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FDA moves to ease rules for blood donations from gay men
By MATTHEW PERRONE AP Health Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. plans to make it easier for gay and bisexual men to give blood. The Food and Drug Administration proposed easing restrictions on groups that typically face higher risks of…
Cicis Pizza in Hixson Permanently Closing
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A sign on the front door revealed that Cicis Pizza in Hixson is closing its doors for good. The restaurant sits on Highway 153. The sign on their door reads: "Thanks Hixson for your support over…
TBI Announces Two Wanted Fugitives
TENNESSEE (WDEF) -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced two wanted fugitives. Johnny Shane Brown and Albert Lee Ricketson escaped from jail on Thursday. TBI said the men were being held at the Southwest Virgina Regional Jail Authority.…
Three Teens Charged after Carjacking
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A carjacking took place Thursday night, according to Chattanooga police. They said the suspects of the carjacking were all minors. Police said the incident occurred at 2525 DeSales Avenue, which is near CHI Memorial Hospital. It…
Commercial Fire at Chattem Chemicals
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Chattem Chemicals plant had a commercial fire Friday morning. The Chattanooga Fire Department said they extinguished the fire within minutes. They continued to cool the tank afterwards.…
Mayor Wamp Hosts Annual Legislative Breakfast
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Mayor Wamp hosted his annual Legislative Delegation Breakfast this morning. At the breakfast, county leaders shared their priorities with state legislators ahead of the legislative session. A few of the key speakers were from the Hamilton…
Green comet zooming our way, last visited 50,000 years ago
By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - A comet is streaking back our way after 50,000 years. NASA says the dirty snowball last visited during Neanderthal times. It will come within 26 million miles of Earth…
Memphis braces for release of video in Tyre Nichols' arrest
By ADRIAN SAINZ Associated Press MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The city of Memphis and the nation are bracing for the release of a police video depicting five officers viciously beating a Black man who later died. Tyre Nichols' death prompted…
Weather Update: Friday Morning's Forecast - January 27, 2023
WDEF-TV News 12 Weather: Nice Days Friday & Sunday, Raiu Returns Sunday, & that Marks The Beginning Of A Very Unsettled Week! Friday Morning: Clearing out, turning colder & frosty, with a few possible areas of fog. Lows: mid &…
TECH BYTE: New 'Apple Music Sing' Feature for Karaoke Fans
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- If you enjoy singing karaoke, you don't need a karaoke machine anymore to put on a show. There's a new feature by…
West Alabama Takes Two From Lee University
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) West Alabama swept both games against Lee University on Thursday night at Walker Arena. The Lady Flames lost 71-66, and the Lee men's team fell to the Tigers by a final of 74-63. [field59_video account="WDEF" key="79c850955a8af7314d80806474a90cf2459cd321" vtitle="West Alabama…
UTC Women Enjoy "Most Complete Game" of the Year in Beating Greensboro 67-46
(gomocs.com) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- The Chattanooga Mocs shot 62 percent in overtime Thursday night at The McKenzie Arena to snare a 67-46 win over UNC Greensboro in Southern Conference women’s basketball action. Chattanooga scored the first five points of the…
UConn Takes Down Lady Vols Again by a Final of 84-67
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Lou Lopez Senechal scored 26 points and Aaliyah Edwards added 25 to lead No. 5 Connecticut to a 84-67 victory over…
CFC Expect Another Stiff Challenge Against Atlanta United
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) It's a 'Friendly at Finley' Saturday as the CFC entertain Atlanta United of the MLS in an exhibition match. Chattanooga has lost the previous two meetings by a combined score of 10-0. And as Brian Armstrong reports, it won't…
The Community Haven announces namesake Patrol
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) -- The Community Haven Patrol is the brand-new safety initiative from the Chattanooga-based Community Haven. It isn't looking to police, but rather to teach its neighbors and surrounding…
