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How you can watch a Special Electon runoff debate on Sunday
ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) - Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Shawn Harris will square off in a debate for the Special Election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress. They are the two candidates to make it to the runoff on…
Weather Update: Saturday March 20, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Saturday: Mostly sunny with areas of smoke causing haze at times, dry, warm. Highs: high 70's to near 80. Winds: SW @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight: Showers and thunderstorms developing late in the…
Gillespie Scores 29 as Vols Take Down Miami Ohio 78-56
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ja’Kobi Gillespie confessed, yes, he was trying to reach 30 points when he attacked the lane late in Tennessee’s March Madness rout, only for somebody to smack his arm. Gillespie’s wayward shot attempt turned into a lob…
Cleveland's Grant Hurst Making Most of Final Season With Tennessee
Philadelphia, PA-(WDEF-TV) Cleveland high school grad Grant Hurst decided to come back for one more year at Tennessee. Now he's soaking up another trip to the Big Dance. Brian Armstrong caught up with the former Blue Raider in Philadelphia. [blox_vms…
Transgender bill sparks concerns over patient privacy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A bill concerning the future of transgender care in Tennessee is stirring controversy. "Do you think that those decisions will stop with trans people? I’ve got…
Developers assert construction around Erlanger Park is on schedule, Mayor Wamp's office says they disagree
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Developers have responded to recent criticisms of the progress of construction around Erlanger Park from Hamilton County Attorney Janie Varnell. In a letter we obtained, they say they are meeting target goals for development around the stadium,…
CFC Hosting Tennessee Tempo in Second Round of U.S. Open Cup
(press release) — Chattanooga FC will host Tennessee Tempo FC (UPSL) in the Second Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 p.m. ET at Finley Stadium. The draw and schedule for the…
Melvin Evans murder trial enters day four
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Defense and Prosecution gave their closing arguments today in the murder trial of Melvin Evans. Mr. Evans is accused of shooting and killing Kenneth…
TechByte: The Internet has an Infinite Memory
The internet has an infinite memory. On this week’s TechByte I’m going to show you how to use that memory for your advantage. Tell me if this sounds familiar:…
DEA names Colombian president 'priority target' as US prosecutors probe ties to drug traffickers
NEW YORK (AP) - Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been designated a “priority target” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as federal prosecutors in New York probe his alleged ties…
DOJ moves to dismiss criminal case against ex-police officers charged for role in Breonna Taylor's death
The Justice Department on Friday moved to dismiss its criminal case against two former Louisville police officers who were facing civil rights charges in connection with the shooting death of Breonna…
Access to Blue Hole will close March 23
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) says a construction project at North Chickamauga Creek Gorge State Park will close both the main parking area and access to the Blue Hole for approximately a year, beginning Monday, March 23, 2026. They…
Reality TV star Joseph Duggar waives extradition, will face a child molestation charge in Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Former reality TV star Joseph Duggar on Friday waived his right to an extradition hearing in Arkansas, which set in motion his transfer to Florida to face a child molestation charge. Duggar, 31, was arrested Thursday in…
"The Bachelorette" season with Taylor Frankie Paul canceled after 2023 video surfaces, ABC says
ABC has scrubbed the upcoming season of "The Bachelorette," starring Taylor Frankie Paul, citing a newly released video from 2023. Thursday's unprecedented cancellation of the already filmed season of the long-running…
Georgia woman charged with murder after police say she took abortion pills to end pregnancy
A 31-year-old Georgia woman has been charged with murder by police who say she took pills to induce an abortion in violation of a state law that bans it after the earliest weeks of pregnancy. If…
City’s Small Business Resource Center opens
The City of Chattanooga’s Small Business Resource Center has opened at 332 East Martin Luther King Boulevard. This initiative is funded with $1.8 million approved by City Council and provided…
Cleveland City Schools announces new principals for Ross, Arnold, and Blythe-Bower Elementary Schools
Cleveland City Schools (CCS) has announced new leadership at three elementary schools for the 2026-2027 school year. They have named Mr. Donald Benton as principal of Ross Elementary School, Dr. Alicia Kahrs as…
Man arrested on weapons charges and failure to comply with sex offender registry requirements
