Voices on both sides heard at No Kings Day protest
Catoosa County Fire Department Hosts Patriotic Flag Retirement Ceremony
Bethlehem Community Center Hosts Annual Southside Juneteenth Jubilee
Howard High School Alumni Celebrate 160 Years of Legacy and Pride
Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife wounded
CBS: Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in politically motivated shootings overnight, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday.
Hortman, 55, and her husband were shot in their Brooklyn Park home, while Hoffman, 60, and his wife were shot about 5 miles away in their Champlin home. Investigators say they believe the suspect was dressed in a manner to appear like a police officer.
Hortman represented Minnesota House District 34B, and Hoffman Minnesota Senate District 34. Both were members of the Democratic Party.
At a Saturday morning press conference, Walz called the deaths of Hortman and her husband “a political assassination.”
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, says Champlin police first responded to Hoffman’s home at about 2 a.m., with Brooklyn Park police assisting. Hoffman and his wife were each shot multiple times, authorities said.
“We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Walz said.
A Brooklyn Park police sergeant is said to have proactively decided to check on lawmakers in their city. When officers arrived at Hortman’s home at about 3:35 a.m., Evans says they saw what appeared to be a police SUV with emergency lights on. The suspect then exited Hortman’s home and exchanged gunfire with officers before fleeing on foot.
The Minnesota State Patrol is urging the public to stay away from any of Saturday’s planned “No Kings” protests because fliers for events were found in the suspect’s vehicle. Officials say a manifesto with the names of other politicians, including U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, was also inside.
Authorities said a shelter-in-place alert is in effect Saturday in a three-mile radius around Brooklyn Park’s Edinburgh Golf Course as law enforcement search for the suspect. Later Saturday morning, that shelter-in-place was expanded to include Hennepin County.
The suspect is described as a White man with brown hair who’s believed to be wearing a blue shirt and blue pants with a black tactical vest. They say he is misrepresenting himself as law enforcement.
Residents are advised that if police show up at your door, they will be officers in pairs, not alone. Do not answer the door unless there are two officers there. If there is just one officer, call 911 immediately. Authorities will know if any officers were sent to your residence.
President Trump released this statement on Saturday morning following the shootings:
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar released this statement Saturday morning:
“John and I are devastated and heartbroken by the horrific murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the horrific attack on Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Melissa Hortman was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and I still remember the two of us going door to door in her first legislative campaign. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. As Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, she led efforts to protect women’s rights, invest in clean energy, and secure free school lunch for kids. She was beloved by her colleagues.
I want to thank the brave law enforcement officers who are working in real time to protect Minnesotans and ensure there is accountability for these horrific crimes.
Let me be absolutely clear: this was an act of targeted political violence, and it was an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy. We must all condemn it. And we must refuse to be a country where anyone is silenced by threats or violence.
To Melissa’s and Mark’s family, Melissa’s colleagues in the Minnesota Legislature, and everyone mourning across our state: I grieve with you. And I will honor their legacy not just in words, but through action — by protecting our democracy, by standing up to hate, and by continuing the work they so passionately believed in.”
“Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service,” Walz said Saturday morning. “She was a formidable public servant. A fixture and a giant in Minnesota.”
Walz highlighted how these acts of violence occurred following a special session where both sides compromised for the good of Minnesota.
“We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint,” Walz said. “In the state of Minnesota, and as recently as last week, in the most closely divided state legislature in the country, we sat down, shook hands and compromised, and we served the state of Minnesota together. It’s possible in politically charged times to find compromise, democracy and civil discourse. I, Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence.”
Legislators were alerted this morning and those in the metro area were told to take extra safety precautions. The executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, in a Facebook post, said that “an evil coward dressed as a protector, went to the homes of two Minnesota elected officials and shot them.”
Minnesota police agencies and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are currently leading the investigation, officials report.
CBS News has also reached out to the FBI and other agencies for comment.
Hortman represented Minnesota House District 34B, and Hoffman Minnesota Senate District 34.
