🌱 Mayor Calls On Harsher Anti-Theft Legislation + Money School Event

Good morning, everybody! It's Thursday in Chattanooga and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warmer. High: 81 Low: 59.

Are you a real estate agent in Chattanooga struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Chattanooga newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Here are the top three stories in Chattanooga today:

1. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly is calling on state lawmakers to pass harsher anti-theft legislation. Chattanooga had the second-highest rate of gun thefts from cars per capita in 2020, according to one research firm. Under HB1233/SB1029, firearms and ammunition improperly stored and secured in a vehicle or boat could result in a misdemeanor punishable with a firearm safety course. The bill would also include failing to report the loss or theft of a firearm within 24 hours as an offense. (WTVC)
2. Chattanooga residents are invited to Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise’s ninth annual Money School event on Saturday, Apr. 22. The event is slated for 8 a.m. at Brainerd Crossroads (BX) on Austin Street. Participants will hear from Chattanooga area financial experts about topics ranging from credit to investing, retirement, and more. They will give out $500 to one lucky attendee. (The Chattanoogan)
3. Healthy Taste Vegfest is coming to Collegedale, about 18 miles from Chattanooga, on Sunday, Apr. 2 at 11 a.m. at The Commons. The free vegan/plant-based festival will feature a panel discussion with plant-based physicians and health educators, a spring gardening class, and multiple cooking demos. Local food vendors will also be onsite to sell vegan/plant-based products and health-related products. (The Chattanoogan)

Today and tomorrow in Chattanooga:

Thursday, March 23

• Quarterly Connect – Spring Into Networking At Chattanooga Women's Leadership Institute Legacy Center (5:30 PM)
• Poets N Pickers Open Mic At Gate 11 Distillery (7:00 PM)

Friday, March 24

• Jesse James Junkurth At Backstage Bar (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Chattanooga's Refined Looks, the oldest plastic surgery practice, opened its fifth store this week at the Hamilton Pointe business park in East Brainerd. The Plastic Surgery Group began in 1958 and expanded into offering med spas more than a decade ago! (Subscription: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
• Chattanooga police released surveillance footage from the robbery at Regions bank on Monday and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect who fired shots. Anyone with information is urged to call 423-6998-2525 or use the Atlas One app. (WDEF News 12)
• Siskin Hospital announced its new “Healing Gardens” program at their 20th annual Possibilities Luncheon on Tuesday. The program will place several gardens around Siskin Hospital, allowing patients to rehab in nature. (WDEF News 12)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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

Alrighty, you're all good for today. Thanks for following along!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager 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.