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Savannah Guthrie makes new video plea as missing mother's ransom deadline nears
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Savannah Guthrie said her family is at their “hour of desperation” in the search for their apparently kidnapped mother, but made no mention of possible ransom in a new video released Monday just hours before a…
Homeless Man Arrested for Setting Different Fires Around the City
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A homeless man has been arrested after setting several different fires around the city, according to the Chattanooga Fire Department (CFD). At 8 a.m. on February 8, CFD units were dispatched to…
Driver Arrested Following Lee Highway Pursuit
HAMILTON COUNTY -- A man has been arrested following a vehicle pursuit on Lee Highway. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, on February 8, 2026, at around 8 p.m., deputies were notified of a silver SUV reported to…
Violence Warning Issued Ahead of Chickamauga Removal Hearing
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. (WDEF) - As we continue to follow the proceedings of the possible removal of Mayor James "Trey" Deck III, we have several updates to provide. UPDATE: News 12 reached out to the City Manager Micheal Haney, asking for…
Weather Update: Monday February 9, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Monday: Sunny. Dry. Above normal temperatures. Highs: mid 60's. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Dry. Chilly. Lows: high 40's. Winds: near calm. Tuesday; Mostly cloudy. Dry. Above normal temperatures.…
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads the Fifth, with lawyer saying she'll testify in Epstein probe if Trump grants her clemency
Washington — Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight and…
Brainerd High School Fight Under Investigation
HAMILTON COUNTY -- A large fight that broke out at Brainerd High School on February 9 is being investigated by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). They say the fight broke out around 10 a.m. The situation eventually got under…
Pet of the Week: Patton!
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Join us at Prime News at 7 to meet this week's Pet of the Week: Patton! Patton is a handsome young-adult hound mix with a loving temperament and a gentle demeanor-- a perfect pup looking for…
Nashville Symphony to Host a Multi-week Series in Celebration of the “Summer of Dolly Parton”
Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony is teaming up with the Nashville Symphony to host a multi-week series to celebrate the “Summer of Dolly Parton.” The event will take place over seven weeks, beginning June 15 and ending July 21.…
Less than 14% of those arrested by ICE in Trump's 1st year back in office had violent criminal records, document shows
Less than 14% of nearly 400,000 immigrants arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in President Trump's first year back in the White House had charges or convictions for violent criminal offenses, according to an internal Department of Homeland Security document…
Stab Wound, Bitemark Found on Victim Allegedly Killed by Former NFL Player Darron Lee
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Swollen eyes, a stab wound to the torso and a bitemark found on a victim are some of the injuries recalled by an affidavit related to the arrest…
Immersive Exhibit Highlights Global Poverty
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Compassion International brought its nationwide Compassion Experience tour to Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga from February 6 through February 8. The free, family friendly exhibit invited visitors…
Valentine Market Draws Weekend Crowds
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Sweetheart Market wrapped up its two-day run at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District, bringing together local vendors, live music and Valentine’s-themed shopping for the community.…
Tooth Pain Could Signal More
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tooth pain is easy to dismiss, but dental experts say ignoring it can lead to serious consequences. Pain, sensitivity, swelling, or infection often signal problems deep inside…
‘We will pay,’ Savannah Guthrie says in desperate video plea to potential kidnappers of her mother
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Savannah Guthrie told the potential kidnappers of her mother Nancy Guthrie on Saturday that the family is prepared to pay for her safe return, as the frantic search for the 84-year-old Arizona resident has entered a…
Seahawks ride their 'Dark Side' defense to a Super Bowl title, pounding the Patriots 29-13
By ROB MAADDI Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Defense won this championship. Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, Byron Murphy and the rest of Mike Macdonald’s ferocious unit pummeled Drake Maye, and the Seattle…
Democrat Anna Golladay announces run for 3rd District
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Over the weekend, Democrat Anna Golladay announced her campaign for Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District. This evening, she attended a local event in Chattanooga where…
One man charged after threatening to shoot himself and his partner
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Today around 1:04 p.m., the Cleveland Police Department responded to a reported domestic dispute at 541 Linda Drive Southeast. According to Cleveland…
Brainerd High School Fight Under Investigation
HAMILTON COUNTY -- A large fight that broke out at Brainerd High School on February 9 is being investigated by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO). They say the fight broke out around 10 a.m. The situation eventually got under…
Pet of the Week: Patton!
