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Here's how to find out what's on the latest election ballot in Georgia
ATLANTA (WDEF) - The Republican Governor's race in Georgia may get the headlines, but there are a lot of races on the ballot in this latest election. The May 19th election includes party primaries for both state and federal elections,…
Suspect arrested in connection to homicide
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Police Department has arrested a man connected to a homicide that happened just after midnight on Monday. CPD officers responded to a person shot call in the 1500 block of Hickory Valley Road. Upon…
Baylor's Elizabeth Silva Named News 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor senior soccer star Elizabeth Silva has accomplished quite a lot during her time with the Red Raiders. Now she can add another honor to her list. On Monday, News 12 and Insurance Incorporated named Silva our scholar-athlete of…
Braves Starter Reynaldo Lopez Moved to the Bullpen
ATLANTA (AP) — Right-hander Reynaldo López, who opened the season as Atlanta’s No. 2 starter, is moving to the bullpen as Braves manager Walt Weiss shuffles his rotation for a series against Detroit. More changes could be coming, with right-hander Spencer…
Weather Update: Tuesday April 28, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms. Some storms could be strong to severe. Lows: around 60. Winds: S @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 25 MPH. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms. Breezy. Highs:…
Complaint filed in Cohutta over former Town Clerk’s alleged continued involvement
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) - A new controversy is coming to light in the Town of Cohutta, Georgia. City employees have filed a formal complaint alleging…
Early voting begins in Georgia ahead of May primary
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Early voting begins today in Georgia for the state’s primary election on May 19. The election is separate from the local primaries…
15 years later: remembering the 2011 Super Outbreak
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- "When I moved here in the 1990s, the thinking was we don’t get that bad storms here because of all the ridges and the mountains…
Rivals clash at Georgia gubernatorial debate
ATLANTA (WDEF)- Those looking to replace Georgia Governor Brian Kemp made their cases Monday afternoon in a pair of debates. Both Republican and Democratic candidates made their cases this afternoon…
Commissioner Highlights Experience During Campaign
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County Commissioner Chip Baker spoke to the Pachyderm club Monday as part of his reelection campaign for District 2. During the meeting, Baker highlighted…
What's Right With Our Schools: Catoosa County Awards
CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) - The Georgia State School Superintendent recently made a stop in Catoosa County. Richard Woods honored 11 local schools for their academic achievements. Celebrating student's success is a perfect example of "What's Right With Our Schools."…
Allen charged with trying to assassinate Trump
Allen's initial court appearance is underway. He is appearing before Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh in the federal courthouse in Washington. Sharbaugh ordered the documents in the case to be unsealed. Allen faces…
Prosecutors say suspect in missing students’ killings asked ChatGPT about disposing of a body
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The suspect in the killings of two University of South Florida doctoral students from Bangladesh had asked ChatGPT what would happen if a human body was put in a garbage bag…
National Association of Letter Carriers Partners with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The National Association of Letter Carriers has partnered with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank for annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 9th. They say each year, letter…
Dolly Parton Stampede shooting kills one
Pigeon Forge police are investigating a fatal shooting in the parking lot of Dolly Parton’s Stampede over the weekend. It happened about the time that the first show was finishing up on…
Strawberry Festival returns to Chattanooga Market
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Strawberry Festival will be returning to the Chattanooga Market on Sunday, May 3, 2026. Hazelrig’s Orchards, The Georgia Peach Truck and, RC Farms will be amongst the strawberry providers. Attendees can anticipate strawberry yogurt, strawberry salsa,…
15 years later: remembering the 2011 Super Outbreak
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- "When I moved here in the 1990s, the thinking was we don’t get that bad storms here because of all the ridges and the mountains…
More construction on the way as 24/75 project is completed
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For years, many have dealt with the congestion caused by the construction on Interstates 24 and 75 in Chattanooga.…
Wildwood Playscape opens at Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Adventurers both young and old have a new place to explore…
Business owners at northshore incubator say they are still against move to Franklin-Roberts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s been over a week since plans were announced to move Hamilton County’s Small Business Incubator to the Franklin-Roberts Future…
Parking permits spark concerns at Battle Academy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Parking in downtown Chattanooga is already a tough situation, but one school is concerned it could become worse for them. Battle Academy, a magnet school located at the corner of Main and Market Streets, currently has less…
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…
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.…
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…)
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…
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…