CHEROKEE COUNTY -- A Murphy man has been arrested on multiple charges related to weapons violations and failure to comply with sex offender registry requirements, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office…
Developers assert construction around Erlanger Park is on schedule, Mayor Wamp's office says they disagree
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Developers have responded to recent criticisms of the progress of construction around Erlanger Park from Hamilton County Attorney Janie Varnell. In a letter we obtained, they say they are meeting target goals for development around the stadium,…
Melvin Evans murder trial enters day four
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Defense and Prosecution gave their closing arguments today in the murder trial of Melvin Evans. Mr. Evans is accused of shooting and killing Kenneth…
Memphis man arrested for robbery outside Chattanooga auto parts store
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Memphis man has been charged with an armed robbery at a Chattanooga O'Reilly's Auto Parts Store. A Chattanooga police affidavit states that Rahkim Martin committed…
Commission approves new unincorporated Hamilton County planning commission
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- The future of unincorporated Hamilton County will be decided in a different manner going forward. Hamilton County Commissioners voted 7 to 4 to create…
Hamilton County Commission votes to meet twice a month at later time
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission has once again changed their meeting time. They will now meet on the first and third Wednesdays…
Election Commission votes against Highlander's ballot name challenge against Christian-Lowe
Donna Christian-Lowe (left) and Hamilton County Commissioner Dr. Steve Highlander (right) at a Hamilton County Election Commission over Highlander's challenge of Christian-Lowe…
HCSO releases new scam feature on Sheriff's App
HAMILTON COUNTY -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has shared they have added a new feature to their app that can help keep individuals informed about local and national scams. They…
Tennessee Democrats hold 'Affordability Tour' in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tennessee Democrats made a stop in Chattanooga Friday. Representative Yusuf Hakeem and…
First Responder Hero Award: Captain Christopher Blazek
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter,…
Remembering the Blizzard of '93: Office of Emergency Management says they're prepared
It’s been thirty-three years since the Blizzard of 1993 ravaged the southeast. Local officials say that funding for emergency agencies has greatly increased since…
Commission to consider lease with Jailhouse Studios as public continues to raise concerns
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A proposal is now under consideration to turn the old Hamilton County Jail into a television and film studio as…
Proposal of rural planning commission sparks tense debate over future growth in Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Will Hamilton County create its own planning commission? That's what some in county government would like to see. However,…
Meeting time once again discussed by Hamilton County Commission
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission once again discussed when they should hold their weekly meetings. Commissioner Gene-O Shipley proposed that meetings go back to 9:30…
Prosecutors say Darron Lee used ChatGPT to try to cover February murder of girlfriend in Ooltewah
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Off-duty Hamilton County deputy killed in motorcycle crash
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- An off-duty Hamilton County deputy has been killed in a motorcycle crash, according to the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD). They say 26-year-old Caleb LeBruno died following a crash on the…
What's Right With Our Schools: Brotherhood Brunch at Pneuma Church
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Teenage boys aren't the best at talking about their feelings. They want to appear strong and tough, but that can take a…
Caleb Askins gets reduction in charges on day four of murder trial
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Friday was day four of the Askins Brothers Trial. They are charged with the 2023 murder of Warren Crutcher at a…
Chattanooga City Council tours Erlanger Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It is less than 50 days from now when the Chattanooga Lookouts will take the field at their brand new stadium in the South Broad District. Tuesday, Chattanooga City…
Golden Apple Award: Lindsey Flaherty, Allen Elementary
SODDY DAISY, TN (WDEF) - For the best educators, teaching is much more than a job. It's a passion. That's certainly true for Lindsey Flaherty. One Allen Elementary school…
Grier gets sentenced to 62 more years in prison for murder of Bianca Horton
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga gang member who was…
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…)
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…)
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…
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: *…
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…
