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Lorrie Morgan headlines this weekend's National Cornbread Festival
SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tennessee (WDEF) - The organizers of the National Cornbread Festival have posted their musical lineups for this coming weekend. The Festival runs from Friday through Sunday in South Pittsburg. The headliner will be country music singer Lorrie Morgan. She…
Bradley Central Downs Ooltewah 9-6
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) In a key district baseball match-up on Monday, Bradley Central won game one of their series against Ooltewah 9-6. The two clubs entered the contest in a three-way tie for first in their district. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="4957a733702257be1b4ff26f9d50185603bcf9fe" vtitle="Bradley…
Weather Update: Tuesday April 21, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly clear. Chilly. Dry. Lows: low/mid 40's. Winds: L&V. Monday: Mostly sunny, warm.Highs: low 80's. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Partly cloudy, mild. Lows: low / mid 50's. Winds: SW…
Auburn Starting $323 Million Renovation to Jordan Hare Stadium
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn is moving forward with the largest capital project in program history. The school’s board of trustees granted final approval Friday for a multipurpose facility and a plaza space to be built at the north end of…
Braves Win Sixth Straight With 9-4 Victory Over Washington
WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Olson had three RBIs, Bryce Elder struck out six in 6 2/3 innings and the Atlanta Braves won their sixth straight game with a 9-4 victory over the Washington Nationals on Monday night. Drake Baldwin added…
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…
Vols Basketball Adds VCU Transfer Terrence Hill Jr
(utsports.com)– University of Tennessee head men's basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Monday the addition of Terrence Hill Jr. A 2025-26 First Team All-A-10 choice at VCU, Hill comes to Rocky Top as a junior guard with two years of eligibility left. "Terrence comes…
Lookouts Welcomed 39,000 Fans During Inaugural Home Series at New Erlanger Park
(press release) - The Chattanooga Lookouts today announced the successful completion of the team’s first-ever homestand at Erlanger Park, highlighted by three sell-outs and an average crowd of 6,500 fans per game. Across six games, Lookouts fans packed Erlanger Park and…
City High Class of 1976 reunion
The City High class of 1976 will be having their 50th Class Reunion on June 19 and 20, 2026. They will meet at ALOFT Hotel Bar on June 19, 2026 and will have a dinner and dance at the Mariott…
Creatives dress up rubber ducks in Collegedale contest
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- 24 contestants are trying to waddle to victory…
Retired Fire Chief Joe Knowles passes away at 93
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD) has shared that Retired Fire Chief Joe Knowles has passed away at the age of 93. Chief Knowles passed on April 20, 2026. Chief Knowles became Chattanooga’s fire chief in 1976…
Planned fight escalates to shooting that kills 2 at North Carolina park, authorities say
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - A planned fight among young people escalated into a mass shooting at a North Carolina park Monday morning that left two people dead, authorities said. The shooting happened around 10 a.m. at Leinbach Park, which is…
Man charged with DUI, child neglect after a child was found unrestrained in his car following a police chase
A DUI chase and arrest from over the weekend included the twist of having a small child involved. Chattanooga police say they got a call about a vehicle running red lights and speeding downtown with the child. Police chased the vehicle along north Holtzclaw until they got him stopped on East Third Street. They found an unrestrained two-year-old in the vehicle with the driver. Police say Pascual Mendez admitted he was drunk. They say he tested more than double the legal driving limit. Mendez faces charges of DUI, reckless endangerment…
Pet of the Week: Hyde!
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Join us at Prime News at 7 to meet this week's Pet of the Week: Hyde! Hyde is a 3-month-old mixed breed pup looking for his forever home! He is the last of his litter of…
Singer D4vd charged with murder of girl, 14, found dismembered in his car
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Singer D4vd has been charged with murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered and decomposed body was found in September in his apparently abandoned…
Chattanooga holds two of the worst bottlenecks for trucks in the country
Chattanooga still has two of the worst bottlenecks in the country for trucks. The American Transportation Research Institute makes the list every year of the worst 100 places for 18-wheelers. The I-75 and I-24 merge places 30th on their list for…
Neighbors recall "full-blown shootout" after father targets children in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana
Neighbors who witnessed the aftermath of the massacre of eight children in Shreveport, Louisiana are describing the "chaos" they heard and saw as a father fatally shot seven of his own children and one of their cousins…
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…
Creatives dress up rubber ducks in Collegedale contest
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- 24 contestants are trying to waddle to victory…
Mayor Wamp responds to concerns regarding incubator move
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is defending the move of the Small Business Incubator Center on the northshore to a new Future Ready Center downtown.…
Deputy Faulkner laid to rest after procession and celebration of life
The procession carrying Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Landon Faulkner to be laid to rest at the Sequatchie County Memorial Gardens proceeding underneath an American flag held up by Dunlap and Signal Mountain firefighters on Rankin Avenue…
Local labor unions continue to voice opposition to data centers in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local labor unions say they are concerned about recent investments in AI data centers. The unions, organizing as Jobs with Justice East Tennessee, say they…
County defers vote on property near Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The advocacy group for Enterprise South Nature…
Fugitive arrested after fleeing Hamilton County trial over aggravated statutory rape
A U.S. Marshals Service task force in Nashville has arrested a fugitive convicted of aggravated statutory rape, after he fled during his trial in Hamilton County. James Harold Tolliver, 67, was on trial for…
Mayor Wamp announces small business incubator to share Gateway Building with Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Institute
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, you heard from several small business owners concerned about the potential closure of the Small Business Incubator on the Chattanooga northshore. On Wednesday, we learned the Franklin-Roberts Future…
Three new fire trucks unveiled for Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Highway 58…
Erlanger Park spillover causes parking headaches on South Broad
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Opening day of Erlanger Park was a sold out success. However, the parking situation brought a challenge for some southside businesses. Social Media…
