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Supreme Court rejects appeal from Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal from longtime Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed who has sought to test crime-scene evidence that he says will help clear him. The justices left…
Weather Update: Monday March 23, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Monday: Partly sunny, not as warm. Highs: low 70's. Winds: N @ 5-15 MPH. Overnight: A few clouds. Dry. Chilly. Lows: mid/high 40's. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Tuesday: Cloud/Sun Mix. Cooler.…
Police find cocaine worth $12M on drug-smuggling boat off Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Authorities in Puerto Rico on Monday seized cocaine worth an estimated $12 million off the island’s north coast. A police statement said officers intercepted a 26-foot long (eight meter) boat without identification in waters off the…
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Fentanyl was found inside Barbie doll packages being sold at a discount store in Missouri, police said on Saturday. The Independence Police Department said in a social media post that they were contacted by security at Cargo Largo, a local discount store,…
Phase two of One Westside breaks ground
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The next phase of the Chattanooga Westside redevelopment broke…
36-year-old arrested on drug charges following traffic stop
SCOTTSBORO -- A 36-year-old man has been arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Scottsboro. On March 20, 2026, officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Elm St and…
Social worker killed in shooting at Georgia VA clinic remembered for love of helping others
Family and friends gathered over the weekend to honor the life of a Georgia Department of Veterans Affairs employee who…
Savannah Guthrie renews plea to Arizona community for clues in mother's disappearance
Savannah Guthrie is renewing pleas to neighbors, friends and residents of Tucson, Arizona, to jog their memories in the hopes of sparking new leads in the disappearance of her mother, Nancy.…
Chattanooga State names Dr. Karen Eastman Vice President of Academic Affairs
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Chattanooga State Community College has selected Dr. Karen Eastman its new Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Eastman joined ChattState in 2003 as an adjunct faculty member before becoming a…
No burning allowed on March 23 due to unfavorable conditions
No burning is allowed on March 23, 2026 due to dry and windy conditions, according to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau. Burning in these conditions could cause blazes to get out of hand and spread quickly.
4 ambulances from Jewish group set on fire in London in suspected antisemitic hate crime
An aerial view shows fire services monitoring the scene after four Hatzola ambulances were set on fire overnight next to Machzike Hadath Synagogue, on March 23, 2026 in the Golders Green area of London. Police said…
Red Tails part of the ground displays at Wings Over North Gerogia
ROME, Georgia (WDEF) - You won't have to always look up at Wings Over North Georgia. There will also be flying displays on the ground. One is a multi-faceted educational tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. You…
Air Canada flight collides with a Port Authority vehicle at New York's LaGuardia Airport
ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP) - An Air Canada regional jet struck a firetruck on the runway of New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, crushing the front nose of the plane, according to authorities and…
One teen dead after a homicide on South Germantown Rd
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Police Department is investigating a shooting that left a teenager dead and another injured early Sunday morning. At 2:06 a.m., CPD officers responded to a reported shooting in the zero block of South Germantown…
District 14 runoff debate between Fuller and Harris held in Atlanta
ATLANTA, Ga. (WDEF) - Today, the Congressional District 14 special election runoff debate took place in Atlanta, between candidates Clay Fuller and Shawn Harris. News…
Two arrested after gunfire in Coolidge Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Saturday night around 9:21 p.m., Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) officers responded to reports of gunfire at 150 River St. According to CPD multiple people were seen running from the area after the gunfire. They…
Battle of the Badges fundraising competition raises $5,200 dollars
RHEA COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - For the past few weekends, we have been following how the Rhea County Animal shelter has turned a regular 5K to raise…
Hiker rescued sustained a traumatic injury on the Cumberland Trail
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Saturday evening, Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management (HCOEM) agencies respond to another hiking accident at 6:00 p.m. on Cumberland Trail. According to HCOEM, a group of hikers called 9-1-1 reporting another hiker had…
Phase two of One Westside breaks ground
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The next phase of the Chattanooga Westside redevelopment broke…
No burning allowed on March 23 due to unfavorable conditions
No burning is allowed on March 23, 2026 due to dry and windy conditions, according to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau. Burning in these conditions could cause blazes to get out of hand and spread quickly.
