Chattanooga Hosts First Ever DadFest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga celebrated Father’s Day in a big way with a brand-new event honoring the men who’ve made a difference in our lives.  This past weekend, Art 120 hosted the first-ever DadFest at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens, bringing families together for a day full of music, memories, and appreciation.  From 11 to 4, the gardens were…

Father’s Day Blues and Brews

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Here in Chattanooga, Father’s Day got a special treat this weekend with a celebration full of food, fun, and family time. The First Horizon Pavilion was filled with live music, food trucks, and laughter as families came out to enjoy time with their fathers. Local artist Lorenzo shared a message: “To all the fathers out there,…

Voices on both sides heard at No Kings Day protest

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – “No Kings Day” Protest Brings National Movement to Chattanooga. A national protest movement called “No Kings Day” reached Chattanooga on Saturday, drawing participants from different backgrounds and beliefs. As part of the nationwide effort, the local protest was held at Miller Park, where people gathered to express concerns over the direction of the country and the…

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive wrapped up another year of friendly competition between the Catoosa and Walker County Sheriff’s Offices, proving once again that public safety goes hand-in-hand with public service. On Friday, June 13th, both agencies invited the community to roll up their sleeves and donate blood at their respective offices.  The…

Deadbird Studio Opens to Public

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s a hidden piece of Chattanooga’s music history, now stepping into the spotlight.  Once a secret recording space known only to insiders, Deadbird Studio has officially opened its doors to the public. Tucked behind the scenes of Chattanooga’s music scene, Deadbird Studio was once a word-of-mouth sanctuary, reserved for musicians, producers, and creatives in the know. …

Dueling visions presented ahead of Plan Hamilton vote

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Two different visions of future growth in rural Hamilton County are making their case for what limits should be placed on new housing. Plan Hamilton has been an ongoing effort to figure out what zoning regulations should be in place to deal with rapid growth. This plan in particular has been controversial in areas like Birchwood, Sale…

Forever chemical test results in North Georgia alarm scientists

CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF)- A group of environmental scientists in northwest Georgia say recent test results of forever chemicals in North Georgia have them alarmed. PFAS Georgia at a town hall in Chatsworth says that the majority of tests for forever chemicals across North Georgia have tested above the EPA limits. They say 56% of water samples, 69% of soil samples,…

The Tech Dad Really Wants for Fathers Day

CHATTANOOGA, TN – Let’s face it, Dad doesn’t want another tie this year and my Dad has more hats than he can wear in a given week. So let’s take a look at some tech gifts for dad, that won’t end up on a hanger in the closet. As a photographer, one of my favorite things is to know people…

Blood Assurances calls for donations during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”

Brooke Katz with Blood Assurance joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to remind the community to donate blood during a critical time this summer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Blood Assurance needs donations all year, but the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” calls for even more trauma care and a higher need for donors. To encourage donations, Blood Assurance is hosting “Battle…

NCAA Billion Dollar Settlement Impacting Mocs Athletics

(gomoc.com) Chattanooga Mocs Vice Chancellor for Athletics Mark Wharton released the following statement in regards to the House v. NCAA settlement:  The House v. NCAA case was settled in U.S. District Court on June 6, 2025. This charts a new course in collegiate athletics in the institution’s ability to directly compensate student-athletes for the use of their name, image and…

First Responder Hero Award: Janet Tomaszewski

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responder Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond. Now, it’s our turn to put them first….

Developer says Foundry District around Erlanger Park is on target

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An update was provided Thursday on Erlanger Park and its surrounding development in the South Broad District. The development around the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts has received criticism over whether its spurring surrounding development. The main developer, Jim Irwin, answered questions on how the developments around the stadium that will support Erlanger Park are coming…

Arias-Cristobal speaks on experience in immigration custody

WASHINGTON (WDEF)- A Dalton teenager who could face deportation took part in a Senate judiciary hearing in Washington D.C. Ximena Arias-Cristobal was arrested last month in an arrest that Dalton Police said should not have happened. They said that an officer had mistakenly pulled over the wrong truck. Because she was brought to the United States illegally at the age…

Sawubona Mobile Library Hits the Road, Connecting Families to Books and Resources

The City of Chattanooga officially launched the Sawubona Mobile Library—a first-of-its-kind, triple-impact mobile hub designed to serve as a library, a safe space, and a family resource center. The vision came from Jaleesa Brumfield, the city’s Director of Early Learning, who wanted to remove barriers and bring books, learning, and support directly to families. “Today is the official ribbon cutting…

Edwin Arroyo 3 Run Homer Powers Lookouts Past Biloxi 6-5

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind 4-1, the Chattanooga Lookouts rallied for a 6-5 win over Biloxi on Wednesday night at AT&T Field. Chattanooga exploded for five runs in the sixth inning with Edwin Arroyo delivering the big blow with a 3 run homer. That made the score 6-4 Lookouts. Biloxi got one run in the seventh, as Chattanooga hung on for…

Commission, school board clash in called budget meeting

Hamilton County Chairman Jeff Eversole standing with school board chairman Joe Smith during an interview following a call budget meeting. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last month, the Hamilton County School Board passed a $577 million dollar budget amid controversy. This was due to a $18 million budget shortfall which led to cuts. A tense school budget season culminated in a tense…

Red Bank Marks 70 Years Soon

RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Red Bank is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Saturday, June 21st, and preparations are already underway for this major milestone.   The event will spotlight the people, organizations, and services that make the city a great place to live and work.    Community members are encouraged to bring old stories, photos, or news…

Massive Cleanup at Chickamauga Lake

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Volunteers rolled up their sleeves this weekend to make a big impact on the Tennessee River, hauling out thousands of pounds of trash during a major cleanup effort on Chickamauga Lake.  This past Saturday, more than 20 volunteers joined forces with “Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful” for the 5th annual Chickamauga Lake Cleanup, sponsored by iSustain. …

New certified tax rate presented to Hamilton County Commission

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Commissioners questioned Hamilton County Property Assessor Marty Haynes on the new certified tax rate. Haynes announced last week that this rate is one dollar and 51 cents per 100 dollars of assessed value. He says this is the lowest countywide rate since World War II. This is after a nearly 60 percent average hike in…