Early Voting Begins in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Early voting in Tennessee began today. Early extends until April the thirtieth, and the voter registration period has already passed. After Early voting, the official primary election…
What's Right With Our Schools: Eastgate Library Young Authors
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Being a good writer is a great skill to have. But you need to work at it. Third through 8th grade students are…
Judge questions speed of proceedings in Rick Davis case
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Former jewelry dealer and pawn shop owner Rick Davis made…
Winn Smiles holds free dental clinic
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Dental care is something that many take for granted. With rising costs of living, personal health is something that quite a few Americans have put on the back burner. Dr. Brad Winn, dentist and owner of…
Trial in 2023 Chattanooga murder case delayed again
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…
Multi-vehicle crash shuts down Highway 111 overnight in Sequatchie County, HCSO vehicle involved
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A crash on Highway 111 in Sequatchie County has shut down that highway. News 12…
Celebration of life held for Stroud Watson, whose vision shaped downtown Chattanooga
[blox_vms account="WDEF" key="16fa6609e8e0607272565b53aabf461e3c479f2d" vtitle="Celebration of…
Launch Pad set to place free narcan box in Miller Park to combat overdoses
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-…
What's Right With Our Schools: Celebrating Dr. Ware at Howard
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Dr. LeAndrea Ware's time at Howard is coming to an end. She has accepted a leadership role with the Boys and Girls…
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…
Bradley County Sheriff's Office Partners with Blood Assurance for Blood Drive
The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) says they are partnering with Blood Assurance to hold a blood drive. The blood drive will take place Monday, February 9, 2026 from 12 to 4…
Aggravated Domestic Assault Suspect Caught with Drone Assistance
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- An individual has been apprehended following an aggravated domestic assault incident in Cleveland, according to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). At approximately 5:50 a.m., deputies responded to a residence on Bent Tree Drive North West. BCSO…
Cleveland to utilize school bus cameras with AI to deter stop sign violators
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Getting kids to and from school everyday is a top priority for school districts.…
5 Vehicles Involved in Crash that Shut Down I-75 in Bradley County
BRADLEY COUNTY -- Five vehicles were involved in a crash on I-75 at mile marker 24 in Bradley County, which temporarily shut down the roadway. One person was extracted and transported to a local hospital with non life threatening…
Battle continues over proposed Bradley County emergency room
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The debate over a proposed new emergency room in Cleveland is continuing to heat up. Despite there being over 110,000 people in Bradley County, the…
Vitruvian Health petitioning against new Cleveland Parkridge emergency room
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A battle is brewing in Bradley County over a proposed new hospital. Vitruvian Health, who operates the Bradley Medical Center, has posted a petition opposing Parkridge's plans to open a freestanding emergency room in Cleveland. They argue…
State no longer pursuing Bradley County site for mental institution
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- For months, the state of Tennessee has been searching for a replacement for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. (more…)
Bradley County Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Eric Wayne Helton, owner of the Aquatic Den, has pled guilty to tax evasion after an investigation by The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Helton's charges stem from his failure to remit collected…
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…
Spill from commercial motor vehicle causes lane closures on Highway 201 at I-75 exit 341
Lanes are closed at Highway 201 at I-75 (341 exit) due to a large spill from a commercial motor vehicle, according to the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO). They say a temporary…
Golden Apple Award: Ashley Lyons, Westside Middle
ROCKY FACE, GA (WDEF) - The best teachers truly care about their students. That certainly describes Ashley Lyons. Her students at Westside Middle have a friend and mentor for…
Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?
14th DISTRICT, Ga. (WDEF) -- On January 20, the Walker County Republican Party held a meet and greet for the Republican candidates vying for the open 14th Congressional District seat in Georgia. There are 22 candidates who have qualified for…
Driver in custody following foot chase
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) says they are on scene in the area of Eugenia Drive and Zell Drive regarding a foot chase. They say deputies stopped a black passenger car and…
Dalton man arrested for child molestation, aggravated sodomy
A Dalton man has been arrested on multiple charges, including child molestation, according to the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO). On February 19th, 2026, Whitfield County Sheriff's Office detectives served a warrant…
What's Right With Our Schools: NWGA College and Career Academy
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - The Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy is continuing its mission to develop a 21st century workforce. They do that through focused…
Whitfield Co. Sheriff's Office Receives “Adventure Bags” to Support Children in Crisis
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) says they have been the recipient of "adventure bags" that are able to help children in crisis. They say this is a resource…
Golden Apple Award: Janet Robbins, Northwest Whitfield
TUNNEL HILL, GEORGIA (WDEF) - Janet Robbins has a knack for growing things. From the endless rows of flora lining the Northwest Whitfield greenhouse to the young minds inside…
What's Right With Our Schools Northwest Whitfield AG Program
TUNNEL HILL, GA (WDEF) - Traditional classrooms are great places to learn, but sometimes students need to get their hands dirty. That's exactly what happens at the…
Whitfield County Drug Bust Leads to One Arrest
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest following a drug bust. Eric Underwood was arrested and charged with the following: • Trafficking in Methamphetamine • Trafficking in…
Theft Ring Disrupted in Whitfield County Possibly Linked to Multiple States
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- A theft ring has been disrupted in Whitfield County following the discovery of $4,000 of merchandise in a vehicle. On Monday, February 2nd, 2026, deputies with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office made arrests involving shoplifting at…
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office to Host Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Course
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) has shared they are hosting a free Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Course (CRASE). They say the CRASE training will cover: *…
