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Darth Vader's lightsaber sells at auction for over $3.6 million
A lightsaber Darth Vader used in the Star Wars films "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" sold at auction Thursday…
Veryan Rotational Atherectomy System
This week on Tech Byte, we visit the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga with my friend, Doctor Chris LeSar. We're going to look at Veryan Medical's newest Veryan Rotational Atherectomy…
The Chattanooga community shall overcome with an invitation for the "Community Sing"
Vincent Oakes and Sawyer Kennedy join News 12's Amelia Greer as the Chattanooga Boys Choir gets ready to host a special community event next Tuesday, Sept. 9. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -…
Titans Quarterback Cam Ward Prepares For NFL Debut
It's showtime for Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward. He makes his NFL debut Sunday against Denver. Titans coach Brian Callahan said we don't need him to be super-human. Ward plans to keep it super-simple. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="4216974b7376440161fd482054be3b7a350c77d1" vtitle="Titans QB Cam…
Chatt Prep Defeats Hixson 33-26
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Chatt Prep and Hixson were each searching for their first win of the season on Thursday night, and it was Chatt Prep holding on for a tight, 33-26 victory.
NCAA Committee Recommends Eliminating Spring Transfer Portal
The NCAA’s FBS Oversight Committee has recommended eliminating the spring transfer window and having just a 10-day window starting on Jan. 2. The committee is also proposing that December be a recruiting dead period. Coaches would still be able to…
Former Georgia Star Jalen Carter Tossed From Eagles-Cowboys Game For Spitting on Dak Prescott
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected moments after a pregame Super Bowl championship celebration for spitting on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott. Carter was tossed six seconds into Thursday night’s NFL season opener for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Eagles were hit…
Austin Hendrick With 5 RBI's as Lookouts Beat the Barons 9-5
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Austin Hendrick collected 5 RBI's in the Chattanooga Lookouts 9-5 win over Birmingham on Thursday at AT&T Field. Chattanooga took the field in their alternate uniforms as the Chattanooga Wreckers. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="1ba1c0a679796406001d3d0b04e27f3efabac65b" vtitle="Austin Hendrick With 5 RBI's in…
Farmer Claims Giant Eagles Are Carrying Away His Ponies
A Scottish farmer believes sea eagles are responsible for the disappearance of several of his Shetland pony foals. Donald John Cameron, who runs an agritourism business with partner Lindsay Robertson on the island of South Uist, says five of his…
Canadians Embark On $1 Million Treasure Hunt Across The Country
The Northern Miner trade journal has hidden $1 million worth of gold coins and smaller caches across Canada in the Great Canadian Treasure Hunt. The grand prize features 217 one-ounce gold coins, while 12 smaller caches are worth $25,000 each.…
UK Nightclub Lets Visitors Bring Their Own Booze
A Manchester nightclub will allow customers to bring their own alcohol starting September 19th. XLR owner Chris Hindle said the move addresses the current "hospitality crisis" and helps "get people back into clubs again." The Withington venue requires customers follow…
Surgeon Gets Jail Time After Amputation Of Own Legs
A former NHS surgeon received a two-year, eight-month prison sentence for insurance fraud and possessing extreme pornography. Neil Hopper, 49, from Truro, Cornwall, deliberately froze his legs with ice and dry ice in 2019, forcing their amputation. He then falsely…
Barefoot Woman Breaks Record For Running Across Lego Bricks
A New Zealand woman set a Guinness World Record by running barefoot across Lego bricks in 24.75 seconds. Gabrielle Wall completed the 100-meter sprint over loose Lego pieces in Christchurch. The 328-foot track contained 661 pounds of Lego bricks donated…
The Police’s Andy Summers Launches ‘Global Guitar’ Docuseries
Guitarist Andy Summers, best known from The Police, is launching an eight-part docuseries called Global Guitar. The unscripted series follows Summers as he travels worldwide to explore how different cultures embrace the guitar. Summers described the project as deeply personal,…
Entertainment Tidbits
Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather will face each other in an exhibition bout planned for spring 2026. The fight was confirmed by Tyson, who is 59, in a statement shared with TMZ. “I still can’t believe Floyd wants to really…
50 Cent To Produce And Host True Crime Series For Fox Nation
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will host and executive produce a new true crime series for Fox Nation. The six-part program, titled 50 Ways To Catch A Killer, will debut on the Fox News streaming platform September 16th. According to Fox,…
Hundreds Of Classic ‘Sesame Street’ Episodes To Hit YouTube In New Deal
YouTube will soon host the largest digital library of Sesame Street content under a new deal with Sesame Workshop. The agreement will bring hundreds of classic episodes to the platform starting in January 2026. The nonprofit will also create new…