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Join us at Prime News at 7 to meet this week's Pet of the Week: Patton! Patton is a handsome young-adult hound mix with a loving temperament and a gentle demeanor-- a perfect pup looking for…
Stab Wound, Bitemark Found on Victim Allegedly Killed by Former NFL Player Darron Lee
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Swollen eyes, a stab wound to the torso and a bitemark found on a victim are some of the injuries recalled by an affidavit related to the arrest…
Darron Lee Arrested on First Degree Murder Charges
MORE: Investigators were still at the crime scene late Friday evening on Snow Cone Way, which is near Ooltewah Elementary School. We are learning more about Lee's past, as he has…
Hamilton County Reports 43 Arrested with Unknown, Unlawful Citizenship Status in January
Hamilton County has reported their unknown citizen status arrests for January. They made 43 arrests, with more than half of them being Guatemalan. Eight were Mexican and all were from Latin American countries.…
Paving to Prompt Lane Closures on I-75
HAMILTON COUNTY -- Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) contract crews will implement temporary lane closures on I-75 near mile marker 3 to facilitate paving work. This comes as part of Phase 2 (the second of…
Kelly comments on Watson's property tax bill
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly is responding to a proposed bill in the Tennessee legislature. Senate Bill 2064, proposed by Senator Bo Watson, would cap how…
Jason Chen seeking retrial in Jasmine Pace murder case
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A man convicted in the 2022 murder of a young woman on the Chattanooga Northshore is asking again…
First project helped by Chattanooga affordable housing PILOT program breaks ground
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For many who work in Chattanooga, finding housing can be a challenge. The city approved a new program last…
School board approves capacity expansion for Skillern Elementary amid opposition
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County school board approved an expansion of capacity for a Soddy-Daisy charter school. (more…)
Golden Apple: Taryn Painter, Apison Elementary
APISON, TN (WDEF) - Each school day Taryn Painter walks into her third-grade classroom at Apison Elementary with energy, patience and a genuine love of teaching. Her students know she…
Courthouse site letter stirs opposition
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The federal government has been searching for a spot to place their new federal courthouse for some time here in Chattanooga. The General Services Administration says they have…
Update given on two Chattanooga wastewater projects
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We received an update on a pair of wastewater…
What's Right With Our Schools: Chattanooga IT Pathways Hackathon
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Some of the sharpest local minds recently came together for the Chattanooga I-T Pathways Hackathon. It was a chance to shape the future of…
Local Author Encourages Children to Reach for the Stars
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A local author held a special book signing on Wednesday. Rita Lorainne Hubbard wrote “It’s Possible, The Story of Ronald McNair”. Ronald McNair…
June Scobee Rodgers Keeps Challenger Memory Alive
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) --The 28th of January marks 40 years since the Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster that claimed the lives of seven astronaut crew members. It was supposed to be a routine…
CARTA for vehicle booting ordinance to enforce parking tickets
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- CARTA says they are looking to solve the increasing issue of unpaid parking tickets. CEO Charles Frazier says they are speaking with the city of Chattanooga about crafting an ordinance that would allow them to boot vehicles…
Woman Apprehended After Financially Exploiting Elderly Man
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A woman has been apprehended after financially exploiting an elderly man, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) says. On January 14, 2026, the HCSO responded to a complaint involving the fraudulent use…
Signal Mountain recovering from ice storm
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- Many of our mountainous communities saw up…
What's Right With Our Schools: Tennessee Aquarium STREAM Center
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - The STREAM learning Center opened at the Tennessee Aquarium late last year. The Aquarium's classrooms, educator offices and programming are all housed in…
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.…
5 Vehicles Involved in Crash that Shut Down I-75 in Bradley County
BRADLEY COUNTY -- Five vehicles were involved in a crash on I-75 at mile marker 24 in Bradley County, which temporarily shut down the roadway. One person was extracted and transported to a local hospital with non life threatening…
Battle continues over proposed Bradley County emergency room
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The debate over a proposed new emergency room in Cleveland is continuing to heat up. Despite there being over 110,000 people in Bradley County, the…
Vitruvian Health petitioning against new Cleveland Parkridge emergency room
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A battle is brewing in Bradley County over a proposed new hospital. Vitruvian Health, who operates the Bradley Medical Center, has posted a petition opposing Parkridge's plans to open a freestanding emergency room in Cleveland. They argue…
State no longer pursuing Bradley County site for mental institution
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- For months, the state of Tennessee has been searching for a replacement for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute. (more…)
Bradley County Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Eric Wayne Helton, owner of the Aquatic Den, has pled guilty to tax evasion after an investigation by The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Helton's charges stem from his failure to remit collected…
BCSO Asks for Public's Assistance Regarding Stolen Trailer
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is asking the public for its help locating a stolen trailer. A black and silver 24-foot 2019 Formula Triumph Slope Nose…
Golden Apple Award: Kaitlyn Foulks, Charleston Elementary School
CHARLESTON, TN (WDEF) - Kaitlyn Foulks is living her dream as a Charleston Elementary School teacher. She may be new to the job, but her enthusiasm and dedication more…
Bradley County Firefighter Pay Increases
TENNESSEE -- Bradley County Mayor Gary Davis has redirected a total of $76,000 in vacancy savings to firefighter salaries, prompting an increase in pay. This adjustment increased pay for…
Chemical Exposure at M&M Mars Facility Prompts Emergency Response
