Latest News
Pickens Eliminates Calhoun in State Final Four
Calhoun, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Calhoun baseball team saw their season come to an end on Thursday, as Pickens swept a double-header against the Yellow Jackets in the state Final Four. The Dragons won game one 4-2, and they took the second…
Gordon Lee Returning to State Championship Game
Chickamauga, GA-(WDEF-TV) The Gordon Lee baseball team is headed back to the state championship game to defend their state crown. The Trojans took care of Worth Co in the Final Four winning 8-0 and 5-0. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="332c003dd92061732a19b2a75a2b31a84ea5f578" vtitle="Gordon Lee…
The Webb School Ends Boyd Buchanan's Season With 6-1 Victory
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Webb School defeated Boyd Buchanan 6-1 in a decisive game three of their playoff series to advance to spring fling. Owen Fogle with the big blow in the game hitting a grand slam. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="8a30853045db08ca6f736d57098c0e84ca0750a4" vtitle="The Webb…
Sale Creek Baseball Advances to First Ever Spring Fling
Sale Creek, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Sale Creek baseball team made school history on Thursday. The Panthers beat Trousdale Co 14-4 to advance to their first ever spring fling.
Cubs Beat Braves 2-0 to Snap a Four Game Losing Streak
ATLANTA (AP) — Ian Happ hit a long home run and five Chicago Cubs pitchers combined for a 2-0 shutout of the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night, snapping a four-game losing streak. Ben Brown made his second straight start after…
ACC Backs Big Ten Push to Expand CFB Playoffs to 24 Teams
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference is backing the Big Ten’s push for a 24-team playoff, commissioner Jim Phillips said Wednesday. Speaking at the end of three days of spring meetings in a posh resort in northeast Florida,…
Former Mocs Golfer Stephan Jaeger Among Seven Tied For the Lead at PGA Championship
NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler missed a 4-foot putt and laughed. Jon Rahm angrily swung his club after an errant shot and the grass divot hit a volunteer in the face. Garrick Higgo was 10 seconds late to the…
Annual CPD Report Shows Violent Crime Declines
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Police Department says violent crime continued to decline in 2025, according to the department’s newly released annual report. The report shows homicides dropped…
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…
Playset Fundraiser Helps Young Cancer Fighter
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A Virginia nonprofit is working to bring a bit of relief to a local family as their young son continues his fight against leukemia. The Roc…
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 volunteers. They will be placing American flags at gravesites in the…
Reaction to Tennessee redistricting, explusions
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing reaction to the recent expulsion of some Tennessee House Democrats from committees. That decision was made by Republican Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton…
Former death row inmate Richard Glossip granted bond, after nearly being executed 3 times in Oklahoma
An Oklahoma inmate who was given a new trial after nearly three decades on death row has now been granted bond, laying the groundwork for his first release from prison since 1997. Richard Glossip, 63, was arrested that year in the killing…
Man arrested following terminated vehicle pursuit
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A man has been arrested following a terminated vehicle pursuit that occurred on May 12, 2026. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO), the…
Chattanooga welcomes first annual Chattanooga World Food Truck Festival
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The first-ever Chattanooga World Food Truck Festival will debut as a free, family-friendly celebration of food, culture, music, and community connection on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark. Created by chefs…
Ex-Georgia warden accused of taking part in prison contraband scheme, burying evidence
A former Georgia warden is accused of being involved in a contraband smuggling operation tied to a gang inside the prison he oversaw, Attorney General Chris Carr said. Brian Adams, the 52-year-old former Smith State Prison warden is now facing…
Traffic shift to occur on I-75 at Shallowford Road
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- As part of the I‑75 Interchange Improvements at Hamilton Place, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will implement a series of traffic shifts on I‑75 South at Shallowford…
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 volunteers. They will be placing American flags at gravesites in the…
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…
Jason Chen denied new trial in Jasmine Pace murder case
Jason Chen entering into a hearing on May 4, 2026 attempting to get a new trial (left). Jasmine Pace, the victim of…
Transfer of portion of Engel Stadium land to Hamilton County approved
The land that is being transferred on the Engel Stadium property from UTC to Hamilton County for a new Health Department…
The WDEF building wasn't always a TV station - Then and Now
This building at 3300 Broad Street has been the home of WDEF TV for almost 70 years, but this isn’t where we started our…
Workers learn "Confined Space Entry and Rescue" at ChattState
Today at a training ground on ChattState campus, a group of students learned lifesaving skills. Instructor Kent Cochran, Owner of Cochran Safety Associates tells us, "What we’re…
The History of the Parkway Tower - Then and Now
If you’ve driven up Highway 27 in the last 50 years, you probably noticed that old eyesore that marks our skyline. As kids we called it…
Early voting ends in Hamilton County
HAMILTON COUNTY – Early Voting ended in Hamilton County on April 30, 2026 with nearly 5% of registered voters casting an early ballot or returning their absentee ballot ahead of the May 5th County Primary election. 9,185 voters cast an…
Yangfeng announces 155 permanent layoffs in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Yanfeng International released a WARN notice on the 29th announcing they were permanently laying off 155 workers at their Chattanooga Plant on Bonnyshire Drive,…
Low-Cost Kayak classes coming May 16th at area state parks
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- May 16th marks the beginning of Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. The TWRA is partnering with the American Canoe Association to…
Human Educational Society says they're "at capacity"
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, now is a good time to consider…
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…
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.…
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…
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…


