Regional News

Can teachers kick disruptive students out of their class?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Senate has advanced a proposal that would allow teachers to remove students from the classroom permanently despite concerns that the bill could unfairly punish some vulnerable students. Supporters argued Thursday that the proposal is…

Georgia expands vaccine qualifiers to 55 years and up

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility starting Monday to everyone 55 and older, plus younger adults who are overweight or have serious health conditions. Gov. Brian Kemp made the announcement Wednesday as Georgia continues to post vaccination…

2 students charged with stealing $114K from MTSU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) - Authorities say two students have been charged with stealing $114,000 from Middle Tennessee State University. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a statement that the students were indicted Tuesday by a Rutherford County grand jury.…

Ex Oak Ridge Officer charged with beating suspect

OAK RIDGE, Tennessee (WDEF) - A former police officer in Oak Ridge has been charged with assaulting a suspect. The TBI was asked to look into the incident from December. They found that during an investigation, then-officer Andre James Thompson…

Walker County house fire kills 2 people

WALKER COUNTY, Ga (WDEF) - Walker County Fire and rescue responded to a report of a structure fire early Monday morning. The house located at 491 Bicentennial Trail was consumed in heavy smoke and flames when firefighters arrived. "The first arriving…

Resident complains about landfill smell

RHEA COUNTY, Tennessee- Donna Mcgainey said outside of the Rhea County Solid Waste Facility, there is usually an awful smell wafting through the neighborhood. "The debris on the road, the smell is horrendous," said Mcgainey. "Maybe we need to be…

Humane Educational Society Pet Portrait Mural Auction

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - The Humane Educational Society is finding creative ways of  enhancing their brand new facility with murals of local pets. A total of five pet portraits are planned for the entrance to the new HES building.  The murals…

Speaker proposes free Georgia ID cards for voters

ATLANTA, Georgia (WDEF) - As Georgia lawmakers consider several voting reform bills, House Speaker David Ralston is floating one idea. The Blue Ridge Republican is proposing that State ID cards should be free to all eligible Georgians. Right now, you…

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