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Robot Umpire Will Be Available For SEC Baseball Tournament
The robot umpire is coming to college baseball, at least on an experimental basis. The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee on Monday approved the Southeastern Conference’s request to implement a challenge system for balls and strikes for each game of the…
Titans Have High Hopes For Rookie Receiver Carnell Tate
The Titans made receiver Carnell Tate the first pick of the Robert Saleh regime. While Tate may have been overshadowed at Ohio State by fellow receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Titans believe he has what it takes to emerge as a…
Developer says that amphitheater could be centerpiece of The Bend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A survey conducted by Chattanooga Tourism Company in late 2024 indicated…
Vols Land Wake Forest Scoring Threat Juke Harris in Transfer Portal
(utsports.com) – University of Tennessee head men's basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Monday the addition of Juke Harris. A 2025-26 Second Team All-ACC designee at Wake Forest, Harris joins the Volunteers as a junior guard with, based off current rules, two seasons of…
Hamilton County Health Department announces layoffs
The Hamilton County Health Department announced layoffs today. The cuts follow an operational review. They are laying off 13 employees and will not fill two vacant positions. “These decisions are never…
Tomorrow is election day across Tennessee
Tuesday is election day across Tennessee. Democrats and Republicans are holding their primaries for offices in your community. The races are primarily for county commissions, school boards, mayors and sheriffs. The polls open at 8 a.m. local time. We’ll have…
Polk Co. High School student suspended after making statement to harm another student
POLK COUNTY -- A Polk County High School student was suspended on May 4th, 2026 after they were overheard making a statement about brining a weapon to school and harming another student, according to Polk…
Transfer of portion of Engel Stadium land to Hamilton County approved
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The University of Tennessee Board of…
Judge asks why jail placed suspect in White House correspondents’ dinner attack on suicide watch
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal magistrate judge on Monday pressed a jail official to explain why a man charged with trying to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and attempting to kill President Donald Trump was placed on restrictive suicide watch after his…
Pet of the Week: Dimples!
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Join us at Prime News at 7 to meet this week's Pet of the Week: Dimples! Dimples is a truly amazing and silly girl who lives up to her adorable name and is sure to make…
Britney Spears pleads guilty to lesser 'wet reckless' charge in DUI case and avoids jail time
VENTURA, Calif. (AP) - Britney Spears pleaded guilty through her lawyer Monday to a lesser charge that will allow her to avoid jail time after California prosecutors accused her of driving under the…
Record amount of cocaine seized from ship in Atlantic Ocean by Spanish police, union says
Spanish police have impounded what is believed to be a national record haul of cocaine from a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, with the seizure potentially reaching 40 tons, a union said on Monday. The…
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…
Weather Update: Monday May 4, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Monday: Sunny, dry, warmer. Highs: high 70's. Winds: SW @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight:Mostly clear. Dry. Chilly. Lows: mid 50's. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Tuesday: Mostly Sunny, dry, warmer. Highs: high 70's…
Man arrested at Trump's Miami golf club for disorderly conduct, Secret Service says
A man was arrested Saturday at President Trump's Doral National Golf Club just outside of Miami after an alleged disturbance, the U.S. Secret Service said. Mr. Trump was not at the club at the…
Shooting at lake near Oklahoma City leaves at least 13 injured, police and hospital officials say
Edmund, Oklahoma — A shooting Sunday night at a party at a lake near Oklahoma City sent at least 13 people to hospitals, according to police and hospital officials. Authorities received reports of shots being fired at about 9 p.m. at…
Developer says that amphitheater could be centerpiece of The Bend
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A survey conducted by Chattanooga Tourism Company in late 2024 indicated…
Transfer of portion of Engel Stadium land to Hamilton County approved
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The University of Tennessee Board of…
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…
Developer addresses Bend progress, communication concerns with council members
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As the Chattanooga Lookouts begin their…
Officers to not face charges in death of suspect on Highway 58
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Officers will not face charges in a shooting last July on Highway 58. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp confirmed to…
15 years later: remembering the 2011 Super Outbreak
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- "When I moved here in the 1990s, the thinking was we don’t get that bad storms here because of all the ridges and the mountains…
More construction on the way as 24/75 project is completed
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For years, many have dealt with the congestion caused by the construction on Interstates 24 and 75 in Chattanooga.…
Wildwood Playscape opens at Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Adventurers both young and old have a new place to explore…
Business owners at northshore incubator say they are still against move to Franklin-Roberts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s been over a week since plans were announced to move Hamilton County’s Small Business Incubator to the Franklin-Roberts Future…
Parking permits spark concerns at Battle Academy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Parking in downtown Chattanooga is already a tough situation, but one school is concerned it could become worse for them. Battle Academy, a magnet school located at the corner of Main and Market Streets, currently has less…
Creatives dress up rubber ducks in Collegedale contest
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- 24 contestants are trying to waddle to victory…
Mayor Wamp responds to concerns regarding incubator move
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is defending the move of the Small Business Incubator Center on the northshore to a new Future Ready Center downtown.…
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.…
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…
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…
Driver in custody following foot chase
The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) says they are on scene in the area of Eugenia Drive and Zell Drive regarding a foot chase. They say deputies stopped a black passenger car and…
