The defense began their side of the case on day six of Chen trial
GBI reported that a woman was found deceased in Ringgold
Weather Update: Saturday – January 18, 2025
| ||||
Overnight: Showers to snow showers, especially in the higher elevation areas. Colder.
Lows: around freezing. Winds: N @ 5 MPH.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, windy, colder. Showers and snow showers light, more likely in higher elevations. Some accumulations possible.
Highs: low/mid 30’s. Winds: NW @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 25 MPH.
Overnight: NWS Huntsville issues #ColdWeatherAdvisory for Dekalb & Jackson Counties, NE Alabama from 7 PM Sunday to noon Monday. NWS Nashville issues same advisory for Grundy County TN from 6 PM Sunday to noon on Monday.
https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MRX&wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory Early flurries. Becoming partly cloudy.
—
@WDEFNews12 counties in SE Tennessee, N Georgia and extreme western North Carolina will be under an Extreme Cold Watch going into Sunday evening. Higher elevations could see sub-zero wind chills by Monday morning.
—
Lows: low teens. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Gusts 20 MPH. Wind Chills in the lower single digits to below zero at times.
Monday / Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Sunny, dry, cold.
Highs: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Frigid. Dry.
Lows: mid/high teens. Winds: Near Calm.
| ||||
Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“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.
| ||||
“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
| ||||
Southeast Drought Summary
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
| ||||
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.
Chen messaged women on Tinder hours after allegedly killing Pace, trial reveals
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Friday was day five of the Jason Chen murder trial.
Chen is charged with first degree murder in the November 2022 death of Jasmine Pace.
There were two primary focuses of the testimony throughout the day on Friday.
One was evidence collected from Jason Chen’s finger prints.
Lt. David Franklin of the Chattanooga Police Department testified that fingerprints he analyzed on the garbage bags that Jasmine Pace was found contained inside of a suitcase on Suck Creek Road, matched Chen.
Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp asked Lt. Franklin, “And with those 20 ridges, you were able to look at and then match up a certain person’s fingerprints.”
He confirmed, “That’s correct.”
She responded, “And those were the fingerprints of Jason Chen?”
He confirmed, “That’s correct.”
The other major talking point of the day was Chen and Pace’s cell phone records, which forensic technician Mark Hamilton said painted a clear picture of Chen’s actions following the death of Pace.
Pace traveled to Chen’s Northshore apartment shortly before midnight on November 23, 2022.
She then sent a pindrop to her mother around 2:15 AM, the last known message she sent.
Starting roughly 8 hours later, records show Chen traveling around the city with both his and her phones.
During this, Hamilton says Chen stopped at multiple stores to buy cleaning supplies and visited Suck Creek Road three separate times.
Around 4 the afternoon after Pace was killed, Chen sent a message from his phone to her’s.
Wamp asked, “Are you aware of any activity that you found on both of their cellular records around this time (4:03 PM on November 23, 2022)?”
Hamilton confirmed, “Yes there was a text message sent around here.”
Wamp asked, “And who was that text message from and who was it to?”
Hamilton said, “It was from Jason Chen to Jasmine Pace.”
Wamp further asked, “Mr. Chen texted Jasmine, “Hey, are we still good for dinner tonight?””
Hamilton said, “That’s correct.”
That was far from the only message he was sending though.
Further cell phone records showed Chen messaging a group chat numerous times on November 24, 2022, the day after Pace died.
The purpose of these conversations were to set up playing video games with some friends.
Hamilton additionally showed that Chen was sending numerous messages via the dating app Tinder, just hours after the suspected death of Pace.
Wamp asked, “And do you see here at 9:52, does Jason send a message here on Tinder?”
Hamilton pointed out a specific message to one woman and responded, “He does. He says, “I guess we’re dating now?””
There were messages exchanged between Chen and at least four different women between Pace’s death and Chen’s arrest a week later.
Lead investigator Zackary Crawford also went a whole series of text messages between Chen and Pace, showing weeks of ongoing conversation leading up to Chen inviting Pace over to his apartment on the day that his defense attorney admitted during his opening statement that he killed her.
This trial will continue into the weekend on Saturday.
The Nashville based jury said they only want to take Sunday off.