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Around 9:00 a.m., a chemical exposure at the M&M Mars facility prompted an emergency response on December 5. Bradley County EMS and the Cleveland Fire Department responded to the incident. Seven individuals…
Bradley County woman arrested after dog reportedly shot
CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Bradley County deputies responded to a residence after a report of a dog had been shot on November 23, 2025. Witnesses reported that Crystal Palmer got a firearm and shot multiple rounds at the dog. The dog…
Single-engine aircraft incident leaves one uninjured
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. -- Bradley County EMS responded to a single-engine experimental aircraft after it experienced a hard landing after performing a touch-and-go maneuver. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without…
Local judge reportedly assaulted in residential neighborhood
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- An arrest has been made after the Bradley County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported assault on a local judge in Cleveland,…
Bradley County firefighters push for more pay
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Bradley County firefighters are asking their county commission to increase their pay. (more…)
Man fires shots at drones assisting deputies in resolving mental health crisis
UPDATE: The Bradley County Sheriff's Office has identified the individual who shot at the drones as 47-year-old John David Possien. Possien is being held at the Bradley County Jail without bond.…
Parkridge announces plans to open new emergency room in Bradley county
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Parkridge Medical Center announced plans to build a freestanding Emergency Room in Bradley County. The ER would have 11 rooms, including…
Parkridge Medical Center plans freestanding emergency room in Cleveland
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Parkridge Medical Center has announced plans to apply for a Certificate of Need with the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission to establish a new $17.4 million freestanding emergency department…
Whitfield County Drug Bust Leads to One Arrest
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest following a drug bust. Eric Underwood was arrested and charged with the following: • Trafficking in Methamphetamine • Trafficking in…
Theft Ring Disrupted in Whitfield County Possibly Linked to Multiple States
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- A theft ring has been disrupted in Whitfield County following the discovery of $4,000 of merchandise in a vehicle. On Monday, February 2nd, 2026, deputies with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office made arrests involving shoplifting at…
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office to Host Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Course
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) has shared they are hosting a free Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events Course (CRASE). They say the CRASE training will cover: *…
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…
Whitfield Co. Coroner's Office Identifies Pedestrian Struck and Killed on South Dixie Highway
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Coroner's Office has identified the pedestrian who was struck and killed on South Dixie Highway on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. They say the person was identified as 43-year-old Daniel…
Discovery of container leads to Whitfield County hazmat response
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF)- A surprising discovery led to a large police presence in Whitfield County Wednesday. Whitfield County Sheriff's…
What's Right With Our Schools: 11th Hour Theater
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - A new, non-profit performing arts organization is up and running in Dalton. 11th Hour Theater and Creative Studio is a great place for kids…
Concerns rising over reintroduction of Georgia PFAS shield law
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- As Georgia legislators prepare to head back to Atlanta next week, the Whitfield County Republican Party says they are opposing the reintroduction of a controversial…
UPDATE: Resident Suffers Burns Following Cohutta House Fire
UPDATE: A resident suffered burns in a house fire this morning in Cohutta, Georgia. It happened around 6 a.m. at a home on Chattanooga Road. The Whitfield County Fire Chief tells us the victim suffered burns to the hand…
Runners excited for Haig Mill Lake Park improvements
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- The city of Dalton is working to replace one of its primary walking trails. Their Parks and Recreation Department announced that portions of the Haig…
Two Locals Arrested for Meth Trafficking
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- Two individuals from Whitfield County were busted after the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office conducted a drug investigation on December 18, 2025. The drug investigation resulted in the arrest of Niya Destiny…
Whitfield County Man Arrested on Child Exploitation Case
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) has announced they have arrested a man for child exploitation. On December 10, Trevor Lee Teasley was arrested for a child…
Neighbors come out against proposed neighborhood near Varnell
VARNELL, Ga. (WDEF)- Rapid development…
Qcells to furlough one-third of its workers at Georgia plant
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The company "Qcells" has announced they are furloughing a thousand workers at their two plants in Georgia. And one of those plants is in…
Whitfield County scam alert
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) --Whitfield County law enforcement is warning residents of several scams going around their community now. They say scammers are posing as employees of the Sheriff's Office. They say they have…
Whitfield County man sentenced to 30 years for violating sexual offender registry statute
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Whitfield County jury found Vincent Michael Harper guilty of violating the sexual offender registry statute, leading to a sentence of 30 years in prison…
Residents pack meeting on Whitfield County property tax rate proposal
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Could Whitfield County property taxes soon go…
Property tax increase proposed by Whitfield County Board of Commissioners
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners have announced a proposed property tax increase. They say it would be roughly 23 percent higher than the rollback millage rate. The commissioners say…
12 kilograms of cocaine found during traffic stop in Whitfield County
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) conducted a traffic stop on I-75 in Whitfield County, resulting in 12 kilograms of cocaine…
Georgia Bureau of Investigation promotes Dalton native, Daniel Nicholson
DALLAS, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has announced that they are promoting Dalton native Daniel Nicholson to assistant special agent in charge of the…
