Calliope Restaurant in New York Times Top 50

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) — A Chattanooga restaurant just got national attention. Calliope Modern Levantine was named one of the top 50 restaurants in America. The New York Times placed it on their annual list, making it one of only two in Tennessee to receive the honor. Calliope serves cuisine inspired by the middle east and the mediterranean, reflecting the chef’s…

Tyner Announces Security Rules After Game Suspension

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tyner Middle High Academy is rolling out stricter safety protocols following the suspension of last Friday’s Red Bank vs. Tyner football game. The move comes after two minors were arrested and deputies recovered a loaded 9mm magazine during the game at Red Bank High School.  Tyner officials emphasized that no Tyner or Red Bank students were…

Creative Discovery Museum bringing a new exhibit and a free night for families

VP of Development Ginger Birnbaum joins News 12’s Amelia Greer with the Creative Discovery Museum to preview a new exhibit this month! ‘XOXO’ will be opening September 20, along with the popular ‘Monster Bash’ event October 10-11. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Plenty of amazing things are coming to the Creative Discovery Museum this season! On Thursday, the museum is hosting…

Flood victim says insurance will not cover damage from I-24 flood, insurer claims it was ‘wear and tear’

Cheri Dinshah’s Hyundai Elantra stuck in the floodwaters on I-24 on August 12, 2025. (Courtesy: Cheri Dinshah) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s been nearly a month since devastating flash floods hit the Chattanooga area. Many of those victims are continuing to clean up from that disaster. Cheri Dinshah was one of the unlucky drivers who found themselves on I-24 the evening…

Homelessness goes up as violent crime and opioid overdoses go down

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Homelessness has increased in Hamilton County according to the latest Hamilton Counted report from Mayor Weston Wamp’s office.According to data from the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition, numbers sampled from a night back in January show that the number of homeless individuals has increased by more than 100. The number of patients seen by the Hamilton County…

Parkridge Marks Suicide Prevention Month

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – September is recognized nationwide as Suicide Prevention Month, an effort to raise awareness about a leading public health concern.  Parkridge Health System is joining the push to share facts, resources, and access to support. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide was among the leading causes of death in 2023. Nearly 50,000…

Embassy Suites Opens Downtown

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Chattanooga’s downtown just gained a major addition.  The Embassy Suites at 345 Broad Street officially opened in mid-August, bringing 184 rooms to a $60 million project. On September 9, developers hosted a grand opening ceremony at the hotel, marking the official debut of the new property.  The celebration invited the public inside for tours and gave…

Golden Apple Award: Diana Buchanan, Joyland Christian Academy

FORT OGLETHORPE, GA (WDEF) — Learning begins in the very earliest days of childhood. Diana Buchanan sees proof of that every day in her Pre-K 3 class at Joyland Christian Academy.  She equips her students with the skills they’ll need to become the best they can be. That’s what earned Ms. Buchanan this week’s Golden Apple Award. “She’s always coming to…

Rescued Kestrels Released at McDonald Farm

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) —  Two rescued kestrels are getting a second chance at life thanks to the efforts of local wildlife organizations. Earlier this summer, the Chattanooga Zoo took in two injured birds: a young male that had fallen from its nest and a female suffering from an infection. After months of rehabilitation at HappiNest Raptor Rescue, both birds were…

Chattanooga’s Fun Fair Festival Featuring Music, Games, and CitiLimitz

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF)-Families are invited to Chattanooga’s riverfront this weekend for a day of fun, music, and community support. The Fun Fair Festival returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chattanooga Green. The free event offers activities for all ages, including train rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and live performances from Chattanooga’s own R&B trio, CitiLimitz….

Rome brothers sentenced in separate drug cases in northwest Georgia

SUMMERVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two brothers from Rome, Georgia, were convicted and sentenced on major drug charges in separate cases. Trevion Williams was arrested in March of 2020 after a routine traffic stop in Chattooga County. A Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over the vehicle for defective tail and tag lights. While approaching the car, the deputy detected the smell…

Treasure troves of vintage finds at The Green Gardinia now moved to Rossville

Katie Glaze with the Green Gardinia joins News 12’s Amelia Greer as the store recently relocated and is striking up some great deals at a larger building. Find anything from antiques to vintage furniture just off I-75! ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) – Treasure troves full of wonder has relocated to Rossville, Ga. to provide more space for beautiful antiques! The Green…

Meet your favorite Disney character at Boo in the Zoo

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Spooky season is right around the corner, and the Chattanooga Zoo is inviting families to celebrate with Boo at the Zoo. Boo at the Zoo is an annual family-friendly event hosted by the Chattanooga Zoo for the entire community. Children will have the chance to dress up in their favorite costumes and meet beloved Disney characters….

Pikeville faces trouble after tests revealed contamination

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) – The City of Pikeville is facing serious trouble with state environmental officials after new water quality tests revealed contamination in the Sequatchie River. News 12 took a drive down to show what has been going on. In the video, viewers can see part of the Sequatchie River. At first glance it may look like a calm…

RPA approves version of Plan Hamilton passed by Hamilton County Commission

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Monday was the climax for a controversial growth plan in Hamilton County. Plan Hamilton has been a lightning rod of debate over how the county’s future should look. Last month, the Hamilton County Commission voted to approve a version of Plan Hamilton proposed by Commissioner Lee Helton 6 to 5. He said this was after a compromise…

What’s Right With Our Schools Cleveland High School Welding Grant

CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) – In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, careers in the trades are looking more attractive than ever. The American Welding Society Foundation recently awarded Cleveland High School with a grant of nearly $50,000. That money will support the continued growth and success of the school’s Welding Technology program.  That’s a sturdy example of “What’s Right With Our Schools”….

Pet of the Week: Zeke

Meet News 12’s Pet of the Week, Zeke! Zeke is 12-years-old but still feels and acts like a young buck! He’s got a toothy grin, great ears, and affectionate personality. The Humane Educational Society (HES) says he’s well mannered and quite in his foster home. Zeke loves to relax, but also enjoys sniffing around, taking walks, and to play. If…

Trial delayed for ex-Chattanooga cop charged with murder

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An ex-Chattanooga cop charged with the murder of a woman in November 2023 was back in court Monday morning. Lawrence Goodine is charged with first degree murder among other charges in the death of Kara Akins. Evidence shown at Goodine’s preliminary hearing showed a man identified as Goodine dragging Akins into a home as she begged him…