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Tennessee Highway Patrol moving to use breathalyzers
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - WSMV in Nashville reports that the Tennessee Highway Patrol is changing its tune on breathalyzers. The agency has not used them in the past. But after a series of reports by the station found dozens of cases…
HCSO arrest suspect after discovering 12 child-like sex dolls
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Florida's St John’s County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation leading to the arrest to a man involved in child sex crimes. Andrew Pelger…
Baylor Sweeps McCallie in Region Tournament
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Baylor swept their region tournament series against McCallie on Thursday at the Gene and Eddie Etter baseball complex. The Red Raiders won game one 10-2, and the bats stayed hot in game two as Baylor rolled 15-1. [blox_vms account="WDEF"…
Gordon Lee Advances Over Toombs Co
Chickamauga, GA-(WDEF-TV) Gordon Lee has advanced out of the second round of the Georgia high school state baseball playoffs. The Trojans won twice against Toombs Co on Thursday, taking game…
Vols Coach Josh Heupel Knows Adding 9th SEC Game Will be a Challenge
The three day Big orange caravan tour wrapped up Thursday in Kingsport. Vols coach Josh Heupel was asked about the new 9-game SEC schedule this year. You know head coaches love adding another tough contest right? [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="0c58da2ff4ae8fa6b09262254211922b15d43094" vtitle="Josh…
Weather Update: Friday May 1, 2026
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: More clouds. Cool. Dry. Lows: low 50's. Winds: N @ 5 MPH. Friday: Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs: low 70's. Winds: Light & Variable. NWS Weather Radio for Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing …
Notre Dame Names Reggie Tucker New Boys Basketball Coach
Notre Dame has announced that they have hired former Cleveland coach Reggie Tucker as their new boys head basketball coach. He'll be introduced on Friday. Tucker was the Blue Raiders head coach from 2019 to 20 [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="fc55a91c53b4c8a7453c30c07132b3d523ed9f48" vtitle="Notre…
Detroit Rallies to Beat Atlanta 5-2
ATLANTA (AP) — Detroit manager A.J. Hinch gave Kyle Finnegan the ball in a save situation in the ninth inning instead of closer Kenley Jansen on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves in a move that could signal changes at the back end…
Yangfeng announces 155 permanent layoffs in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Yanfeng International released a WARN notice on the 29th announcing they were permanently laying off 155 workers at their Chattanooga Plant on Bonnyshire Drive, likely meaning the closure of the plant entirely. Economists say this is…
Low-Cost Kayak classes coming May 16th at area state parks
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- May 16th marks the beginning of Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. The TWRA is partnering with the American Canoe Association to…
Man charged with possessing meth lab chemicals in Michigan State building
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University scrambled to relocate some final exams after police said they discovered a man inside the school’s largest academic building with household substances that could be used…
CARTA Introduces New Route 25: Enterprise South / Amnicola Highway Effective May 10
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has said they are launching a new route effective Sunday, May 10, 2026: Route 25: Enterprise South / Amnicola Highway. Route 25 will operate Monday through Friday from 4:50 a.m.…
Mayor, police chief speak on resolution to Cohutta dispute
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF)- Has the controversial situation surrounding the small…
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists as AI music floods in
With AI ever more capable of producing photorealistic images, seemingly genuine videos and author-like text, it's getting harder to distinguish human-generated art and other content from large language model fare. When it comes to music, Spotify said Thursday it wants…
E 38th Street at Fagan Street closed due to water main break
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- Tennessee American Water has reported a water main break to the Chattanooga Department of Public Works, which is near the intersection of E 38th Street and Fagan Street. They say this emergency repair will necessitate a road…
Passenger accused of opening cabin door on Delta flight from Atlanta, faces federal charge
What started as a delayed flight out of Atlanta quickly turned into a federal case. According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Thomas W. Ryan is accused of interfering with…
Polk County Schools say they've addressed major issues at Benton Elementary
BENTON, Tenn. (WDEF)- Polk County Schools says that a significant issue at Benton Elementary School has been fixed. You may remember back in January the…
Yangfeng announces 155 permanent layoffs in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Yanfeng International released a WARN notice on the 29th announcing they were permanently laying off 155 workers at their Chattanooga Plant on Bonnyshire Drive, likely meaning the closure of the plant entirely. Economists say this is…
Low-Cost Kayak classes coming May 16th at area state parks
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- May 16th marks the beginning of Safe Boating Week in Tennessee. The TWRA is partnering with the American Canoe Association to…
Human Educational Society says they're "at capacity"
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, now is a good time to consider…
Developer addresses Bend progress, communication concerns with council members
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As the Chattanooga Lookouts begin their…
Officers to not face charges in death of suspect on Highway 58
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Officers will not face charges in a shooting last July on Highway 58. Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp confirmed to…
15 years later: remembering the 2011 Super Outbreak
RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF)- "When I moved here in the 1990s, the thinking was we don’t get that bad storms here because of all the ridges and the mountains…
More construction on the way as 24/75 project is completed
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- For years, many have dealt with the congestion caused by the construction on Interstates 24 and 75 in Chattanooga.…
Wildwood Playscape opens at Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Adventurers both young and old have a new place to explore…
Business owners at northshore incubator say they are still against move to Franklin-Roberts
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- It’s been over a week since plans were announced to move Hamilton County’s Small Business Incubator to the Franklin-Roberts Future…
Parking permits spark concerns at Battle Academy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Parking in downtown Chattanooga is already a tough situation, but one school is concerned it could become worse for them. Battle Academy, a magnet school located at the corner of Main and Market Streets, currently has less…
Creatives dress up rubber ducks in Collegedale contest
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF)- 24 contestants are trying to waddle to victory…
Mayor Wamp responds to concerns regarding incubator move
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp is defending the move of the Small Business Incubator Center on the northshore to a new Future Ready Center downtown.…
Deputy Faulkner laid to rest after procession and celebration of life
The procession carrying Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Landon Faulkner to be laid to rest at the Sequatchie County Memorial Gardens proceeding underneath an American flag held up by Dunlap and Signal Mountain firefighters on Rankin Avenue…
Local labor unions continue to voice opposition to data centers in Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Local labor unions say they are concerned about recent investments in AI data centers. The unions, organizing as Jobs with Justice East Tennessee, say they…
County defers vote on property near Enterprise South Nature Park
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The advocacy group for Enterprise South Nature…
Fugitive arrested after fleeing Hamilton County trial over aggravated statutory rape
A U.S. Marshals Service task force in Nashville has arrested a fugitive convicted of aggravated statutory rape, after he fled during his trial in Hamilton County. James Harold Tolliver, 67, was on trial for…
Mayor Wamp announces small business incubator to share Gateway Building with Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Institute
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Tuesday, you heard from several small business owners concerned about the potential closure of the Small Business Incubator on the Chattanooga northshore. On Wednesday, we learned the Franklin-Roberts Future…
Three new fire trucks unveiled for Highway 58 Volunteer Fire Department
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Highway 58…
Erlanger Park spillover causes parking headaches on South Broad
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Opening day of Erlanger Park was a sold out success. However, the parking situation brought a challenge for some southside businesses. Social Media…
Early Voting Begins in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Early voting in Tennessee began today. Early extends until April the thirtieth, and the voter registration period has already passed. After Early voting, the official primary election…
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…
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…)
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…
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…