Weather Update: Friday – January 17, 2025
| ||||
Overnight. Mostly cloudy, widespread showers.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Saturday: Mostly cloudy, showers.
Highs: mid 50’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight: Showers to snow showers, especially in the higher elevation areas.
Lows: around freezing. Winds: N @ 5 MPH.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy, windy, colder. Showers and snow showers.
Highs: low/mid 30’s. Winds: NW @ 5-15 MPH, gusts 25 MPH.
Overnight: Early flurries. Becoming partly cloudy.
Lows: low teens. Winds: NW @ 5-10 MPH. Gusts 20 MPH.
Monday / Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Sunny, dry, cold.
Highs: mid/high 20’s. Winds: N @ 5-10 MPH.
| ||||
Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“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.
| ||||
“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
| ||||
Southeast Drought Summary
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
| ||||
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.
Chattacon celebrates 50 years over the weekend
Georgia House Speaker lifts ban against Colton Moore
Suspects crash into East Ridge home during pursuit
EAST RIDGE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The East Ridge Police Department (ERPD) has made an arrest after ending a pursuit with a stolen Mercedes Benz.
Officers with ERPD got a hit via a License Plate Reader (LPR) on a stolen Mercedes Benz, January 17, 2025.
Authorities located the vehicle in the 1000 block of South Seminole.
According to ERPD, it was observed that the suspect was with another party in a dark SUV, which was parked by the stolen vehicle.
As the suspects were leaving in the SUV, ERPD attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
The SUV driver accelerated and rammed into the patrol car, nearly striking the officer.
Shortly afterwards, patrol units initiated a pursuit.
Officers attempted to deploy road spikes near Bennett Road and John Ross.
The suspects overcorrected upon viewing the spikes.
The SUV left the roadway, and crashed into a home at Connelly and Bennett Road.
After crashing, the driver fled on foot, but was apprehended shortly there after.
The passenger of the SUV was taken into custody.
The stolen vehicle was recovered from the original location.
... Continue Reading
Father-son duo arrested in multi-county burglary investigation
LAFAYETTE, Ga. (WDEF) — A father-son duo was arrested Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in connection to a string of burglaries across several counties in Georgia.
On Sunday, January 12, LaFayette Police responded to a burglary at a Dollar Tree in a Walmart shopping center.
Officers discovered the store’s safe was broken into, with approximately $3,000 stolen.
The hard drive for the store’s surveillance system was also stolen.
Two nearby businesses were also entered, though no items were reported missing.
Further leads connected the LaFayette burglary to a similar incident in Chattooga County.
Another strip mall business was targeted that same night.
Investigators in Chattooga County obtained surveillance footage that revealed the suspects and their vehicle.
The suspects were identified as Clifton Mitchell, and his son Richard Mitchell.
Both were already on probation for prior burglary convictions.
Key evidence came from Clifton Mitchell’s court-mandated ankle monitor.
The ankle monitor tracked his movements to the locations of the LaFayette and Chattooga County burglaries.
GPS data also tied him to other strip mall locations in Rome, Georgia, where additional commercial burglaries were reported.
A search warrant was obtained for the Mitchell’s residence.
The search uncovered tools used in the crimes and clothing matching the surveillance footage.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Walker County Detention Facility.
Both are being charged with second-degree burglary.
Additional charges are expected in Chattooga and Floyd Counties for crimes in those jurisdictions.
They also face charges for violating their probation.
Smoke alarm saves Sale Creek homeowner from major house fire
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — A smoke alarm likely saved a homeowner from a devastating fire early this morning in Sale Creek.
At approximately 2:35 a.m., January 17, 2025, the Sale Creek Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) responded to reports of a house fire at 16919 Andy Thomas Road.
A homeowner was awoken by the sound of her smoke alarm and immediately noticed smoke coming from the ceiling and smoke detector.
When crews arrived, firefighters noticed heavy smoke coming from the roof.
It was discovered that the fire was located in the attic.
Crews were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to the rest of the house.
According to the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management, no injuries were reported from this incident.
Fire officials determined the cause of the fire was electrical, with damages estimated at $20,000.
Chattanooga is working “9 to 5” to celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday
Local Republican Party reacts to State senator Colton Moore arrests
WALKER COUNTY, Ga (WDEF)- Walker County Republican Party reacts to the arrest of North Georgia State Senator Colton Moore on Thursday.
