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Ten Finalists are coming to cook at the National Cornbread Festival
SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tennessee (WDEF) - The National Cornbread Festival has picked their ten finalists to compete live in front of festival goers this weekend. They gather cornbread recipes from across the nation and narrow them down to the final ten. This…
Don't be fooled by mail, you can pick which party you vote in
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Despite what you get in the mail or see posted at the polls, Tennessee voters are allowed to pick which party they want to vote in during a primary. We’re seeing letters purportedly from the Hamilton County Republican…
TDOT urges drivers to stay alert during Work Zone Awareness Week
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - It is National Work Zone Awareness Week. The annual campaign is focused on spreading the importance of driving safely, especially through…
April marks Stress Awareness Month
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - April is Stress Awareness Month, a time when local organizations are encouraging the community to reflect on both physical and mental health. Mental health professionals say recognizing…
Notre Dame Enjoying Unbeaten Season Under First Year Head Coach
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) With just one game left in the regular season, the Notre Dame soccer team is still unbeaten and is looking to make a state title push. They've done all this with a new head coach, who's no stranger to…
Cleveland Gets Big 1-0 Victory Over East Hamilton
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Cleveland entered Tuesday night tied for first place in their district, and the Blue Raiders managed to sweat out a tough, 1-0 victory over East Hamilton. Brayden Harris drove in the only run of the ballgame. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="aa3119352b816e66e2370c64440cbaba7a77011f"…
GPS Storms Back to Beat Baylor 14-4
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) After falling behind 4-0 in the top of the first, GPS stormed back to beat rival Baylor 14-4.
Nationals Whip Atlanta 11-4 to End Braves Six Game Winning Streak
WASHINGTON (AP) — James Wood homered, Luis García Jr. had four hits and the Washington Nationals snapped the Atlanta Braves’ six-game winning streak with an 11-4 victory on Tuesday night. The Nationals scored three runs before Atlanta starter Reynaldo López…
Weather Update: Wedesday April 22, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Partly cloudy, mild. Lows: mid 50's. Winds: SW @ 5-10 MPH. Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Warmer. Highs: mid 80's. Winds: SW @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cool. Dry. Lows: mid 50's.…
Dalton public safety board temporarily revokes license of establishment as manager questions process
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- What is the difference between a bar and a restaurant? That was the question that the Dalton Public Safety Commission had to…
Prescription Drug Bill Advances Statewide
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennessee lawmakers have passed the “Fair Rx Act,” legislation that would restrict certain types of ownership within the prescription drug industry in the state. The bill would…
Community Talks Solutions to Homelessness
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - City leaders and community organizations gathered this morning to discuss ongoing challenges related to homelessness and potential long-term solutions. The discussion included ideas such as…
Apalachee High School shooting: Cameras barred from victim testimony at Colin Gray sentencing
A Barrow County judge has ruled that media outlets will not be allowed to record or broadcast victim impact statements during the upcoming sentencing of a father convicted in connection with the deadly Apalachee High School shooting. In an order issued Monday,…
Singer D4vd pleads not guilty to murder in death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer D4vd pleaded not guilty Monday to a murder charge in the death of a 14-year-old girl who was last known to be alive nearly a year ago and…
Figures show Chattanooga job market decrease
The Business Research Center at UTC reports that Chattanooga’s job market wasn’t quite as rosy last year as we thought. They note that the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics has revised their job figures for last year. And that means…
Restored Tivoli Theatre announces 2027 Season of Broadway
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Tivoli Theatre Foundation and First Horizon Foundation have shared details for the 2027 season of Broadway at the Tivoli Theatre. They say the 2027 Season of Broadway at the Tivoli Theatre features six productions and nearly…
Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members
Nearly 490 alleged members of the powerful Central American gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), including several alleged leaders, went on trial collectively in El Salvador on Monday, accused of thousands of murders. El Salvador is conducting mass trials of thousands of…
McClellan Island Future Vision
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - McClellan Island is still in the early stages of what could become a long-term transformation, with community partners working together to shape its future. Groups like Chattanooga Botanical…
