Exclusive Content
Latest News
Local Reactions to Pope Francis' Passing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Catholics around the world are mourning Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88, weeks after being released from the hospital following a battle with double pneumonia and other health complications. Known for his…
What's Right With Our Schools: Clumpies Howard
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Some Howard High students just turned a class project into the coolest creation in town. News 12's Timbrel Williams stopped by the kitchen to see…
Instagram uses AI to crack down on teens posing as adults online
Instagram is beginning to test the use of artificial intelligence to determine if kids are lying about their ages on the app, parent company Meta Platforms said on Monday. Meta has been using AI to…
Hamilton County witness to testify in former Tennessee House Speaker's trial
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his former chief of staff Cade Cothren are scheduled to stand trial this week on federal charges linked to an alleged kickback scheme involving…
El Paso Walmart shooter pleads guilty to capital murder in racist 2019 attack
The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack at a Walmart in El Paso in 2019 — one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history — pleaded guilty Monday to capital murder in a state district…
Delta plane engine catches fire at Orlando airport, passengers evacuate on slides
A Delta passenger jet caught fire on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport…
Blackburn, Tillis introduce bill to increase oversight of sister city partnerships
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WDEF) — U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) have introduced the Sister City Transparency Act. This bill is aimed at increasing federal oversight of sister city partnerships to address potential…
Catoosa County couple sentenced to 20 years following child cruelty conviction
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Catoosa County couple has been sentenced after being found guilty on multiple counts of child abuse. The couple was charged in December of 2023 following an investigation led by local authorities. According to…
Weather Update: Monday April 21, 2025
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Monday: Mostly sunny, PM Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs: low 80's. Winds: SW @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 20. Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Lows: low 60's. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Showers/Thunderstorms. Highs:…
Is Easter Monday a federal holiday? Are banks open today? Here's what to know.
Easter Monday marks the end of the Easter holiday weekend in the U.S., raising the question of whether it's also a federal holiday. While Easter Monday, celebrated on April 21 this year, is a significant…
Pope Francis has died, the Vatican camerlengo, announces
ASSOCIATED PRESS VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis died Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His…
Serving Hope This Easter Sunday
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - This Easter Sunday, the front lawn of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center was filled with warmth, generosity, and hope as the Union Gospel Mission served its 11th…
Missing dog: owner offers cash reward to reunite mother with puppies
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A local dog named Reece went missing last night around 6 p.m. in the Chattanooga area. Her owner, Jayden Larson, says time is of the essence, as Reece has a litter of puppies who need…
Beloved Easter Tradition Returns to Collegedale: SonRise Resurrection Pageant Draws Hundreds
COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF)— One of Collegedale’s most cherished Easter traditions made its powerful return this year, as the SonRise Resurrection Pageant once again transformed the campus of Southern Adventist University into a living storybook of the final days of Jesus…
Easter morning Chattanooga house fire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Witness reports of a house fire on Easter morning led to an extended response from the Chattanooga Fire Department and other agencies. At 8:30 AM first responders were called to the 2700 block of Shepherd…
From one chapter to the next: A mother's path to sweet success
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) — There's a new sweet spot in town — The Milky Cow Bakery. There's a new bakery bringing sugar, joy, and…
Red Wolves get first home win of the season
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Chattanooga Red Wolves dominated the scoring chances and in the second half finally put on in the back of the net. Vazquez scored to put the Red Wolves…
What's Right With Our Schools: Clumpies Howard
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Some Howard High students just turned a class project into the coolest creation in town. News 12's Timbrel Williams stopped by the kitchen to see…
Police looking for domestic violence suspect after early morning Brainerd SWAT standoff
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A tense situation unfolded in a Brainerd neighborhood early Friday morning. (more…)
Auckland City FC's stay in Chattanooga could lead to international team visit during 2026 World Cup
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A New Zealand soccer team will call Chattanooga home for a part of this summer. (more…)
Two people arrested after authorities found nearly $150,000 in drug paraphernalia
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Two people have been arrested after local authorities seized a significant quantities of drugs, vehicles, firearms, and cash. The Hamilton…
"I WAS SCARED": Prosecution rests in Roberts trial as witness recounts shooting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Day two of the Darryl Roberts murder trial, was a rather short one. (more…)
Chatt Prep avoids charter revocation, moves forward under probationary status
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Following several weeks of review and collaboration, Hamilton County Schools and the new leadership at Chattanooga Prep have reached an agreement…
Mayor Wamp's State of the County
