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Chris Sale Fans Eight in Braves 4-2 Win Over Boston
BOSTON (AP) — Chris Sale struck out eight and pitched seven innings of one-run ball Friday night, leading the Atlanta Braves to a 4-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. Sale (2-3), who won a World Series with Boston, earned…
Rory McIlroy's Driver Deemed Nonconforming Ahead of PGA Championship
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rory McIlroy was forced to use a backup driver in the PGA Championship when his regular driver was tested and deemed to be nonconforming after he arrived at Quail Hollow, according to a report on XM…
Upperman Ends Red Bank's Season With 7-4 Victory
Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Red Bank baseball team forced a decisive game 3 against Upperman, but the Lions couldn't overcome the Bees in falling 7-4. The loss ended Red Bank's season while Upperman advances to Spring Fling. [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="aafb1984c5edb36936b6b5365d1f87dcec243fec"…
Walker Valley With Walk Off Win to Advance to Spring Fling
Cleveland, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Walker Valley softball team got a walk-off 1-0 win over Oakland to advance to Spring Fling. The walk-off came in the 8th inning. …
Weather Update: Friday May 16, 2025
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly cloudy. Developing showers and thunderstorms. Some storms strong to severe. Lows: low 70's. Winds: S @ 5 MPH. Saturday: Warm. Humid. Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms. Highs: mid 80's. Winds:…
Suspect dead following police chase outside Hamilton Place Mall
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A suspect is dead…
Water issues in Bledsoe County leaving residents frustrated
A line of residents standing to fill up jugs and container full of water from a tanker while their water is out on Wheeler…
IRONMAN cancelling swim portion, but will race over Walnut Street Bridge
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Weather has once again intervened in another IRONMAN competition. IRONMAN 70.3 officials they are cancelling the swimming part of the triathlon for safety reasons. The flow rate of the Tennessee River could hit 50,000 cubic feet per…
Cleveland will build two new schools in the city
CLEVELAND, Tennessee (WDEF) - The Cleveland City School system has decided to build two new facilities to keep up with their growing population. Cleveland has added 5,500 new homes in the city since 2021, and that means student enrollment has…
High Tech vs. Low Tech Showdown at Brainerd Motorsports Park
CHATTANOOGA, TN – Throughout history, people have always asked the question: “what would it be like if Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali met…
Rep. Rose describes what he saw in the Covenant School Shooting documents
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - A Tennessee Congressman has finally reviewed documents on the Covenant School shooting in Nashville more than two years ago. Three students and three adults were killed in the attack. But…
Board approves Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as UTC Chancellor
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - UTC officially has a new chancellor. The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees officially approved the appointment of Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Friday morning. She takes over on June 30th. Dr. Bruce is currently the provost and…
The Incline Railway to reopen soon after December wildfire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga landmark damaged in a December wildfire will soon be reopening. (more…)
Clumpies hosts Ice Cream Social for a "berry" good cause!
Clumpies announces their summer flavors on News 12 while inviting everyone to their Ice Cream Social to determine the final summer flavor! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The average temperatures are…
Upperman Beats Red Bank 4-3 in Game One of State Sectionals
Red Bank, TN-(WDEF-TV) Upperman defeated Red Bank 4-3 in 9 innings in game one of their state sectionals on Thursday. The Lions trailed 3-1 going to their last at-bat in the bottom of the seventh. They loaded the bases with…
Whitwell Celebrates First Ever Trip to Spring Fling With 19-10 Win Over Gordonsville
Whitwell, TN-(WDEF-TV) The Whitwell baseball team earned their first ever trip to Spring Fling on Thursday. The Tigers won a slugfest over Gordonsville 19-10 in game three of their state sectional. The victory sends the Tigers to Murfreesboro [blox_vms account="WDEF"…
Baylor Freshman Catcher Xahara Willis Playing Like a Veteran
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) The Baylor softball team will look to punch their ticket to Spring Fling again on Friday. Leading the way for the Lady Raiders this season is one of the youngest players on the team. Freshman catcher Xahara Willis. [blox_vms…
Education Freedom Scholarship launches in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- After a controversial path to being passed, Tennessee’s new school choice program has gone live. (more…)
Suspect dead following police chase outside Hamilton Place Mall
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A suspect is dead…
The Incline Railway to reopen soon after December wildfire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga landmark damaged in a December wildfire will soon be reopening. (more…)
Memphis man sentenced to over 15 years in prison after shooting out of motel window
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Memphis man has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison because of a 2022 incident on Williams Street. (more…)
DOGE like taskforce in Hamilton County
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The federal government has been operating a department of government efficiency or doge. That has trickled down into other governments including our own county government. Hamilton…
