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Chickamauga’s 52nd annual Down Home Days Festival
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) - Down Home Days Festival returned to Chickamauga today for its 52nd year of celebrating community traditions and local entertainment. The annual festival featured live music,…
Motorcyclist dead after serious crash on Hixson Pike
UPDATE: The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) responded to a two-vehicle crash that occurred around 1:25 p.m., the 3900 block of Hixson Pike on Saturday, May 16, 2026. According to CPD, the investigation shows that the Honda Accord was turning left…
Protest held for Elder Aguilar-Macario following transfer to ICE detention center
CHATTOOGA, Ga. (WDEF) - The family of Elder Aguilar-Macario is calling for his release after the Trion High School student was detained by ICE following…
Weather Update: Saturday May 16, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight:Mostly clear. Dry. Chilly. Lows: high 50's. Winds: S @ 5 MPH then calm. Sunday: Sunny, dry, hot. Highs: near 90. Winds: S @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight:Mostly clear. Dry. Mild. Lows: mid/high…
Dalton Wins 8th State Title With 1-0 Victory Over Midtown
Duluth, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Dalton Catamounts are state champs again in soccer. Dalton beat Midtown 1-0 in the 4A s tate finals on Friday in Duluth, Georgia,…
Pensacola Defeats the Lookouts 9-3
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Pensacola Blue Wahoos had the bats working against Chattanooga on Friday, as they defeated the Lookouts 9-3. The Blue Wahoos built a 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back in collecting the victory. [blox_vms account="WDEF"…
Braves Walk-Off Boston 3-2 in Ten Innings
ATLANTA (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski led off the 10th inning with a single to left field to score automatic runner Ha-Seong Kim, and the major league-best Atlanta Braves defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Friday night. Didier Fuentes (3-0)…
Boyd Buchanan Basking in Return Trip to Spring Fling
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) It has been a week to celebrate for the Boyd Buchanan softball team. They got a walk-off win to advance to Spring Fling. It marks the…
Baylor Falls 1-0 to Briarcrest Christian in State Quarterfinals
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Baylor soccer team came up just short in advancing to spring fling on Friday. The Red Raiders dropped a 1-0 decision to Briarcrest Christian in the state quarterfinals. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="295d0cb6a2ab81afad807a6f497b41dca061fea0" vtitle="Baylor Falls in State Quarterfinals 1-0 to…
Family of fallen Hamilton County deputy given proclamation, assurance of help at Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Those who have fallen in the line of duty were honored Friday in downtown Chattanooga. The annual…
East Hamilton Student Earns Award for Short Film
OOLTEWAH,TN (WDEF) - An East Hamilton High School student is receiving national recognition for a short film she created. Rayna Wright took third prize in C-Span's Student Cam…
GPS breaks ground on new athletic field house project
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) It’s a big day on campus at Girls Preparatory School as plans move forward for a brand-new athletic field house, a project designed to expand training, wellness, and student spaces across campus. School leaders say the facility will…
Competitors check in for IronMan triathlon
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Iron Man 70.3 Kilometer triathlon starts on Sunday, bright and early. Friday was check-in day for the competitors at Ironman Village on…
IronMan bring economic development to Walker County
CHICKAMAUGA, GA (WDEF) -- The bicycle portion of the IronMan triathlon takes competitors through Walker County, Georgia. For some, this is just a minor traffic inconvenience, but for Walker County Government and local programs, it’s a huge economic boost. Joe…
Norcross Road speed limit reduced
The speed limit on Norcross Road between Ashland Terrace and Gadd Road has been reduced to 35 MPH following the passage of Ordinance No. 14312 by the Chattanooga City Council. All corresponding…
Ex-Calhoun police officer accused of lying to investigators about Whitfield County shooting
A former Calhoun police officer and two others have been charged in connection with a shooting earlier this month in Whitfield County, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation reports. Authorities say that 44-year-old Jorge Alejandro Gonzalez, 28-year-old ex-officer Jose Neo Rodriguez,…
Judge declares a mistrial in Harvey Weinstein’s rape retrial after jury says it is deadlocked
NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein ’s rape retrial ended in a mistrial Friday after the jury deadlocked in the closely watched #MeToo-era case that another jury failed to decide last year. While the…
First Responder Hero Award: Battalion Chief Eric Bowen
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether they serve as EMTs,…
East Hamilton Student Earns Award for Short Film
OOLTEWAH,TN (WDEF) - An East Hamilton High School student is receiving national recognition for a short film she created. Rayna Wright took third prize in C-Span's Student Cam…
Competitors check in for IronMan triathlon
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Iron Man 70.3 Kilometer triathlon starts on Sunday, bright and early. Friday was check-in day for the competitors at Ironman Village on…
First Responder Hero Award: Battalion Chief Eric Bowen
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether they serve as EMTs,…
Erlanger adding major expansion to East campus
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A major expansion is coming soon to Erlanger East on Gunbarrel Road. The multimillion-dollar project will add new facilities and beds. Tyler Winks Executive…
Volunteers Needed for Cemetery Flag Placement
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As Memorial Day approaches, local groups are preparing to honor our nation's fallen. Retired Navy Captain Mickey McCamish put out a call this week requesting…
New details released on planned amphitheater on the Chattanooga Westside
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last week, we learned…
Signal Mountain man sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in child rape case
Content warning: We do want to warn you that many of the details in this story are disturbing. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.…
Man shot on Chattanooga Westside Monday evening
Chattanooga Police on the scene of a shooting on the 1200 block of Grove Street in front of the James A. Henry Building near the College Hill Courts. A car is seen behind police tape on…
What's Right With Our Schools, Chattanooga Library Story Time
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - The foundation for life-long learning is often laid in pre-school, but for people that young, learning has to be fun. That's exactly where…
Hamilton County purchases land adjacent to Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-…
Commission to begin seeking bids on northshore Business Development Center amid opposition from incubator businesses
A group of business owners at the Hamilton County Small Business Incubator standing in opposition to a…
Geter knocks off Beck, other incumbents retain seats in Hamilton County commission primary races
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There will be at least one new, albeit familiar face on the Hamilton County Commission come this…
Jason Chen denied new trial in Jasmine Pace murder case
Jason Chen entering into a hearing on May 4, 2026 attempting to get a new trial (left). Jasmine Pace, the victim of…
Transfer of portion of Engel Stadium land to Hamilton County approved
The land that is being transferred on the Engel Stadium property from UTC to Hamilton County for a new Health Department…
The WDEF building wasn't always a TV station - Then and Now
This building at 3300 Broad Street has been the home of WDEF TV for almost 70 years, but this isn’t where we started our…
Workers learn "Confined Space Entry and Rescue" at ChattState
Today at a training ground on ChattState campus, a group of students learned lifesaving skills. Instructor Kent Cochran, Owner of Cochran Safety Associates tells us, "What we’re…
The History of the Parkway Tower - Then and Now
If you’ve driven up Highway 27 in the last 50 years, you probably noticed that old eyesore that marks our skyline. As kids we called it…
Early voting ends in Hamilton County
HAMILTON COUNTY – Early Voting ended in Hamilton County on April 30, 2026 with nearly 5% of registered voters casting an early ballot or returning their absentee ballot ahead of the May 5th County Primary election. 9,185 voters cast an…
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…
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.…
Cohutta Town Council reinstates police department, tables decision on mayor's future
[blox_vms account="WDEF" key="fe484f159dfe68167acb735ecb588ba2fcf118ab"…
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…
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…
