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Weather Update: SATURDAY JULY 11, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Saturday: Mostly sunny, very warm. Widespread showers & thunderstorms. Highs: around 90. Winds: W @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Early showers / thunderstorms. Mostly clear / hazy, humid. Lows: low 70's. Winds: near…
Dalton's Omar Hernandez Blossoms Into Red Wolves Leading Goal Scorer
Dalton native Omar Hernandez has blossomed into one of the Chattanooga Red Wolves best players. He currently leads the Red Wolves in goals this season with six. Brian Armstrong reports [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="b8e53792c602d03d2ef3baa984b4da41eafedc49" vtitle="Dalton's Omar Hernandez Blossoms Into Red Wolves…
Walker County passes 30 day data center moratorium
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- Data centers continue to be a hot button topic all around the Tennessee Valley. Hamilton County plans to vote on a 12 month moratorium next week, and Bradley County recently passed zoning regulations to restrict them.…
Spain Scores Late to Edge Belgium 2-1 in World Cup Quarterfinals
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute on a rebound yielded by backup Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens, and Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals with a 2-1 victory on Friday. Merino was the late hero for the…
McKamey Animal Center worked with apartment fire victims
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- While the Integra Vista apartments were still on fire, McKamey Animal Center stepped in to help. Many residents of the Hixson apartment building were pet owners. Firefighters were able to rescue every pet which was trapped…
Local Company Taking Part in World Skydiving Day
MARION COUNTY, TN (WDEF) -- Saturday is World Skydiving Day, and a local company is taking part. Chattanooga Skydiving Company is owned by a second-generation skydiver. Justin Silvia’s father was a parachutist during World War II, and his sons are…
Police report: suspect ran over the body he drug out of a Lookout Valley motel room
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - We have more information tonight on the case of the body found at a Lookout Valley hotel on Thursday. Police charged Dontel Taylor with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. But the police report offers…
Hamilton County 911 Operator Recognized With First Responder Hero Award
Trey Buffington, who has worked as a dispatcher since 2009, is the latest recipient of the News 12 First Responder Hero Award.
Keegan Croucher Expected to Handle QB Duties For Baylor
Baylor lost their starting quarterback from their state championship team in Briggs Cherry. He signed to play college ball for Louisville. No sweat for the Red Raiders though. They brought in Ole Miss commit Keegan Croucher. The 6'5 Croucher played…
Coahulla Creek Hopes to Enjoy More Wins
Coahulla Creek pulled off a stunning upset to end their season last year by knocking off Ringgold. While the Colts finished strong, they still posted only three victories. The Colts are hoping to find more success this fall. Brian Amrstrong…
Baby Lemur Gets New Name
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -The Tennessee Aquarium’s newest furry resident now has a name. After more than 7,000 votes, the public chose Soleil (Soh-lay) as the name for the baby red-collared brown…
Investment Expands Skilled Trades Pathways
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County students will soon have expanded opportunities to prepare for careers in the skilled trades thanks to a new $9 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Chattanooga-Hamilton…
Mike Yastrzemski 9th Inning Grand Slam Seals Braves 10-5 Win Over Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski hit a game-sealing grand slam in the ninth inning, Matt Olson hit a first-inning home run while tying the franchise record for consecutive games played and the Atlanta Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 10-5 on…
Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at 75
By MARK KENNEDY AP Entertainment Writer Abstract: Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced Welsh pop star known for “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at 75. She was hospitalized in Portugal in May 2026 for emergency surgery and placed in…
Police charge suspect in Hwy 153 road rage shooting case
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Chattanooga Police have made an arrest for a shooting two weeks ago on Highway 153. A 15 year old male was shot in the early morning hours of June 26 near the dam. At the time, police…
Officials rename I 40 bridge in honor of President Trump
DANDRIGE, Tennessee (WDEF) - The Secretary of the Treasury is coming to East Tennessee today to unveil a bridge named for the President. They are renaming the I-40 Douglas Lake Bridge to the Donald J. Trump Bridge. It crosses the…
MRHS releases new SOS list as shelter reaches capacity
MCMINN COUNTY, (WDEF) - The McMinn Regional Humane Society has released another SOS list as the shelter continues operating at maximum capacity. Last week, News 12 reported on the shelter's previous SOS list. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="73326e29005e77e9e4e7da34d88afff160438241" vtitle="MRHS releases new…
McKamey Animal Center worked with apartment fire victims
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- While the Integra Vista apartments were still on fire, McKamey Animal Center stepped in to help. Many residents of the Hixson apartment building were pet owners. Firefighters were able to rescue every pet which was trapped…
Local Company Taking Part in World Skydiving Day
MARION COUNTY, TN (WDEF) -- Saturday is World Skydiving Day, and a local company is taking part. Chattanooga Skydiving Company is owned by a second-generation skydiver. Justin Silvia’s father was a parachutist during World War II, and his sons are…
Hamilton County 911 Operator Recognized With First Responder Hero Award
Trey Buffington, who has worked as a dispatcher since 2009, is the latest recipient of the News 12 First Responder Hero Award.
Frustrations continue between developers and IDB on The Bend project
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- "Quite frankly, I don’t appreciate these allegations." It’s been over two years since The Bend on the Chattanooga Westside broke ground. However, the…
Kelly says he still has concerns over airport board appointments
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The fight over who gets to control the board of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport continues to grow. State leaders have made six appointments…
Playstation to end physical disc production in 2028
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) -- Sony made an announcement that’s sent waves through the gaming community. The maker of the PlayStation announced…
Hamilton County Schools announces Back to School Bash
Hamilton County Schools is inviting locals to join them on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. at Tennessee Riverpark for a day full of excitement before the new school year begins. They…
Firefighters describe response as community rallies after Hixson apartment fire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are learning more about the cause and response to a major apartment fire in Hixson on Sunday.…
First indoor pickleball club opens in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the heat wave hanging over the Tennessee Valley,…
East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra celebrates 20th anniversary at Collegedale Independence Day event
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn.. (WDEF) -- Faith and Family night has been a tradition in Collegedale for a long time, but…
Mixed reactions to the passage of Plan Hamilton
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- : After years of contentious debate, Plan Hamilton was finally adopted by the Hamilton County Commission Wednesday evening in a 6 to 5 vote. The…
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…
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.…
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…
57-year-old victim identified in June 30 Bradley Co. homicide
UPDATE (7/826): The victim of the June 30, 2026 homicide has been identified as 57-year-old Perry Shawn Freeman. According to Bradley County, during the investigation, Freeman was…
Bradley Co. Mayor to not veto budget with tax hike
Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis has decided NOT to veto the budget with a tax hike. Davis originally proposed a budget with no tax hike. But the county commission decided to raise taxes two weeks ago to increase the…
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 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…
Playstation to end physical disc production in 2028
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) -- Sony made an announcement that’s sent waves through the gaming community. The maker of the PlayStation announced…
Goodwill Opportunity Centers connect the community with employment
DALTON, GA. (WDEF) -- If you need help finding employment, Goodwill says their Job Opportunity Centers can lend a helping hand. Goodwill hosted a hiring event in…
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
[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…
