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McKamey Animal Center hosts Paw Palooza in hopes of finding dogs forever homes
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Community members gathered at Coolidge Park on Saturday for Paw Palooza, an annual event hosted by the McKamey Animal…
Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors celebrates Father's Day early at Miller Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors celebrated Father's Day early Saturday with a community event at Miller Park. The free event gave fathers,…
Bethlehem Center hosts Southside Juneteenth Jubilee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Bethlehem Center is hosting the Juneteenth holiday where community members are celebrating a day full of joy, music, and unity. Organizers said the event serves…
Medical advances are transforming treatment for cancer patients
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A major shift in esophageal care is helping patients regain the ability to swallow, eat, and return to normal daily activities without undergoing traditional surgery. Carol Smeja…
Chattanooga Zoo celebrates 10th annual Ice Cream Safari
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Families spent the afternoon enjoying frozen treats and animal encounters as the Chattanooga Zoo hosted the 10th annual Ice Cream Safari. The popular summer event gave guests the…
Weather Update: Sunday June 14, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Sctrd. PM Showers/Thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Mild. Lows: high 60's to near 70. Winds: Near Calm. Sunday: Mostly cloudy. Widespread Showers/Thunderstorms, some strong to severe. Highs: mid/high 80's. Winds: SSW @ 5…
One charged in connection with Collegedale Homicide
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) - On Saturday, the Collegedale Police Department arrested a subject in connection with the homicide of 56-year-old Robert George Locke. According to Collegedale Police, 56-year-old Robert George Locke was reported…
Soccer Live! Takes Over Downtown
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - SOCCER LIVE! Chattanooga is bringing a free, three-day community watch party to the Chattanooga Green June nineteenth through the twenty-first. Hosted by the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton…
Heritage Park Reopens After Major Upgrades
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) - A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially reopened Heritage Park in Athens Friday morning following major renovations to the longtime community space. City leaders joined the Athens Area Chamber…
Lawyers for man accused of killing Charlie Kirk try to block prosecutors from seeking death penalty
PROVO, Utah (AP) — Attorneys for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk asked a judge Friday to block prosecutors from seeking the death penalty as punishment for comments they made in the media about a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body. The comments…
Intoxicated Frontier Airlines passenger charged in fight on Atlanta airport jet bridge, police say
A traveler passing through the Atlanta airport was arrested this week after police say she attacked a Frontier Airlines manager. Authorities say Kristina Lopez Lujan is now charged with simple battery, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. The Atlanta Police Department…
Suspect in West Texas mass shooting had fired on police days earlier, officials say
A man who opened fire in the West Texas city of Midland in an attack Friday morning that left one person dead and 10 injured had shot at police just days earlier during a chase, authorities said. The suspect, 45-year-old…
Concrete repairs to prompt lane closures on I-24 in Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will perform concrete pavement repairs on I‑24 East near mile marker 182. This work will take place over two more weekends and will…
Suspect dead after West Texas shooting kills 1 and injures at least 9 others
MIDLAND, Texas (AP) - A shooter who opened fire in the West Texas city of Midland died Friday after a standoff with police following an attack that left one person dead and at least nine others injured, city officials said.…
David Hockney, renowned U.K. artist and Pop art movement leader, dies at 88
British Artist David Hockney poses in front of his work during the "Do You Remember They Can't Cancel The Spring - David Hockney 25" Exhibition at Louis Vuitton Foundation, April 7, 2025, in Paris, France. \…
Taylor Swift becomes the youngest woman inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at age 36
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift became the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame Thursday night at age 36. “It was instinctual. No one taught me how to do it,” she said of songwriting through a raspy voice she attributed…
Police arrest a suspect in a shooting at an Ohio festival that wounded 12
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — Police in Ohio have arrested a suspect in a shooting that wounded 12 people at a crowded neighborhood street festival last weekend. Eljay Crisp-Carr, 20, was taken into custody Thursday and charged with 11 counts of felonious assault.…
Concrete repairs to prompt lane closures on I-24 in Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will perform concrete pavement repairs on I‑24 East near mile marker 182. This work will take place over two more weekends and will…
Then and Now: First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga is a local landmark known to most, especially the students of UTC. What many don’t know is the church has roots going all the way…
Lamar Alexander Visits Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- He is a former governor, senator, secretary of education, and served under ten presidents. Lamar Alexander released a book detailing his life, which is already a New…
Pat Summitt Foundation hosts weekend of giving
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- This year will mark a decade since legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt passed away. The Pat Summitt Foundation is hosting a weekend of…
Hamilton County seeking poll workers for August 6 election
HAMILTON COUNTY -- The Hamilton County Election Commission is looking for individuals to work the August 6 State and Federal Primary and County General Election. They say this is a paid position and the Election Day stipend ranges from $135…
Hamilton County passes FY 2027 budget
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission has approved a new budget. It was approved 9 to 1 Wednesday evening in a special called meeting. The total budget is over…
Baylor soccer players, coach say hosting Spain is a dream come true
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- "I'm going to be able to tell my friends, 'Yeah I shared a locker with somebody from the Spanish national team…
Mayor Wamp shares story of daughter getting surprise autograph from Lamine Yamal during arrival in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says a special moment happened for one of his daughters during Spain’s arrival…
City clarifies planned budget cuts for Artsbuild
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The city of Chattanooga is clarifying the reason behind a reduction in the allocation for the non-profit Artsbuild in the 2027 Fiscal Year budget. Artsbuild,…
TVFCU Celebrates 90th birthday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union celebrated a milestone Friday. TVFCU and the Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at the credit union’s downtown headquarters to celebrate the…
Scenic City Summit brings together tech enthusiasts and professionals
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Today over 100 tech enthusiasts, developers, hobbyists, industry leaders, and scripters all came together in one place. It’s called the Scenic City Summit.…
Lavender Farm Opens on Flat Top Mountain
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) There’s a new attraction open on Flat Top Mountain. Up in Soddy-Daisy, Flat Top Mountain Farms made their lavender field available for the public. You can…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
