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Alleged Hezbollah member on U.S. terror list is arrested in Ecuador
Ecuador has arrested a Syrian man identified as a terrorist threat by the United States for belonging to Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, authorities said Wednesday. The arrest came as the government of Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa, an ally of U.S.…
Code orange air quality advisory
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Wildfire smoke is causing elevated levels of fine particles in the air across our region, which has put our area under a code orange air quality advisory, according to the Hamilton County Health Department. They say…
Nicolás Maduro heads back to a US court, fighting charges as Venezuela moves on without him
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro returns to a New York courtroom Thursday as he seeks to have his drug trafficking indictment thrown out over a geopolitical dispute over legal fees. Maduro’s lawyer contends the U.S. is…
Ex-Georgia police chief, wife accused of stealing over $30,000 from Christmas charity fund
A former Georgia police chief and his wife are accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a charity fund intended to give underprivileged children Christmas gifts, officials say. Authorities with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation say 55-year-old Woodrow "Peewee" Wilson…
Vols announce new mascot for upcoming football season
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - There will be a new Smokey in town this fall for UT football. The University of Tennessee will officially introduce Smokey XII at the spring football game in a couple of weeks at Neyland Stadium. Smokey…
Juvenile arrested following vehicle pursuit on Dayton Pike
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A juvenile has been arrested following a vehicle pursuit on Dayton Pike at Sequoyah Road. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) says a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed…
Chattanooga City Council commemorates ‘America 250’ celebration with Liberty Bell replica
Front Row (left to right): Captain Mickey McCamish, USN[Ret] (Committee Member), Marti Rutherford (Committee Member), Becky Browder (Committee Member), and Dennis Clark (City Councilmember)Back Row (left to right): Link Hammond (President of Siskin Steel), Jenny Hill…
Blood Assurance in need of donations this spring
Dr. Liz Culler joins News 12's Amelia Greer to encourage viewers to donate blood during an ongoing blood shortage. Donate today to save three lives! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Earn a little…
City asks for mural artists to apply for James A. Henry project
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - The city of Chattanooga is recruiting artists for a new mural in town. They want to replace the old mural at the James A. Henry school Hub on Grove Street. City officials want to replace the mural in…
GPS Wins 6th Straight With 5-2 Victory Over Meigs Co
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) GPS picked up their sixth win in-a-row on Wednesday with a 5-2 victory over Meigs Co.
NFL Set to Open 2026 Season on a Wednesday Night
The NFL will open the season on a Wednesday night for the second time ever with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks set to host the first game of the 2026 season. The NFL announced on Wednesday that the Seahawks will…
Vols Preparing For First Scrimmage of Spring Practice
(utsports.com) – Tennessee football held its sixth practice of the 2026 spring slate Wednesday, utilizing a walkthrough format as the Volunteers prepare for their first scrimmage of the spring Thursday inside Neyland Stadium. The scrimmage will be closed to the…
Notre Dame Agrees to Part Ways With Basketball Coach Matt Matoh
(press release) After two seasons, Head Boys Basketball Coach Matt Matoh and Notre Dame High School have mutually agreed to part ways following the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year. During his tenure, Coach Matoh led the boys basketball program to…
Governor Lee Stops in Athens and Decatur
MEIGS AND MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee made two stops in East Tennessee on Wednesday as part of his statewide farewell tour, drawing crowds of…
How Workers Can Stay Competitive
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Artificial intelligence and automation are changing how many jobs are done. A new survey from the University of Phoenix highlights how hiring leaders view online credentials in…
TSA agents continue working at Chattanooga Airport despite federal gridlock preventing their pay
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The battle continues inside of the federal government over the funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This is causing issues at…
Erlanger Hospital announces plans to revamp Children's Emergency Room
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Erlanger Hospital announced plans to makeover their Children’s Emergency Room at a press conference Wednesday. They made the announcement at the Kennedy Outpatient Center across the street. Erlanger leadership says the goal is to make the…
Code orange air quality advisory
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- Wildfire smoke is causing elevated levels of fine particles in the air across our region, which has put our area under a code orange air quality advisory, according to the Hamilton County Health Department. They say…
TSA agents continue working at Chattanooga Airport despite federal gridlock preventing their pay
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The battle continues inside of the federal government over the funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This is causing issues at…
Erlanger Hospital announces plans to revamp Children's Emergency Room
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Erlanger Hospital announced plans to makeover their Children’s Emergency Room at a press conference Wednesday. They made the announcement at the Kennedy Outpatient Center across the street. Erlanger leadership says the goal is to make the…
Lookout Mountain Conservancy plans to add new property to roster
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Lookout Mountain Conservancy signed a contract that will allow them to preserve a massive parcel of land. The land on Hawkins Ridge sits just behind…
Soddy-Daisy students get to simulate skilled labor as leaders hope they will fill jobs
SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF)- How will companies across the…
Missing endangered adult found via drone
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. -- A missing endangered adult has been located following the use of drone technology. On March 23, 2026, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputies responded to a missing endangered…
Robertson talks teacher pay, student progress at State of the System
RED BANK, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Schools held its annual “State of the System” presentation Monday. It functions as the district’s State of the Union, and was…
What's Right With Our Schools: Dr. Ware Leads Howard
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Leadership is a vital part of any good school. Dr. LeAndrea Ware led Howard for 8 years wonderful. During that time, the school…
Phase two of One Westside breaks ground
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The next phase of the Chattanooga Westside redevelopment broke…
No burning allowed on March 23 due to unfavorable conditions
No burning is allowed on March 23, 2026 due to dry and windy conditions, according to the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau. Burning in these conditions could cause blazes to get out of hand and spread quickly.
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…
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…)
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,…
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…
