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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 of the signing of the declaration of independence. Pops on…
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. This heat wave across the United States and Europe has climate scientists…
Spotify removes streams of No. 1 song after suspicious Kalshi bets
Spotify has removed streams of a song that shot to the top of the charts on Wednesday after it discovered that suspicious bets related to the music track had been placed on the prediction market Kalshi. The song "Earrings" by…
Former Olympian indicted on felony charge over alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism
WASHINGTON (AP) - A former Olympian was indicted Thursday on a felony charge in what President Donald Trump has called vandalism of the Reflecting Pool. David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, was indicted on a single count of property…
Nightfall to begin at 5:30 p.m. on July 3
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Nightfall says the July 3 concert will now begin at 5:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m., allowing everyone to spend less time in the afternoon heat while still enjoying a full evening…
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…
Mckamey Animal Center joins BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® adoption event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- BISSELL Pet Foundation is bringing back its signature Empty the Shelters® adoption event from July 5–26, 2026, according to the McKamey Animal Center (MAC). They say during the event, BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor reduced adoption fees…
Couple charged with felonies for Empire State Building climb-turned-proposal
NEW YORK (AP) — A skyscraper-scaling daredevil told police that he and his girlfriend climbed the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurled a banner about love and peace because he wanted to “do something special” for their engagement, prosecutors said Thursday at…
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…
Permit obtained by AP shows schedule for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding is slated to begin at 5 p.m. Friday at New York’s Madison Square Garden and could last until 4 a.m. the next morning, according to a copy of a city permit obtained…
Patriotic Celebration Brings History Alive
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This year’s Independence Day edition of TVFCU Riverfront Nights is putting history in the spotlight as it partners with America 250 for a full day of patriotic…
22-year-old reported missing
The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) is asking locals to keep an eye out for missing 22-year-old Elysia Kinsellas. She was last seen on June 26, 2026 in the Hooker Road area. Elysia's family…
Georgia man sentenced to federal prison for identity theft scheme involving farm equipment
A Georgia man will spend years in federal prison for using stolen identities to fraudulently buy thousands of dollars in farm machinery and equipment from a North Carolina business, officials say. Roderick Michael Bates,…
How Taylor Swift could transform Madison Square Garden into a perfect wedding venue, according to elite planners
Turning a basketball arena into a wedding venue fit for a superstar might sound intimidating. But for celebrity event planners and designers, it's just another day. Rumors have been swirling about Taylor Swift's impending nuptials to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.…
FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
Who is behind the ransom notes tied to Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping? That question continues to plague investigators working the case in Arizona, five months after the 84-year-old grandmother and mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped in the middle of the night.…
Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding events at Madison Square Garden to include rehearsal dinner, ceremony, late-night celebration, sources say
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will be celebrating their nuptials with about 1,000 guests this holiday weekend in New York City after days of speculation about the most anticipated celebrity wedding of the year. The couple plans to have a rehearsal dinner…
Venue Request Hearing Pushed Back
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A hearing on whether former police chief Celeste Murphy can have her criminal trial moved out of Hamilton County has been delayed. The hearing, which had been…
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 of the signing of the declaration of independence. Pops on…
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. This heat wave across the United States and Europe has climate scientists…
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…
Developers say there is plan to keep Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga for 2027 event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will the Head of the Hooch leave Chattanooga after this year? Since 2005, the Head of the Hooch regatta has brought thousands to the shores…
ArtsBuild unveils voter guide for upcoming elections
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As we approach Hamilton County’s general elections, one non-profit is highlighting candidates’ stances on funding for the arts. Artsbuild has…
Bike Lane to be removed in Main Street re-striping
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) -- The stretch of Main Street that goes from Broad Street to Dodds Avenue will be re-striped by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. That…
Soccer match to be hosted at Erlanger Park for 4th of July
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- An unconventional match will be held this Independence Day. The…
Man arrested following stolen vehicle pursuit
HAMILTON COUNTY -- A man has been arrested following a stolen vehicle pursuit. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), on June 25, 2026, an alert was sent out for a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Campbell…
Chattanooga Firefighters defeat Tunnel Blvd apartment fire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to an apartment fire with entrapment Tuesday night. It happened just before midnight. Multiple people were trapped by smoke…
History experience to soon open in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- "We want to tell Chattanooga’s story in a way no one ever…
EPB says nearly all outages resolved following Monday's storms
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- After Monday's storms, local power companies have had to undergo…
CARTA to host meeting on future of Brainerd corridor
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- CARTA wants to hear from commuters who travel from and through the Brainerd area. They will be hosting a community feedback session Wednesday evening…
Hundreds watch USA beat Australia at Soccer Live watch party
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hundreds braved the heat to cheer on the USA men’s soccer team in their World Cup match versus Australia on…
HCS to no longer issue elementary and middle school students individual laptops
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Schools have made a policy change regarding technology. The board approved that change as schools will no…
Spain gets ready for second World Cup Match
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Spain held their final preparations in Chattanooga today before their second match of the World Cup. La Roja is looking for some…
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 Co. Sheriff's Office takes homicide suspect into custody
UPDATE: Christopher John Taylor has been taken into custody, according to the Bradley County Sheriff's Office. There is no threat to the public. This is an ongoing…
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…
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…
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…
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…