Developers assert construction around Erlanger Park is on schedule, Mayor Wamp's office says they disagree
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Developers have responded to recent criticisms of the progress of construction around Erlanger Park from Hamilton County Attorney Janie Varnell. In a letter we obtained, they say they are meeting target goals for development around the stadium,…
Melvin Evans murder trial enters day four
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Defense and Prosecution gave their closing arguments today in the murder trial of Melvin Evans. Mr. Evans is accused of shooting and killing Kenneth…
Memphis man arrested for robbery outside Chattanooga auto parts store
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Memphis man has been charged with an armed robbery at a Chattanooga O'Reilly's Auto Parts Store. A Chattanooga police affidavit states that Rahkim Martin committed…
Commission approves new unincorporated Hamilton County planning commission
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future of unincorporated Hamilton County will be decided in a different manner going forward. Hamilton County Commissioners voted 7 to 4 to create…
Hamilton County Commission votes to meet twice a month at later time
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission has once again changed their meeting time. They will now meet on the first and third Wednesdays…
Election Commission votes against Highlander's ballot name challenge against Christian-Lowe
Donna Christian-Lowe (left) and Hamilton County Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander (right) at a Hamilton County Election Commission over Highlander's challenge of Christian-Lowe…
HCSO releases new scam feature on Sheriff's App
HAMILTON COUNTY -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has shared they have added a new feature to their app that can help keep individuals informed about local and national scams. They…
Tennessee Democrats hold 'Affordability Tour' in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tennessee Democrats made a stop in Chattanooga Friday. Representative Yusuf Hakeem and…
First Responder Hero Award: Captain Christopher Blazek
CHATTANOOGA, 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,…
Remembering the Blizzard of '93: Office of Emergency Management says they're prepared
It’s been thirty-three years since the Blizzard of 1993 ravaged the southeast. Local officials say that funding for emergency agencies has greatly increased since…
Commission to consider lease with Jailhouse Studios as public continues to raise concerns
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposal is now under consideration to turn the old Hamilton County Jail into a television and film studio as…
Proposal of rural planning commission sparks tense debate over future growth in Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will Hamilton County create its own planning commission? That's what some in county government would like to see. However,…
Meeting time once again discussed by Hamilton County Commission
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission once again discussed when they should hold their weekly meetings. Commissioner Gene-O Shipley proposed that meetings go back to 9:30…
Prosecutors say Darron Lee used ChatGPT to try to cover February murder of girlfriend in Ooltewah
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Off-duty Hamilton County deputy killed in motorcycle crash
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- An off-duty Hamilton County deputy has been killed in a motorcycle crash, according to the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD). They say 26-year-old Caleb LeBruno died following a crash on the…
What's Right With Our Schools: Brotherhood Brunch at Pneuma Church
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Teenage boys aren't the best at talking about their feelings. They want to appear strong and tough, but that can take a…
Caleb Askins gets reduction in charges on day four of murder trial
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Friday was day four of the Askins Brothers Trial. They are charged with the 2023 murder of Warren Crutcher at a…
Chattanooga City Council tours Erlanger Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It is less than 50 days from now when the Chattanooga Lookouts will take the field at their brand new stadium in the South Broad District. Tuesday, Chattanooga City…
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…
BCSO Asks for Public's Assistance Regarding Stolen Trailer
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is asking the public for its help locating a stolen trailer. A black and silver 24-foot 2019 Formula Triumph Slope Nose…
Golden Apple Award: Kaitlyn Foulks, Charleston Elementary School
CHARLESTON, TN (WDEF) - Kaitlyn Foulks is living her dream as a Charleston Elementary School teacher. She may be new to the job, but her enthusiasm and dedication more…
Bradley County Firefighter Pay Increases
TENNESSEE -- Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis has redirected a total of $76,000 in vacancy savings to firefighter salaries, prompting an increase in pay. This adjustment increased pay for…
Chemical Exposure at M&M Mars Facility Prompts Emergency Response
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Around 9:00 a.m., a chemical exposure at the M&M Mars facility prompted an emergency response on December 5. Bradley County EMS and the Cleveland Fire Department responded to the incident. Seven individuals…
Bradley County woman arrested after dog reportedly shot
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Bradley County deputies responded to a residence after a report of a dog had been shot on November 23, 2025. Witnesses reported that Crystal Palmer got a firearm and shot multiple rounds at the dog. The dog…
Single-engine aircraft incident leaves one uninjured
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. -- Bradley County EMS responded to a single-engine experimental aircraft after it experienced a hard landing after performing a touch-and-go maneuver. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without…
Local judge reportedly assaulted in residential neighborhood
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- An arrest has been made after the Bradley County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported assault on a local judge in Cleveland,…
Bradley County firefighters push for more pay
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Bradley County firefighters are asking their county commission to increase their pay. (more…)
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: *…
Whitfield Co. Coroner's Office Identifies Pedestrian Struck and Killed on South Dixie Highway
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Coroner's Office has identified the pedestrian who was struck and killed on South Dixie Highway on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. They say the person was identified as 43-year-old Daniel…
Discovery of container leads to Whitfield County hazmat response
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- A surprising discovery led to a large police presence in Whitfield County Wednesday. Whitfield County Sheriff's…
What's Right With Our Schools: 11th Hour Theater
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - A new, non-profit performing arts organization is up and running in Dalton. 11th Hour Theater and Creative Studio is a great place for kids…
Concerns rising over reintroduction of Georgia PFAS shield law
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- As Georgia legislators prepare to head back to Atlanta next week, the Whitfield County Republican Party says they are opposing the reintroduction of a controversial…
UPDATE: Resident Suffers Burns Following Cohutta House Fire
UPDATE: A resident suffered burns in a house fire this morning in Cohutta, Georgia. It happened around 6 a.m. at a home on Chattanooga Road. The Whitfield County Fire Chief tells us the victim suffered burns to the hand…
