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Where is Diane Cannon?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- June 9, 2026 marks 44 years since Diane Cannon disappeared. She was last seen leaving her mother's house in the 1300 block of E 17th Street to visit friends, and no one has heard from her…
Lawyer stresses self-defense in closing remarks at trial of Texas teen’s fatal stabbing
MCKINNEY, Texas (AP) — A lawyer for a Texas teen charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a high school athlete emphasized self-defense Tuesday, telling jurors that the tragedy at a track meet was linked…
Man faces federal charges in shooting of teen aboard MARTA in Midtown Atlanta, DOJ says
A man accused of shooting a 17-year-old aboard a MARTA train in Midtown Atlanta last week is now facing federal charges, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday. Anthony Tyrone Gresham, 42, of Lithia Springs, was charged by criminal complaint on…
Alligator attacks DWI suspect who was fleeing police, Louisiana authorities say
A man suspected of driving while impaired was attacked by an alligator after attempting to flee police in Louisiana, local and state authorities said. Victor Rivas, 40, struck a concrete barrier and blew out…
Rob Reiner’s son Nick seeks money from trust parents left him for his defense in their killings
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rob Reiner’s son Nick Reiner is seeking unpaid money from a trust his parents established for him, saying he needs it to help in his defense against charges that he killed them. A petition filed by the 32-year-old Nick Reiner’s civil attorneys…
Dogs help uncover record amount of drugs hidden in lumber in Chile: "Historic seizure"
Chilean authorities on Monday announced a record seizure…
Local record store to celebrate anniversary with a special charity event
Owner Marlo White joins News 12's Amelia Greer as his record store celebrates a milestone anniversary this weekend. To give back to the community that's supported him, the store is hosting…
Weather Update: Tuesday June 9, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Lows: high 60's to near 70. Winds: Near Calm. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Warm. Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs: mid 80's. Winds: S @ 5…
Senate Candidate Mike Collins speaks with Whitfield County ahead of runoff
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) - Representative Mike Collins joined State Representative Clay Fuller in Dalton to speak with voters in Whitfield County ahead of the upcoming…
New piece of public art is on display in Ringgold
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) - A new piece of public art is now on display in downtown Ringgold. The 19 foot stainless steel sculpture, "Threaded," has been…
Cancer Care Ministry hosted its 39th National Cancer Survivors Day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Held in partnership with Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, Cancer Care Ministry hosted its 39th National Cancer Survivors Day. The celebration recognized…
Locally produced film Set Free makes its premiere at the Colonnade
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A locally produced film is receiving praise after making its premiere over the weekend in Ringgold. Hundreds of people gathered at…
Falcons Quarterback Michael Penix Jr on Track With Recovery From Knee Injury
Atlanta Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski says quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is hitting every milestone in his post-ACL surgery rehab. Penix Jr. missed organized team activities with a scheduled rest day on Monday. Stefanski didn’t have an exact timetable for Penix’s…
Judge Clears Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to Play Despite Ban by NCAA For Gambling
A Texas judge granted Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction that clears the way for him to play this fall despite being declared ineligible by the NCAA for wagering on college sports, including bets made on his own team while…
What's Right With Our Schools: Whitfield County Financial Planning
WHITFIELD COUNTY, GA (WDEF) - Understanding money, and how to make it work for you, is a key to success in life. Students in Whitfield County are…
Rock City official responds to proposed Gondola concerns
A Rock City official is responding to concerns about a proposed gondola on Lookout Mountain. Some residents worry the project could cause long-term impacts to safety, traffic, and privacy. They're also skeptical about whether or not the gondola will help…
Baylor soccer players, coach say hosting Spain is a dream come true
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- "I'm going to be able to tell my friends, 'Yeah I shared a locker with somebody from the Spanish national team…
Mayor Wamp shares story of daughter getting surprise autograph from Lamine Yamal during arrival in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says a special moment happened for one of his daughters during Spain’s arrival…
City clarifies planned budget cuts for Artsbuild
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The city of Chattanooga is clarifying the reason behind a reduction in the allocation for the non-profit Artsbuild in the 2027 Fiscal Year budget. Artsbuild,…
TVFCU Celebrates 90th birthday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union celebrated a milestone Friday. TVFCU and the Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at the credit union’s downtown headquarters to celebrate the…
Scenic City Summit brings together tech enthusiasts and professionals