Driving Our Economy Forward: Shappi
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- It's a business that provides freight and logistics services to other businesses, ensuring transportation. Taken from the words "shipping" and "happy", Shappi brings American products to Latin…
Janie Varnell confirmed as new Hamilton County Attorney
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County attorney saga appears to have reached a conclusion. (more…)
Hamilton County Commission approves significant roads project
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A mass roads improvement project announced Tuesday was approved on Wednesday by the Hamilton County Commission. (more…)
Skyuka Hall senior makes school history with athletic scholarship
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A senior at Skyuka Hall has made school history by becoming the first to receive a university athletic scholarship. Logan Smith has committed to Carson-Newman University, where he will join the track and field…
Hamilton County launches career and technical education council
CHATTANOOGA. Tenn. (WDEF)- A new council will guide the future of technical education across Hamilton County. (more…)
Wamp administration proposes $5.8 million boost to county road improvement fund
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Wamp administration is proposing a $5.8 million investment to continue its dedicated County Roads Improvement Fund that was first…
GoFundMe launched for family involved in fatal East Ridge I-75 crash
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) -- A GoFundMe has been started for a family who was involved in the I-75 fatal crash Sunday. Lane, Baleigh, Brynlee, and…
Truck driver identified, facing charges in fatal I-75 crash
UPDATE: We are learning more from witnesses who saw the immediate aftermath of the tragic Mother's Day crash on I-75 in East Ridge. Dawn Schwartz says her…
Chattanooga Catholics excited for first elected American Pope
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- On Thursday, white smoke came out of the papal enclave at the Sistine Chapel, signaling to the world a new pope had been elected.…
Chattanooga teen gets shot by man he attempted to rob
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Police Department has arrested a 17-year-old male in relation to a robbery in the 4800 block of Swan Road on Thursday afternoon. (more…)
Local arts non-profit says federal cuts to hurt local economy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A Chattanooga non-profit says federal cuts are going to put local artists in a bind. (more…)
Hamilton County school board approves state-funded raises passed in school voucher bill
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- In addition to passing this year’s school budget, the Hamilton County School Board approved a portion of Tennessee’s Education Freedom Scholarship…
Governor appoints Jennifer Peck as Circuit Court Judge
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - Governor Bill Lee has picked someone from his own administration to serve as a Circuit Court judge in Hamilton County. Jennifer Peck is currently in charge of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Before that,…
Hamilton County school budget passes amid controversy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Weeks of controversy have surrounded the Hamilton County school board as they have been dealing with a large budget shortfall. (more…)
Hamilton County man sentenced to 50 years for domestic violence, child abuse
CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) -- A Hamilton County man has been sentenced to 50 years on domestic violence and child abuse charges. On May 11, 2023, the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) launched an…
Meeting over Hamilton County attorney transition turns tense
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Earlier this year, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp named attorney Janie Parks Varnell as his pick to replace long term attorney Rheubin Taylor. (more…)
Bradley County authorities investigating report of missing mother and two daughters
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) -- The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is investigating the disappearance of a mother and her two daughters. The three were last seen on Friday, May 9, 2025. According to BCSO, 35-year-old Jhovana Short,…
Cleveland man accused of wife’s murder now charged in murder-for-hire plot
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- There is a new charge tonight against Craig Liner, the Cleveland man accused of killing his wife, Karen. News 12 obtained…
What's Right With Our Schools: Ivy League Graduates
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) -- Cleveland High School continues to excel both in and out of the classroom. This year, two graduating seniors are taking their achievements to the…
Suspect arrested after attempted vehicle theft at Bradley County golf course
BRADLEY COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A quick response from Bradley County deputies led to the arrest of a suspect following a series of suspicious events at a local golf course. Deputies from the Bradley County…
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…)
Community members frustrated with Dalton Police following mistaken arrest that could get college student deported
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF)- 19 year old Xiamena Aries-Cristobal was arrested last week in Dalton. (more…)
Dalton woman mistakenly pulled over, charges dropped, still in ICE custody
DALTON, Ga. (WDEF) -- Traffic charges against Ximena Arias-Cristobal have been dismissed after dash cam footage revealed she was mistakenly pulled over during a traffic stop earlier this month. The incident occurred on May 5, 2025, when Arias-Cristobal…
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…