“This is what tyranny looks like. This is literally what tyranny looks like. I am. I am shocked. We are shocked and appalled that this could happen in the United States of America, and especially in northwest Georgia,” said Jackie Harling, Walker County Republican Party.
State senator Moore arrived at the House chamber to attend Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State address.
Upon arriving, Moore was taken into custody after being banned for making comments about a deceased colleague last year.
Harling considers Moore’s arrest a big deal.
“Senator Moore can not do his job that we elected him to do if he can’t be involved with the joint session. It is ridiculous and I’m embarrassed. I guess I am torn between being angry and embarrassed. It is silly,” Harling said.
State Senator Moore, formerly a House member, serves Dade, Walker, and Catoosa Counties.
In light of Moores arrest, Harling believes it’s important that Georgians come together and be united.
“We are about to inaugurate a new president. We need to just kind of put petty little personality differences aside and get our eyes on the prize, and that is getting this country back to where it needs to be,” harling said.
According to Georgia House officials, this is the first time a state senator has been banned from entering the house.
Harling says her message to Georgia lawmakers is simple..
“This is a silly silly school yard fight. That is really something we never want to see, again, we want to be able to disagree with each other, and still be respectful and still keep the laws,” Harling concluded.
... Continue Reading
Medical examiner details autopsy of Jasmine Pace in day four of Jason Chen murder trial
Note: Many of the details in this story may be disturbing to some readers.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Day four the Jason Chen murder trial is underway.
Chen is charged with first degree murder in the November 2022 death of Jasmine Pace.
The primary witness throughout the day on Thursday was Hamilton County Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Cogswell.
He discussed some of the observations he found while doing his autopsy on Jasmine Pace.
From the moment he made that grizzly discovery, Dr. Cogswell took Pace’s body to the medical examiner office for an autopsy
Dr. Cogswell recalled, “And so basically just using my hands, I felt along the contents of the bag and knew it wasn’t an animal or something else. It was a human being.”
He shared that one of the first things that immediately struck him was that Pace was handcuffed and shackled.
Dr. Cogswell told the Nashville based jury, “Again, these are not the typical law enforcement handcuffs, they’re simply cheap, steel prototypes.”
He went on to describe that in addition to Pace’s 60 stab wounds, they found the tip of a chef’s knife broke off in her lung.
Dr. Cogswell explained while holding the knife, “You see that it has the general contour of what you’d expect to see from a chef’s knife. I can’t tell exactly how long that blade is as they can vary in all likelihood, but you can see the very tip end of it was broken off, and that was not recovered at autopsy.”
He also stated that he believed Pace did not die immediately after being attacked, but could have remained alive for up to 10 minutes.
Meanwhile outside of the criminal trial, Jasmine Pace’s mother, Catrina Bean, has filed a civil lawsuit against Chen and his parents, Min Yong and Shu Feng Chen.
In the lawsuit, her attorney, Ben McGowan, argues that Chen’s parents knowingly aided him while he was on the run following Pace’s death.
They say this has caused the Pace family undue emotional distress.
In that lawsuit, the Pace family is asking for $17 million dollars in damages.
The prosecution will continue their case on Friday on day 5 of the trial, of which they say they expect to rest their case.
Supporting Older Adults in Their Job Search
Weather Update: Thursday – January 16, 2025
| ||||
Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold.
Lows: High 20’s. Winds: near calm.
Friday: Mostly sunny with stray showers possible into the late afternoon / evening hours.
Highs: low 50’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
Overnight. Mostly cloudy, widespread showers.
Lows: low 40’s. Winds: S @ 5 MPH.
| ||||
Y
You, the viewers, asked for it. This year, the annual #WinterWeatherForecast returns on the WDEF-TV News12 What I Want To Know Show.
Encore presentations available on our social media pages, including News 12 YouTube, and here at our website.
| ||||
“After storing carbon dioxide in frozen soil for millennia, the Arctic tundra is being transformed by frequent wildfires into an overall source of carbon to the atmosphere, which is already absorbing record levels of heat-trapping fossil fuel pollution.
