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"Vast fortune" belonging to legendary Mafia boss seized by police in Italy
Italy said Thursday it…
Volkswagen celebrates 15 years at Chattanooga Plant
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga Plant is celebrating 15 years since its grand opening in May 2011. Over the past 15 years, Volkswagen Chattanooga has assembled more than 1.85…
McKamey Animal Center over 220% capacity; all animals free through end of May
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The McKamey Animal Center (MAC) is over 220% capacity, which means it is time for the community to step in and help. They say they have over 600 animals in a building designed to hold around 275.…
Apalachee High School shooting: Judge considers possible venue and date for Colt Gray's trial
Colt Gray, the suspected gunman in the shooting at Apalachee High School that left four dead and nine others…
Nightfall to move inside this Friday due to rain
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Nightfall is set to move inside on Friday, May 28, 2026. The event will move under cover at the First Horizon Pavilion (home of the Chattanooga Market, at 1826 Reggie White Blvd.) Nightfall is a free event…
Woman charged after shooting firearm in direction of another individual
CHEROKEE COUNTY -- A woman has been charged after discharging a firearm in the direction of another individual, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). The CCSO says on May 23,…
Splish Splash the Red Wolves Beat Richmond 5-0 on Rain Soaked Field
(press release) – The Chattanooga Red Wolves have conquered the Richmond Kickers with a score of 5-0. Rain or shine, it’s game time. There were…
Smokies Edge the Chattanooga Lookouts 5-4 in 10 Innings
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Knoxville Smokies edged the Chattanooga Lookouts 5-4 in 10 innings on Wednesday night at Erlanger Park. Cam Collier and Jay Allen both hit home runs for…
Boston Blanks the Braves 8-0 to Snap Five Game Losing Skid
BOSTON (AP) — Connelly Early struck out seven in seven innings, Jarren Duran homered, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Atlanta Braves 8-0 on Wednesday night to snap a five-game losing streak. Early (5-2) allowed four hits and walked…
Lady Vols Among Super Talented Field at Women's College World Series
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Top overall seed Alabama, defending national champ Texas, and Big Ten Conference champion Nebraska headline a balanced field at the Women’s College World Series. Alabama, with star pitcher Jocelyn Briski (22-3, 1.30 ERA), is capable of…
SEC Formally Ends 'Cupcake Weekend'
DESTIN, Fla. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference is eliminating “cupcake weekend.” The league’s athletic directors voted at their annual spring meetings for everyone to play conference games on the second-to-last week of the regular season beginning in 2027. It means…
Kickoff Times Announced For Vols First Three Football Games
(utsports.com) -- Game times for the first three weekends of the 2026 college football season were announced as part of SEC Spring Meetings at the Sandestin Hilton on Wednesday. Tennessee will open its season on Sept. 5 against Furman at…
Weather Update: Thursday May 28, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Mild. Sctrd. showers and thunderstorms. Lows: mid 60's. Winds: near calm. Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Warm with showers and thunderstorms. Highs: mid 80's. Winds: N @ 5. Overnight: Mostly cloudy.…
Mayor Wamp unveils FY 2027 budget for Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the end of the fiscal year coming soon, Hamilton County must adopt a new budget. Mayor Weston Wamp unveiled his proposal Wednesday afternoon. The mayor’s budget…
Could Summer Flights Get Rougher?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Summer travel already comes with packed airports, delays, and stormy skies, but this year, climate patterns could shape what some passengers experience in the air. One of…
Interstate 59 Reconstruction Begins
VALLEY HEAD, AL. (WDEF) - Drivers traveling through northeast Alabama should expect delays and changing traffic patterns as a major reconstruction project begins along Interstate 59 near the Georgia state line. The…
U.S. investigators plan new Bahamas search after GPS data appears to contradict Brian Hooker's account of wife's disappearance
Newly obtained GPS data in the case of Lynette Hooker's disappearance in the Bahamas has prompted U.S. investigators to relaunch a search for the body of the missing Michigan woman, a U.S. official…
Mayor Wamp unveils FY 2027 budget for Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- With the end of the fiscal year coming soon, Hamilton County must adopt a new budget. Mayor Weston Wamp unveiled his proposal Wednesday afternoon. The mayor’s budget…
Erlanger breaks ground on East expansion
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A groundbreaking took place Wednesday at Erlanger’s East Campus on Gunbarrel Road. The new facility will feature an expanded patient tower, allowing for extra beds. Patient rooms will be upgraded with viewscreens so that patients are…
Councilmember compares affordable housing proposal to "plantation mentality"
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- One Chattanooga city council member is likening a proposal tackling affordable housing to a quote “plantation mentality”. Councilwoman Marvene Noel made those remarks during a…
Swift waters causing concern after child drowns in Soddy-Daisy
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A group…
Resolution to create rural tourism zone pulled
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A resolution that could have changed zoning regulations around Hamilton County Parks has been pulled. That resolution would have created rural…
What's Right With Our Schools: Normal Park Regatta
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Students at Normal Park Middle School recently completed one of their biggest projects of the year. The kids built boats out of cardboard and…
Local veteran nominated for national fundraiser
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) Jimmy Grimes is a local veteran who was recently nominated for the 50 States 50 Veterans Gofundme campaign. The campaign was started by an Australian philanthropic influencer named Sam Weidenhofer. Jimmy is a Marine veteran, serving in…
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…
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…