State of emergency declared over Atlanta 'Cop City' protest
By R.J. RICO and JEFF AMY Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) - Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency, giving him the option of calling in the Georgia National Guard to help “subdue riot and unlawful assembly.” The declaration…
Gov. Kemp Announces Plan to Fully Fund HOPE Scholarship
GEORGIA (WDEF) - $61.5 million dollars of Governor Kemp's budget proposal will be dedicated to revamping the Georgia HOPE Scholarship. For the past decade, the HOPE scholarship…
Cicis Pizza in Hixson Permanently Closing
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A sign on the front door revealed that Cicis Pizza in Hixson is closing its doors for good. The restaurant sits on Highway 153. The sign on their door reads: "Thanks Hixson for your support over…
Mayor Wamp Hosts Annual Legislative Breakfast
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Mayor Wamp hosted his annual Legislative Delegation Breakfast this morning. At the breakfast, county leaders shared their priorities with state legislators ahead of the legislative session. A few of the key speakers were from the Hamilton…
Road Closures in Chattanooga this Weekend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Chattanooga's Division of Transportation announced multiple road closures this upcoming weekend. Due to a private event on Friday, Fort Street will be closed from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. This road is between W 13th Street…
East Lake Community Center Grand Re-Opening
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Grand Re-Opening of the East Lake Community Center is this Sunday. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly will speak at the event. The community center has been closed since March of 2021 for renovations. The newly modified…
Two more Pedestrians Struck by Cars in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Two more pedestrians have been struck by vehicles in Chattanooga, according to police. Chattanooga police say that one pedestrian has died, and the other has non-critical injuries. On Wednesday, CPD responded to a hit and run…
Pair of Child Sex Crime Arrests Has Police Encouraging Safety
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - After a pair of arrests concerning sex crimes against children, Chattanooga Police are trying to alert parents to be more cautious with…
Police Advising Citizens To Be More Cautious with their Cars
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Following a rash of car break-ins, Chattanooga Police want citizens to protect their vehicles. (more…)
Urban Air Employee Charged with Solicitation of a Minor
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A man was arrested on Tuesday after he groped a 10-year-old girl, according to police. They say the incident occurred at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park…
Update: Man who Stole Car, Kidnapped Child was Arrested
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The man who stole a car with a sleeping child in the backseat Monday has been arrested by Chattanooga police. An affidavit from Hamilton County states…
YMCA Youth Instructor Charged with Sexual Battery
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A YMCA youth fitness instructor is being charged with aggravated sexual battery of girls in his class. Robert Hardeman, 53, was arrested on Tuesday. Hardeman was…
New Arts Project to Celebrate Rossville Boulevard
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Budding artists who live or work along Rossville Boulevard have a unique opportunity to expand their creative endeavors. (more…)
Lee Administration Rejecting CDC HIV Funding
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A potential decision by the Tennessee state government might make the ability to get treatment for HIV more difficult in our community. (more…)
Tivoli Foundation Searching for Answers Following Vandalism
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Tivoli Theatre suffered an attack from suspected vandals late last weekend. (more…)
School Choice Applications Closing Soon
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This Hamilton County program offers more options for students to attend schools that better fit their interests and skill sets. Every student is guaranteed a spot at…
Less Money Back with This Year's Tax Refund?
