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Man fleeing immigration officers in Florida is struck and killed by tractor trailer, police say
A man running from an encounter with immigration and other federal agents in Florida was struck and killed by a tractor trailer on Tuesday, authorities said. It was the third death in a week involving encounters with U.S. Immigration and…
Atlanta airport shuttle manager suing city over 2024 stabbing by homeless man
A shuttle manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is suing the city of Atlanta after he was attacked while trying to help a driver in 2024. Kwan Lawrence, a manager at Airport Shuttle Group, claims that he was left with a scar…
Woman charged after nearly 100 animals rescued in Bledsoe County hoarding investigation
UPDATE: Caroline Ruth Adkins was taken into custody on July 14, 2026 following the investigation into an animal hoarding…
Iraq seizes mounds of gold and millions in cash from officials in corruption crackdown
Iraqi authorities have seized more than 825 pounds of gold and ten of…
Blanche says "we'll look at" request for DOJ communications with Trump on IRS lawsuit
Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island raised Monday's decision from U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams that excoriated Mr. Trump, his lawyers and the Justice Department for their handling of the president's civil lawsuit against the IRS. Whitehouse also asked Blanche to…
Rock City announces 6 listening sessions amid gondola concerns
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Rock City Enterprises has announced a series of 6 community open house meetings. The proposed gondola has drawn opposition from neighbors on the mountain and in the valley. Rock…
New Students Lead to New Church Renovations
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-- One of Chattanooga’s oldest churches has just gotten a fresh coat of paint. Located only five minutes away from UTC campus, the Central Church of Christ is…
Purchase of Apison land for future community park proposed by local leaders
APISON, Tenn. -- Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, District 7 Commissioner Lee Helton, and county leaders have announced a proposal to purchase approximately 8.5 acres of land in Apison to protect public green space and create a new community park.…
Man sentenced to 20 years for Aggravated Assault – Family Violence
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- A man has been sentenced to 20 years for aggravated assault - family violence. According to the Conasauga judicial circuit, a Whitfield County jury has…
Louisiana man charged with murder in shooting of U.S. marshal, could face death penalty
A Louisiana man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a deputy U.S. marshal who, along with other officers, responded to his residence after he failed to appear at a trial in which he faced sexual battery charges. Clarence…
Weather Update: WEDNESDAY JULY 15, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Early showers / thunderstorms. Mostly clear / hazy, humid. Lows: low 70's. Winds: near calm. Wednesday: Partly sunny, very warm. Scattered showers & thunderstorms. Highs: mid/high 80's. Winds: near calm. Overnight:…
Proposed Cleveland annexation leads to concerns in Bradley County
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- "Why bring something in front of the County…
Auburn Getting Big NIL Money For Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta
ATLANTA (AP) — The Aflac Kickoff Game on Tuesday announced a name, image and likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers’ game against Baylor on Sept. 5. The Peach Bowl and the Kickoff Game say the deal is…
Falcons Bijan Robinson Voted Best Running Back in the NFL by AP Panel
The expectations for Bijan Robinson were high as soon as he entered the NFL in 2023 as the first running back taken with a top-10 pick in five years. Robinson made an impact almost from the start with the Atlanta Falcons and then took…
Head of Baseball Players Union Scoffs at Idea of Salary Cap
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The head of baseball’s players’ union chastised management on Tuesday for its advertising campaign in support of a salary cap while Commissioner Rob Manfred maintained the proposal was developed in response to fans. Bruce Meyer, who took over…
Spain Defeats France 2-0 to Advance to World Cup Finals
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot after a heady play by teenager Lamine Yamal, Pedro Porro added another goal and Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0…
Atlanta cold case solved: Suspect arrested in 1999 murder of mother of 2
More than 25 years after a mother of two was found dead in her northwest Atlanta home, police have arrested a suspect in the case. The Atlanta Police Department announced Monday that investigators arrested Janarra Sherrer, 61, in connection with the…
Initial hearing held for man charged with abuse of woman's corpse found at Lookout Valley motel
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A man charged with abusing the corpse of a young woman found dead outside of a Lookout…
McKamey Animal Center worked with apartment fire victims
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- While the Integra Vista apartments were still on fire, McKamey Animal Center stepped in to help. Many residents of the Hixson apartment building were pet owners. Firefighters were able to rescue every pet which was trapped…
Local Company Taking Part in World Skydiving Day
MARION COUNTY, TN (WDEF) -- Saturday is World Skydiving Day, and a local company is taking part. Chattanooga Skydiving Company is owned by a second-generation skydiver. Justin Silvia’s father was a parachutist during World War II, and his sons are…
First Responder Hero Award: Trey Buffington
Trey Buffington, who has worked as a dispatcher since 2009, is the latest recipient of the News 12 First Responder Hero Award.