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Mayor Weston Wamp gave his state of the county address at Soddy Daisy Middle School. The mayor said he wants to focus on the smaller…
Dallas Bay firefighters put out Stonewall Farms deck fire
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Fire crews put out a deck fire in the Hixson area Tuesday night. Crews with Dallas Bay Fire & Rescue responded to 6946 Bullock Way for reports of a deck fire. Upon arrival, officials…
Friends take stand on day one of Roberts murder trial
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In September 2023, a prominent…
Golden Apple Award: Mariah Dahlin, Ooltewah Elementary
COLLEGEDALE, TN (WDEF) - Patience and kindness are two essential qualities for an elementary school teacher. Mariah Dahlin has plenty of both. Her students at Ooltewah Elementary love her…
Camper fire leads to propane explosion in Hixson neighborhood
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A hixson homeowner lost a camper due to a heavy fire Tuesday morning. At 8:20 a.m., firefighters with the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire…
New jury selected in Roberts trial
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A second jury has been selected in a pending Chattanooga murder trial. (more…)
Mayor Kelly, City Council sworn in at city inauguration
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga mayor Tim Kelly and all 9 city council members were sworn in to a new term Monday morning at Memorial Auditorium. (more…)
Unauthorized network access prompts HCSO system shutdown
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Several external services to the public and resources that are provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are temporarily unavailable. At 6:30 a.m., HCSO detected an unauthorized, external source, attempting to access their network.…
Hakeem blasts "Dismantle DEI Act" in House Education Committee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga lawmaker had some fiery comments this week regarding proposed legislation that would curb diversity requirements. (more…)
South Broad Stadium still on track a year for opening day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- We got another update on the construction progress of the South Broad Stadium. (more…)
Drug Recovery Court looking to move to Hickory Valley Road location
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A resource for those recovering from drug addiction here in Hamilton County is likely to soon be on the move. (more…)
City Council sticks with debt collector after breach
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The data breach that has affected both Hamilton County Government and the city of Chattanooga was briefly discussed during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. (more…)
Cleveland fire crews contain kitchen fire at Bradley County Jail
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A fire broke out in the kitchen area of the Bradley County Jail Tuesday afternoon. Crews with the Cleveland Fire Department (CFD)…
Firefighter and family lose their home in a morning fire
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - Bradley County EMS has begun a Go-Fund-Me campaign to help one of their own rebuild. Bradley firefighter and part time EMT, James Gray, lost his home to a…
Juvenile arrested and charged with assault after Eureka Road paintball incident
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A juvenile has been arrested following a paintball incident on Eureka Road a few weeks ago. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responded to a report of reckless driving on…
Lee University facing federal lawsuit over breach
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Lee University is facing a federal lawsuit. (more…)
Cleveland Berry Street hit and run suspect arrested
UPDATE (4/2/2025): A suspect has been arrested in connection to the hit-and-run incident on Berry Street in Cleveland over the weekend. Cleveland police say they…
Bradley County K9 unit tracks down fleeing suspect
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Bradley County K9 Unit assisted in the capture of a fleeing suspect. The suspect fled from a traffic stop…
Georgia woman pleads ‘no contest’ in TennCare fraud case
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Georgia woman has pleaded “no contest” to a charge of TennCare fraud. Erikea Akridge now lives in Crandall, Georgia but used to be in Tennessee. The state says she…
Bradley County Sheriff's Office drone team locates missing juvenile
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Bradley County Sheriff's Office's (BCSO) drone team located a missing juvenile in a wooded area. On the night of March 24, 2025, BCSO received…
Representative Kevin Raper to return to Tennessee House following liver transplant
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- State Representative Kevin Raper (R-Cleveland) will return to the Tennessee House of Representatives on March 27 after successfully undergoing a liver…
Bradley County deputy reunites with woman he rescued from fire
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. — The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) recently welcomed a survivor back for a reunion with the first responder who helped save her…
Golden Apple Award: Susan Glasheen, George R. Stuart Elementary School
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - The best teachers truly care about their students. That certainly describes Susan Glasheen. Her classroom at George R. Stuart Elementary in Cleveland…
Bradley County man arrested on attempted first degree murder
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Bradley County man has been arrested and charged for Attempted First Degree Murder in Hamilton …
Overnight road closures scheduled for Paul Huff Parkway at SR 60 in Bradley County
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Drivers in Bradley County should prepare for temporary road closures as construction crews work overnight to complete grading and paving at the intersection of Paul Huff Parkway and Georgetown Road.…
Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary reveals new expansion
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A Cleveland City school is expanding. Candy's Creek Cherokee Elementary school had their grand expansion today. The new additions include multiple new classrooms that will…
