US budget deficit hits $2.77 trillion in 2021, 2nd highest
The U.S. budget deficit totaled $2.77 trillion for 2021, the second highest on record but an improvement from the all-time high of $3.13 trillion reached in 2020.
A mother pleads for answers after her daughter's body was discovered near Chattanooga
A mother is pleading to the public for answers, after her daughter's body was discovered in the woods near Chattanooga, earlier this year.
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine more than 90% effective in kids
Kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine appear safe and nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in 5- to 11-year-olds, according to study details released Friday as the U.S. considers opening vaccinations to that age group.
Tennessee To Hold Town Halls
Tennessee officials will hold eight town hall events as part of a new review of the state's K-12 education funding formula.
UT Scholarships Increase
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The University of Tennessee system has increased the amount a family can earn and still have a student qualify for a UT Promise scholarship. UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that guarantees free tuition and fees…
Woman fatally shot by prop firearm on a New Mexico movie set
This aerial video image provided by KOAT 7 News, shows Santa Fe County Sheriff's Officers responding to the scene of a fatal accidental shooting at a Bonanza Creek, Ranch movie set near Santa Fe, N.M. Thursday,…
Hamilton County School Board Looks at Controversy Over School Reading Lists
The Hamilton County School Board met Thursday night. The topic that brought in large crowds was school reading lists.
Do you recognize Fort Oglethorpe arson suspect?
FORT OGLETHORPE, Georgia (WDEF) - The Catoosa County Fire Department is asking for the public's help in identifying an arson suspect from last night. The fire happened just after midnight, early Wednesday…
New Fall Creek Falls Lodge hiring workers at 2 events
SPENCER, Tennessee (WDEF) - A popular state park on the Cumberland Plateau is getting a makeover. Fall Creek Falls has been building a new lodge for visitors to the scenic waterfall above Pikeville. Now it is close enough to completion…
Hamilton County lawmakers react to Coppinger retirement
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) - After Mayor Jim Coppinger announced that he won't be running for reelection, more Hamilton County lawmakers are addressing his legacy. "I think he's been a great leader. He's been…
Tennessee raising income level for UT Promise Scholarship
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - The University of Tennessee System will make more families eligible for the UT Promise scholarships. During a Trustee committee meeting on Thursday, they announced their plans to raise the qualifying income level from $50,000 to $60,000.…
Chattanooga businesses aiding small business through Startup week
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Startup week is using this week to focus on small businesses and entrepreneurs in Chattanooga. "I think Co-lab especially has done a great job really reigniting Chattanooga through this. I mean it’s been incredible 40-50 people I haven’t…
City of Chattanooga looking to buy hotel to be repurposed for Low-Income housing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - The city of Chattanooga is looking at the possibility of buying a hotel near Bonny Oaks. Officials say the Airport Inn hotel could potentially be turned into apartments for low-income…
White House rolls out plan to vaccinate children between the ages of 5-11
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - Ever Since vaccinations have become readily available to the public, children under the age of 12 have been left out, leaving them vulnerable to the virus. But that is expected to…
House votes to hold Trump ally Steve Bannon in contempt
The House voted Thursday to hold Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the committee investigating the violent Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.
New Regulations For Vehicles
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville’s Metro Council has approved implementing new regulations for the city’s numerous entertainment vehicles that often loudly cruise down lower Broadway. The Tennessean reports that the council voted 33-3 on Tuesday on an ordinance that establishes a…
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Setting Church Fires
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee man has pleaded guilty to civil rights violations for setting fires at four churches. The U.S. attorney's office said in a news release that 28-year-old Alan Douglas Fox of Nashville admitted during the plea…
Can new variants of the coronavirus keep emerging?
Can new variants of the coronavirus keep emerging? Yes, as long as the virus that caused the pandemic keeps infecting people.
US unemployment claims fall to new pandemic low of 290,000
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a new low point since the pandemic erupted, evidence that layoffs are declining as companies hold onto workers.
Coast Guard had earlier notice about California oil spill
The Coast Guard received multiple reports of a possible fuel spill off the Southern California coast earlier than previously disclosed.
Former President Trump announces launch of his very own social media site
Nine months after being expelled from social media for his role in inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, former President Donald Trump said Wednesday he's launching a new media company with its own social media platform.
Alabama man faces 2nd execution date this year for killing
An Alabama man who avoided execution in February is scheduled to be put to death Thursday for the 1991 killing of a woman taken at gunpoint from an ATM location and shot in a cemetery.
South Korea test launches 1st domestically made space rocket
South Korea’s first domestically produced space rocket reached its desired altitude but failed to deliver a dummy payload into orbit in its first test launch on Thursday.
Five people escape a house fire in Eastdale
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Five people were able to escape a house fire this morning in Eastdale. The fire happened after 3:30 this morning in the 3700 block of Hemingway Drive. According to the…