The transition of the Arctic from a carbon sink to a carbon source is one of the dramatic changes in the Arctic that are documented in NOAA’s 2024 Arctic Report Card. Climatic shifts are forcing plants, wildlife and the people that depend on them to rapidly adapt to a warmer, wetter and less certain world. ”
https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/arctic-tundra-becoming-source-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions
| ||||
“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.
| ||||
“We have a NEW Virtual SKYWARN spotter training! It consists of four interactive sections to complete, followed by a final exam that must be taken to receive credit. After finishing the exam, please be patient and understand that up to two weeks may pass between completing the exam and receiving your spotter ID card and certificate. ” – National Weather Service, Morristown TN
| ||||
Southeast Drought Summary
Light precipitation, generally totaling under an inch, fell across parts of Virginia and the Carolinas. Heavier rain fell across northern and west-central Georgia, as well as southern Alabama, the latter of which received 2 to locally 7 inches of rainfall. Weather across Florida, aside from the far western Panhandle and adjacent southeast Georgia, was mostly dry. Temperatures were mostly colder than normal this week, ranging mostly from 3-9 degrees below normal. Due to decreasing streamflow and growing short-term precipitation deficits, abnormal dryness and moderate drought increased in coverage in parts of South Carolina. Significant short-term precipitation deficits continued to build across the Florida Peninsula, along with decreasing soil moisture, leading to widespread expansion in short-term abnormal dryness and moderate drought. In northern Georgia, recent rainfall led to minor improvements. Widespread heavy rain in southern Alabama led to widespread improvements to abnormal dryness and drought as precipitation deficits lessened and streamflow and soil moisture increased.
– NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu
Got #weatherpix to share for our @WestShoreHome #WeatherWindow #PictureOfTheDay? E-mail them to [email protected].
| ||||
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.
Catrina Pace files lawsuit against the Chen family
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A lawsuit has been filed by Catrina Pace against the family of Jason Chen.
Catrina is the mother of Jasmine Pace, who was murdered by Jason Chen on November 22, 2022.
According to the lawsuit, Catrina filed the lawsuit for:
“…compensatory and punitive damages to address the wrongful death, battery, and intentional infliction of severe emotional distress caused by the actions of defendant Jason Chen in murdering 22-year-old Jasmine Pace.”
The lawsuit also alleges, as part of the nature of the action, that it was filed on grounds of civil conspiracy involving Jason Chen, Min Yong Chen, and Shu Fang Chen, in
“…knowingly and unlawfully and concealing the murder and unlawfully harboring Jason Chen.”
Jason is currently on trial for the murder of Jasmine Pace.
The trial is set to wrap up next week.
... Continue ReadingGovernment announces choice for new Federal Courthouse, but UNUM says they won’t sell
CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Federal Government today announced their preferred location for a new courthouse in Chattanooga.
But there is a catch.
The owners of the property say it isn’t for sale.
The General Services Administration announced that a site on Vine Street was the winning location for the new federal courts building.
They want to build on parking lots near U-T-C.
“We look forward to building a new Federal courthouse in Chattanooga that will meet the needs of the U.S. Courts and the citizens of Chattanooga,” said Jeff Smith, GSA Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner. “Thank you to everyone at GSA, the U.S. District Court, and the citizens of Chattanooga for your support and engagement with this comprehensive, multi-year effort.”
But the property is owned by the Unum Group.
And they have issued a statement that the land is NOT for sale.
“We are surprised and deeply disappointed by today’s announcement from the General Services Administration. Unum has clearly and consistently informed the GSA that its Vine Street properties are not for sale. Additionally, local civic and business leaders have identified a viable alternative site for the new federal courthouse. For decades, Unum has invested in real estate near our headquarters to meet the long-term needs of our business and support the growth of the Riverfront and Downtown neighborhoods. The GSA’s selected location for this project does not align with or support that vision or the expressed interests of our community.”
The General Services Administration announcement today identified the Vine Street location as the best possible locatons.
“There will be no significant impact to the human or natural environment from the construction of the proposed new courthouse. “
The federal agency announced their decision to build a new, larger courthouse last April.
The current location next to Miller Park is historic, but not big enough any more.
The new courthouse will include 7 courtrooms, 9 chambers, and 40 secured parking spaces.
