Toys for Tots and Scenic Community Credit Union host toy drive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As the season of giving continues, Toys for Tots is collecting gift donations for children who may not have something to open otherwise. News 12 spoke with representatives from Toys for Tots and Scenic Community Credit Union about teaming up this Christmas season and what the toy drive means to them and to the families they…

LWFF releases new trailer and opens 2026 tickets

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – If you are looking for something fun to do after the holiday season, the Lookout Wild Film Festival has released its 2026 trailer and tickets are now on sale. The four-day festival returns for its fourteenth year from January fifteenth through the eighteenth at the Roland W. Hayes Concert Hall inside the UTC Fine Arts Center…

South Pittsburg Defense Feasting on More Than Offenses

South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) South Pittsburg plays for yet another state title on Friday. The Pirates are headed back to Finley Stadium thanks to a stifling defense. They’ve allowed only 7 points in four playoff games. The Pirates defenders are also awarded pizza for every shutout. Let’s just say, South Pitt has dined on pizza a lot this season. Brian Armstrong…

County leaders, state representatives discuss various topics at Hamilton County Legislative Breakfast

The Hamilton County Legislative Breakfast CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County leadership had a chance to discuss issues this morning with members of the Tennessee General Assembly. Numerous topics were brought up at the annual Hamilton County legislative breakfast. Among them, include the Education Scholarship Freedom Act and concerns over traffic, especially along I-24. Hamilton County Commissioner Joe Graham says that…

Supporting Chattanooga Nonprofits This Season

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – CHAgives is a community-wide giving campaign coordinated by United Way of Greater Chattanooga, in collaboration with local partners.  The campaign brings together nonprofits from across the region on a single online platform, allowing donors to contribute to one or several organizations in one transaction. The 2025 CHAgives campaign began on November 3rd and will continue through…

Golden Apple Award: Eric Barth, Hunter Middle School

OOLTEWAH, TN (WDEF) – Eric Barth has a gift for inspiring students both in the classroom and on the football field. The Ohio native has spent the last decade at Hunter Middle School. He’s the kind of person you hope your child grows up to be. “So, Coach Bar um has been at Hunter um I think over 10 years and…

Prevent allergic reactions this holiday season with the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic

Dr. Marc Cromie from the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic (CAC) joins News 12’s Chip Chapman as he shares some tips on how you can keep your family safe this season through CAC’s board-certified allergists. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s the holiday season and yet the allergies persist, but the Chattanooga Allergy Clinic will help you get through the season without any…

Salvation Army invites community to help at Angel Tree Warehouse

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It is that wonderful time of year again. The Salvation Army is asking for the community’s help at the Angel Tree Warehouse to make sure every child wakes up to a gift under their tree this Christmas. Major Douglas McClure, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in Greater Chattanooga, says the need is great and the…

Little Sprouts awarded the Bright Spot Award

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Health Department recognized several community partners at its monthly meeting today for making a positive impact on public health. Among the honorees was Little Sprouts, a program known for supporting early childhood development and family wellness. The department says Little Sprouts stood out for its commitment to strengthening community health through education and…

Upcoming Giving Tuesday Supports Local Families

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and two Chattanooga nonprofits are asking the community to step up and help families in need this holiday season.  The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga is encouraging residents to purchase 2025 Holiday Food Gift Cards.  These cards are added to a family’s presents when donors drop off gifts at the club’s…

Hearing Set for Shooting Case

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Two Hamilton County deputies are on leave while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigates a police shooting during a traffic stop. Tadarius McDaniel, 23, faces two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, theft, and firearm-related charges. According to the arrest report, deputies on foot stopped McDaniel after he was allegedly driving a stolen…

What’s Right With Our Schools: College Quest at UTC

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -The transition from high school to college is a big adjustment for most students. Knowing exactly what to expect certainly helps. That’s the idea behind College Quest at UTC. That’s a forward-looking example of “What What’s Right With Our Schools.” “So, College Quest is made for juniors and seniors in high school and their families to come…

Hope Included Hosts Holiday Fun

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hope Included Holiday Festival brought holiday cheer to Riverview Park today, offering a welcoming space for families of all abilities to celebrate the season.  Hope Included is a local organization focused on creating inclusive, accessible experiences for the community, and today’s event reflected that mission throughout every activity. Children spent the afternoon decorating cookies, creating…

Big Gay Holiday Market Returns

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Seed Theatre hosted its fourth annual Big Gay Holiday Market today, transforming the Civic Center at the Mountainside into a vibrant and inclusive holiday shopping experience.  The Chattanooga nonprofit, known for providing safe spaces, support groups, and mutual aid programs for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and marginalized communities, invited local artisans and small businesses to showcase their…

Christkindlmarkt sets the stage for Chickamauga’s Christmas Ball

CHICKAMAUGA Ga. (WDEF) – Tonight, Chickamauga stepped back in time and glided onto the dance floor as the historic Gordon Lee Mansion hosted its annual Christmas Ball. The event has become a cherished holiday tradition, bringing the community together for an evening filled with music, history and old-fashioned Southern charm. News 12 was there to get a look inside the…

Holiday fun at Marsh Cattle Farm

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – The Marsh Cattle Farm hosted their annual special holiday event, where children had the chance to meet Santa Claus and the Grinch. Beautiful photo settings were arranged for families to take their Christmas pictures, and the crowd favorite was meeting Baby Cow. The sweet miniature Highland calf and her barnyard friends were a major attraction for…

Gordon Lee Mansion hosts Christkindlmarkt

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) – Over the weekend in Chickamauga, the Christkindlmarkt was hosted at the Gordon Lee Mansion from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event was filled with Christmas spirit as vendors lined each side of the grounds with local, handmade, handcrafted, and hand-drawn items. This market is part of the larger celebration for the second annual Christkindlmarkt. One…

Christmas Season Begins in Fort Oglethorpe With Parade, Lights, and Holiday Cheer

Fort Oglethorpe, GA (WDEF)-The City of Fort Oglethorpe kicked off the holiday season Saturday night with its annual Christmas celebration, drawing families from across the community for an evening filled with lights, music, and festive spirit. Residents bundled up against the chilly evening as decorations, glowing displays, and holiday songs set the tone for a night that felt like the…