Woman using gun's laser sight to play with cat shoots friend
A Wisconsin woman accidentally shot a friend while using the laser sight on a handgun to play with a cat.
'There Are No Beds' in Middle Tennessee According to Sumner County Chief Medical Officer
The Chief Medical Officer for Sumner County Regional Medical Center said "There are no beds," due to the surge of COVID-19 patients.
Victim dies in Stevenson shooting
STEVENSON, Alabama (WDEF) - The victim of a weekend shooting in Stevenson, Alabama has died. James Jeremy Owens succumbed to his injuries at a Chattanooga hospital on Thursday. On Saturday night around 10:30 PM, the 40 year old was shot…
Parents voice opinions on Hamilton County School mask mandate with opt-out option
CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee (WDEF)- Dozens of parents came out to this evening's Hamilton County School Board meeting regarding the recently announced mask mandate for students with an opt-out process. Interim superintendent Dr. Nakia Towns' interim contract was confirmed…
Adjustments at Tyner Academy after structural issues
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - The start of the school year is going to look a little different for Freshmen at Tyner Academy in Chattanooga. In a letter sent to parents, Principal Gerald Harris wrote that there are structural issues with the…
Census: Alabama more diverse, a few counties driving growth
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama’s population has become more diverse over the last 10 years and a handful of counties helped drive the state’s population growth, according to U.S. Census Bureau numbers released Thursday. Mirroring a trend across the country,…
Teen shot at sales meet-up at gas station
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Police now say that the shooting last night in Bonny Oaks was a robbery attempt during a sales meet-up. It happened at a gas station parking lot at 6502 Bonny Oaks around 9:30. Police…
Shots fired at Hamilton Place Mall
POLICE UPDATE: "After reviewing video, it was determined the female who was injured was not struck by gunfire. She was injured while trying to leave the area." ________ POLICE UPDATE: -- 1 victim with non-life threatening injury…
Here is how to opt-out of Hamilton Co. schools face masks
CAHTTANOOGA (WDEF) - Hamilton County schools have sent their full school reopening plan for Covid-19 home to parents, including how they can opt-out of the mask requirement that goes into affect on Monday. Face Covering Opt-Out Form Parents and/or guardians…
Hixson Middle student arrested for gun at school
HIXSON, Tennessee (WDEF) - There was a hitch at Hixson Middle School today when students returned to class. The school system say a student has been arrested for having a gun. "This incident was handled quickly and safely due to…
Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers, Parents, & Students
CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF): "The biggest thing for drivers is to be patient," says Public Information Officer for CPD, Jeremy Eames. With school officially in session, AAA and Chattanooga Police Department want to remind drivers to be cautious…
203 cases of COVID-19 linked to Chicago's Lollapalooza
No sign of a ‘superspreader event’ at Lollapalooza, an event that drew 385,000 to Chicago a couple of weeks ago. Festival goers had to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, the same as the Moon River Festival coming to Chattanooga also requires.
Census shows US is diversifying, white population shrinking
The U.S. became more diverse and more urban over the past decade, and the white population dropped for the first time on record according to the latest Census records.
US troops to help evacuate some embassy staff in Afghanistan
The United States is evacuating some personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, and U.S. troops will be assisting at the Kabul airport.
Two Families Escape Early Morning House Fire
Two families escaped a burning home early this morning on Hamilton Avenue.
Health & Human Services Orders COVID-19 Vaccinations for Workers
The federal Department of Health and Human Services is requiring employees who provide care for patients to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.
Moving company boom as housing market continues to be red hot
As the housing market in Tennessee and North Georgia continue to boom other industries have seen similar expansion.
Tennessee lawmakers support special session for Covid-19 limits
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - All 73 Tennessee House Republicans are signaling support for a special session to limit the authority of local officials to make rules aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. That would include mask…
Hamilton County will require students to wear masks on Monday
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - Hamilton County Schools have announced their mask policy for the start of schools. Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson explained the policy in a video to parents. Basically, all staff must wear masks for the first…
Catoosa County Fire Department Acquires New Search & Rescue Truck
RINGGOLD, Georgia (WDEF) - Catoosa County Fire Department is showing off their new, heavy engine truck. This Search and Rescue truck holds more equipment to adjust for the firefighter's advanced skills. After 9/11, Homeland Security gave a…
Health Department reports 3 Covid exposures
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) - The Hamilton County Health Department reports four separate cases of public Covid-19 exposures. The first is a potential exposure in the dining room of Homewood Suites at 2250 Center Street. The period was August 2-5. The second…
Nonprofit planning to host fundraiser to help save mental health department from budget cuts
FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga (WDEF) - The Children’s Advocacy Center of Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, could lose 10% of its budget next year because of federal budget cuts. To save the program, the nonprofit will host a golf tournament…
Local family experiences breakthrough cases
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - With the exception of her young children who are too young for the vaccine, Amanda Pentiah’s family has been fully vaccinated since March of 2021. Since then, they have been living their lives normally.…
Remembering Bobby Bowden.......And The "Marrying Man's House"
Chattanooga, Tennessee (WDEF) -- Hall of Fame football coach Bobby Bowden will be laid to rest Saturday. In Tallahassee, where he built Florida State into a national powerhouse. Bowden was 91 years old when he died…