During the year, GSA identified four finalists for the new site, the TVA complex, a Broad Street location, Hawk Hill (current Lookouts Stadium) and the Vine Street area.
We’ll look at where the search goes next tonight on News 12 at six.
... Continue Reading
Loftis Middle School cleared after gas leak investigation
HIXSON, Tenn. (WDEF) — Students and staff at Loftis Middle School had a delay Thursday morning due to a potential gas leak.
When staff arrived on January 16, 2025, they noticed an abnormal smell.
Out of an abundance of caution, school officials called the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department to investigate.
According to Hamilton County Schools, parents were quickly informed of the situation, and arriving students were temporarily rerouted to nearby McConnell Elementary School.
In addition to the fire department, the response team included the local gas company, Hamilton County Hazmat, and school maintenance workers.
Crews conducted a thorough inspection, including equipment checks and air sampling throughout the building.
No gas leaks or other abnormalities were detected, and the building was officially deemed safe for occupancy.
Loftis students were then transported back to campus to begin the school day.
... Continue ReadingGuests can take off to the Tennessee Aquarium with reduced admission offer
Tennessee Aquarium’s Alison Pryor joins News 12’s Amelia Greer to share how the aquarium just became more financially accessible and to preview their special “Blue Angels 3D” showing on IMAX.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Tennessee Aquarium joins a new program this year to remove financial barriers for anyone wanting to learn more about aquatic life and nature.
The Tennessee Aquarium is now part of the “Museums for All” program which joins thousands of other institutions in ensuring that anyone is welcome to engage in educational experiences by offering a reduced cost. The aquarium now joins the Hunter Museum of American Art and Creative Discovery Museum as becoming financially accessible tourist attractions in Chattanooga.
For anyone receiving assistance benefits through the SNAP program from any state, they can purchase tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium at the reduced price of $5 per person for four tickets.
To purchase the reduced admission, it must be done in person at the Tennessee Aquarium ticketing office and present an EBT card and photo ID. Another form of payment is required to purchase tickets.
The reduced admission also applies to their 45-minute IMAX films.
Additionally, the aquarium is debuting the 45-minute, IMAX version of Blue Angels 3D on January 17. A special screening of the film will be held on January 23 at 6 P.M. which will feature Capt. Greg “Boss” Wooldridge, one of the former Blue Angels pilots, to do a Q&A after the film.
To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit the Tennessee Aquarium website.
... Continue Reading
GSA looking to move forward with new federal courthouse plans
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The United States General Services Administration (GSA) has completed its Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the planned federal courthouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The proposed courthouse will be a 190,701-square-foot facility with seven courtrooms, nine chambers, and 40 secured parking spaces.
The new building is designed to enhance federal operations and improve accessibility, with its location within Chattanooga’s city limits.
The GSA has been evaluating potential sites since April 2024 when three locations were first considered.
The two finalist were Hawk Hill Stadium and the TVA Office Complex.
However, a third option, the Vine Street Site, is now being seriously considered.
The Vine Street Site contains 4.12 acres and includes a mix of office space, parking lots, and open land.
It is bordered by E 5th Street, Lindsay Street, and Georgia Avenue.
The SEA evaluated the potential effects of constructing the courthouse and compared them to a “No Action Alternative,” which would mean no courthouse would be built.
The assessment concluded that moving forward with the project would not cause significant harm to the environment.
Public input played a role, with a review period held in December 2024.
Now, the GSA is looking to move forward with the site and the design phase.
However, a company in the Chattanooga area was not so pleased with the announcement.
Unum Group’s made the following statement:
We are surprised and deeply disappointed by today’s announcement from the General Services Administration. Unum has clearly and consistently informed the GSA that its Vine Street properties are not for sale. Additionally, local civic and business leaders have identified a viable alternative site for the new federal courthouse. For decades, Unum has invested in real estate near our headquarters to meet the long-term needs of our business and support the growth of the Riverfront and Downtown neighborhoods. The GSA’s selected location for this project does not align with or support that vision or the expressed interests of our community.
As of now, the GSA has yet to comment on Unum Group’s remarks.
No timeline for construction has been announced.
The GSA’s website will be providing updates and access to the full SEA and FONSI documents.