Frustrations continue between developers and IDB on The Bend project
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- "Quite frankly, I don’t appreciate these allegations." It’s been over two years since The Bend on the Chattanooga Westside broke ground. However, the…
Kelly says he still has concerns over airport board appointments
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The fight over who gets to control the board of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport continues to grow. State leaders have made six appointments…
Playstation to end physical disc production in 2028
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) -- Sony made an announcement that’s sent waves through the gaming community. The maker of the PlayStation announced…
Hamilton County Schools announces Back to School Bash
Hamilton County Schools is inviting locals to join them on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. at Tennessee Riverpark for a day full of excitement before the new school year begins. They…
Firefighters describe response as community rallies after Hixson apartment fire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are learning more about the cause and response to a major apartment fire in Hixson on Sunday.…
First indoor pickleball club opens in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the heat wave hanging over the Tennessee Valley,…
East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra celebrates 20th anniversary at Collegedale Independence Day event
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn.. (WDEF) -- Faith and Family night has been a tradition in Collegedale for a long time, but…
Mixed reactions to the passage of Plan Hamilton
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- : After years of contentious debate, Plan Hamilton was finally adopted by the Hamilton County Commission Wednesday evening in a 6 to 5 vote. The…
Pops on the River kicks off
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Chattanooga is celebrating in a special way today at Coolidge Park. The entire nation is gearing up for the 250th anniversary…
Extreme Heat has climate scientists sounding the alarm
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- With heat advisories across the southeast, it’s downright dangerous to be outside in some places of the country.…
Hamilton County data center moratorium formally introduced
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The resolution that would formally prohibit new data centers in unincorporated Hamilton County has been introduced. Mayor Weston Wamp introduced that moratorium Wednesday…
Neal confesses to murder in forensic interview played in preliminary hearing
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- "I'm going to give you one…
Plan Hamilton narrowly approved by Hamilton County Commission
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission approved a controversial growth plan Wednesday evening. Plan Hamilton was passed by a six to five vote. It sets new…
Hunter Museum Helps Teens Get Creative
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Teens got a hands-on outlet to express…
Mayor Wamp proposes one-year moratorium on data centers in unincorporated Hamilton County
MORE: Commissioners who spoke alongside Mayor Wamp on Tuesday morning were supportive of this proposal. Commissioner Steve Highlander, who represents a lot of…
What's Right With Our Schools: ArtsBuild Tech Goes Home Program
CHATTANOONGA, TN (WDEF) - These days, being an artist takes more than paints and pencils. In their latest Tech Goes Home program, ArtsBuild Chattanooga gave aspiring…
Proposed Cleveland annexation leads to concerns in Bradley County
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- "Why bring something in front of the County…
Charleston residents raising concerns again about possibility of data center
CHARLESTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- “We just want to do our part and leave it better than we found it.” Ryan and Carrie Kertesz have owned the B&B…
Whit's Frozen Custard holds fundraiser for family battling childhood brain cancer
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Each sweet treat sold at a Cleveland frozen custard shop was more meaningful on Monday. Over 20 percent of sales on Monday at Whit’s Frozen Custard are going to…
57-year-old victim identified in June 30 Bradley Co. homicide
UPDATE (7/826): The victim of the June 30, 2026 homicide has been identified as 57-year-old Perry Shawn Freeman. According to Bradley County, during the investigation, Freeman was…
Bradley Co. Mayor to not veto budget with tax hike
Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis has decided NOT to veto the budget with a tax hike. Davis originally proposed a budget with no tax hike. But the county commission decided to raise taxes two weeks ago to increase the…
Man arrested after reports of objects being thrown at windshields
BRADLEY COUNTY -- A man has been arrested following several reports of objects being thrown at drivers windshields in the northeast areas of Bradley County and the City of Cleveland. A joint…
Bradley County Commission approves tax hike for first responder, county employee pay
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- "One of my sons doesn't have health insurance because we can't afford it and the county's offering isn't strong enough…
Residents debate proposed Bradley County first responder pay
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Bradley County residents are sounding off over a potential tax increase to support an increase in first responder pay. They made their cases to the Bradley…
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…
Playstation to end physical disc production in 2028
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) -- Sony made an announcement that’s sent waves through the gaming community. The maker of the PlayStation announced…
Goodwill Opportunity Centers connect the community with employment
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) -- If you need help finding employment, Goodwill says their Job Opportunity Centers can lend a helping hand. Goodwill hosted a hiring event in…
What's Right With Our Schools: SE Whitfield Pawsome Program
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Pets are our best friends, but keeping them clean and clipped can be challenging. Students at Southeast Whitfield are getting some valuable lessons…
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…
