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Fire Responder Hero Award: Tyler Ellis, Puckett EMS
News 12 is recognizing first responders for their dedication to the community. Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, their service plays a crucial role…
Teacher Scandal Threatens Chatt Prep
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - A major charter school in Chattanooga is under fire after a shocking teacher licensing scandal. Hamilton County Schools says nearly half of Chattanooga Preparatory School’s teachers are unlicensed, putting student credits and graduation eligibility in jeopardy. …
Titans Backup Quarterback Mason Rudolph Headed Back to Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mason Rudolph is back to where he once belonged. The veteran quarterback has reached an agreement to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year deal, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press.…
Titans Continue to Bolster Offensive Line and Linebackers in Offseason
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans took a step toward fixing the interior of their defensive front by signing linebacker Cody Barton to a three-year contract among a handful of signings announced Thursday. The Titans traded linebacker Kenneth Murray to…
Dollar General says some customers can no longer afford basic necessities
Dollar General has a particularly clear view into the pocketbooks of low-income Americans, given those shoppers are the discount retailer's core customer base. And some are so financially pinched they can no longer afford basic…
Why will the moon be shades of red, orange and yellow tonight? Here's what causes a "Blood Moon."
Those who glance up at the sky tonight will have an opportunity to catch the March 2025 "Blood Moon," a phenomenon that colors the full moon in shades of red, orange and yellow during a total lunar…
Early morning vehicle fire, crash on I-75 leaves two injured
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) responded to a vehicle fire on I-75 early Thursday morning. At 5:10 a.m., March 13, 2025, deputies…
Chattanooga Prep charter in jeopardy over licensing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing big problems from the Kenya White investigation. The Hamilton County School System has begun the process of revoking their…
Chattanooga man arrested for dropping meth in North LaFayette Elementary School
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Chattanooga man has been arrested after accidentally dropping meth inside an elementary school in Walker County. On Tuesday, March…
Fire crews battle multiple wildfires across region
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Fire personnel in our area are working around the clock to fight and contain wildfires. Red Bank At 12:30 a.m., The Red Bank Fire Department…
UAW files suit against Volkswagen after they announce production cuts and voluntary layoffs
UPDATE: Employees voiced their frustration with the layoffs at a rally Thursday afternoon in front of Volkswagen's main entrance. A year ago, workers…
Juvenile arrested after leading authorities in high speed pursuit
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Authorities arrested a juvenile Wednesday afternoon after a high speed pursuit. At 4:10 p.m., March 12, 2025, a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop…
Stay dry and warm at the Coffee & Cocoa Festival
Tiffany Miller joins News 12's Amelia Greer to talk about the returning Coffee & Cocoa Festival coming to Catoosa County. CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) - While the last of the cold…
Multi-vehicle wreck and vehicle fire case I-75 backup
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) - A vehicle fire and multi-vehicle crashes cause lane closures on I-75 South at the Scenic Overlook near the Hamilton County line. The wreck was reported just after 5 A.M. on Thursday. I-75 South was reduced…
Legendary McMinn Central Coach Johnny Morgan Announces Retirement
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Legendary McMinn Central girls head basketball coach Johnny Morgan announced his retirement following the Chargerettes loss in the state quarterfinals to Loretto on Wednesday. Morgan served as the McMinn Central head coach for 47 seasons, posting an incredible…
McMinn Central Season Ends After 59-48 Loss to Loretto
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) McMinn Central's fantastic season came to an end in the state quarterfinals on Wednesday in Murfreesboro. The Chargerettes lost to Loretto 59-48. McMinn Central couldn't get the shots to drop, shooting just 24-percent for the game, while Loretto…
Copper Basin Falls to Richland in First Ever State Tournament Game
Murfreesboro, TN-(WDEF-TV) Copper Basin lost to Richland 45-25 in the state basketball quarterfinals on Wednesday in Murfreesboro. It was the Cougars first ever appearance in the state tournament. Copper Basin couldn't find their shooting touch. They scored only 10 points…
Code Orange Air Quality Alert
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - Officials have issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert, meaning pollution levels have reached levels that could pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups. Children, older adults,…
Early morning vehicle fire, crash on I-75 leaves two injured
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) responded to a vehicle fire on I-75 early Thursday morning. At 5:10 a.m., March 13, 2025, deputies…
Chattanooga Prep charter in jeopardy over licensing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Chattanooga Preparatory School is facing big problems from the Kenya White investigation. The Hamilton County School System has begun the process of revoking their…
Chattanooga man arrested for dropping meth in North LaFayette Elementary School
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Chattanooga man has been arrested after accidentally dropping meth inside an elementary school in Walker County. On Tuesday, March…
Fire crews battle multiple wildfires across region
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Fire personnel in our area are working around the clock to fight and contain wildfires. Red Bank At 12:30 a.m., The Red Bank Fire Department…
UAW files suit against Volkswagen after they announce production cuts and voluntary layoffs
UPDATE: Employees voiced their frustration with the layoffs at a rally Thursday afternoon in front of Volkswagen's main entrance. A year ago, workers…
Juvenile arrested after leading authorities in high speed pursuit
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Authorities arrested a juvenile Wednesday afternoon after a high speed pursuit. At 4:10 p.m., March 12, 2025, a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop…
