CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An ex-Chattanooga police officer is getting close to his trial on first degree murder charges in the 2023 death of his girlfriend. However, Thursday he questioned if he is being allowed to put together a fair defense. Lawrence Goodine is facing a first degree murder charge for the death of Kara Akins at a house on Carr…
CHATTANOOGA, TN.- The Chattanooga Film Festival is back for its 13th annual event at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. The Festival consists of filmmakers from all over the country coming in to represent films from all over the world. Films aren’t the only things that will be showcased, you can see podcast recordings, live performances, and storytelling hours One thing that…
CHATTANOOGA, TN.- Community Forward hosted its very first, Village Celebration, at Orchard Knob Middle School. Community Forward does a lot of their work during the school year, in mid-town schools and at high need schools The event was to celebrate what they have done for the students and their families. Community forward leaders continue to push past barriers and keep…
CHATTANOOGA, TN.- Joel Westbrook, a Rossville, Georgia native and student at Green’s Karate, continues to make history in American karate. “When he came into the dojo 10 years ago, I was like I’ve never taught anyone in a wheelchair before, but I thought it’d be a really good challenge and it’d be fun and that’s how it started and ever…
IRONMAN CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — IRONMAN says they are making the Scenic City a racing destination for the next 5 years. This comes as they select Chattanooga as the host city for the 2027 Precision Fuel & Hydration IRONMAN® 70.3® World Championship triathlon on August 28 and 29, 2027. Held annually, the event expects to welcome 7,000 of the very best…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After spending an hour either bumping heads with your friends or scratching your head in confusion, the escape out of an escape room is a thrilling, and rewarding experience. But behind the puzzle, the confusing clues, and the special trap doors is a Game Master that reads the room and does their magic to create an…
Kian Neal at his arraignment hearing in Collegedale Wednesday. COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- A teenager charged with the murder of a 56 year old man in Collegedale made his initial court appearance Wednesday as police continue to try to find his missing body. 18-year-old Kian Neal made his initial court appearance on Wednesday afternoon in the death of 56-year-old Robert Locke,…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – For 20 years, LifeSpring Community Health has worked to provide affordable healthcare for children and families who may otherwise struggle to access it. Founded in 2006, the Chattanooga nonprofit began with just two people on its team. LifeSpring founders said teachers were noticing some children had not seen a doctor or received physicals, highlighting a growing…
OCOEE, Tenn.- A recovery center called Xplore Recovery, is using the outdoors to help people in their sobriety journey. “I see so much potential here that’s not even unlocked yet. You know, I personally have gave up a really really good job to come here and because I feel like this is my passion and I’m called to do this…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.- For Pride Month, the FJC held an event that teaches about how they can be more inclusive in their everyday lives. At this event people learned what inclusivity looks like in the workplace and how people can be better neighbors Different organizations that attend this event were able to present what they do for the community. People got…
Darron Lee standing with his public defender in front of Hamilton County Judge Tori Smith on Wednesday at his initial hearing. A former NFL player charged with killing his girlfriend made his first appearance virtually on June 17, 2026 in Hamilton County Criminal Court. Darron Lee is charged with first degree murder in the death of Gabriella Perpetuo at their…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Hamilton County Schools (HCS), the Hamilton County Mayor’s Office, and EPB have announced the new Energy and Quantum Industries Academy, a Future Ready Pathway set to open at the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center. The new academy is expected to serve approximately 400 students each year across grades 9-12. The new Energy and Quantum Industries Academy is designed…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Sometimes Dad wants a great, grilled steak to celebrate Father’s Day and Don’s Meat Shop has all the best cuts for that perfect meal. Owner Donnie Raines and News 12’s Chip Chapman go over the different cuts of meat and which cut is best suited for specific meals, because not all cuts of meat are created…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) East Hamilton will kick off the gridiron season this year with a new head coach. Patrick Liner has stepped in to replace Aaron Nance. But as Brian Armstrong reports, Liner is no stranger to Hurricanes football. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Should the city of Chattanooga help fund new sports facilities? A recent report from the Chattanooga Tourism Company is recommending that a brand new indoor sports facility among other facilities be built to attract new tournaments. The report from the Tourism Company, previously presented to the Hamilton County Commission, calls for a roughly 60 million dollar investment…
South Pittsburg, TN-(WDEF-TV) When you score a lot of touchdowns in high school football, you attract a lot of college recruiters. That was the case for South Pittsburg play-maker Dayon Cooper. At first he committed to an AC C school, but after visiting Rocky Top over the weekend, Cooper says he’s a future Volunteer now. Categories: Sports – Local Sports…
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)-Monday is the last day of campaigning before major runoff elections in Georgia. With Governor Brian Kemp being term-limited, two Republicans remain in the race to take on former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in November to replace. One of those candidates, businessman Rick Jackson, made one of his final campaign stops for the primary in Dalton however….
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Bradley County residents are sounding off over a potential tax increase to support an increase in first responder pay. They made their cases to the Bradley County Commission Monday. This is following a recommendation by the commission’s finance committee to fund a 15 percent increase in pay for county employees through a property tax increase of less…
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – Hamilton County students took part in immersive art program at Stove Works. The results are nothing short of inspiring. Let’s take a closer look in tonight’s “What’s Right With Our Schools.” “What you’re saying is an exhibit for a pilot program called Artworks. And it’s a collaboration with county schools right now and Stove Works. We…
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community members gathered at the Collegedale Commons for Hamilton County’s Stars and Stripes celebration. Families, veterans, elected officials, and residents from across the area came together to celebrate America’s history and look ahead to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Many attendees embraced the spirit of the event, wearing patriotic clothing and sharing their appreciation for the…
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) – Plans to revitalize Northgate Mall were the focus of a town hall meeting held at the Hixson Community Center. Chattanooga City Councilman Jeff Davis hosted the meeting to discuss upcoming improvements and gather feedback from residents about the future of the longtime Hixson landmark. In March, the Chattanooga Industrial Development Board approved a tax increment financing…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – As storms across the area begin to wind down, it seems the severe weather was a bit much even for some of our feathered friends. While responding to a downed tree, crews with the Chattanooga Fire Department discovered an injured hawk hopping around nearby. Firefighters said the bird appeared unable to fly because of an injured…
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Strong storms moved through the area Saturday evening, bringing down trees and power lines in parts of Ringgold. A resident living off Burning Bush Road told News 12 that a large tree fell onto a neighbor’s vehicle during the storm. According to the resident, a transformer was struck, causing a power line to fall and ultimately…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Community members gathered at Coolidge Park on Saturday for Paw Palooza, an annual event hosted by the McKamey Animal Center. The event, often referred to as Chattanooga’s ultimate celebration of pets, featured adoptable animals, local pet related businesses, and resources ranging from training and boarding services to animal health and wellness education. Mary Klinghard, Director of…