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Collection Breaks Records, Sells Out After Controversial Campaign
American Eagle has reported record-breaking sales following the July 23rd launch of Sydney Sweeney’s denim collaboration. The retailer says men’s and women’s denim sales rose by double digits in the weeks after the campaign. The Sydney Jacket sold out in…
Sheriff Austin Garrett announces re-election bid for 2026
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett has announced his campaign for re-election. The announcement came on the morning of September 4, 2025. “Serving as…
Collegedale's city manager resigns during commission meeting
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- The city of Collegedale is experiencing a sudden change in leadership. (more…)
Federal judge dismisses inmate death lawsuit against Hamilton County and former sheriff
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the estate of a former inmate against Hamilton County and its former sheriff. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, U.S. District Court…
Shipley clarifies stance on commissioner travel fund controversy
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Hamilton County commissioner who was angry over a report of inappropriate travel reimbursements issued an apology Wednesday morning. (more…)
Hamilton County Commission announces leadership changes
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission has made some leadership changes. (more…)
Aquarium pump sparks small fire in Lakesite home
LAKESITE, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Dallas Bay fire crews put out a fire caused by an aquarium filter pump Wednesday morning. On September 3, 2025, at 10:29 a.m., crews…
Traffic stop leads to arrest in major electric grid vandalism case
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A traffic stop helped close a major investigation into critical infrastructure vandalism and theft in our region. On August 31,…
Volkswagen announces the furloughs of 160 employees
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For the second time in a year, Volkswagen is scaling back the production of the electric vehicle made in Chattanooga. (more…)
Mayor Wamp launches re-election bid alongside Blackburn, other Tennessee Republicans
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The 2026 campaign is off to a start as Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp formally announced his reelection campaign at the Wamp…
Parents upset with school board over Centerstone decision
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing from parents upset with a recent decision by the Hamilton County School Board to discontinue a partnership with Centerstone Mental Health.…
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office investigating in-custody death
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is investigating an in-custody death at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, HCSO corrections deputies were made aware of an inmate, Matthew Vandergriff,…
YMCA Steps Up for Hunger Action Month
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- September is Hunger Action Month, and organizations across the community are stepping up. The YMCA says they want to make an impact in the community.…
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office investigating fatal Middle Valley Road crash
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is investigating a fatal crash off of Middle Valley Road. On August 28, 2025, at 2:45 p.m., HCSO deputies responded to the 7000 block…
Two arrested in Market Street shooting that left 15 year old injured
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Two people have been arrested following the shooting Thursday that occurred on the 2800 block of Market Street. (more…)
Signal Mountain mayor blasts Hamilton County Commission over Plan Hamilton vote
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- The mayor of Signal Mountain had some choice words for Hamilton County Commissioners this week. (more…)
Chattanooga Firefighters Rescue Kitten from Fire at Homeless Camp
(From: Chattanooga Fire Department) CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Here's a Friday feel-good story for you, courtesy of the Chattanooga Fire Department. (more…)
The Howard vs. Brainerd Football Game is Cancelled This Year
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - High School football in our area is in full swing, but just a reminder: there is one game that will not be…
2 Charged with Child Abuse after 3-year-old Dies; 1-year-old Badly Injured
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Chattanooga Police have arrested two people, after a 3-year-old drowned at an apartment on Wilson Street yesterday morning. 21-year-old Janecia McKevie and a 17-year-old boy are both charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault and two…
Cybercriminal group at center of campus shooting hoaxes, including here in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Who called in that false shooting call one week ago Thursday that disrupted life at UTC? (more…)
City Adds New, Cleaner Trucks With Help From Dolly