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.…
Deputy Faulkner laid to rest after procession and celebration of life
The procession carrying Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Landon Faulkner to be laid to rest at the Sequatchie County Memorial Gardens proceeding underneath an American flag held up by Dunlap and Signal Mountain firefighters on Rankin Avenue…
Local labor unions continue to voice opposition to data centers in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local labor unions say they are concerned about recent investments in AI data centers. The unions, organizing as Jobs with Justice East Tennessee, say they…
County defers vote on property near Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The advocacy group for Enterprise South Nature…
Fugitive arrested after fleeing Hamilton County trial over aggravated statutory rape
A U.S. Marshals Service task force in Nashville has arrested a fugitive convicted of aggravated statutory rape, after he fled during his trial in Hamilton County. James Harold Tolliver, 67, was on trial for…
Mayor Wamp announces small business incubator to share Gateway Building with Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Institute
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, you heard from several small business owners concerned about the potential closure of the Small Business Incubator on the Chattanooga northshore. On Wednesday, we learned the Franklin-Roberts Future…
Three new fire trucks unveiled for Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Highway 58…
Erlanger Park spillover causes parking headaches on South Broad
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Opening day of Erlanger Park was a sold out success. However, the parking situation brought a challenge for some southside businesses. Social Media…
Early Voting Begins in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Early voting in Tennessee began today. Early extends until April the thirtieth, and the voter registration period has already passed. After Early voting, the official primary election…
What's Right With Our Schools: Eastgate Library Young Authors
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Being a good writer is a great skill to have. But you need to work at it. Third through 8th grade students are…
Judge questions speed of proceedings in Rick Davis case
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Former jewelry dealer and pawn shop owner Rick Davis made…
Winn Smiles holds free dental clinic
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Dental care is something that many take for granted. With rising costs of living, personal health is something that quite a few Americans have put on the back burner. Dr. Brad Winn, dentist and owner of…
Trial in 2023 Chattanooga murder case delayed again
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The trial of an ex-Chattanooga cop charged with the murder of his girlfriend has been delayed again. Lawrence Goodine is facing a first degree murder…
Multi-vehicle crash shuts down Highway 111 overnight in Sequatchie County, HCSO vehicle involved
SEQUATCHIE COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- A crash on Highway 111 in Sequatchie County has shut down that highway. News 12…
Celebration of life held for Stroud Watson, whose vision shaped downtown Chattanooga
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Launch Pad set to place free narcan box in Miller Park to combat overdoses
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-…
What's Right With Our Schools: Celebrating Dr. Ware at Howard
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Dr. LeAndrea Ware's time at Howard is coming to an end. She has accepted a leadership role with the Boys and Girls…
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…
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…)
Dalton public safety board temporarily revokes license of establishment as manager questions process
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- What is the difference between a bar and a restaurant? That was the question that the Dalton Public Safety Commission had to…
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…
Dalton man arrested for child molestation, aggravated sodomy
A Dalton man has been arrested on multiple charges, including child molestation, according to the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO). On February 19th, 2026, Whitfield County Sheriff's Office detectives served a warrant…
What's Right With Our Schools: NWGA College and Career Academy
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - The Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy is continuing its mission to develop a 21st century workforce. They do that through focused…
Whitfield Co. Sheriff's Office Receives “Adventure Bags” to Support Children in Crisis
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) says they have been the recipient of "adventure bags" that are able to help children in crisis. They say this is a resource…
Golden Apple Award: Janet Robbins, Northwest Whitfield
TUNNEL HILL, GEORGIA (WDEF) - Janet Robbins has a knack for growing things. From the endless rows of flora lining the Northwest Whitfield greenhouse to the young minds inside…
What's Right With Our Schools Northwest Whitfield AG Program
TUNNEL HILL, GA (WDEF) - Traditional classrooms are great places to learn, but sometimes students need to get their hands dirty. That's exactly what happens at the…
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…
