News 12 launches weekend series for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring survivors, promoting prevention, and highlighting local resources that bring hope and healing to families across our region. Throughout the month, News 12 will share stories each weekend focused on awareness and empowerment, from survivor experiences to community events hosted by the Family Justice Center. This…

Exclusive interview: Judge calls for mental health reform after death of local man

BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – A Bradley County judge is speaking out after the tragic death of a 27-year-old man who spent years battling severe mental illness. Judge Clay Collins says the system failed Chase Scoggins, and without significant reform and more mental health resources, others could face the same fate. In an exclusive interview with News 12, Judge Collins…

What’s Right With Our Schools: Orchard Knob Baptist Back to School Bash

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Communities can play a vital role in a child’s education. With that in mind, families, neighbors and local leaders recently gathered at Orchard Knob Baptist Church. The wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page for successful school year. And that is a far-reaching example of “What’s Right With Our Schools.”   Prentice Gilbert is the…

IDB approves Northgate Mall TIF to go to next step

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-  A proposal to modernize infrastructure at Northgate Mall passed its next step. The Industrial Development Board approved a tax increment financing district to continue up the chain for the Hixson retail district. The mall’s owner, CBL, says that a portion of sales tax generated by new businesses such as BJ’s Wholesale would go to replacing their outdated…

Real Men Wear Pink to Miller’s Ale House

Franco Gunnell joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind customers about Miller’s Ale House’ fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Enjoy a great meal for a great cause with Miller’s Ale House on October 7. Miller’s Ale House is holding a fundraiser to raise funds for cancer research through the American Cancer Society. As part of…

Stars honor America’s Heroes at the 2025 Patriot Award Gala

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 2025 Patriot Award Gala was a night of honor, reflection, and celebration in Chattanooga. Last night, audiences heard from the former Secretary of Defense. Now, the spotlight turns to two well-known stars, actor Gary Sinise, best known for his iconic role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, and country music artist John Rich. Both men…

Chattanooga hosts the 2025 Patriot Award Gala

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tonight, Chattanooga hosted one of the nation’s most prestigious celebrations of service and sacrifice. The 2025 Patriot Award Gala brought together Medal of Honor recipients, military leaders, and community members for an evening dedicated to honoring those who have gone above and beyond in service to others. Award-winning country music singer, songwriter, and philanthropist John Rich…

Dave’s Hot Chicken Heats Up Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The wait is over for local hot chicken fans as Dave’s Hot Chicken has officially opened its first Chattanooga location. The Los Angeles-based chain, known for its signature spicy chicken tenders and sliders, opened this weekend on Gunbarrel Road.  Crowds packed the restaurant throughout the day, eager to try the brand’s range of heat levels, from…

A Big Dill in Dalton

 DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – The 2nd annual North Georgia Fried Pickle Festival was a big dill at the North Georgia Fairgrounds in Dalton, GA serving up two days of food, music, and family fun. Day one brought in large crowds ready to shop from more than 200 vendors and sample food from over 30 booths featuring everything from fried favorites…

Plenty of Orange to see Tennessee Vols baseball inside AT&T field

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Tony Vitello, the head coach of Tennessee baseball, couldn’t help but notice the infectious enthusiasm among his players during the scrimmage in Chattanooga on October 4. The excitement was evident in their voices and demeanor as they took to the field for this special occasion. The scrimmage proved to be an exciting affair, with the team divided…

Cameras Versus Cell Phones

This week on Tech Byte, we try to settle the age-old debate of modern-day cell phones versus high end DSLR cameras! Could cell phones really replace professional photography equipment? I’m joined by an expert in his field, Herman Prater, Jr., an award-winning photographer and videographer, to help weigh in. Herman Prater, Jr. works behind the camera in the News 12…

Chattanooga Pride expecting bigger crowds this year

President of Chattanooga Pride Elle Quesenberry joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the public about festivities supporting our local LGBTQ+ community this weekend.  CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – October is LGBTQ+ History Month and to celebrate, Chattanooga is kicking off the first week of October with Chattanooga Pride Festival! There are a multitude of fun, diverse, and inclusive events that…

New non-profit SEED aims to help the environment and community with a volunteer opportunity

Rebecca Love with SEED Chattanooga and ‘Do What You Love’ joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the community about a service event this weekend. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Sustainable Education & Edible Development (SEED) invites everyone to volunteer to clean and improve our environment. On Saturday, October 4 from 9 A.M. – 1 P.M., volunteers can come out to…

Hamilton County Schools Enforce Phone Ban

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Hamilton County School Board has rolled out a “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban in classrooms across the district. The updated policy is designed to reduce distractions, improve academic outcomes, and encourage more face-to-face interaction among students. This move follows months of discussion and community input.  School leaders began reviewing cell phone use earlier this year after…