🌱 Chattanooga Zoo Closed Dec. 24 + Local Woman's Identity Stolen

Hey, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Chattanooga Daily, fresh off the presses. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick review of the most important things going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 53 Low: 40.

🏠 The competition is fierce in Chattanooga to be the top local real estate agent. With our exclusive newsletter sponsorships, you can stand out from your competitors and attract local clients. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Chattanooga today:

1. Due to cold weather, the Chattanooga Zoo will be closed on Dec. 24. To preserve the safety of animals, staff, and guests, the zoo will be closed most of this weekend. However, the zoo will reopen on Monday, Dec. 26, with normal hours of operation. (The Chattanoogan)
2. A Chattanooga woman bought another's identity and used it for two years. Megan White became aware of the identity theft after she received a letter from the Department of Labor saying that she would be audited for her work history at a company where she had never been employed. Last week, police arrested Jessica Andino-Banegas for the criminal impersonation of Megan White. (WTVC)
3. Looking for a house this holiday season? Chattanooga and the surrounding area have some beautiful residences on the market right now, but they won't be there for long. If you're looking to build in Chattanooga, there's a lot for only $35,000 — or take a look at a nearby four-bed, two-bath home in Hixton during its open house on Jan. 1. (Chattanooga Patch)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Chattanooga Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Chattanooga newsletter possible.

Today in Chattanooga:

• Happy Hour / Taco & Margarita Night At Public House (2:00 PM)
• STEAM-Powered Fun At Northgate Branch Library (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a wintry activity this weekend? Chattanooga city events have you covered. From Dec. 23 to Dec. 25, take the family on a holiday hike, see some Christmas lights, go to the aquarium, or ice skate! (Visit Chattanooga)
• Help make Dune the dog's Christmas wish come true. The Tennessee Humane Animal League's Pet Placement Center featured Dune's Christmas wish on its Facebook yesterday: he wants a bag of Dreambone twists! If you'd like to grant that wish, scan the Amazon QR code on the post to purchase and send Dune his bag of treats. (Tennessee Humane Animal League's Pet Placement Center via Facebook)
• Teens and tweens are invited to a special crafting session at the Downtown Library. Today (Dec. 21), middle- and high-school students can celebrate their break from school with a mini-book ornament craft while watching Little Women (2019). (ChattLibrary.org)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• TN Nursery — (Visit website)
• Wholesale Nursery Company — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

That's it for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.