🌱 Police To Seek $1.6 Million Grant + State Lawmakers Begin Session

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Chattanooga Daily. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Variable cloudiness. High: 61 Low: 56.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. The Chattanooga Police Department is set to apply for a $1.6 million grant from state funds dedicated to preventing violent crime in the state. The funding was included as part of the state's 2023 budget. If the department receives the funding, a spokesperson said that the funds would go towards software and equipment for crime prevention. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)
2. UTC and Chattanooga State University signed an agreement that will make it easier for Chattanooga State students to transfer their credits and associate's degrees to UTC for its Bachelor of Arts and Science Applied Leadership (BAS-AL) Program. The agreement is intended to help give more options to students and allow them to work while finishing their degree. (The University Echo)
3. State lawmakers began the new annual session on Tuesday. The main issues that will likely be in the discussion include provisions for the state's abortion ban, the potential creation of special interstate toll lanes, and an expansion to the private school voucher program in Hamilton County. (Subscription: Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Today in Chattanooga:

• Book Chatt Connection At Chattanooga Public Library Downtown Branch (10:30 AM)
• Improv Open House At The Edney Innovation Center (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you on the hunt for a new home in the new year? Check out this roundup of properties to recently hit the market in the Chattanooga area, including a $425,000 three-bedroom two-bathroom blue house and a three-bedroom, three-bathroom house for $469,900. (Chattanooga Patch)
• If you're looking for a new job, then MAPCO is ready to hire! MAPCO will be hosting a National Hiring Day at all locations on Saturday, Jan. 14. During the event, you'll have the opportunity for a guaranteed on-site interview with a manager. (WDEF News 12)
• Do you enjoy running for a good cause? The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer will be hosting its annual fun run on Saturday, Feb. 25. The third annual Bubbles of Fun Run helps to raise funds for the organization, which works towards helping families of children who have cancer. (Chattanooga Pulse)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.