Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupts yet again, with lava fountains 1,000 feet above ground
Hawaii's Kilauea volcano erupted again on Thursday, marking the 45th episode of its kind over the last year and a…
Mackenzie Johnson
Articles
Justice Department watchdog launches probe into compliance with Epstein files law
Washington — The Justice Department's internal watchdog said Thursday that it will audit the department's compliance with the law that required the release of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following months of bipartisan criticism over how the agency handled the…
Ex-officer planned to kill Black people in mass shooting at a New Orleans festival, authorities say
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Authorities say a former North Carolina law enforcement officer planned to kill Black people in a mass shooting at a major New Orleans festival but was arrested at a Florida…
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the Cherokee National Forest begin Friday
USDA Forest Service officials will initiate Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on the Cherokee National Forest beginning Friday, April 24, 2026 in response to extreme fire danger due to prolonged…
David Scott's name staying on primary ballot after his death with future special election to fill seat
The death of U.S. Rep. David Scott has left an empty seat in the House and…
Pope urges US and Iran to return to peace talks, condemns capital punishment
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) - Pope Leo XIV urged the United States and Iran to return to talks to end the war Thursday and condemned capital punishment, in a wide-ranging press conference en route home from his trip to…
Trump to nominate David Cummins as TSA administrator
Washington — President Trump intends to nominate David Cummins to lead the Transportation Security Administration, according to a person familiar with the decision. Cummins currently serves as senior vice president of citizen services…
Average US long-term mortgage rate slips to 6.23%, its third weekly drop
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate dropped for the third week in a row, easing borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers as the spring homebuying season rolls on. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.23% from 6.3% last…
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…
Suspect in custody after drug raid in Notchy Creek community
A suspect is in custody after a drug raid in the Notchy Creek community. On April 22, 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) executed a search warrant targeting a suspected fentanyl trafficker,…
Trump will unveil a deal with Regeneron to lower drug prices
President Donald Trump on Thursday will announce a deal with drugmaker Regeneron to lower the cost of its pharmaceutical products as part of the White House’s signature most-favored-nation drug pricing initiative. The…
EU approves a $106B loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto
BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union on Thursday approved a 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for two years after oil began flowing through a key pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia, ending months…
JetBlue used customers' personal data to set ticket prices, lawsuit alleges
A new lawsuit alleges that JetBlue collected customers' personal data without their consent and used it to set ticket prices. The proposed class action, filed by New York resident Andrew Phillips, accuses JetBlue of tracking his information as he was…
Iran’s judiciary chief touts the country’s show of force in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi, said on X that the country’s armed forces were demonstrating strength in the Strait of Hormuz, citing what he described as a Revolutionary Guard “mosquito fleet” of speedboats and underwater drones, along with action…
Judge approves $425 million Capital One settlement. Here's what customers should know.
A judge has approved a $425 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging that Capital One paid lower interest rates on older savings accounts while offering higher rates on a similar product. The settlement approval…
High-ranking lieutenant of notorious drug gang to be extradited from Ecuador to U.S.
Police officers hold Dario "Topo" Penafiel, an alleged member of the Choneros organized crime group, in place upon his arrival at Aeropolicial after being apprehended in the Amazon, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2025. |…
Collegedale Parks & Recreation hosts “Putt-Putt in the Park” community event
COLLEGEDALE -- Collegedale Parks & Recreation is inviting the community to enjoy an afternoon of outdoor fun at “Putt-Putt in the Park” on Thursday, April 30. They share families and residents of all ages…
Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny top Spotify’s first all-time most streamed artists list
NEW YORK (AP) — It’s her, hi! Taylor Swift has topped Spotify’s first ever list of the most streamed artists of all time, published Thursday morning. She’s followed by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. That comes as…
U.S. forces board another Iran-linked vessel in tit-for-tat series of ship interdictions
U.S. forces boarded another "stateless" vessel linked to Iran, the U.S. military said Thursday. The tanker was interdicted in the Indian Ocean — far from the hotly contested Strait of Hormuz — in the latest seizure that is part of…
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…
Warner Bros shareholders approve Paramount's $81 billion takeover of the Hollywood giant
NEW YORK (AP) - Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders approved an $81 billion sale of the company to Skydance-owned Paramount on Thursday, propelling a mega merger that could vastly reshape Hollywood and…
John Phelan out as Navy secretary in latest high-profile Trump administration departure
Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his role effective immediately, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday. A White House official told CBS News that President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed on the need for new Navy leadership, and Hegseth…
Building being demolished catches fire
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A building that was in the process of being demolished caught fire on April 22, 2026. The Chattanooga Fire Department says Green Shift companies were dispatched to 1400 E 37th Street at 2:17 p.m. They say…
Man charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder following Gunbarrel stabbing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A man has been arrested following a stabbing at an East Brainerd business on April 22, 2026. The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) says shortly after 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a…
US stocks edge back from their records and oil prices yo-yo
NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market is edging back from its all-time high following mixed profit reports from Tesla and other big companies. Oil prices are yo-yoing on continued uncertainty about what will happen next in the war…
Chemical leak at a West Virginia plant kills 2 people and sends 30 more to hospitals, officials say
INSTITUTE, W.Va. (AP) — A chemical leak at a West Virginia silver recovery business on Wednesday killed two people and sent about 30 others to hospitals, including one in serious condition, authorities said. The…
Justice Department eases restrictions on some marijuana products
Washington — The Justice Department announced Thursday that it has issued an order rescheduling certain marijuana products to a lower drug classification, while moving to expedite the process to reclassify marijuana more broadly. The order was signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche…
Trump orders US military to 'shoot and kill' Iranian small boats choking Strait of Hormuz
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - U.S. President Donald Trump in a morning social media post ordered the U.S. military to “shoot and kill” Iranian small boats choking the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also said the military is intensifying its…
Stringers Ridge wood fire under control
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- An overnight fire at Stringers Ridge Park is finally under control after an hours long response by local firefighters on April 22, 2026. The Chattanooga Fire Department says firefighters and the TN Division of Forestry responded to…
Hawk Hill Plans Await Approval
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - The future of AT&T Field is under consideration as the Chattanooga Sports Authority weighs next steps for the site following the Chattanooga Lookouts’ departure, while River City…
Behind the Curtain: Dollywood Food Edition
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WDEF) - While many come to Dollywood for fun rides, performances, and the overall appreciation of Dolly Parton, but many come to the park for their delicious…
Grill for a cause with the 11th Annual Battle Below the Clouds
President & CEO of Ruby Falls Hugh Morrow joins News 12's Chip Chapman as they get ready to host the 11th annual Battle Below the Clouds BBQ event…
Breaking down who wears seatbelts in Tennessee
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Tennessee’s seatbelt usage dropped slightly from last year, but we’re still above the national average. Those stats come from the annual roadside survey by state safety officials. We have a 92-percent average compared to the national 90-percent. Here…
Rope rescue conducted for elderly man who fell 50ft
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - An elderly man is rescued after falling 50 feet at Missionary Ridge. Chattanooga Firefighters responded to call at 310 N Crest Road on Missionary Ridge at 8:19 PM where they…
Jacksonville State Defeats UTC 9-2
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. --- Chattanooga softball battled throughout the afternoon but an early offensive surge by Jacksonville State proved decisive in a 9–2 loss Wednesday at Jim Frost Stadium. Jacksonville State scored three runs in the first inning and added six…
NW Whitfield Opens State Tourney With 3-0 Win Over Troup Co
Tunnel Hill, GA-(WDEF-TV) Northwest Whitfield opened the state soccer tournament on Wednesday with a 3-0 victory over Troup Co. The Bruins got one goal in the first half and two more in the second half. Northwest Whitfield advanced to the…
Bama Gives New Contract Extensions to Kalen DeBoer and Nate Oats
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama has rewarded football coach Kalen DeBoer and men’s basketball coach Nate Oats for getting their teams to the postseason. DeBoer is getting a $2 million raise — up to $12.5 million — and a two-year contract extension after leading…
Braves Use Home Run Ball to Dump Washington 8-6
WASHINGTON (AP) — Michael Harris II homered twice, Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson also went deep and the Atlanta Braves rallied from a three-run deficit to beat the Washington Nationals 8-6 on Wednesday night for their seventh win in eight…
First Round of NFL Draft Could Be Slim on Quarterbacks
Don’t expect a run of quarterbacks to go off the board in the first round of this year’s NFL draft like what happened in 2021 and 2024. There figures to be a long gap between Fernando Mendoza’s coronation as the expected No. 1 pick by the Las…
Impact of NFL Draft and NFL Scouts on Mocs Football Program
Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) While the Chattanooga Mocs aren't expecting any players to go in this year's NFL draft, the program has sent several players to the NFL in recent years. H [blox_vms account="WDEF" key="bd104e079962fadd26df331da3c68123b8b86498" vtitle="Impact of NFL Draft and NFL Scouts on…