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Today over 100 tech enthusiasts, developers, hobbyists, industry leaders, and scripters all came together in one place. It’s called the Scenic City Summit.…
Lavender Farm Opens on Flat Top Mountain
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) There’s a new attraction open on Flat Top Mountain. Up in Soddy-Daisy, Flat Top Mountain Farms made their lavender field available for the public. You can…
Doctor involved in fatal 2023 crash testifies as new video of northshore crash shown in Randy Vega trial
Screenshot from the dashcam of Dr. Patrick McGinty moments before a fatal crash on…
Surviving victim testifies on opening day of Randy Vega trial
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-…
Depression among Hamilton County teens on the rise
Content warning: The topic of suicide is discussed in this story. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The state of the mental health of Hamilton County teenagers was discussed at this month’s Hamilton…
Women in Travel summit held in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- "These are very well traveled people. They've been to a lot of different places and it takes a lot to surprise them." Hundreds of travel content creators and influencers…
Chattanooga officers wrangle escaped donkeys
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Police and Sheriff's deputies thwarted an equestrian escape earlier this week. A pair of donkeys were spotted by a 911 caller roaming along the area of Morris…
Mayor Wamp discusses Hamilton Counted report
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- How is Hamilton County doing on key issues? New data released is painting that picture. Hamilton Counted is an initiative that tracks various issues across the county…
Lookouts partnering with Tivoli Foundation to bring concerts to Erlanger Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Take me out to the… concert. That’s what many Chattanoogans might soon be singing in relation to Chattanooga’s newest venue. The Chattanooga Lookouts made a joint announcement…
McKamey Animal Center is far over capacity, asking for the public's help
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- McKamey Animal Shelter is facing a crisis. The Animal Shelter currently has over 600 animals within its walls, which is far more than they can handle alone. McKamey is asking for volunteers, foster carers, and people…
EPB says they're prepared for coming storms
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As storms are expected to continue this week, power outages could still happen. EPB says they’re prepared for anything that comes. With the ground saturated with water, trees could easily fall and disrupt power lines EPB…
Mayor Wamp unveils FY 2027 budget for Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the end of the fiscal year coming soon, Hamilton County must adopt a new budget. Mayor Weston Wamp unveiled his proposal Wednesday afternoon. The mayor’s budget…
Erlanger breaks ground on East expansion
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A groundbreaking took place Wednesday at Erlanger’s East Campus on Gunbarrel Road. The new facility will feature an expanded patient tower, allowing for extra beds. Patient rooms will be upgraded with viewscreens so that patients are…
First Baptist Cleveland donates 500 Bibles to Bradley County Jail
First Baptist Cleveland has donated 500 Bibles to the Bradley County Jail. The Bradley County Sheriff's Office says this gift will provide hope, encouragement, guidance, and spiritual support to many individuals as…
Bradley County Jail receives TCI certification
BRADLEY COUNTY -- The Bradley County Jail has received its Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) certification following inspection on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The Bradley County Sheriff's Office says the inspection revealed no findings at the facility, and as a result,…
Traffic at a standstill southbound in Bradley County due to crash
BRADLEY COUNTY -- All lanes are blocked on I-75 southbound in Bradley County due to a multi-vehicle crash near mile marker 19.4, according to TDOT. We are working to learn more.
TOSHA investigating Amaero plant explosion, experts say this is reminder of dangers of lithium batteries.
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A state agency says they are beginning their investigation into an explosion at a Bradley County plant Wednesday . TOSHA says they began that investigation Thursday morning after two people suffered severe burns from a lithium battery…
Craig Liner pleads guilty to 2025 murder of ex-wife
UPDATE: Craig Liner has pleaded guilty of the 2025 killing of his ex-wife Karen Liner and has been sentenced to life in prison. Liner…
What's Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High Best Buddy Program
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - A new organization at Cleveland High School got off to a strong star this year. The Best Buddies Club is a student…
BCSO warns of scam claiming individuals owe money for traffic offense
BRADLEY COUNTY -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is warning locals of a scam involving claims that individuals owe money for a traffic offense. They say message may include what looks like an official court document and it…
Multi-vehicle wreck causing major backups in Bradley County near MM 19
Traffic is moving extremely slow due to a multi-vehicle crash on I-75 southbound near Mile Marker 19 in Bradley County. TDOT says the southbound left lane (of 2 lanes) blocked, left shoulder blocked. Delays are expected.
