Northshore Businesses Parking Struggles

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Local businesses in the Northshore district say traffic, accessibility, and rising operational costs are creating challenges for both employees and customers. Richard Hardin, owner of Stone Cup Cafe, said employee parking costs are significant. “I’m not a city planner, and I’m in no way affiliated with the city government however, I would think that when you’ve…

Local Singer Finishes Second Nationally

LAFAYETTE, GA. (WDEF) – A North Georgia singer with decades of experience is gaining national attention after a strong showing on the first season of the CBS music competition “The Road.” Channing Wilson, who hails from LaFayette, Georgia, emerged as a finalist on the show, which followed artists from city to city as they performed in front of live audiences…

Taconooga Closes After 12 Years

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A restaurant on Chattanooga’s North Shore has closed its doors for good. According to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, Taconooga shut down on December 26th.  The announcement did not include a reason for the closure. Taconooga first opened in March of 2014 and served the North Shore community for nearly 12 years.  The restaurant…

Virtual Reality Expands Beyond Gaming

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Virtual reality technology continues to grow beyond its gaming roots as device use expands into broader entertainment and media experiences.  Industry reports project that the global VR market will reach approximately $20.8 billion in 2025, up from about $16.3 billion in 2024, with a forecasted surge in value over the next decade as applications diversify and hardware improves.  …

Holiday Christmas Lights Train Returns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Holiday Christmas Lights Train is a seasonal evening excursion offered by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga from December 26, 2025, through January 11, 2026  This relaxed after‑Christmas experience lets riders enjoy softly illuminated displays and classic railroad charm aboard heated vintage railcars. Passengers can book tickets for 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and on select evenings, 8:00 PM departures, giving families…

Gun safety, mental health of first responders highlighted following tragic Walker County Christmas shooting

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- We’re learning more about a shooting Christmas morning that left a toddler in critical condition. Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson confirmed the child survived surgery Thursday. What should have been the most fun morning of the year quickly became tragic yesterday in the Rock Spring area of Walker County on Tarvin Road shortly before 10 am….

Post-Holiday Shoppers Hit the Mall in Search of Deals

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – Even though Christmas has passed, shoppers returned to the mall Monday, taking advantage of post-holiday sales and exploring bargains across stores. From the moment the doors opened, walkways filled with people moving from store to store. Many retailers offered discounts on clothing, shoes, and accessories, giving shoppers more opportunities to browse after the holiday. One shopper,…

Quantum Computers and Why the Government Wants One

Computers are only getting faster as time goes on, but what if there was a new kind of computer that changed the game forever? Researchers across the globe are racing against each other to create a functional “quantum computer,” theorized to be several times faster than what is currently the fastest computer in the world. Even right here at home,…

Santa Claus is coming to News 12!

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – This Christmas Eve, News 12’s Chip Chapman has an in-depth conversation with Santa Claus where he asks the real questions like how to get off the naughty list and the true meaning of Christmas. Santa Claus made a very special visit to the News 12 Studio before he heads out to deliver gifts to all the…

FDA Approves First Obesity Pill

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first daily pill designed to treat obesity, marking a major milestone in weight loss care. The newly approved medication is an oral version of Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk.  It contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in the injectable versions of Wegovy and Ozempic, as well…

Curbside Compost Pilot Expands

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Chattanooga is expanding its curbside compost and glass recycling pilot program to three additional neighborhoods. The Department of Public Works announced Monday the program will now include Missionary Ridge, Ridgedale, and Highland Park.  While sign-ups are open now, collection for the expanded zones will not begin until January 2026.  The pilot is currently…

Start the new year off with a scary good time at Dread Hollow!

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – While the holiday season features lots of merry moments and holiday cheer, it doesn’t hurt to change up the holiday routine with a great fright! The best haunted house in Chattanooga, Dread Hollow, is bringing back their New Year’s Nightmare special event which features a haunted house and a terrifying escape room. On December 27 and…

Local election season begins as candidate qualifying opens

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The political season for next year officially begins today. Qualifying has opened for local elections that will take place next spring. Candidates now have a two-month window to file the required paperwork in order to officially enter a race. The primary election will be held in May. Voters in Hamilton County will see twelve races on…

Salvation Army hosts Christmas brunch for unhoused community

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Salvation Army of Chattanooga opened its doors this morning to host a special brunch for members of the unhoused community. The event served up a warm plate of breakfast favorites while offering a welcoming space filled with care and connection. News 12 spoke with Major Douglas McClure and his team about what hosting events like…

Proposed Schedule Change Sparks Discussion

WALKER COUNTY, GA. (WDEF) – Walker County Schools is considering a shift to a four-day school week, prompting discussion across the community.  The district is collecting feedback through a survey as district leaders weigh the potential benefits and challenges of the proposal. Some parents say a shorter week could help improve student attendance and make scheduling doctor or dentist appointments…

Managing Kids Screen Time

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Winter break gives children extra free time, and many naturally turn to phones, tablets, and computers for entertainment while parents handle work and holiday responsibilities.  Too much unsupervised screen time can lead to risky situations, from exposure to harmful content to increased stress or negative emotions.  There have even been cases where online personalities influenced dangerous…

What’s Right With Our Schools, Hixson 7th Grade Band

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – It’s a time-honored holiday tradition in Hamilton County. Hixson Middle School’s 7th grade Band did a great job performing at Christmas at the Courthouse. Categories: Chattanooga, Education, Featured, Hamilton County, Local News, What’s Right With Our Schools Tags: Christmas, What’s Right With Our Schools

Ways to stay unplugged and unwrapped on Christmas

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Influencer Rachel Leonard Kennedy shows us how to stay unplugged and in the moment during the holidays, while also relieving the stress of wrapping a last second Christmas gift. Skip the mounts of tape, paper crinkles, and last ditch effort cheap gift bags by wowing your loved ones with a gift that’s eco-friendly and involves little…

Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors hosts Christmas event in Miller Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With Christmas just a few days away, families gathered in downtown Chattanooga for a festive holiday celebration filled with cheer, characters, and seasonal fun. “I want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Santa Claus said. “Ho-ho-ho. Merry Christmas.” The family Christmas event was hosted by Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors at Miller…

Local production ‘Where You Left Me’ films in Northwest Georgia

LAFAYETTE, GA. (WDEF) – Georgia is quickly becoming a go to destination for filmmakers, not only for large scale productions, but also for local storytellers bringing meaningful stories to the screen. Filmmakers across the state are finding inspiration in small towns and familiar places, including right here in Northwest Georgia. Actor David Joel Stevenson plays the lead role in the upcoming…