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) -- Chattanooga added some new vehicles to its Public Works fleet. The Department of Public Works announced today the deployment of recycling and garbage trucks powered by Compressed…
Fire crews battle house fire on Brentwood Drive in Athens
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Athens Fire Department (AFD) worked a structure fire Monday afternoon. At 3:24 p.m., August 25, 2025, AFD responded to the fire on Brentwood Drive. Upon arrival, crews found the back…
Bradley County EMS assists with overturned truck on North Lee Highway
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A driver caught a lucky break after an accident on North Lee Highway Tuesday morning. On August 19, 2025, Bradley…
Judge tells Liner not to stall over attorney situation in murder case
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Bradley County judge is warning a man charged with the murder of his ex-wife against stalling future proceedings. (more…)
What's Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High Aviation Grant
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) -- TDOT has awarded $22,000 to Cleveland High School's Aviation Program. The money will go be used to prepare future pilots, engineers and aerospace…
Man arrested in Bradley County after authorities uncover large-scale money scam ring
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A man was arrested after authorities uncovered a large-scale money scam ring that was targeting a vulnerable resident. According to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO), the victim involved…
Wacker confirms 90 layoffs at Bradley County facility
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Officials at the Wacker Chemical Corporation have put a number on the layoffs coming to their plant in Charleston. Last week, the…
Florida woman charged after crash kills her two children in Bradley County
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Florida woman was arrested in Bradley County after a crash killed her son and daughter. On Monday, July 14, 2025, around 11:00 a.m., a Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP)…
What's Right With Our Schools: STEM Summer Camp
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Museum Center at 5Points turned up the energy for local students. Last week, rising fifth through seventh graders dove into hands-on learning at…
TBI agents investigating officer involved shooting in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) special agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Cleveland. On Sunday June 29, 2025, at 11:23 p.m., a…
Firework shows happening across the News 12 viewing area
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The fourth of July is a week from today, and we've compiled a list of firework shows happening around our area. The list is by date, here are the following shows…
Liner says he cannot pay for attorney as murder trial date is set
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Cleveland man charged with the…
Crews battle large blaze near Resolute Products facility in Calhoun
CALHOUN, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Late Monday night, the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) responded to a major fire in Calhoun. The fire broke out near the Resolute…
Liner appears in court on murder for hire plot
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Cleveland man charged in the murder of his ex-wife was back in court. (more…)
Cleveland Fire Department responds to early morning house fire
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Cleveland Fire Department (CFD) responded to a residential fire early Friday morning. Crews were dispatched to the residence on Truck Street NE.…
Bradley Central High School student dies after car accident
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Bradley Central High School student died Saturday after being involved in a car accident. 16-year-old Brodie King fought for his life…
Bradley County man arrested after deputies find drugs during welfare check
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A welfare check turned into an arrest after a man was found unconscious with drug paraphernalia nearby. On May 21,…
Bradley County authorities investigating report of missing mother and two daughters
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating the disappearance of a mother and her two daughters. The three were last seen on Friday, May 9, 2025. According to BCSO, 35-year-old Jhovana Short,…
Cleveland man accused of wife’s murder now charged in murder-for-hire plot
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- There is a new charge tonight against Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of killing his wife, Karen. News 12 obtained…
What's Right With Our Schools: Ivy League Graduates
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Cleveland High School continues to excel both in and out of the classroom. This year, two graduating seniors are taking their achievements to the…
Suspect arrested after attempted vehicle theft at Bradley County golf course
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A quick response from Bradley County deputies led to the arrest of a suspect following a series of suspicious events at a local golf course. Deputies from the Bradley County…
Dalton Police searching for suspect who used counterfeit money at local store