Organizers for the planned “No Kings” protest in Northeast Minneapolis said the event would be canceled due to the shootings and shelter-in-place.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the communities impacted by this violence,” organizers said. “Some events in other parts of the greater Minneapolis area are still moving forward at this time, and we are actively monitoring the situation.”
This story will be updated.
Suspect shot after using car to hit Officer
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WDEF) – At the request of 30th Judicial District Attorney General Steve Mulroy, TBI special agents continue to investigate the circumstances of an officer-involved shooting Friday night involving the Memphis Police Department.
The incident occurred near the intersection of Park Avenue and Grand Street, where Memphis police officers observed a large group of individuals in the parking lot of a business and approached.
After an officer exited his squad car, a man drove his vehicle aggressively toward the officer, hitting him.
In response, the officer’s partner fired upon the vehicle, striking the man, who continued to drive from the immediate scene and crashed into a nearby bus stop.
Medics transported the man to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
The officer sustained minor injuries.
TBI agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews.
Bonnaroo canceled due to weather
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Deadbird Studio Opens to Public
Dueling visions presented ahead of Plan Hamilton vote
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Two different visions of future growth in rural Hamilton County are making their case for what limits should be placed on new housing.
Plan Hamilton has been an ongoing effort to figure out what zoning regulations should be in place to deal with rapid growth.
This plan in particular has been controversial in areas like Birchwood, Sale Creek, and Ooltewah.
One vision of the plan presented by a citizen committee would put stricter restrictions on homebuilders in light of infrastructure concerns.
However a different version of the plan features amendments from the Chattanooga Home Builders Association they say would tackle an ongoing housing crisis.
Resident Anita Willerson said, “We are not against growth, we are not. We are not against progress. We want responsibility is what we’re looking for. We want balance. We want to maintain what we have in preserving our countryside.”
Those for the citizen’s version of Plan Hamilton say that their plan is able to preserve a rural character for portions of Hamilton County.
They say that current road and sewer infrastructure in rural areas cannot handle rapid population growth, and say the price tag for replacing roads such as Roberts Mill Road in Walden is too astronomical.
Resident Kirk Wells said of that Roberts Mill Road project, “They came up with a price tag of $170 million dollars, so, I mean that’s never going to happen.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says the amount of road projects underway is unprecedented due to the need for upgrades.
Mayor Wamp said, “The public should know not only that we are taking action on roads projects, but we are doing so in a manner that stresses our manpower and ability to project manage them.”
Among the Home Builders Association’s amendments include more houses per acre in various parts of the county among other requests.
They say that they need to be able to address spiking housing costs across the county.
Julian Bell, who is the intergovernmental director for the Home Builders Association, said, “Every county around Hamilton County has lower housing costs… Over 91,000 people per day drive into Hamilton County for work from outside of the county.”
Commissioner Joe Graham added that there “Is nowhere for Hamilton County workers to buy a homeBell also added that this is unnecessary regulation on top of the lack of suitable infrastructure.
He said, “Let’s not complicate that by adding an administrative and regulatory layer that accepts our technological deficiencies and says, “We’re stuck where we are. Let’s add regulations on top of it to require it.”
Commissioners say there may need to be more talks before a final vote.
Commissioner Chip Baker said, “I don’t know if I’ve seen any results from it. We need to take our time before coming to a final decision.”
The Hamilton County Commission will vote on both versions of Plan Hamilton next Wednesday.
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Forever chemical test results in North Georgia alarm scientists
CHATSWORTH, Ga. (WDEF)- A group of environmental scientists in northwest Georgia say recent test results of forever chemicals in North Georgia have them alarmed.
PFAS Georgia at a town hall in Chatsworth says that the majority of tests for forever chemicals across North Georgia have tested above the EPA limits.
They say 56% of water samples, 69% of soil samples, and 97% of dust samples all came back above the limit of 4 parts of forever chemicals per trillion (PPT), which scientists say can lead to a variety of health issues.