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Today is the official start of the 2023 tax filing season, which means tax returns are just on the horizon. The IRS says most…
Vehicle Theft, Kidnapping in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- On Monday morning, a person stole a vehicle with a child inside in Downtown Chattanooga. Police say the vehicle was crashed, and the child was returned to their family. There is still no information about the…
Collegedale Celebrates Chinese New Year
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hundreds of people celebrated the Chinese New Year today in Collegedale. High Point Chinese SDA Church hosted the celebration in hopes of spreading love, culture, and curiosity. This is the second year Collegedale has celebrated…
Chattanooga Police Searching for Tivoli Vandals
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Police Department is looking for a group of individuals they say vandalized the Tivoli Theatre. (more…)
One Person Dead After Shooting and Crash on Highway 58
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A person is dead after an incident on Highway 58. (more…)
Valentine's for Veterans: Operation Love - A 34 Year Long Tradition
RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hundreds of people showed up today to make Valentines for Veterans at Red Bank's Community Center. Link Sparks, the woman…
Cleveland Teacher Named Extraordinary Educator
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A local teacher earned national recognition, being named a 2023 Extraordinary Educator. Amanda Price teaches at Taylor Elementary School in Cleveland, Tennessee. She is the only teacher in Tennessee to receive the recognition this year,…
Local nonprofit, community clean up illegal tire dumpsite
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- An eyesore off of Exit 20 in Cleveland has finally been cleaned up after more than a year's worth of volunteering from the…
Another Student Arrested with Gun Charges at Cleveland Middle School
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A stolen firearm was recovered from the home of a Cleveland Middle School student, according to the Cleveland Police Department. This information comes just one day after another Cleveland Middle School student was arrested for bringing…
New SK Food Plant Brings Excitement to Cleveland
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hundreds of new jobs are soon coming to Cleveland and Bradley County. (more…)
Cleveland City Schools Discuss Moving to New Central Office
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) - Cleveland City Schools may soon be relocating to a new central administrative office. (more…)
Student Charged after Bringing Gun to Cleveland Middle School
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A student at Cleveland Middle School brought a handgun onto school property on Wednesday, the Cleveland Police Department said. The student was taken into custody by police and is being charged. A report was made to…
Dead Body, Injured Male in Bradley County
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Police responded to a domestic disturbance Thursday morning where they found a dead body, according to Bradley County Sheriff's Office. Police say they had to…
Cleveland Police Searching for Missing Woman
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Cleveland Police Department is searching for a missing woman in Cleveland.…
James Carpenter pleads guilty to child endangerment from Daycare fire
(Video from our story on Little Lambs fire last February) CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - A Daycare worker pleaded guilty today in court to charges that stemmed…
Conley arraigned in Bradley County Court
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- 42-year-old Patricke Conley, the man charged with several criminal vehicular charges on Christmas, was arraigned in court today. Conley entered a not-guilty plea Thursday afternoon and is accused of causing a deadly Christmas day crash…
Man Involved in Deadly Christmas Crash Charged with Vehicular Homicide
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)-A man involved in a deadly Christmas Night crash in Bradley County has been booked into Bradley County Jail. (more…)
Teacher and Husband Killed in Christmas Crash in Bradley County
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A teacher in Bradley County and her husband are dead following a fatal crash on Christmas Night. (more…)
Warning about roofing nails in roads
ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) - An East Tennessee Sheriff is warning about a spree of nail-dumping on highways in three local counties. The warning comes from…
Bradley County Schools are also losing Title 1 funds
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - School systems in Tennessee suddenly got a budgetary jolt when they learned that some of their Title I funding has been suddenly cut off. The federal education program provides grants to school systems with high percentages…
Golden Apple Award: Sonjia Norman, Blythe Bower Elementary School
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - One days she's an astronaut. The next day she's a soldier. Sonjia Norman digs deep into her costume closet to make lessons come to life for her 3rd graders…
Eternal Flame Returns to Red Clay State Park
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)-The last capitol of the Cherokee Nation was located just south of Cleveland in Bradley County. In 1838, this is where they learned they were being kicked…
Collegedale Police make a deal for a new K9
COLLEGEDALE, Tennessee (WDEF) - The Collegdale Police Department has added a new K9 officer, but it took some deal-making to pull it off. The deal followed the hiring of a new, human police officer. Officer Saxe workerd for McMinn County…
