Internship Hub Launches in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new local website is making it easier for students to land internships and build careers in Chattanooga. InternshipCha.com just launched as a one-stop hub connecting Hamilton County students with real, local opportunities.  It’s free for organizations to post, and listings are shared through schools and community partners. Wade Hinton, CEO of Hinton & Company, told…

Choo Choo Garden Gets Makeover

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo is getting a much-needed facelift.  Don Boutz, a longtime business owner, has operated Sweetly Southern with his wife inside the historic Choo Choo Garden for 53 years.  From blooming rose gardens to the relocation of the model train exhibit to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, he’s seen all the changes. He…

Walker County couple arrested on outstanding animal abuse warrants

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) —  A Walker County couple accused of multiple counts of animal cruelty has now been arrested. Ronald Jackson and his wife Melissa Jackson were taken into custody on July 1 by the Morven Police Department. Walker County said the couple was located about 18 miles from the Florida state line. They were transported back to Walker…

Swing over to AT&T Field to support Love’s Arm Outreach

Inza Hagins-Dyer and Chrissie Denton Holland join News 12’s Amelia Greer as the non-profit gets ready for two fundraisers around the Scenic City. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Love’s Arm Outreach has two upcoming fundraisers to support the non-profit’s mission to spread love, advocacy, and support to victims of human trafficking. For everyone wanting to catch a great baseball game, a…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Camp Signal

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Children develop lasting friendships and grow skills at Camp Signal.  This week children of all abilities are coming together for lessons in Science and Technology.  Take a look at what they learned in this week’s, What’s Right With Our Schools. “Camp signal is a six week long camp that we offer for children of all…

Salvation Army Beats Summer Heat

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is working to protect the most vulnerable from the sweltering summer heat with its annual Beat the Heat Program. Running through the end of August, the program provides box fans to low-income families without air conditioning and delivers water to those experiencing homelessness.  The community is urged to donate fans and…

Scopes Trial Play Draws Crowds

DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – A courtroom drama that made national headlines a hundred years ago is coming back to life right where it all happened.  Destiny in Dayton, a live reenactment of the Scopes Monkey Trial, is drawing crowds from across the region. The 1925 Scopes Trial put Dayton, Tennessee on the map when teacher John T. Scopes was prosecuted…

Pet of the Week: Prince Edgar

Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Prince Edgar! Prince Edgar is a four and a half year old Husky mix who weighs about 55 pounds. His foster parent says he’s very energetic with zero aggression. He loves to play, chase, wrestle, and fetch with his foster parent’s larger dog. Prince Edgar is good on a leash, though he can…

Rockwood man charged with first degree murder in Cumberland County shooting

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  A Rockwood man is facing a first degree murder charge after a deadly shooting over the weekend. On Sunday, July 6, 2025, deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the shooting in the 200 block of George Anna Drive. Upon arrival, deputes located the victim, Michael Kerley. According to the Tennessee Bureau…

“Seniors Got Talent” in Chattanooga!

Kristen Weitz joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to preview the 6th annual Seniors Got Talent Chattanooga on July 31. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Everyone of all ages has a talent to share, including our seniors! Morning Pointe Foundation is hosting their annual “Seniors Got Talent” fundraiser with tickets on sale now! Many of our seniors have unique talents to share…

Blazing Fury Ride Reignites Tradition

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Dollywood classic is back and better than ever. Blazing Fury has officially reopened after a major refresh and the park honored some real-life heroes to kick things off. News 12’s Robert Hanley has the details. Eugene Naughton, The President of Dollywood, told media that “a lot of people, when I walked in the midway,…

Red white and blueberry pie eating contest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – During the summer months, the First Horizon Pavilion fills with locals enjoying everything the Chattanooga Market has to offer. This weekend, however, things got a little messier than usual. It was a celebration of all things red, white, and blueberries as the Chattanooga Market held its annual pie-eating contest. To kick off the festivities, an announcer…

The Peach festival is right around the corner

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Market is getting ready to go all-in on one of summer’s sweetest fruits. The Peach Festival returns next weekend, bringing fresh flavor, fun, and a wide variety of peach-themed treats to the First Horizon Pavilion. Local vendors will be on-site with everything from fresh peaches to peach salsa, jams, jellies, pastries, and cobblers. Trey…

Family escapes late-night fire on Fourth of July

HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Fourth of July celebration in Hixson took a frightening turn late Friday night when flames erupted at a home on Friendship Lane, sending emergency crews rushing to the scene. While the family inside made it out safely, neighbors say it could have been much worse. “I turned the water on, I was like, ‘Pull, pull,…

Red White and Mooo event brings community together

LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) — It was a moo-velous time in LaFayette this weekend as the annual ‘Red, White, and Mooo’ event returned to Blessing Creek Farms, drawing families, local vendors, and animal lovers for a unique and festive Fourth of July celebration. The holiday-themed event offered everything from cow-inspired crafts and live music to sweet treats and savory bites served…

Red Wolves return home and get all 3 points

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chattanooga Red Wolves have been away from home for almost a month. Just a few minutes into the game Matt Bentley picked up a yellow card. Then just before the end of the first half Bently scored the 1 and only goal of the match in the Red Wolves 1-0 win over One Know.

Reptiles Take Over Camp Jordan

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Repticon Chattanooga is back this weekend, bringing exotic creatures and curious crowds to East Ridge.  Camp Jordan Arena is transforming into a reptile lover’s paradise for this two-day event.  Visitors explored rows of vendor booths, attended live seminars from reptile experts, and even got hands-on with snakes, lizards, and more. Raeanna Owens, Reptile Vendor, spoke…

Soddy-Daisy Sparks Patriotic Fun

SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Soddy-Daisy is closing out the holiday weekend with a full day of family-friendly festivities at the Soddy Lake Recreation Complex. The day kicked off with a solemn ceremony at the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, where the community paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed.  From there, things shifted into celebration mode…

Big Fun in Small Town

TRENTON, GA. (WDEF) – If you’re looking for a small-town celebration that packs a big punch, Trenton, Georgia just delivered as the 1945 Fair lit up Jenkins Park for another unforgettable Fourth of July. Now in its eighth year, the 1945 Fair became a true Dade County tradition, drawing thousands for a day full of family fun and patriotic pride. …

Fireworks, Music Fill Coolidge Park

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Coolidge Park turned red, white, and blue Wednesday night as thousands gathered for one of Chattanooga’s most beloved summer traditions, Pops on the River. The free, family-friendly event brought people of all ages to the riverfront for live music, food, and fireworks.  Local favorite Chattanooga Soul kicked things off, followed by a patriotic performance from the…

Chattanooga City Council to consider new backyard chicken ordinance

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could the city of Chattanooga soon allow residents to own chickens in residential areas? A new proposal could allow just that. In Chattanooga, it is currently illegal to own a chicken unless your home is zoned for agriculture. However, Councilman Chip Henderson wants to see this change as many residents are already owning chickens against the rules….