Exclusive Content
Latest News
Driver in custody after fleeing on foot from Whitfield deputies
WHITFIELD COUNTY -- A driver was taken into custody on Monday, March 16 after fleeing from Whitfield County deputies in his vehicle and on foot following a traffic stop. The Whitfield County…
Israel says it killed 2 top Iranian security officials in a blow to Tehran's leadership
By JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Israel said Tuesday it killed two senior Iranian security officials in overnight strikes in a major blow…
Court finally settles Athens Fireworks feud lawsuits
ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) - The City of Athens has won an ongoing feud with Glenn Whiting. The showdown began during the pandemic when the city cancelled their annual fireworks show for the public and only allowed city employees and their…
Charges in gun trail from Atlanta to Maryland
ATLANTA (WDEF) - Federal prosecutors have filed charges against 3 individuals in an Atlanta to Maryland/Washington D.C. gun pipeline. Investigators say the defendants conspired to make faked firearm purchases in Georgia and then sold them up north. They tracked 68…
Carrying History Home With The Community
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Chattanooga Lookouts celebrated a milestone today, moving their historic home plate from AT&T Field to their future stadium at Erlanger Park in a ceremonial community relay.…
Alabama's Second Leading Scorer Aden Holloway Arrested on a Felony Drug Charge
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama guard Aden Holloway was arrested on a felony drug charge Monday, just days before the start of the NCAA Tournament, authorities said. Coach Nate Oats said Holloway has been suspended indefinitely, adding that the Crimson…
Tennessee Department of Safety issues warning about scam texts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is warning drivers about fraudulent text messages claiming recipients have an unpaid traffic ticket and…
Gary Kuehn discusses teacher raises and education goals while seeking reelection
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Today, the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club welcomed longtime school board member Gary Kuehn as the guest speaker at its weekly meeting.…
Family escapes Kimball home uninjured after tree falls on it
KIMBALL, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Marion…
Rare March snow falls in Tennessee Valley
SIGNAL MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WDEF)- Much of the Tennessee Valley saw rare mid-March snow on Monday. The snow occurred just…
Vols Open Spring Football Practice
(utsports.com) The sixth spring of the Josh Heupel era of Tennessee football has arrived, and the Volunteers kicked things off with their first workout in helmets and shorts on Monday morning inside the…
Tips to Stop Water Waste
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Each March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fix a Leak Week reminds homeowners that small leaks in plumbing can waste a surprising amount of water. Household leaks…
What's Right With Our Schools: The Phoenix School
DALTON, GA (WDEF) - Students learn at their own pace. The Phoenix School meets Whitfield County students where they are and allows them to set their own graduation…
Weather Update: Monday March 16, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Clouds break, dry, windy, cold. Lows: high 20's. Winds: NW @ 5-15 MPH, Gusts to 25 MPH. Tuesday: Mostly Sunny, dry, chilly. Highs: mid 40's. Winds: NW @ 5-15 MPH. …
Closing arguments set in trial of Utah children’s book author charged with killing her husband
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Lawyers are expected to give closing arguments Monday in the trial of a Utah woman who published a children’s book about grief after the death of her husband…
Mexico arrests suspect who transported romantic partner of "El Mencho" to hideout before drug lord's deadly capture
Mexican authorities have arrested a suspected drug trafficker who played a key role in the raid that led to the death of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera last month, the defense ministry said on Sunday. Oseguera, alias "El Mencho," led the Jalisco New…
Dairy Queen free cone day returns March 19
Free cone day at Dairy Queen is returning on Thursday, March 19, 2026. All Chattanooga area Dairy Queen locations are welcoming warmer weather with the return of a classic vanilla soft serve…
Ex-funeral home owner faces 20 years in prison after giving families fake ashes
DENVER (AP) — A former Colorado funeral home owner who helped her ex-husband hide nearly 200 decomposing bodies in a building is asking for leniency when she is sentenced Monday, saying she was…
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
[blox_vms account="WDEF" key="d90e08fd826c3ac9142049fb27ac70dc6dcb052c" vtitle="Proseuctors say Darron Lee used ChatGPT to try to cover up February murder of…
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…
What's Right With Our Schools: Teachers Meet With Medal of Honor Author
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -Inspiration is an important part of education. Some local teachers recently completed a workshop where they learned how to incorporate the…
Hamilton County commission to get final say on term limits
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The topic of whether or not Hamilton County elected officials should have term limits was up for a vote at Wednesday afternoon’s commission…
McDonald Farm set to become 70th Tennessee state park
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF)- Ever since Hamilton County acquired McDonald Farm in 2021, there have…
Victim's family sues Darron Lee for $50 million over suspected homicide
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) The family of the victim of a suspected homicide in Ooltewah is suing a former NFL player. Darron Lee is charged with first degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of Gabriella Perpetuo. A Hamilton…
Playing field goes in as Erlanger Park is two months from Opening Day
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The construction of the newest stadium in Chattanooga is rounding third base. The sodding of the future home of the…
Chattanooga Tourism Company faces criticism from commission
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Tourism Company is facing some criticism from the Hamilton County Commission. They are considering a resolution to transfer some funds from the Chattanooga Tourism Company…
Lee denied bond as Wamp says she may seek the death penalty
Darron Lee standing with his public defender in front of Hamilton County Judge Tori Smith on Wednesday at his initial…
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…)
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…
Runners excited for Haig Mill Lake Park improvements
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- The city of Dalton is working to replace one of its primary walking trails. Their Parks and Recreation Department announced that portions of the Haig…
