🌱 Missing Person Case Becomes Murder Investigation + HIV Increase

Hello, neighbors. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Chattanooga Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Increasing clouds. High: 56 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. Jason Chen has been arrested in Middle Tennessee. He has been charged with murder in the disappearance of Jasmine Pace, 22 years old, of Chattanooga. Pace's body has not been found by the authorities yet. Chen was charged after authorities allegedly discovered blood stains in his apartment. (News Channel 5)
2. The Chattanooga region is currently encountering a rise in HIV cases. Cory Howard, the chief operating officer of Cempa Community Care, reports that the increase can be attributed to the pandemic and the ongoing opioid addiction crisis. Howard says the greatest challenge is getting individuals tested for HIV. As of 2020, 1,123 Hamilton County residents were HIV-positive. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
3. The City of Chattanooga has cleared a homeless camp at the corner of 12th and Peeples streets. City officials estimated the number of displaced people to be about 30. The reasons the city gave for the homeless camp clearing were site contamination and the potential leakage of dangerous chemicals. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

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Today in Chattanooga:

• Red Bank Christmas Parade And Festival At Red Bank City Park (4:00 PM)
• Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) At Chattanooga Theatre Centre (8:00 PM)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Chattanooga!

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From my notebook:

• Is the current housing market making you feel a little overwhelmed? Consider this list of the latest properties in the Chattanooga area to hit the market. Click to view the full list of properties that includes prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Chattanooga Patch)
• Hamilton County has released its latest arrest report. Click to view the full list of arrested individuals. (The Chattanoogan)
• The Chattanooga Theatre Centre will be performing Pride & Prejudice from Jan. 27 through Feb. 12. (Chattanooga Theatre Centre)

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• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (December 6)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.