In particular, the most egregious results were:
- A water sample of 186,310 PPT
- A soil sample of 2,154,100 PPT
- A dust sample of 879,500 PPT
The Water Resources Manager for PFAS Georgia, Bob Bowcock, said that some of the readings were so high their testing equipment could not register a reading.
PFAS Georgia says this is the result of the improper discarding of chemicals from carpet manufacturers, many of whom are facing ongoing lawsuits in Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, and Gordon Counties.
Bowcock gravely said, “I think that we are at the point now where you have to tell your neighbors. You have to let them know. Whether they’ve been tested or not this is real, and if you’re drinking 850 parts and you don’t tell your neighbors… It’s really eating at me.”
A proposed bill in the Georgia House of Representatives that was proposed by Dalton representative Kasey Carpenter that would have shielded carpet manufacturers from lawsuits did not pass.
There will be another town hall Friday night in Calhoun, Georgia.
Fleischmann reacts to Israel-Iran conflict
Incline Railway on track to open next month
Two women arrested in Chattanooga human trafficking operation
Blood Assurances calls for donations during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”
Weather Update: Friday June 13, 2025
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Overnight: Mostly cloudy, mild. Scattered thunderstorms.
Lows: mid/high 60’s. Winds: L&V.
Friday: Partly cloudy, warm. Widespread Thunderstorms.
Highs: high 80’s to near 90. 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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First Responder Hero Award: Janet Tomaszewski
Basecamp Summer Edition Connects Chattanooga Locals with Career Opportunities
Developer says Foundry District around Erlanger Park is on target
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- An update was provided Thursday on Erlanger Park and its surrounding development in the South Broad District.
The development around the future home of the Chattanooga Lookouts has received criticism over whether its spurring surrounding development.
The main developer, Jim Irwin, answered questions on how the developments around the stadium that will support Erlanger Park are coming along.
Irwin presented new renderings of what some of the planned buildings will be around the stadium.
One of those being an apartment complex that will overlook the stadium’s outfield.
Irwin said, “It is something that each and every one of you and your city will be proud of… The Foundry District deserves world class architecture and construction. Something that is just striking and surprising and delightful and that Chattanoogans wouldn’t expect.”
Recently, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp criticized the project for what he saw as a lack of progress on the Foundry District, and that it would lead to budget shortfalls in county and city government.
City Engineer Billy Payne that the project so far is on track with its projected $112 million budget.
Payne said, “The cash flow spend is projecting very well with the cash flow projections we had at the very beginning.”
Irwin says that he is confident that the project will deliver.
He said, “All I can say is that based on the momentum and the excitement that we feel, our investors are backing the design and we feel great about our progress.”
Irwin also adds that work is ongoing to recruit tenants to this district.
He said, “We are having lots and lots of conversations with prospects, both restaurants, retail, potential office tenants who are interested in working on site, and from the standpoint of designing multifamily residential, typically that happens well into construction when you start the pre leasing process.”
Irwin says the stadium is still on track for first pitch in April 2026.
Plans for Hawk Hill still being developed
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As Erlanger Park continues to head for completion, talks are ramping up about the future of the Lookouts’ current home.
The team has played at AT&T Field on Hawk Hill since 2000.
When the team leaves next year, the River City Company plans to take ownership of the property and plan to redevelop the land.
Their plans include new housing and dining options along with a park.
Members of the Old Sports Authority Board, who focus on Hawk Hill and not Erlanger Park, discussed what happens if for some reason, River City’s plan does not come to fruition.
Deacon Hicks Armor said, “I think they’re (River City Company) going to take it, and they’ll take it as is which means they’ll have to deal with the stadium or so that’s the last I’ve heard.
City attorney Phil Noblett added, “It’s a demolition issue of a stadium that is on top of Hawk Hill at that point in time and all of that metal obviously is worth something at that point in time and the question is, who has to clean that up? The Sports Authority itself in the event that River City does not get it for $200 at that point in time would have a nice stadium that no one is going to.”
They said they expect AT&T Field to be demolished sometime in Fall of 2026.
