Summer Fun Meets Holiday Cheer

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Christmas came early to Hixson this weekend as Chester Frost Park transformed into a festive summer wonderland. The free “Christmas in July” event featured more than 30 local vendors, food trucks, games, crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus.  Families gathered for music, shopping, and kid-friendly fun, but it wasn’t just about the holiday spirit….

Missing Dog Sparks Outcry

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Chattanooga family is sounding the alarm after their 2-year-old Presa Canario, Saint, was allegedly stolen right from their yard.  Sydne-Joie Noel says the incident happened on Tuesday, July 22nd around 10 a.m., just ten minutes after they let Saint outside. The family believes this was a premeditated act, someone had likely been watching their property…

RAM Hosts First-Ever Fundraising Telethon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Remote Area Medical (RAM®) is hosting its first-ever Living the Giving telethon today, Tuesday, July 29, from 2 to 10 P.M. Eastern Time.  The event will stream live across all of RAM’s social media platforms in celebration of the organization’s 40 years of providing free medical, dental, and vision care to underserved communities across the United…

Man arrested after allegedly stealing girlfriend’s car, leading deputies on pursuit

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A man was arrested Monday night after allegedly stealing his girlfriend’s vehicle and leading deputies on a pursuit. On the evening of July 28, 2025, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to the 8000 block of Ellie Plaza Place for reports of an armed carjacking. HCSO said the victim reported her boyfriend, Dominique Boyd,…

Chattanooga Urban League Shines on National Stage

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)- The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is celebrating a series of impressive victories following the 2025 National Urban League Conference, where the organization stood out for its excellence in youth development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The Chattanooga affiliate took home nearly $20,000 in scholarships and awards and was honored as the Affiliate of the Year (Small Market)—a prestigious…

Officials urge precautions as temperatures soar

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Dangerously high temperatures are settling in across the Tennessee Valley. Emergency officials are urging the public to take precautions. The Hamilton County Emergency Services say the heat index could push into the triple digits, raising concerns for heat exhaustion and dehydration. They are reminding people to stay indoors when possible, drink plenty of water, and check…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High Aviation Grant

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) —  TDOT has awarded $22,000 to Cleveland High School’s Aviation Program. The money will go be used to prepare future pilots, engineers and aerospace professionals. That’s a high aiming example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “It’s rare to have an aviation program in high school so we have them across the state of Tennessee and Cleveland…

New artificial turf to be installed at some Camp Jordan fields amid opposition

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) —  New artificial turf was approved for the fields at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, but not without controversy. The $3 million project was approved by the East Ridge City Council. It’ll replace the soccer and four baseball slash softball fields at the complex with the turf. Officials say the artificial turf should mitigate weather delays…

Apple Simplifies Family Connection

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As families gear up for a new school year, many are turning to technology to help keep things running smoothly at home and in the classroom. This week, Apple team members shared tips to help parents make the most of their devices, especially when it comes to managing their children’s screen time, staying organized, and protecting…

Lake Winnie Awarded Historic Plaque

ROSSVILLE, GA. (WDEF) – Lake Winnepesaukah just earned a national honor.  On Sunday, July 27th, the National Amusement Park Historical Association presented the Chattanooga-area amusement park with a commemorative plaque recognizing 100 years of family ownership and community fun. The award was part of NAPHA’s annual ParkHop tour, which celebrates historic amusement parks around the country.  Since opening in 1925,…

Better Together is back in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The initiative brings schools, families, and volunteers together to create safe and welcoming spaces just in time for the new school year. At Calvin Donaldson Elementary, volunteers are rolling up their sleeves and transforming the back of the school into a refreshed outdoor learning space. Cora Fisher, Principal of Calvin Donaldson Elementary School, says the project…

Pack the Bus helps everyone prepare for the school year

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Pack the Bus was in full swing this weekend, where volunteers came together to collect school supplies for local students in need. The goal is to support teachers and families by making sure classrooms are fully stocked, especially during Tennessee’s tax-free weekend. Shoppers were encouraged to drop off items such as notebooks, pencils, and paper…

Mutts on the Mountain Foster hosts adoption day

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) – A splash of fun and a chance to find a forever friend brought smiles to the Signal Mountain Town Pool this weekend. Some furry friends are now looking for loving homes after a rough start in life. Mutts on the Mountain Foster brought a group of playful puppies to the pool, hoping to connect them…

The Walker County African American Museum ribbon cutting Ceremony

  LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) – A special celebration took place in Walker County today as community members gathered to honor the past and inspire the future. A new museum is now open, showcasing African American history and heritage in the heart of the community. News 12 was at the Walker County African American Museum Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, where people came…

Chattanooga marks 35th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act passage

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- 35 years ago this weekend, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disabilities. The All-Access Fair on Friday at Coolidge Park highlighted multiple local resources available to local disabled residents. It was organized the Chattanooga Mayor’s Council of Disability For Lyndi Locke, the secretary of that…

Heart Hub unveiled at Glenwood Community Center

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Those who frequent the Glenwood Community Center will have a new resource to check their health.The American Health Association has placed a Heart Hub inside of that center in collaboration with the Office of Community Health and the Journey Health Foundation. It is the second such hub inside of a Chattanooga public center, joining one that was…

The Hilarious Side of AI apps

Chattanooga, TN – This week is one of my favorite episodes because it involves viewer mail.  I think I can speak for all the journalists we have here and say that we love to hear your feedback and know that you’re watching the things we are creating for you. Our friend Sam wrote in and had used an app called…