Food Pantries Expand Winter Assistance

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA. (WDEF) – St. Vincent de Paul/Gabriel’s Hope Food Pantry in Fort Oglethorpe provides ongoing food assistance through regular food drives and pantry services. In addition to its routine operations, the organization will hold a supply pickup from noon to 1 p.m. tomorrow for community members.  According to organizers, the distribution will include food items and winter-related supplies….

August Wilson’s ‘King Hedley II’ comes the Chattanooga Theatre Center.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Theatre Center starts off 2026 with a play from classic screenwriter, August Wilson. From January 30 through February 15, August Wilson’s King Hedley II will be taking center stage, directed by E’Tienne Easley. The play focuses on a man in the 80’s trying to have a better life by selling stolen goods. During his…

Mocs Drop Heartbreaker to ETSU 67-66

(gomocs.com)– After both teams exchanged lead-altering free throws during the final 10 seconds of play, the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team ultimately suffered a heartbreaking 67-66 home loss to rival ETSU during Southern Conference action on Wednesday in front of an electric 4,611 fans inside McKenzie Arena. Following the loss, Chattanooga (9-11, 3-4 SoCon) saw its three-game win streak snapped…

Honor Roll Celebration Uplifts Students

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Orchard Knob Middle School honored academic excellence with a special celebration recognizing 90 students who earned a spot on the honor roll, bringing families, educators, and community partners together for a moment centered on encouragement and pride. Hamilton County Schools leaders highlighted the role community partnerships play in student success, pointing to long-standing support from Silverdale…

Chattanooga Zoo invites community to name Emperor Tamarin babies

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two new additions to its animal family and inviting the community to help choose their names. Two male emperor tamarins were born in October to parents Dolly and Parmigiano. Known for their distinctive white mustaches, the tiny monkeys have already captured the attention of zoo staff and visitors….

Better Business Bureau warns of GLP-1 weight loss scams

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As many people begin the New Year with resolutions focused on health and wellness, scammers are taking advantage of those searching for weight loss solutions. News 12’s Lillian Yi reports that the Better Business Bureau of Chattanooga is warning the community about a growing number of scams involving popular weight loss medications. Michele Mason, President and…

Red Cross Reports Critical Blood Shortage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The American Red Cross is reporting a critical blood shortage as hospitals across the country request more blood than is currently available.  The organization says its national blood supply has dropped by about 35% over the past month, creating increased pressure on hospitals already strained by one of the worst flu seasons in nearly two decades….

Preparing For Extreme Cold Weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A cold snap is expected across the Tennessee Valley this weekend, and residents are being reminded of ways to preserve energy and stay warm indoors. Sealing doors and windows with weather stripping or adding insulation can help prevent heat from escaping. Nate Thomasson of EPB said: “A lot of people’s misconception is is that you know…

Community Convenes on Homelessness Solutions

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A community meeting was held today at OddStory Central in Chattanooga, hosted by Atypical Place for Transformations, to discuss challenges facing unhoused residents and explore ways to improve policies and support.  The session brought together community members, service providers, advocates, and concerned residents to share experiences and engage in solution-focused dialogue.  Attendees discussed the impacts of…

Top Ranked Knox Webb Beats Baylor 56-44

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor battled the number one ranked team in Division II-AA on Tuesday at Duke Arena in Knox Webb. The Spartans pulled out a 56-44 victory. The Red Raiders cut the lead to three in the waning moments before Knox Webb pulled away a bit in the final two minutes. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News

Golden Apple Award, Lydia Thornton, CCS

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A healthy knowledge of geometry helps students see the world in a whole new way. At CCS, Lydia Thornton uses physical demonstrations and activities to make complex geometric principals easy to understand. Bottom line, she makes math enjoyable That earned Ms. Thornton tonight’s Golden Apple Award. “Miss Thornton. She cares deeply about students. She cares about…

Urban League and Unum partner for a hiring event

Dr. Reginald Smith II with Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and LaTonya Lyons with Unum join News 12’s Amelia Greer to promote an upcoming hiring event next month.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For those in need of a job, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is partnering with Unum to host a hiring event. They’re hoping to help people find jobs…

Lookout Wild Film Festival Highlights

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 14th annual Lookout Wild Film Festival wrapped up this past weekend at UTC’s Fine Arts Center, celebrating adventure, conservation, and storytelling in the outdoors.  Over 100 films from local and international creators were screened across four days, covering a range of topics from high-energy outdoor adventures to environmental conservation and humor.  The festival drew filmmakers…

MLK Day of Service brings fire safety outreach to neighborhoods

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Fire Department spent Monday morning giving back to the community through its annual smoke alarm drive, helping make homes safer while honoring a day of service. News 12’s Lillian Yi spoke with firefighters at Station 6, where crews explained the importance of hosting the event each year. The effort took place as part of…

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. honors Dr. King through service

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated came together Monday with a mission rooted in unity, compassion, and giving back. Members from the Pi Omega and Zeta Kappa chapters worked together to support the unhoused community by stuffing backpacks with essential items. The backpacks included small blankets, hygiene…

What’s Right With Our Schools Southern Adventist MLK Service Day

COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF) -MLK Service Day is a time-honored tradition for Southern Adventist University. Each year students, faculty, staff, and alumni join together to serve local organizations and people in the Chattanooga area. That’s a wonderful example of “What’s Right With Our Schools”. School President Ken Shaw says, “MLK day is a very special day at Southern Adventist University. We’d…

Group organizes to bring Bledsoe County first animal shelter

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF)-In many of our population centers, animal shelters have reported being pushed to the brink being at or near capacity. However, the situation is even worse in rural areas with no animal shelters at all. Several of our rural counties do not currently have established animal shelters. This includes our three Sequatchie Valley counties; Bledsoe, Marion, and Sequatchie….

Fleischmann says Tennessee can lead in AI and Quantum Computing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 spoke with Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, who is pushing for more investment in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. He says the technology is already moving beyond consumer use and is becoming a key part of national security. “The race for global power is shifting to technology, with artificial intelligence leading the way,” Fleischmann said. “Tennessee…