ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- A man has been convicted of murder in a 2024 arson case at an Athens church. A McMinn County jury found that Kyle Hickox is guilty of murdering of Linda Buchanan at the Saint Mark AME Zion Church on Jackson Street. An autopsy had revealed Hickox had killed Buchanan prior to setting the church ablaze on the…
Rick Davis appearing virtually for a court hearing on April 10, 2026. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Former jewelry dealer and pawn shop owner Rick Davis made a virtual appearance in court Friday morning. Davis’s hearing this morning was on theft charges he was indicted on by a Hamilton County Grand Jury in late 2024. The indictment stated that he stole thousands…
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s a one tank trip to enjoy beautiful flowers, delicious food, and thrilling rides at Dollywood! “I Will Always Love You” Festival has only a few days left before the “Flower &Food Festival” kicks off at Dollywood. The “Flower & Food Festival” will feature beautiful flower displays throughout the park, with the theme of “A…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) McCallie shut out Chattanooga Christian 6-0 on Thursday evening at David Stanton Field. The Chargers lost their starting keeper to a red card in the first three minutes of the match, so CCS had to play a man down the rest of the way. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) In a rematch of last year’s state championship game, CCS defeated Baylor 1-0. The Chargers got a run in the third inning, and that was all pitcher Kylie Black needed, as she helped lead Chattanooga Christian to the victory. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Since R usty Wright arrived as UTC’s head coach, the Mocs have been really good at getting after the quarterback. But Chattanooga had a big dip in sacks last year, and now they’re hoping to get the sack-attack-back. Brian Armstrong reports. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News, Sports – UTC Mocs
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. When danger strikes, these men and women are the first to respond. Now, it is our…
One of the labs inside of Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Fisher Hall in Athens. ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- One of the main halls at Tennessee Wesleyan University will soon get a much needed renovation. Fisher Hall has long been a central building on the Tennessee Wesleyan campus, housing much of the school’s science courses. TWU President Tyler Forrest said, “Fisher Hall was…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Maclellan Island is facing a long-term erosion problem, according to leaders with the Chattanooga Audubon Society. The nonprofit said the island has lost about three acres since 1997, shrinking from roughly 27 acres to 24 acres. The erosion appears to be occurring at a rate of about one acre every decade. The island sits in the…
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing from Representative Chuck Fleischmann on the current ceasefire in Iran. That ceasefire was reached Tuesday after President Trump threatened an escalation in attacks if the country did not open up the Strait of Hormuz. Representative Fleischmann says that he supports the President’s actions and believes Iran is much weaker than it was a few…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The trial of an ex-Chattanooga cop charged with the murder of his girlfriend has been delayed again. Lawrence Goodine is facing a first degree murder charge in the November 2023 death of Kara Akins on Carr Street. Footage shown at previous shows a man identified as Goodine dragging Akins into a home as she was begging him…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A scheduled update on The Bend, the major riverfront redevelopment project led by Urban Story Ventures, was postponed Tuesday after the development team did not appear before city council members. The council had expected a presentation during the Economic Development Committee, a subcommittee of city council, to review progress on the mixed-use project near South…
Ooltewah, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new rehabilitation hospital is on the way to Ooltewah, aiming to bring specialized care closer to home for patients recovering from serious injuries and illnesses. Right now, the site on Mountain View Road is just dirt and construction plans. But in the coming months, it’s expected to transform into a 40-bed inpatient facility focused on…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Dozens of students gathered at Chester Frost Park to compete in a competition based around the environment. The Envirothon is a national competition for high school students. Bill Dailey is a retired soil conservationist and involved with the competition. He said, “It’s an opportunity to get these kids out to learn more about soils, forestry, wildlife,…
MADISONVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – Just an hour and a half away from Chattanooga is some of the state’s best breakfast products located in Madisonville, Tenn., Benton’s Country Hams. Benton’s Country Hams is used in many dishes across the country, chefs always anticipating their next order from them. Their pork products are made with a special recipe that just requires two…
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) McCallie picked up a 4-3 walk-off win over Chattanooga Christian on Wednesday. The winning run scored on a passed ball. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) We can’t wait for the Chattanooga Lookouts new stadium to open next week on April 14th. Erlanger Park. But what will the venue be like for the players? Brian Armstrong met up with Lookouts owner Jason Freier for some answers. Categories: Sports – Local Sports News
A picture of the late Stroud Watson, who was honored Wednesday evening in a celebration of life at Miller Plaza, one of the many spots he had influence over its design. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A visionary who helped Chattanooga transform its future was honored Wednesday evening. Stroud Watson recently passed away at the age of 88 from natural causes according…
TRION, GA. (WDEF) – Republican Lanny Thomas won the special runoff election for Georgia State Senate District 53 on April 7. Thomas defeated Democrat Jack Zibluk by a wide margin, receiving about sixty-nine percent of the vote compared with Zibluk’s thirty-one percent. During his campaign, Lanny Thomas emphasized support for small businesses, public safety, and local schools. He also highlighted…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga City Council has delayed CARTA’s plan to begin booting vehicles with outstanding parking tickets. CARTA’s resolution would allow them to boot vehicles with three or more parking violations. Some council members worried that this resolution would financially burden some community members. That is why council members added an amendment to the legislation allowing people with…
UPDATE: Urban Story Ventures has provided a statement in regard to the April 7, 2026 City Council meeting. They share The Bend has been in compliance with the One Westside TIF agreement and remains on target with projections for the development. Their full statement reads: “In response to the Council’s comments on April 7, Jimmy White, President and managing partner…
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s Chattanooga’s Burger Week and many local restaurants are offering mouth-watering deals to discover the best burger in town, and Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is confident their smash burger will take the trophy! Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is offering their classic smash burger for the low price of $8 as their entry for the best burger…
Congressman elect Clay Fuller celebrating his victory with his wife and daughter following his victory speech on April 7, 2026 in Ringgold. RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- We now know who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in North Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. After a two round election, former Lookout Mountain Judicial District Attorney Clayton Fuller has defeated Democrat Shawn Harris. 22 candidates…
Shawn Harris held a watch party at the Mariott Hotel in Rome, Georgia. Supporters and campaign staff filled the room, along with media from overseas. After it became clear that the results were not in Mr. Harris’s favor, he addressed his supporters. A common theme in his message was the fact that his campaign was more successful than any Democrat’s…