🌱 Proposed Ban On Open Containers + Police Training Bill + Mardi Bra

Hello all. Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your fresh copy of the Chattanooga Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

Also, FYI: I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Chattanooga Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Chattanooga long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A shower in the morning. High: 85 Low: 54.
• Friday: Cooler with a few showers. High: 58 Low: 51.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. A proposed bill in Tennessee could ban people from carrying alcoholic drinks outside of bars in the entertainment district of Station Street. The district is currently an open container district, but an increase in violent acts and emergency calls prompted state Senator Todd Gardenhire to introduce the bill to prohibit drinking on the street. Though it would not restrict the sales of alcoholic drinks inside establishments, business owners have expressed concern that it may harm local businesses. (WTVC)
2. The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary held its 10th annual Mardi Bra Outreach event for women facing homelessness in Chattanooga. The event, which had a Mardi Gras theme, offered women underserved in the community the chance to select items they need, such as undergarments, which are often lacking in donations. The event took place on Tuesday at the Salvation Army's Area Command on McCallie Avenue. (WDEF News 12)
3. Tennessee State Representative Yusuf Hakeem has proposed a bill that would mandate continuing education on diversity, race relations, and cultural awareness for law enforcement officers in the state. House Bill 1100, was delayed for two weeks as members debated its purpose, potential costs, and whether there are existing requirements for similar training for law enforcement officers. (Subscription: Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Today and tomorrow in Chattanooga:

Thursday, February 23

• The Finest Wines Of Argentina At Easy Bistro & Bar (6:00 PM)

Friday, February 24

• It’s Giving Art At 2409 Taylor Street (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Hamilton County Health Department has released a list of restaurant inspection reports for the week ending Feb. 21, 2023, where staff inspected restaurants and graded them on a 100-point scale. Alex Thai Food & Sushi Bistro received the lowest score at 83, while Dos Bros Waterside and Lupi's Pizza Pies received perfect scores of 100. (Subscription: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
• Cornelius Lathan, a famous Chattanooga caterer and cooking show personality, speaks about his culinary background and family roots, his love for cooking, and how he began his cooking show. He explains the influence of his family members in his culinary journey, his experiences with catering, and how his cooking show complements his catering business. (Subscription: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
• The 2023 Moon River Music Festival lineup is now out. This weekend, CAAMP, Hozier, Marcus King, and many others will be playing along the Tennessee River. (Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors via Facebook)

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That's it for today. I'll catch up with you soon with a new update!

— 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.