Residents fuming after Plan Hamilton tabled by Commissioners
Chattanooga BBQ Week Serves Up $7 Deals Across the City
Art, Action, and Awareness: Tennessee Aquarium Hosts River Cleanup
Weather Update: Thursday June 19, 2025
Weather Update: Wednesday June 18, 2025
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Wednesday: Partly cloudy, warm. Widespread Thunderstorms.
Highs: high 80’s to near 90. Winds: SW @ 5-10.
Overnight: Partly cloudy, mild. Scattered thunderstorms.
Lows: mid/high 60’s. Winds: L&V.
Thursday: Partly cloudy, warm. Widespread Thunderstorms.
Highs: high 80’s to near 90. Winds: SW @ 5-10.
Overnight: Partly cloudy, mild. Scattered thunderstorms.
Lows: low 70’s. Winds: L&V.
Friday: Mostly sunny, hot. Isolated Thunderstorms.
Highs: low 90’s. Winds: SW @ 5.
Overnight: Mostly clear, mild. Isolated early thunderstorms.
Lows: low 70’s. Winds: L&V.
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The report on the State of the Climate in Africa 2024 is the fifth in the series of the The annual African report, with a special focus on loss and damage. It is the result of collaboration between African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), African Regional Climate Centres, the African Union Commission, international institutions, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and other specialized agencies of the United Nations. The report provides informed climate analysis, describes notable hydro-meteorological events, impacts and risks, and identifies key climate policies and strategic elements to build a more sustainable and climate-resilience future for Africa.
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“In the dark and cold of winter, sea ice forms and spreads across Arctic seas. But in recent years, less new ice has been forming, and less multi-year ice has accumulated. This winter continued a downward trend scientists have observed over the past several decades. This year’s peak ice cover was 510,000 square miles (1.32 million square kilometers) below the average levels between 1981 and 2010. “
In 2025, summer ice in the Antarctic retreated to 764,000 square miles (1.98 million square kilometers) on March 1, tying for the second lowest minimum extent ever recorded. That’s 30% below the 1.10 million square miles (2.84 million square kilometers) that was typical in the Antarctic prior to 2010. Sea ice extent is defined as the total area of the ocean with at least 15% ice concentration.”
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“I have spent over 30 years studying meteorology and climate. We take a lot of physics, calculus, thermodynamics and other complex subjects. The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference. Such complexity is far beyond fourth grade lessons about cumulus clouds or cold fronts. As I look at the despair caused to those in the Southeast like farmers, homeowners and businesses, I wish we could control hurricanes. Many families lost loved ones or property. Many communities of color, poor rural areas and regions with high elderly concentrations receive a disproportionate punch from storms like Helene or Milton. Gosh, I wish we did have the technology to spare them such angst and despair. We don’t.”
Via Forbes Magazine (may require subscription to site)
Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, a leading international expert in weather and climate, was the 2013 President of American Meteorological Society (AMS) and is Director of the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Atmospheric Sciences Program
| United States Drought Monitor Latest Statement |
Southeast Drought Summary
Map released: June 12, 2025
Data valid: June 10, 2025
Southeast: The Southeast also saw some much-needed rainfall. Southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle received enough rain to reduce drought in many places. Heavy rains along the Atlantic coast, from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, helped too. However, parts of southern and central Florida stayed dry and actually saw minor degradations. The Carolinas had moderate rain—enough to improve drought conditions slightly, but not enough to fully erase them. Northern Virginia also saw some welcome improvements.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Got #weatherpix to share for our Shackleford Towing & Recovery #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
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Make sure you & your family stay in touch with us. Remember the Storm Team 12 app can always bring you the latest weather alerts for your location as well as Titan Radar. Download it for free from your app store – just search “WDEF Weather”.
The best time to prepare for severe weather is when nothing weather-wise is going on. Learn more about programming your weather alert radio with WDEF-TV News 12.
Who can participate?
This is a community project. Everyone can help, young, old, and in-between. The only requirements are an enthusiasm for watching and reporting weather conditions and a desire to learn more about how weather can affect and impact our lives.
What will our volunteer observers be doing?
Each time a rain, hail or snow storm crosses your area, volunteers take measurements of precipitation from as many locations as possible (see equipment). These precipitation reports are then recorded on our Web site www.cocorahs.org. The data are then displayed and organized for many of our end users to analyze and apply to daily situations ranging from water resource analysis and severe storm warnings to neighbors comparing how much rain fell in their backyards.
Who uses CoCoRaHS?
CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals. The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.
https://cocorahs.org/Content.aspx?page=application
One of NOAA’s missions is to save life and property by providing critical environmental intelligence, including weather forecasts and warnings, to our partners and the general public. NOAA wants everyone, from communities across the country, businesses, and the public at large to be ready, responsive, and resilient to extreme weather, water, and climate events. Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors (WRN Ambassadors) are formally recognized by NOAA as organizations committed to collaborating with NOAA, sharing preparedness messaging in outreach to the public, and serving as examples themselves by implementing resilience best practices. Apply to become an Ambassador here.
