Latest News
Nightfall moves to First Horizon Pavilion due to rain
CHATTANNOOGA, Tenn. -- Due to forecasted rain, Nightfall will move Friday’s concert under cover to the First Horizon Pavilion. The event will move out of its regular home at Miller Plaza and Miller Park, and…
Britney Spears argued with police, denied being intoxicated during March DUI arrest, footage shows
Pop star Britney Spears was driving erratically and speeding when she was pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence in California…
A senior Buddhist monk accused of child sexual abuse is released on bail in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A Sri Lankan court on Friday released on bail a senior Buddhist monk who was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor, in a case that has stirred…
Chamber Celebrates Small Business Leaders
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Small business leaders were recognized Thursday in Cleveland as the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual luncheon at the Museum & Cultural Center at 5ive Points.…
TWRA Urges safe and sober boating this holiday weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As memorial day approaches, the TWRA is urging boaters to be safe. With the holiday, we can expect more boats than usual on…
Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe to celebrate 15 years with new summer menu
Get a taste of Greece with a trip to Taziki's! The fast-casual chain is celebrating 15 years in the Scenic City and is excited to offer even more fresh dishes for…
Most people moving to Chattanooga are coming from California
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - UTC's Center for Regional Economic Research has been investigating where all those new Chattanoogans are coming from. Their latest report examines people moving to and from the city from 2021-25. And they found that almost half of…
What to Know About Death of Kyle Busch
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died Thursday at 41, three days before he was set to run the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Here is what to know: How did Kyle Busch die? At this point, the…
East Hamilton's Spring Fling Ride Comes to a Close
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) The East Hamilton softball team saw their season come to an end on Thursday at Spring Fling. The Hurricanes fought off elimination early against Summitt winning 5-0. Emmaline Davis threw a complete game one-hitter. But East Hamilton later…
McCallie Captures State Title With 3-1 Win Over Briarcrest Christian
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) McCallie won their second soccer state title in the last three years with a 3-1 victory over Briarcrest Christian on Thursday in Murfreesboro. Big Blue got 2 goals in the first half, which proved to be enough to…
Notre Dame Falls 3-1 to Knox Grace in State Finals
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Notre Dame saw their magical season finish just short of a state title on Thursday. The Irish lost 3-1 to Knox Grace in the state finals. It was Notre Dame's first loss of the season. The match was…
Spencer Strider With Season High Nine K's as Braves Beat Miami 9-3
MIAMI (AP) — Michael Harris II hit a two-run homer and a solo shot, Mike Yastrzemski also went deep, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 9-3 on Thursday night. Spencer Strider (2-0) had a season-high nine strikeouts in…
CARTA warns Incline Railway could close if Lookout Mountain ordinance passes
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- "These are absolutely stunning developments." The Incline Railway is at the center of a brewing controversy between the Chattanooga Area Regional…
NASCAR's Two-Time Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch Dies
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion who won more races than anyone across NASCAR’s three national series, has died at 41. The Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR issued a joint statement Thursday saying…
Feeding Our Future fraud ringleader Aimee Bock sentenced to 41+ years in prison
Aimee Bock, the convicted ringleader of the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minnesota, was sentenced to more than 40 years in prison on Thursday. The judge handed Bock a…
YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga partners to provide free meals to children this summer
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga is partnering with the City of Chattanooga and other organizations to provide free meals to children this summer. They share the YMCA’s Free Summer…
Detective gets officer of the year award for work on child sex abuse cases
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Hamilton…
Eagles’ Nolan Smith Jr. arrested for driving nearly double the speed limit in Georgia
Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested in Georgia last week on suspicion of speeding and reckless driving, authorities said. Smith, who played at Georgia, was arrested on the night…
TWRA Urges safe and sober boating this holiday weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As memorial day approaches, the TWRA is urging boaters to be safe. With the holiday, we can expect more boats than usual on…
CARTA warns Incline Railway could close if Lookout Mountain ordinance passes
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- "These are absolutely stunning developments." The Incline Railway is at the center of a brewing controversy between the Chattanooga Area Regional…
Detective gets officer of the year award for work on child sex abuse cases
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Hamilton…
School board candidates debate issues in Hixson as they vie to replace Joe Smith
From left to right: Sandy Pricer (I), Dr. Ruth Walker (D), and Ashley Dillon (R), the three candidate…
Fans to get opportunity to see Spain train in open practice session before World Cup
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the American…
HCSO Criminal Investigations Unit Detective receives Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) along with the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club have announced that Criminal Investigations Unit Detective Karigan Scoggins will receive "Respect for Law Officer of the Year Award." They say Detective Scoggins has…
Local Scout Designs New Exhibit At The Chattanooga Zoo
Something new is crawling into view at the zoo and it comes with a personal touch thanks to the efforts of a local Scout.
Pleas for safer driving heightened after pair of fatal motorcycle crashes
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s motorcycle community is continuing to mourn the loss of two bikers in the past week. Lucas Weaver says he was friends…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…


