Brainerd on Thursday night. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Rising Fawn, GA-(WDEF-TV) The new golf course at the McLemore resort has just opened. It’s called the Keep. Maybe because you keep staring at the stunning mountain top views. Head golf pro Doug Amor and Vice President of Sales for the resort Craig Falanga give us a tour. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
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…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) — The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center partnered with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Blood Assurance to host a Community Outreach Event on Thursday. Anyone who donated blood or donated to the food bank received a special Challenge Coin and an opportunity to shake hands with one of the Medal of Honor recipients in attendance….
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) When Bradley Central and Cleveland renew their rivalry on Friday, Bears senior defensive lineman A J Westfield will likely be the best player on the field. Not surprisingly, the Tulane commit has already left his mark on this rivalry. But he did it playing for Cleveland. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
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…
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…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A group of UTC students say they are furious with recent changes due to new state legislation. Last week, UTC Chancellor Dr. Lori Bruce announced a series of changes on UTC’s campus due to a series of anti-DEI laws. She said there are going to be four different offices that are going to be closing in order…
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…
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…
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,…