Cafeteria worker charged with assaulting student at school
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - A school cafeteria worker has been charged with assaulting a student. Michelle Tolin works at Lake Forest Middle School. A parent reported to the SRO at the school that her son had been assaulted by Ms.…
RAM Clinic in Cleveland this Weekend
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Those who need medical care will have the opportunity to do so in Cleveland starting tomorrow. (more…)
Investigators say Bradley school video sent to students is not legitimate
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - Bradley County investigators say a concerning video shared among students on Monday is not legitimate. We reached out to the Sheriff's Department after getting calls about the video. Students got the video purporting to be a…
Gov. Kemp Announces Plan to Fully Fund HOPE Scholarship
GEORGIA (WDEF) - $61.5 million dollars of Governor Kemp's budget proposal will be dedicated to revamping the Georgia HOPE Scholarship. For the past decade, the HOPE scholarship…
Whitfield County Dispatcher Killed in Car Accident
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Whitfield County E-911 dispatcher was killed in a car accident early Wednesday morning. Haley Cunningham of Calhoun crashed on I-75 close to 4 a.m., according to the GSP. She was 28 years old. The…
Puppies Take Flight to their New Homes
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- On Tuesday, 11 rescue puppies flew to their new homes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The puppies were previously located at the Whitfield County Animal Shelter, according to…
Dalton Woman Charged with Murder for 2022 Homicide Involvement
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The woman involved in a March 2022 homicide was arrested on Friday, Dalton Police Department says. Kyera Deshae Betton, 21, is being charged with murder and aggravated…
Whitfield County Man Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A man was found guilty on Friday of involuntary manslaughter from an incident in 2020. Mitchell Dion Morgan, 58, caused a wreck resulting in a man's death, documents…
New Solar Production Facilities to Create Jobs in Georgia
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- New Qcells facilities in Northwest Georgia will bring over 2,500 new jobs to the area, Governor Kemp announced on Wednesday. The company will be doubling their production in Georgia. Qcells is a solar module manufacturing facility.…
Town of Cohutta discusses destroyed police center
COHUTTA, Georgia (WDEF) -- Cohutta leaders are discussing the future of their police department tonight after a large fire destroyed their Police Services Center last month. Right now, officers…
Cohutta Police Cracking Down on Police Station Trespassers
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF)- The Cohutta Police Department has a warning for the public.…
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Suicide Policy
UPDATE: Attempted suicide calls are handled on a case-by-case basis according to a statement from the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office and should be handled by medical personnel. Rodney East plans to attend the Commissioners Meeting to voice his concerns about the…
Dalton Elks Lodge Gives Toys and Food to Community for Christmas
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- An organization in Dalton had its annual Christmas community giveback early this Christmas Eve morning. (more…)
Cohutta Police Services Center Destroyed in Fire
Cohutta, Ga. (WDEF)- A large fire destroyed the police services center in Cohutta in Whitfield County. (more…)
Whitfield County Family in Need after Devastating Fire
TUNNEL HILL, Ga. (WDEF)- A family in Whitfield County is reeling from a devastating fire earlier this week. (more…)
Whitfield County Appropriates a Million to Nonprofits
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners have awarded over a million dollars to local nonprofits there. (more…)
What's Right With Our Schools: Richard Hardy Memorial School Formal Closet
SOUTH PITTSBURG, TN (WDEF) - Getting all dressed up can be the first step in an enchanted evening, but tuxedos and formal gowns are often accessorized with an expensive price tag. Richard Hardy Memorial is home to a closet where…
Georgia man gets 20 years after meth trafficking conviction
DALTON, Georgia (WDEF) - Prosecutors say a northwest Georgia man has been found guilty of drug trafficking. A jury convicted 49 year old Jonathan Alexander of trafficking and possession of meth and marijuana. Last February, agents with the Lookout Mountain…
"Skip-Scanning" Raises Concerns about Self-Checkouts
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)-Dalton Police are searching for a woman who they believe committed theft at a dollar store. (more…)
Senator Warnock Campaigns in Dalton
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- The stakes are continuing to rise in Georgia as numerous high stakes elections are upon us. (more…)
Herschel Walker Campaigns in Dalton
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- The Herschel Walker campaign rolled into Whitfield County on Monday afternoon. (more…)
80 New Jobs Coming to Whitfield County
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Whitfield County has received some very positive economic news. (more…)
Whitfield County Magistrate Judge issued an order that releases individuals for most misdemeanor offenses
DALTON, Georgia (WDEF) - Magistrate judge Chris Griffin in Whitfield County has issued an order that releases individuals for most misdemeanor offenses on their own recognizance instead of bond. (more…)
