Here is why one Doctor recommended firing Tennessee's vaccination leader
This is as close to an explanation as the Department of Health has given, Dr. Michelle Fiscus says she was fired as a political scapegoat.
Former Tennessee Vaccine official speaks out about firing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - The Tennessee Department of Health is stopping all vaccine outreach for adolescents-even for vaccines not related to Covid-19. Just this week, one of the state’s medical directors was fired. Dr. Michelle Fiscus says it…
USDA extends program to provide free meals to Hamilton County Students
Hamilton County Schools will once again be able to cover the costs of meals for their students.
Service set for 8 killed in wreck of Alabama girls home van
A remembrance is set for eight young people killed when a van returning to an Alabama girls home after a week at the beach wrecked last month.
1st elected Alabama Black Republican: GOP 'open to everyone'
PELHAM, Ala. (AP) - The first Black Republican elected to the Alabama Legislature since Reconstruction says the “GOP is open to everyone.” Retired Army Sgt. Kenneth Paschal was elected Tuesday to fill a legislative seat in suburban Shelby County. He…
Covid-19 cases rising again in Georgia
ATLANTA (AP) - The number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Georgia has risen substantially over the past few weeks, mirroring a national trend that has public health experts worried. The state’s seven-day average of new cases stood at more…
"Light Up Tennessee" coming to East Ridge
EAST RIDGE, Tenn (WDEF) - For three nights, the evening skies of East Ridge will be glowing and full of color when the “Light Up East Ridge” hot air balloon event comes to Camp Jordan. Beginning July 30…
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health Officials concerned about the Delta Variant in the U.S.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - Now that nearly 50% of Americans are fully vaccinated, Health Experts from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health gathered today to discuss how the delta variant could impact the nation’s Covid-19 recovery process and…
Tennessee now will not acknowledge National Immunization Awareness Month
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) - Reports out of Nashville on Tuesday are showing just how far the Tennessee Department of Health is going to avoid immunization controversy now after criticism from lawmakers. NewsChannel 5 Investigates has obtained documentation that the Health…
Miner killed in East Knox mine collapse
MASCOT, Tennessee (WDEF) - A collapse at a zink mine in East Tennessee has claimed the life of one miner and injured two others. It happened at the Nyrstar Mine in rural East Knox County. Officials say the other mine…
Judge dismisses Roy Moore suit over Sacha Baron Cohen stunt
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A federal judge has dismissed Roy Moore’s $95 million lawsuit against comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. Judge John Cronan dismissed the lawsuit Tuesday. Moore said he was tricked into an interview that ended up lampooning sexual misconduct…
Chattanooga artist chosen to create Thaddeus Stevens Monument
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) - A Chattanooga artist is making history by creating the second sculpture in the nation of the historical figure Thaddeus Stevens. Artist Alex Paul Loza was chosen to complete this project from a nationwide search…
School baseball coach and PTA President charged with stealing money
Investigators say the coach used a school credit card to pay for his own gas for 5 years, PTA President raided the account over the summer.
Chattanooga man caught in human trafficking sting
SPRING HILL, Tennessee (WDEF) - A Chattanooga man is one of 18 people charged in connection with human trafficking in Spring Hill, Tennessee. According to the T-B-I, 28 year old Suleiman Osman is charged with patronizing prostitution from a minor.…
Tennessee vaccine director says she has been fired
She claims she is a scapegoat for the Tennessee Department of Health for lawmakers applying pressure on their efforts to vaccinate teenagers for Covid-19
Dive operations aimed at dislodging stuck riverboat in Kentucky
Dive operations were approved Sunday to assess the lake bottom for salvage operations to safely dislodge the American Jazz riverboat in Lake Barkley.
Dog trainer given 1-year of probation after dog starved
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - A Tennessee dog trainer has been sentenced to a year’s probation after pleading guilty to aggravated animal abuse in the starvation death of an animal in his care. The Johnson City Press reports Andrew Hunigan apologized…
Report: Officials say don't aim vaccine information at teens
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A published report says health officials across Tennessee have been instructed to make sure they don’t aim coronavirus vaccination information at juveniles. The Tennessean cited emails it obtained in reporting that the Department of Health instructed county-level…
Sewanee police officer charged with theft from university dorm
SEWANEE, Tennessee (WDEF) - A police officer has been charged with theft and other crimes at the University where he patrolled. Tony Gilliam used to work for the Sewanee Police Department on Monteagle Mountain. In January, TBI agents began investigating…
Riverboat Cruise Ship Stuck on Sandbar in Lake Barkley
A riverboat cruising between Memphis and Nashville has become stuck on a sandbar in Lake Barkley.
Governor Lee to visit southern border, meet with Tennessee troops
Governor Bill Lee will visit the United States border with Mexico this weekend to meet with Tennessee National Guard troops.
Former Decherd Mayor indicted for health insurance fraud
DECHERD, Tennessee (WDEF) - An investigation by the state of Tennessee has led to the indictment of the former Mayor of Decherd. Robin B. Smith was mayor of the town in Franklin County on the other side of the Plateau.…
Rep. Hakeem criticizes closed door hearing on Baptiste license
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - A Tennessee administrative law judge has denied public access to an informal hearing regarding the license suspension of a shelter for immigrant children after one of the employees was arrested following abuse allegations.…
Aztec Framing owner pleads guilty to recruiting illegal foreign workers
ROME, Georgia (WDEF) - A Georgia businessman who had operations in our area has pleaded guilty to harboring illegal aliens. Juan Antonio Perez lives in Bartow County. But he owns Aztec Framing that had offices in Rossville…