Orange Grove Center Faces Transition After Recycling Contract Ends

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — For decades, the Orange Grove Center has helped keep Chattanooga clean while creating meaningful jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, that long-standing recycling program is in transition following the end of its contract with the City of Chattanooga. The nonprofit has provided recycling services for the city since the late 1980s, offering steady…

State no longer pursuing Bradley County site for mental institution

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- For months, the state of Tennessee has been searching for a replacement for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. Their search has expanded outside of Hamilton County. However, this is not with much success. Both the Bradley County Mayor’s Office and State Senator Adam Lowe tell us that they were in conversations with a property owner…

Gas Prices Fall Across Southeast

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Drivers across the Southeast are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to trend downward nationwide. For the third straight week, the national average price of gasoline has fallen reaching its lowest point in several years.  Analysts say increased refinery output and growing fuel supplies along with lower crude oil prices are helping…

The Salvation Army distributes Angel Tree Gifts in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is working to make Christmas a little brighter for local families as it reaches the distribution phase of its Angel Tree Program. After months of preparation, families in need lined up in their cars as volunteers distributed gifts during a drive-through style event. Organizers say the program would not be possible…

Tennessee Bill Proposes accessible parking for pregnant women

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – State Representative Gino Bulso has filed House Bill 14-57, which would allow women in their second or third trimester, as well as those with high-risk pregnancies, to use accessible parking. If approved, the legislation would add pregnant women to the list of individuals eligible for temporary accessible parking placards in Tennessee. Under the proposal, qualifying pregnant…

Give the gift of discovery with a Creative Discovery Museum Membership

Mackenzie Steele joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the Creative Discovery Museum hopes to bring the gift of discovery to families this year.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Give the gift of experience with a Creative Discovery Museum memberhsip! A membership comes with a full year of unlimited access and there’s different tiers for each family needs. The most a family…

Depression Affects Millions Nationwide

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Major depressive disorder (MDD), also called clinical depression, affects an estimated 22 million U.S. adults, representing about 8% of adults in a given year, with higher rates among women and young adults. MDD can cause persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities, along with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration that interfere…

Shoppers Seek Holiday Value Over Deals

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Holiday shopping often centers on sales and discounts, but many consumers are taking a different approach this year.  Shoppers are looking for gifts that are practical, useful, and intentional. A recent survey finds that half of Americans with rewards cards plan to use cash‑back rewards for gifts, while nearly 8 in 10 cardholders expect to use…

Golden Apple Award: Jennifer Brewer, Boyd Buchanan

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A-P Calculus is one of the most challenging classes on any high school curriculum. Jennifer Brewer has a gift for making her students at Boyd Buchanan understand and even appreciate the subject. Her outstanding problem-solving skills earned Mrs. Brewer this week’s Golden Apple Award.   “She is so passionate about teaching math and critical thinking skills…

Chattanooga Jewish community reacts to Hanukkah attack

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In the wake of a deadly terrorist attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia, News 12 spoke with a local Jewish leader about the impact the violence is having thousands of miles away. Michael Dzik, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, says he is heartbroken by the attack and calls it a clear…

Memorial Hospital hosts job fair at New Ringgold location

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Memorial Hospital hosted a job fair in the lobby of its new hospital in Ringgold, giving community members a chance to explore career opportunities ahead of the facility’s opening. Attendees were encouraged to bring multiple copies of their résumés and had the opportunity to connect directly with hospital representatives to learn more about the wide range…

Tis the season for ‘Holidays Under The Peaks!’

Alison Pryor brings the holiday spirit and joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the aquarium heads into peak holiday activities. ‘Holidays Under The Peaks’ featured SCUBA Claus and festive attractions for the whole family. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Plenty of family and friends are coming to the Scenic City, so spend time with them with the Tennessee Aquarium’s ‘Holidays Under…

Sign-ups needed for TN Childhood Cancer License Tag

News 12 at Noon: Ted Gocke with J103 joins News 12’s Amelia Greer in hopes of furthering a late mother’s mission. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Sign-ups are still needed to get a specialty license plate made in Tennessee. A local mom was one of the key proponents for getting a childhood cancer awareness tag created for the state. After her recent…

Economic Outlook Shows Slower Growth

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee’s economy is expected to continue growing into 2026, though at a slower pace than in recent years, according to a new report from the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The 2026 Economic Report to the Governor projects the state’s inflation-adjusted economy will grow about 2% next year….

Military Spouses Share Travel Tips

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – With airfare and hotel costs on the rise, family vacations are becoming more challenging, especially for military families, but military spouses are finding ways to keep trips affordable. According to the U.S. Travel Association, airfare rose nearly 6 percent in August while hotel rates also increased, putting added pressure on household travel budgets. Military spouses Jen…

What’s Right With Our Schools, Silverdale Academy Fills Stockings for the Salvation Army

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – It’s the season of giving, and that’s a lesson students at Silverdale Academy learn at a young age. First and third graders recently filled 160 stockings for local seniors with things like lip balm, puzzle books and new socks. That’s a big-hearted example of What’s Right With Schools. “Our senior stockings is a program that we…

Upgrades to Come to Soddy Daisy Middle School

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Renderings for upgrade plans that will come to Soddy Daisy Middle School have been released. Courtesy: Hamilton County Schools The approximate $34 million project will be funded through the Hamilton County Commission’s facilities bond. Construction is set to begin in October 2026. Plans include updated classrooms and learning spaces, a new gymnasium and upgrades to the cafeteria….

Red Bank Christmas Parade

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Red Bank celebrated the holiday season with its annual Christmas Parade on December 13, 2025.  Over 50 floats and local groups, including students from Red Bank Elementary, marched through the streets spreading festive cheer.  The Hixson High School band and colorguard added lively music and dazzling performances to the event.  Volunteers handed…

Free toys and plenty of pie at Cracker Barrel this holiday season!

General Manager Josh Clinton joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the old country store decks the halls this season. Cracker Barrel is offering several festive menu items in addition to their classic southern staples.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The old country store and souther staple is making gatherings easier this holiday season! Cracker Barrel has released new menu items like…

Pawpaw’s Homeless Ministry hosts annual Miracle on 11th Street

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Pawpaw’s Homeless Ministry hosted its annual Miracle on 11th Street event, bringing food, fellowship, and holiday cheer to Chattanooga’s unhoused community. The holiday season is a time for giving, and organizers say the ministry’s mission is to ensure no one feels forgotten. The event provides essential items, warm meals, and a sense of community for those experiencing…

Funding and Partnerships drive Alton Park Connector

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – City leaders and community partners gathered over the weekend for the ceremonial groundbreaking of Phase One of the Alton Park Connector, a project aimed at improving access to outdoor spaces and connecting residents to the Chattanooga Riverwalk. The City of Chattanooga partnered with the Trust for Public Land for the event, marking the beginning of construction on…

Red Wolves Foundation hosts Christmas Gift Program

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves Foundation hosted its annual Christmas gift program at CHI Memorial Stadium, bringing holiday cheer to children and families from across Hamilton County. The foundation holds the event each year to provide Christmas gifts, essential items, and a memorable holiday experience for students from multiple schools in the district. On Saturday morning, families were…