Veteran Triumphs Through Treatment Court

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Hamilton County veteran and mother of two, Michelle Meek, is marking a major achievement as the first graduate of the county’s Veterans Treatment Court. Meek served two tours in Afghanistan and says she joined the military to escape the trauma of a difficult childhood. She shared that her arrest became a wake-up call, not just…

National Child Savings Accounts Launch

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Federal leaders and major philanthropists are outlining a nationwide effort to create a government-backed account for children at birth.  The announcement included confirmation from Michael and Susan Dell of a $6.25 billion donation to support the initiative. According to federal representatives, the Treasury Department will administer the program.  They say approximately 60 million accounts are expected…

Get the holiday scoop with Clumpies

Ashley Bottoms with Clumpies joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the ice cream company cranks out their holiday flavors.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Get a perfect scoop of holiday cheer with Clumpies latest flavors hitting stores Friday, December 5! Clumpies latest holiday flavors all have the feeling of coziness packed tightly in a cup, cone, or pint! The latest flavors…

Star Studded Cast Leads Baylor to Another State Title Game

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor had three players sign with SEC teams on Wednesday, and two others signed with Louisville, including quarterback Briggs Cherry. Kind of makes it easy to see how the Red Raiders are playing for another state title on Thursday night at Finley Stadium. Baylor will face Brentwood Academy at 7pm, which will mark t heir fourth consecutive year in…

MAINx24 Returns to the Southside With 24 Hours of Community Celebration

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Chattanooga’s Southside is gearing up for one of its biggest days of the year as the MAINx24 Festival returns this weekend, bringing parades, live music, food, and more than a hundred events packed into 24 hours. MAINx24 Volunteer Kelly Allen says the excitement is already building. “We’re super excited to be celebrating our 18th year,” Allen said. “This…

Toys for Tots drive-through Toy Drive

CHATTANOONGA, TN (WDEF) – The Tennessee Valley’s generosity was on full display this (12/3/25) afternoon! News 12 and Scenic Community Credit Union teamed up for our first Toys for Tots drive-through toy drive at their East Brainerd location. If you missed today’s drive-through, there will another one next Wednesday (12/10/25) from Noon until one at Scenic Community Credit Union’s Hixson…

Finley Stadium unveils new amenities

Lava lamps inside of the new calming room inside of Finley Stadium. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  Finley Stadium has announced some new amenities for fans. Erlanger is sponsoring a calming room, nursing room, and first aid station in the south concourse of the stadium. The calming room is designed to allow a space for those with sensory issues a soothing space…

Historic Patten Parkway Facing Demolition

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A historic stretch of Patten Parkway in downtown Chattanooga could be replaced by a 12-story mixed-use development as Nashville based Evelyn Capital pursues a rezoning request for the north side of the street. The brick buildings were constructed in the 1880s by the Cincinnati Investment Company and were owned for decades by attorney Selma Cash Paty,…

Reduce waste during the holidays by signing up for Chattanooga’s pilot recycling program

Director of Sustainability Madison Rollings joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as families celebrate the holidays and more trash piles up around the city. She wants to recruit volunteers to sign up for their pilot recycling program to help take care of Chattanooga! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s the holidays which means each household is producing more trash. That’s why Chattanooga…

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…