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Dalton Police Department (DPD) is reaching out to the public in hopes of identifying a suspect who allegedly used counterfeit money to make a purchase. On Friday, August 22, 2025, shortly before 7:00…
Whitfield County authorities make arrest in New Zion Hill Road murder
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A man was arrested in connection to a murder on New Zion Hill Road. In the evening hours of August 19, 2025, deputies with the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office…
Whitfield County authorities arrest suspect in connection with armed robbery at Dixie Corner
UPDATE (8/5/2025): Authorities in Whitfield County have made an arrest in regard to the armed robbery Tuesday morning. Whitfield…
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office donates hundreds of backpacks
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office gave back to their community on Friday. Whitfield County Sheriff Darren Pierce wants the community to know that…
Early morning fire destroys vacant Dalton home, fire officials say
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- Crews with the Dalton Fire Department (DFD) responded to a house fire on Fairview Drive early Wednesday morning. DFD arrived at 500…
Whitfield County authorities arrest known gang member following major drug bust
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) uncovered, what they're calling, one of the largest drug busts in Whitfield County history.…
Fire crews knock down fire at Cohutta Dollar General
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) -- Fire crews responded Monday to a working fire at the Dollar General located at 4525 Cleveland Highway. Crews were able to bring the fire under control after confirming the primary search of the building…
Cohutta Police Department searching for driver in Apison Road hit-and-run
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) -- Police are asking for help identifying the driver of a truck involved in a hit-and-run crash early Saturday morning. The incident happened between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m. on June 29, 2025…
Dalton police searching for person suspected of stealing tools from Christian Heritage School
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Dalton Police Department (DPD) is asking the public for help in identifying a man who stole tools from Christian Heritage School. Surveillance cameras first captured the suspect at 2:00 a.m., June 8, 2025. He…
Whitfield County authorities searching for wanted man
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted on multiple felony charges. WCSO says Dallas Brendel is facing several serious…
One dead in multi-vehicle crash on I-75 northbound in Whitfield County
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A woman from Dalton was killed in a two-vehicle crash early Friday morning on I-75 northbound. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) said troopers responded around 6:44 a.m. on June 20, 2025 to the crash near…
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. (more…)
GBI investigates deadly officer-involved shooting in Dalton
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- Authorities in Whitfield County are investigating an officer involved shooting in Dalton. At 10:40 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, detectives with the Dalton Police…
Authorities in Cohutta searching for wanted offender
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) -- Authorities in Cohutta are searching for a woman who is facing several charges. Natasha Reynolds is wanted for littering/dumping in a local park, giving false information,…
Ximena Arias-Cristobal granted bond in deportation case
UPDATE: We spoke with Arias-Cristobal's lawyer, Dustin Baxter, who says that the judge instantly saw that Arias-Cristobal was deserving of this bond…
Internet outage delays Dalton teen's deportation bond hearing
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- A Dalton teen who police say was wrongly arrested a few weeks ago was supposed to face her deportation hearing Tuesday. (more…)
Community members frustrated with Dalton Police following mistaken arrest that could get college student deported
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- 19 year old Xiamena Aries-Cristobal was arrested last week in Dalton. (more…)
Dalton woman mistakenly pulled over, charges dropped, still in ICE custody
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- Traffic charges against Ximena Arias-Cristobal have been dismissed after dash cam footage revealed she was mistakenly pulled over during a traffic stop earlier this month. The incident occurred on May 5, 2025, when Arias-Cristobal…
Calhoun officer shot at during domestic call at Buc-ee’s, turns into deadly vehicle pursuit
UPDATE (4/17/2025): The suspect involved in a vehicle pursuit in Whitfield County early Thursday morning is believed to have also shot at officers at the Bucee's in Calhoun. Officers with the Calhoun Police Department…
Golden Apple Award: Deborah Baker, Dalton High School
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Deborah Baker has dedicated her long teacher career making a difference in the lives of her students. She challenges them and equips them with…
