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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Gatlinburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) Tyner’s bid to play for the 3A state championship came up short on Friday. The Rams lost to Gatlinburg-Pittman 23-20 in the state semifinals. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Maryville, TN-(WDEF-TV) Marion Co is headed back to the 2A State Championship game. After being tied at seven at halftime against Eagle ton, the Warriors pulled away for a 33-14 victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Rossville, GA-(WDEF-TV) Heritage had to play a full extra quarter to knock off Murray Co in the Ridgeland Thanksgiving tournament on Wednesday. The Generals won 55-51 in double overtime. Heritage enjoyed a 15-point lead early in the third quarter before the Indians battled back to take the lead in the fourth quarter. The Indians had a chance to win at…
Jasper, TN-(WDEF-TV) Marion County captured their first state title in 29 years last season. Now the Warriors are hoping to track back-to-back state championships. They hit road in the state semis Friday against Eagleton. Brian Armstrong has the story. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
The proposed rezoning for a new neighborhood along Kathy Lake and Reed Roads near Varnell. (From: Whitfield County Planning Commission) VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF)- Rapid development continues to be a topic of discussion all across the Tennessee Valley. This week that conversation intensified in Whitfield County. The backlash from the Varnell community is directed at a proposed neighborhood on 251 acres…
You’re very unlikely to see a polar bear walking around with an iPhone, but even this fragile species can benefit from smart technology! Our Canadian friends up north are using silent, electric vehicles to study their polar bear population, which is unfortunately dying off due to melting sea ice. Military-grade radar, referred to as “Bear-dar,” detects the polar bears as…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – A beloved Thanksgiving tradition returns tomorrow (11/28/25) morning at Coolidge Park. The 26th annual Grateful Gobbler gets rolling at 8 a.m. It’s a 5k. You can run it, or you can walk it. It’s a great way to build up your appetite for your Thanksgiving feast. Every dollar raised will benefit the Maclellan Shelter for families….
TVA and TWRA personnel inspecting Lake Sturgeon on the Cumberland River (Courtesy: TVA) GALLATIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- The TVA and TWRA have conducted a study on the health of Lake Sturgeon in Tennessee rivers. This was conducted on the Cumberland River in Middle Tennessee. They caught 20 Lake Sturgeon to analyze their weight, length, and general health. Lake Sturgeon, native to…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Each year, more than fifteen thousand children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer, according to the CDC. For families like the Browns of Chicago, the diagnosis brings a sudden and overwhelming reality. Six-year-old Alexander Brown was diagnosed in 2023 with high-risk medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumor in his cerebellum, the area controlling balance and…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Chattanooga Zoo has opened a new gathering space called Magnolia’s Beer Garden. The garden was created in memory of Beth Lapina, the beloved late wife of a long-time board member and Zoo supporter. Mr. Lapina also served as board president during his years of involvement. Zoo staff say the space honors Mrs. Lapina’s warmth, her…
Rossville, GA-(WDEF-TV) Heritage defeated Dade Co 48-21 in the Ridgeland Thanksgiving Tournament. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Dalton coach Jonathan Adams did not enjoy a happy homecoming at Baylor’s Duke Arena on Tuesday. The former Red Raiders standout saw his Catamounts team fall to Baylor 74-42. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Thanksgiving is just two days away, and while many families will gather around the table, some seats will be empty. News 12 spoke with the staff at a local Ruth’s Chris Steak House, who say they’re especially thankful for the guests who bring extra kindness to the table. Tiffany Reid, the restaurant’s Sales Manager, says her…
DJ Fickey with one of his children before his murder in 2016. (Courtesy: Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit) WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- Last week, a Walker County man was convicted in a 2016 murder that went unsolved for several years. A roadside memorial for DJ Fickey sits on the side of Highway 193 in Walker County, near where he was murdered…
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – Shoppers at the Food City on Ocoee Crossing in Cleveland might have noticed a few familiar faces in the checkout line today (11/25/25) Celebrity baggers were back to raise money for the United Way. Folks from Lee University, Whirlpool, and even News 12 helped folks bag up their groceries. Any tips they earned go straight to…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Kathlina Alford spends every school day making sure that students at Hixson High School get all the support they need to succeed. From her Biology classroom to the lunchroom students know they can always turn to her for help. That kind of dedication earned Ms. Alford this week’s Golden Apple Award. “Wow. I mean, she goes…
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) – The annual Gratefull Dalton celebration brought the community together today in downtown Dalton for a Thanksgiving meal focused on fellowship and generosity. Organizers offered a free hot meal to anyone who attended, ensuring that every person, regardless of age, background, or circumstance, could sit down and enjoy a full Thanksgiving style plate. Attendees also donated food…
News 12 This Morning: Rachel Leonard Kennedy joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with some helpful tips and tricks to elevate your Thanksgiving festivities. From DIY Charcuterie Wine glass toppers to ‘BEARY Thankful’ DIY candles, Rachel brings your hosting dreams to life! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The season of giving is upon us, and with that comes an influx of holiday…