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DeKalb County search warrant leads to meth trafficking arrests
Chattanooga police arrest suspect tied to Dodds Avenue shooting
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Police have arrested a suspect in connection to a shots fired incident on Dodds Avenue a few months ago.
The incident occurred on April 27, 2025, in the 2300 block of Dodds Avenue.
The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) says the incident resulted in extensive property damage.
Several bystanders’ vehicles and nearby buildings were struck by gunfire.
Upon further investigation, CPD identified the suspects vehicle as a Black Chrysler 300.
On May 10, 2025, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching that description.
The driver of the vehicle fled, but shortly after crashed.
The three occupants in the vehicle attempted to flee on foot, but were apprehended by CPD.
Officers searched the area and recovered two firearms along with identification of the suspect.
CPD’s Gun Team confirmed the firearm in the suspect’s possession during the May 10 traffic stop, was the same firearm used in the Dodds Avenue incident.
Police arrested 19-year-old Roberto Mejia-Chalate.
He is being charged with the following:
- Aggravated Assault (3 counts)
- Vandalism (2 counts)
- Reckless Endangerment
Chalate was already in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office‘s website, Chalate was already in custody facing three counts of first degree murder.
Hamilton County adopts record low certified tax rate amid skyrocketing home prices
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A new certified tax rate has been passed for Hamilton County amid record home prices.
The approved rate is $1.51 per 100 dollars assessed.
Assessor of Property Marty Haynes says this is the lowest rate since World War II as housing prices skyrocketed 60 percent.
Even as the Commission voted unanimously to approve the new rate, some still question if the impact of the hikes is being felt evenly across the county, leading to Commissioner Warren Mackey suggesting a study be conducted on which areas got hit hardest by property value spikes.
Residents like Andrew Hixson say they are frustrated with this process.
“You can look at taxes across the board. When you increase or decrease taxes, one of two things happen. People spend less money or people spend more money. Also, I would challenge anyone that comes up to this microphone to give just honest answers because there are people watching up here on Youtube and everything else, so the political non-answers? They’re crazy and they happen a lot up here,” said Hixson.
Haynes says his office would look into Mackey’s request for a new study after they finish reassessment requests.
... Continue Reading
Hamilton County budget passes as Sharpe is lone vote against
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Hamilton County budget was approved Wednesday.
It is a little over a billion dollars, and features additional money for paving, public safety, among other allocations.
It passed ten to one.
The one lone no vote was Commissioner David Sharpe.
He said that the budget in his vote in his view flies against the best interest of taxpayers.
Commissioner Sharpe said, “I fear that the result of this budget by any true objective measure makes county government less accountable, less transparent, and more open to waste and abuse.”
Other commissioners said that in their view, the budget was balanced and accomplished several goals despite a tight revenue year.
Commissioner Chip Baker said in his view, “This is the best budget we have passed in the seven years of county government I have been a part of.”
... Continue Reading
Third officer files lawsuit against Soddy-Daisy over intimidation in Whaley case
SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — Another lawsuit has been filed against the city of Soddy-Daisy in a 2018 vehicular manslaughter case.
Justin Whaley, a former Hamilton County EMT, had been convicted of the death of James Brumlow and sentenced to nine years in prison in 2023.
However, that conviction was overturned and a new trial ordered because the Soddy Daisy Police Department did not disclose the lead investigator in the case, Jeremy Wright, was under investigation for sexual misconduct.
Wright had been a key witness in Whaley’s case.
Former Soddy Daisy detective Brandon Miller is the third former police officer to accuse both Police Chief Mike Sneed and City Manager Burt Johnson of intimidation to prevent this information from leaking.
Two other officers, Eric Jenkins and Jake Elrod, had previously testified that they had been threatened, and ultimately were fired for speaking out.
Miller is seeking one million dollars in damages from the city of Soddy-Daisy.
Whaley’s retrial is still pending at this time.
... Continue ReadingMan arrested in Jackson County for using identity of deceased man to purchase over 2 dozen firearms
Crews respond to Daisy Dallas Road mobile home fire
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Fire crews responded to a mobile home fire on Daisy Dallas Road.
The Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 8520 Daisy Dallas Road at 10:40 a.m.
A motorist reported the fire after driving by the residence.
Upon arrival, crewed found flames coming out of the front windows.
According to the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, the fire was contained within minutes.
No injuries were reported from this fire.
The residence suffered extensive interior damage.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Driving Our Economy Forward: White Duck Taco
Athens police investigating fatal motorcycle accident
ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Athens City Police Department (ACPD) is investigating a fatal motorcycle accident.