Fatal crash in Bradley County leaves one dead after running into semi
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- One person is dead after a fatal accident in Bradley County Monday afternoon. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol…
Liner could face death penalty if convicted of Cleveland realtor and ex-wife's murder
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Back on January 27th, Karen Liner, a beloved Cleveland realtor was murdered at her Arthur Lane home. (more…)
Linde, Inc. announces industrial gas facility near Charleston, Tennessee
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - Tennessee officials announce a $70 million investment in Bradley County. Linde, Inc. plans to build a new facility to supply industrial gases in…
Amaero holds ribbon cutting for new Cleveland headquarters, plant
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A defense contractor has launched operations in Bradley…
Fatal crash near Charleston leaves one dead, one injured
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A single-vehicle crash in Bradley County yesterday resulted in one fatality and one injury. According to a preliminary report from the Tennessee…
Man arrested in Bradley County for attempted burglary and vandalism
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A man has been arrested in Bradley County for attempted burglary and vandalism of a local business. On January 10, 2025, deputies with the Bradley County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) responded to 2171 APD 40 for…
Calhoun officer shot at during domestic call at Buc-ee’s, turns into deadly vehicle pursuit
UPDATE (4/17/2025): The suspect involved in a vehicle pursuit in Whitfield County early Thursday morning is believed to have also shot at officers at the Bucee's in Calhoun. Officers with the Calhoun Police Department…
Golden Apple Award: Deborah Baker, Dalton High School
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Deborah Baker has dedicated her long teacher career making a difference in the lives of her students. She challenges them and equips them with…
Whitfield County authorities searching for escaped inmate
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is actively searching for an inmate who walked away from a work crew. Vincente Vasquez-Lopez walked away near Five Springs Road and South…
Whitfield County educator named finalist for Georgia Teacher of the Year
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- One of the ten finalists for teacher of the year in Georgia is from Whitfield County Beth Taylor teaches K-thru-5 at Varnell Elementary. The state school superintendent flew in to the school by helicopter to…
15 local schools make Georgia under-performing list qualifying students for private school scholarships
ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) - We have 15 local schools on the under-performing list in the state of Georgia. And that means parents of those…
Dalton Police arrest 53-year-old in sexual assault case
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- Dalton Police have arrested 53-year-old Philip Kevin McKinley in connection to a sexual assault case. A report was filed with the Dalton Police Department (DPD) on February 12, 2025…
Residents react to proposed bill that would shield carpet manufacturers from lawsuits
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- A controversial bill regarding forever chemicals was the subject of a tense hearing in Atlanta. (more…)
Whitfield County house fire claims life of 88-year-old
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A house fire in Whitfield County claimed the life of an 88-year-old Monday morning. At 8:45 a.m., March 3, 2025, the Whitfield County…
Catoosa County’s historic patrol car restoration nears completion
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- Several organizations have been working to restore a Pontiac Trans Am that belonged to the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). In 1978, Catoosa County Sheriff J.D. Stewart bought four Trans Am's to be used…
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office investigating suspicious death
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) is investigating what they call a suspicious death in Dalton this morning. WSCO responded to 3089 North Dug Gap…
Whitfield County man arrested hours after fatally stabbing woman
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. — A homicide suspect was apprehended early Tuesday morning, hours after a fatal stabbing on Richardson Road claimed the life of a local woman.…
Family horrified by water quality test results on Whitfield County property
The Fletcher children playing in the creek on their property, now known to contain an unsafe amount of the PFAS chemical.…
Mohawk suing chemical companies over "fraud" related to forever chemicals
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- A few months ago, a group of conservationists raised alarm bells about the presence of dangerous chemicals in Northwestern Georgia waterways. (more…)
Pierce wins Whitfield County sheriff's race
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- There will be a brand new sheriff in Whitfield County. (more…)
Whitfield County Schools mulling millage rate increase
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- Property owners in Whitfield County will likely see an increase in their property taxes this year. (more…)
Man charged with killing a woman with a rock
DALTON, Georgia (WDEF) - The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office has charged a man with killing a homeless woman by hitting her in the head with a rock. Officers found the body of 50…
Whitfield County fire chief retires after 40 years of service
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- Whitfield County Fire Chief Ed O'Brien has retired, according to the county's spokesperson. Whitfield County Government Press Release: Whitfield County Fire Chief Retires After Decades of Distinguished Service Whitfield County, GA – Whitfield County Fire Chief…
Dalton GNTC receives CDL truck program investment
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) - Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced an investment into the Georgia Northwest Technical College campus in Dalton. $5.5 million will be invested to…