Bradley County passes strict new regulations against data centers
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- "Because I care much about this child and what you guys are voting, (me speaking is for) this gal right here." Tyler Ownby, holding…
Rumored data center sparks concerns in Bradley County
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Data centers have continued to stir debate all across the country. Now, numerous residents say they are nervous that one could be coming to…
Golden Apple Award: Madison Limburg, Walker Valley High
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - Madison Limburg is a proven teacher at Walker Valley High. Her course load incudes English Language Arts and Journalism. She has also served as…
Bradley Central High School teacher misconduct allegations prompts investigation
BRADLEY COUNTY -- An investigation is underway following allegations of misconduct by a Bradley Central High School teacher. Bradley County Schools says they became aware of allegations of serious misconduct involving…
Identity sought for man stealing cameras from Bradley County property
BRADLEY COUNTY -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is seeking the identity of a man who they say was seen removing and taking the cameras from a property. They say On…
Atlanta area woman charged in Bradley County fraud scheme
BRADLEY COUNTY -- An Atlanta area woman has been charged after a Bradley County resident became the subject of fraud. According to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office, on April 3, 2026, a…
Golden Apple Award, Jordan Reeves, E.L. Ross Elementary
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - The best teachers make learning fun. Jordan Reeves has a gift for doing just that, and her students' test scores continue to climb, and…
Bradley Co. Sheriff's Office increasing traffic enforcement near schools, bus routes
The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) says it will be increasing traffic enforcement in issue-prone areas such as school zones and bus routes. "Speeding in these areas is dangerous and unacceptable. Drivers should slow down…
Golden Apple Award: Alexis Kaczor, Oak Grove Elementary
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - Did you ever have a teacher who made you love going to school. For students at Oak Grove Elementary, Alexis Kaczor is that teacher.…
Bradley County Sheriff's Office warns of scam involving social media groups
BRADLEY COUNTY -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is warning locals about a scam involving social media groups. The scam is about local social media groups involving an individual claiming to need assistance…
Parkridge to be allowed to build freestanding emergency room in Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A few months ago, the Parkridge Health System announced their intentions to build a new freestanding emergency room in Cleveland. However, they faced…
Bradley County Sheriff's Office Warns of Local Scam
BRADLEY COUNTY -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is warning locals about a circulating scam that could affect individuals. The BCSO says they have received an increase in reports of scam calls where…
What's Right With Our Schools: Whitfield County Financial Planning
WHITFIELD COUNTY, GA (WDEF) - Understanding money, and how to make it work for you, is a key to success in life. Students in Whitfield County are…
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office warns of scam involving incarcerated individuals
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is warning individuals about a scam involving recent arrest information and incarcerated individuals. They say they assume that scammers are now preying on recent arrest…
Three firefighters treated for heat exhaustion in battle with Dalton house fire
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Three firefighters were treated for apparent heat exhaustion in a Dalton fire Tuesday evening. Dalton firefighters say they responded to a home at…
Cohutta Town Council reinstates police department, tables decision on mayor's future
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Controlled underground blasting to take place off Old Tilton Road
Controlled underground blasting will take place today, Friday, May 1st, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for construction off Old Tilton Road, according to Whitfield County.
Mayor, police chief speak on resolution to Cohutta dispute
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF)- Has the controversial situation surrounding the small…
Community baby shower held in Dalton
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Mothers in the Dalton area got to relax a…
Mediation leads to resolution in Cohutta
We have an update on a controversy engulfing the Whitfield County town of Cohutta. According to a post from the Cohutta Police Department, there has been mediation in the matter…
Underground blasting to occur off Old Tilton Road
Controlled underground blasting will take place Monday, April 27th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for construction off Old Tilton Road, according to Whitfield County.
Whitfield County employees make take-home meals for senior citizens
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- On Tuesday, April 21st, Whitfield County employees volunteered with the Senior Center to assist with the preparation of take-home meals. They say a total of 31 grocery bags were filled, each…
Meth, marijuana, cash and scales seized in Rocky Face area investigation
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- Over 300 grams of Methamphetamine and over 750 grams of marijuana have been seized following an investigation in the Rocky Face area. According to the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office…
Dalton public safety board temporarily revokes license of establishment as manager questions process
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- What is the difference between…
What's Right With Our Schools, Valley Point STEM Night
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Families at Valley Point Middle School recently came together to solve a mystery. Students used the skills they learn each day to track…
UPDATE: Man in stable condition after wife shot him multiple times
UPDATE: On April 15, 2026 at around 9 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence after receiving a call from Jeffrey Perkins, who stated he had been shot multiple times by his wife, Rita Perkins,…
Golden Apple Award: Kassie Dockery, Park Creek Elementary
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Parents describe Kassie Dockery as a wonderful and dedicated teacher. Her students at Park Creek Elementary know that she will always be there for them.…
Whitfield Co. Sheriff's Office purchases Carter Kits
The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) has shared that they have purchased Carter Kits, which can be used to assist officers during calls involving children who have autism spectrum disorders. They say…
Fuller, Harris make joint appearance at Dalton town hall on forever chemicals
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Both candidates in the runoff election in north Georgia attended a…
Charges dropped in teen's in custody death in Whitfield County
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Indictments have been dismissed against five former employees of the Dalton Youth Detention Center in a teenager’s death. Attorneys for the family of Alexis Sluder say a Whitfield County judge dismissed those charges this week. Sluder had…
Chatsworth man convicted of child molestation, cyber sex crime
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- A Chatsworth man was convicted of two counts of child molestation and computer pornography on March 11, 2026. Barry Alexander Gordon, 40, was found guilty in 5 minutes by a Whitfield…
What's Right With Our Schools: GeorgiaFIRST Robotics Competition
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Creating a working robot requires a strong understanding of mathematics and mechanical engineering. Teams of local teenagers recently showed what the machines could do…
