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MAC Paw Palooza takes place Saturday, June 13th
The McKamey Animal Center (MAC) has shared their Paw Palooza will be taking place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. They say this year’s Paw Palooza is more than a festival; it’s a full…
Man is charged with bringing a bomb in his carry-on bag to a California airport
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A man carrying what authorities described as an explosive device powerful enough to damage a plane, as well as a torch lighter, knife, zip ties and other items, was arrested after trying to pass through a…
Accused Oregon serial killer charged with murdering 5 women: "My sister isn't here anymore"
A man accused of killing several women and dumping their bodies…
Man arrested after breaking into buildings, stealing money
RHEA COUNTY -- A man has been arrested after breaking into two different buildings, according to the Rhea County Sheriff's Department (RCSD). They say on May 11, 2026, deputies were dispatched to…
Murder trial underway for Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing a track athlete at school meet
DALLAS (AP) — Opening statements were set for Thursday in the murder trial of a former Texas high school athlete accused of taking out a knife during a track meet and fatally stabbing a 17-year-old competitor from a rival team in the…
Ice Cream Safari returns to the Chattanooga Zoo with unlimited ice cream
Jake Cash is back with the Chattanooga Zoo to promote their upcoming Ice Cream Safari! He brings along 'Lucian' the ball python to catch up with News 12's Amelia Greer. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.…
Weather Update: Thursday June 4, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Clear, dry. Lows: high 50's. Winds: Near Calm. Thursday: Sunny, warm, dry. Highs: near 80. Winds: E @ 5 MPH. NWS Weather Radio for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Weather radios for…
Braves Defeat Toronto 7-3 For 12th Straight Win Against Pitcher Patrick Corbin
ATLANTA (AP) — Mauricio Dubón hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the third inning and the Atlanta Braves beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3 on Wednesday night to continue their mastery of left-hander Patrick Corbin. A homer by Nathan Lukes off…
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…
Baylor Lands Scrimmage With Reigning National Champs in Buford
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor has landed a pre-season scrimmage with Buford. The Wolves went undefeated last year, and they were crowned national champs by Max Preps and Sports Illustrated among others. The scrimmage game is set for Friday, August 7th at Buford.…
Breaking Ground On School Growth
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County leaders officially broke ground Wednesday on a major renovation and expansion project at Soddy Daisy Middle School, marking the first major groundbreaking under the…
Nick Saban Testifies Before Senate Committee to Lend Support to Bill to Protect College Athletics
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban and others testified Wednesday in support of a bipartisan bill aimed at overhauling a college sports system where players can increasingly earn millions of dollars while moving freely between schools. The…
Learning Adulthood Includes Healthcare
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - For many teens, growing up comes with lessons in driving, school, work and finances. But a new survey suggests one major responsibility may be getting overlooked: learning how…
Rhea County girls basketball coach indicted on child sex abuse charges
Rhea County schools have fired their girls basketball coach after he was indicted on child sex abuse charges. Tracy Vest faces three counts of sexual battery by authority figure involving a minor. The allegation was that he touched the victim…
8 bodies found in plastic bags with note left at scene in narco-trafficking hotspot in Ecuador
Eight bodies have been found in plastic bags in a southwestern narco-trafficking hotspot, where eight people went missing on Sunday, Ecuadoran police said Wednesday. "It has been confirmed that there are eight bodies" found on the outskirts of the town…
2 scientists charged with bringing deactivated mpox virus into the US and lying to authorities
DETROIT (AP) — Two scientists at a U.S. government lab were charged with smuggling vials of deactivated mpox virus into the country from Africa and lying about it during interviews with investigators at a Michigan airport,…
Lynette Hooker's Bahamas disappearance being investigated as possible murder, official says
The case of Lynette Hooker, a Michigan woman who went missing in the Bahamas in April, is being investigated as a "possible foreign murder of a U.S. national," a U.S. official told CBS News. Search efforts for Hooker, 55, are still…
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…
Councilmember compares affordable housing proposal to "plantation mentality"
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- One Chattanooga city council member is likening a proposal tackling affordable housing to a quote “plantation mentality”. Councilwoman Marvene Noel made those remarks during a…
Swift waters causing concern after child drowns in Soddy-Daisy
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A group…
Resolution to create rural tourism zone pulled
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A resolution that could have changed zoning regulations around Hamilton County Parks has been pulled. That resolution would have created rural…
What's Right With Our Schools: Normal Park Regatta
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Students at Normal Park Middle School recently completed one of their biggest projects of the year. The kids built boats out of cardboard and…
Local veteran nominated for national fundraiser
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) Jimmy Grimes is a local veteran who was recently nominated for the 50 States 50 Veterans Gofundme campaign. The campaign was started by an Australian philanthropic…
TWRA Urges safe and sober boating this holiday weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As memorial day approaches, the TWRA is urging boaters to be safe. With the holiday, we can expect more boats than usual on…
CARTA warns Incline Railway could close if Lookout Mountain ordinance passes
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- "These are absolutely stunning developments." The Incline Railway is at the center of a brewing controversy between the Chattanooga Area Regional…
Detective gets officer of the year award for work on child sex abuse cases
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Hamilton…
School board candidates debate issues in Hixson as they vie to replace Joe Smith
From left to right: Sandy Pricer (I), Dr. Ruth Walker (D), and Ashley Dillon (R), the three candidate…
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…
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…
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…
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…
