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Weather Update: Tuesday May 19, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Tuesday: Cl0ud/Sun Mix. Warm. Highs: high 80's. Winds: S @ 5-10 MPH. Overnight: Partly cloudy. Mild. Lows: mid/high 60's. Winds: near calm. Wednesday: Cl0ud/Sun Mix. Warm with showers and thunderstorms developing. Highs:…
Tennessee American touts Infrastructure improvements in our area
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Tennessee American Water is celebrating Infrastructure Week by sharing what they are working on these days. They are building a new water storage tank in Lookout Valley along with new tanks in Whitwell. The utility is also replacing…
Marlins Hammer the Braves 12-0
MIAMI (AP) — Javier Sanoja hit his first career grand slam, Joe Mack drove in four runs and the Miami Marlins shut out the MLB-leading Atlanta Braves 12-0 on Monday night. Max Meyer (4-0) continued his strong start to the…
Mocs Golf in 6th Place After First Round of NCAA Regional
(gomocs.com) The Chattanooga Mocs men’s golf team is sixth after 18 holes at the NCAA Bryan Regionals. The Mocs shot a 2-under 286 over the opening 18 at the Traditions Club. They’re four behind No. 16 Tennessee in fifth at…
Pleas for safer driving heightened after pair of fatal motorcycle crashes
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s motorcycle community is continuing to mourn the loss of two bikers in the past week. Lucas Weaver says he was friends…
Ringgold puts out annual flag display for Memorial Day
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- Volunteers wanted to make sure Ringgold was ready for Memorial Day. Over 2,100 flags have been planted across town. Each flag is attached to a cross bearing the…
New Plans Transform Pavilion Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Community leaders are moving forward with a new vision for Pavilion Park, announcing the BlueCross Healthy Place project near Finley Stadium during a public event. The project…
Down Payment Help Program Launch
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Buying a home has become increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers as housing prices and upfront costs continue rising nationwide. Now, leaders in Chattanooga say a new…
Vols Basketball Sign 6'10 Forward Christian Fermin of VCU
(utsports.com) – University of Tennessee head men's basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Monday the addition of Christian Fermin. Following four years at A-10 powerhouse VCU, Fermin heads to Rocky Top as a redshirt senior forward with one season of eligibility left. "We are happy to…
The 2 suspects in a shooting at a San Diego mosque are dead, a police source says
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The two suspects in a Monday shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego are dead. That’s according to a police source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person…
Zoo Atlanta evacuated due to bomb threat hoax over the weekend, officials say
A bomb threat led to the evacuation of Zoo Atlanta over the weekend, officials say. In a statement, zoo officials said that they received the threat late Saturday afternoon and evacuated all guests and team members from the grounds. Officials…
What's Right With Our Schools: Catoosa Reads Program
CATOOSA COUNTY, GA (WDEF) - Getting young people to love reading is a team effort in Catoosa County. Last year, the School District teamed up with Citizens for…
Georgia woman who faked being pregnant teen and threatened couples sentenced to federal prison
A Georgia woman will spend nearly two years in federal prison after officials say she pretended to be a pregnant teenager to cyberstalk and threaten two Tennessee couples who were looking to adopt a baby. Last year, 30-year-old Athens resident…
Man pleads guilty in shooting death of rapper Young Dolph at a Memphis bakery
MEMPHIS, Tenn, (AP) — A Tennessee man pleaded guilty on Friday in the shooting death of…
2 Americans arrested in Japan for climbing into viral baby monkey Punch's zoo enclosure
Two American nationals were arrested Sunday in Japan after one of them…
Veteran Singer Advocates Mental Health
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - As Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month continue, Benjamin Hightower is using his platform to speak openly about mental health and life after military service.…
Triathlon Tradition Draws Big Crowds
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The IRONMAN 70.3 returned over the weekend, bringing athletes to a course built around a downstream Tennessee River swim, rolling regional roads, and a downtown run lined…
Judge allows gun and notebook as evidence at Mangione’s trial in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killing
NEW YORK (AP) — A gun and notebook that prosecutors say link Luigi Mangione to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson can be used as evidence at his murder trial, a judge ruled Monday,…
Pleas for safer driving heightened after pair of fatal motorcycle crashes
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga’s motorcycle community is continuing to mourn the loss of two bikers in the past week. Lucas Weaver says he was friends…
East Hamilton Student Earns Award for Short Film
OOLTEWAH,TN (WDEF) - An East Hamilton High School student is receiving national recognition for a short film she created. Rayna Wright took third prize in C-Span's Student Cam…
Competitors check in for IronMan triathlon
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Iron Man 70.3 Kilometer triathlon starts on Sunday, bright and early. Friday was check-in day for the competitors at Ironman Village on…
First Responder Hero Award: Battalion Chief Eric Bowen
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award. Whether they serve as EMTs,…
Erlanger adding major expansion to East campus
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A major expansion is coming soon to Erlanger East on Gunbarrel Road. The multimillion-dollar project will add new facilities and beds. Tyler Winks Executive…
Volunteers Needed for Cemetery Flag Placement
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- As Memorial Day approaches, local groups are preparing to honor our nation's fallen. Retired Navy Captain Mickey McCamish put out a call this week requesting…
New details released on planned amphitheater on the Chattanooga Westside
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Last week, we learned…
Signal Mountain man sentenced to three consecutive life sentences in child rape case
Content warning: We do want to warn you that many of the details in this story are disturbing. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.…
Man shot on Chattanooga Westside Monday evening
Chattanooga Police on the scene of a shooting on the 1200 block of Grove Street in front of the James A. Henry Building near the College Hill Courts. A car is seen behind police tape on…
What's Right With Our Schools, Chattanooga Library Story Time
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - The foundation for life-long learning is often laid in pre-school, but for people that young, learning has to be fun. That's exactly where…
Hamilton County purchases land adjacent to Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-…
Commission to begin seeking bids on northshore Business Development Center amid opposition from incubator businesses
A group of business owners at the Hamilton County Small Business Incubator standing in opposition to a…
Geter knocks off Beck, other incumbents retain seats in Hamilton County commission primary races
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- There will be at least one new, albeit familiar face on the Hamilton County Commission come this…
Jason Chen denied new trial in Jasmine Pace murder case
Jason Chen entering into a hearing on May 4, 2026 attempting to get a new trial (left). Jasmine Pace, the victim of…
Transfer of portion of Engel Stadium land to Hamilton County approved
The land that is being transferred on the Engel Stadium property from UTC to Hamilton County for a new Health Department…
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…
Traffic at a standstill southbound in Bradley County due to crash
BRADLEY COUNTY -- All lanes are blocked on I-75 southbound in Bradley County due to a multi-vehicle crash near mile marker 19.4, according to TDOT. We are working to learn more.
TOSHA investigating Amaero plant explosion, experts say this is reminder of dangers of lithium batteries.
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A state agency says they are beginning their investigation into an explosion at a Bradley County plant Wednesday . TOSHA says they began that investigation Thursday morning after two people suffered severe burns from a lithium battery…
Craig Liner pleads guilty to 2025 murder of ex-wife
UPDATE: Craig Liner has pleaded guilty of the 2025 killing of his ex-wife Karen Liner and has been sentenced to life in prison. Liner…
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…
Cohutta Town Council reinstates police department, tables decision on mayor's future
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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…