ACPD responded to the intersection of Redfern Road Congress Parkway regarding the accident that involved a box truck and a motorcycle.
Upon arrival, officers located two subjects.
One of the two was pronounced dead on scene.
Upon further investigation, ACPD determined two incidents had occurred.
ACPD said the initial accident was followed by a separate crash, in which a dark-colored SUV struck the motorcycle.
The SUV fled the scene northbound on Congress Parkway.
This incident remains under investigation.
If anyone has any information on the accident, they’re encouraged to contact ACPD.
... Continue Reading
Man arrested for harassment and threatening judges
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrest Darrell Brackett for making multiple harassing phone calls and threatening multiple judges.
On Monday, June 16, 2025 Investigative Services Detectives responded to the Hamilton County Courthouse for a report of harassing phone calls that threatened multiple judges. They identified the calls were coming from Darrell Brackett.
Throughout the investigation, detectives had a probable cause and obtained warrants to arrest Brackett.
Warrants were charging Brackett with the following:
- (4) Counts of Harassment
- (4) Counts of Aggravated Stalking
- (4) Counts of Terrorism
- (1) Count of Retaliation for Past Actions Against a Judge
On Tuesday, June 17, HCSO Investigative Services Detectives, Criminal Warrants Detectives, and SWAT Team personnel, with the assistance of the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, took Brackett into custody at his residence on Poplar Street, NE, in Cleveland, Tennessee.
“My office treats any threat against our citizens or elected officials seriously. For anyone to believe they can intimidate or threaten Hamilton County judges without swift and decisive action from law enforcement is not just reckless—it’s delusional. Let me be clear: You do not threaten a judge in this county and walk away without facing the consequences of those actions. Even if you live in another county, as in this case, we’ll still come get you and make sure you have your day in court,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.
Brackett has been transported to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center and booked on the outstanding warrants.
Walker Rocks Park expands with inclusive playground features
GoFundMe launched after Soddy Daisy family loses everything
Mayors talk about various issues in joint event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Both Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp took the stage together Tuesday.
In the second annual Chatt With the Mayors event that happened on Tuesday, Mayors Kelly and Wamp talked about a variety of issues including education funding, the impact of DOGE on local politics, and how local government should react to homelessness and immigration.
Mayor Kelly said, “I’m convinced increasingly we’re entering an era in the United States, in fact in the whole industrialized world of mid sized cities, where we can create this goldilocks environment where we can balance quality of life and growth and do extraordinary things.”
Mayor Wamp says that this balance will have to go beyond Hamilton County.
He said, “It takes me 55 minutes to get from my house to Birchwood, only 8 minutes to get to Sequatchie County. So this thing is regional, not us vs. Marion County.”
The mayors were asked how federal cuts from DOGE were impacting local budgets, including education.
Mayor Kelly said, “It’s only ten percent roughly of educational funding, the federal stuff. So there’s block grants and the flexibility they offer, actually we’re seeing the same thing in the Department of Labor. Chattanooga is one of 16 cities who got to participate, 16 across the whole United States in this work creation program. Frankly what I saw at the Department of Labor blew my mind in terms of the impenetrable bureaucracy and the programs that weren’t actually working.”
Mayor Wamp said that local government must be steady.
He said, “We all probably would be wise to avoid any huge adjustments to the way we do business based on the Feds because this President, love him or hate him has got three years and some change left and then there’ll be another sea change.”
On public safety, both say investment in youth is key to continuing to reduce crime.
Mayor Kelly said, “With services at our community centers and our department of public health, the work is working. Chief Chambers would say this that you can’t arrest your way out of this problem.”
Both say that cooperation between the city and county mayors is crucial to managing the future of the Chattanooga area.
VFW post in Ooltewah renamed to honor fallen soldier Travis F. Haslip
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1697 in Ooltewah held a special ceremony to honor U.S. Army Private First Class Travis F. Haslip.
The ceremony was held on June 12, 2025, and is now officially named VFW PFC Travis F. Haslip Memorial Post 1697.
VFW said National VFW leaders approved the request on April 29,2025.
Nearly 150 people attended the event, including family, friends, elected officials, and veterans.
Haslip was killed on May 19, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq, by a roadside bomb during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He was 20 years old and served with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Cavazos, Texas.
Haslip had lived in Ooltewah since 1990, attending Ooltewah High School, Collegedale Academy, and Chattanooga State.
He was a member of Ooltewah Seventh Day Adventist Church, and is buried at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Haslip received several awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Colonel (Retired) Chip Daniels spoke about his impact, saying Haslip’s unit helped “turn the tide” in Baghdad just 10 days after his death.
Representative Greg Vital and Senator Todd Gardenhire presented Haslip’s family with a state proclamation honoring his sacrifice.