Resolution would not allow non-WWTA treatment facilities in Hamilton County
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- Sewage capacity in rural Hamilton County has long been a point of contention. (more…)
More discussion on local effects of potential dissolution of Department of Education
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)-- Discussion is continuing about how cuts to the federal Department of Education will affect local schools. (more…)
Novonix PILOT approved by city council, county commission
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Novonix’s expansion plans in Chattanooga are moving forward. (more…)
Hamilton County Schools facing budget cuts; exceptional education jobs in jeopardy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could there be a cut to exceptional education in Hamilton County? (more…)
What's Right With Our Schools: Skyuka Hall Youth in Government Delegates
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) - Passing a bill can be an intimidating process for even the most seasoned lawmaker. Students at Skyuka Hall recently got a…
Anonymous jury, cell phone data discussed at Chattanooga gang murder hearing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The last defendant in a 2016 murder of a Chattanooga mother was back in court Monday. (more…)
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 …
Former Chatt Prep teacher arrested again, now facing federal charges
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Former Chattanooga Preparatory School teacher Kenya White has been arrested again. White is now facing federal…
'The Dream' faces more scrutiny from Beer Board after January shootout
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga nightclub continues to be in hot water after a pair of shootings within the past four months. (more…)
TDOT announces weekend lane closures as part of Phase 2
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Drivers traveling through the I-75 at I-24 interchange should prepare for delays due to scheduled road construction. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has announced weekend lane closures as part…
North River Elementary to enter design phase
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The development of a new Hixson elementary school continues to move forward. (more…)
Concerns raised about new Chattanooga PILOT policy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A meeting to discuss tax incentives for Chattanooga businesses faced some criticism Monday. (more…)
What's Right With Our Schools: Six Triple Eight Star Speaks at Tyner Academy
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) -- In the movie, The Six Triple 8, Tyler Perry shares the story of an all-black, all-female Battalion in World…
Additional charges filed in connection to Sale Creek SWAT standoff
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Authorities have filed additional charges in connection to the February SWAT standoff in Sale Creek. Kenneth Lee Kizzar and Julia Ann Kizzar have both been charged with 11 felonies related to the investigation and…
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…
5 people hospitalized after SUV semi truck collision in Bradley County
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- 5 people are in the hospital after an SUV collided with a semi truck. Crews with the Cleveland Fire Department…
Doordash drivers arrested for porch pirating, charged in multiple counties
MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Two individuals are facing charges in McMinn, Bradley, and Hamilton Counties after being involved in porch pirating incidents. [caption id="attachment_1882249" align="alignright"…
What's Right With Our Schools: Cleveland High is Level 5 Again
CLEVELAND, TN (WDEF) - Great things are going on at Cleveland City Schools, and the state is taking notice. Cleveland High is celebrating a three…
Thanksgiving meals donated to 200 Bradley County families
The Bradley County Sheriff's Office and Cleveland Police Department teaming up with the Lynn Jones Foundation to give 200 Thanksgiving meals to families in…
Life Care CEO voices support for emergency conservatorship
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- We are hearing from the CEO of Life Care Centers of America following a major decision Wednesday. (more…)
Son granted emergency conservatorship in Life Care Centers case
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A hearing regarding who has control of essential documents and decisions at Life Care Centers…
Conservatorship battle over Life Care owner set for Wednesday
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- A significant legal battle is looming on Wednesday in Cleveland involving America’s largest private nursing home company. (more…)
Ocoee Middle School to add new school wing for special needs classrooms
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Special needs students at Ocoee Middle School…
McMinn Sheriff releases stores cited in Vaping crackdown
ATHENS, Tennessee (WDEF) - McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy is sharing the businesses that were cited in a vape sting last week. The compliance checks…
County Rescue kicks off season 2 in Cleveland
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF)- County Rescue filmed its highly requested second season in Bradley County on Wednesday. "We will film the show here for six weeks, and…
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…
Fiery crash on I-75 is fatal for 1, passenger seriously injured
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A single vehicle crashed on I-75 southbound over the weekend in Whitfield County. The Georgia State Patrol said the wreck…
Whitfield County jury finds man guilty of attempted murder
WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Whitfield County grand jury found a man guilty of attempting to commit murder, kidnapping and two other charges. The jury found Mitchell Lee…
Whitfield County GOP censures representative
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) - The Whitfield County Republican Party says they are censuring one of their state representatives. They are upset with Representative Kasey Carpenter over what they say are a…
Local counties awarded $30,000 to enhance internet connectivity
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Nonprofit Connect Humanity has awarded $30,000 to Bradley, Walker and Whitfield Counties to support broadband internet connectivity. These counties will participate in the Appalachian Digital Accelerator. This will support communities while they create custom connectivity…
