🌱 Teen Crashes Drop Dramatically + Winter Break Spectacular Opening

Good morning, Chattanooga. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and warm with showers. High: 71 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. Yesterday, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office announced there has been a decrease in the number of crashes in teen fatalities and crashes this year. According to reports, the percentage of teen drivers in speed-related crashes dropped more than any other category. Police attribute these impressive numbers to a variety of factors, including strategic planning and working closely with the community. The biggest impact is believed to have been made by initiatives such as Rule the Road, Slow Down Tennessee, and Operation Southern Slow Down. (The Chattanoogan)
2. On Friday, Dec. 16, the Winter Break Spectacular will open for families and students in Hamilton County. There will be pictures with the Chattanooga Elf, holiday music, balloon animals, and much more. The film "Elf" will be screened at sunset. The event is free, and begins at 2:00 p.m. (Chattanooga Pulse)
3. Country music artist and "The Voice" contender Jay Allen will be performing to fight Alzheimers. Tonight, the singer will join forces with Miller-Motte College to raise money for the Tennessee Alzheimer's Association. The event hopes to raise at least $8,000 for the organization. There will be an arts and crafts fair before the concert begins. (WDEF News 12)

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Today in Chattanooga:

• Toddler Time At Chattanooga Public Library – South Chattanooga Branch (11:00 AM)
• Britney Spears Drag Show At Reagan's Retro Bar (6:00 PM)
• Family Music Night At HiFi Clyde's (7:00 PM)
• Holiday Concert At Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts (7:00 PM)
• Giovannie And The Hired Guns W/ Classless Act At Barrelhouse Ballroom Chattanooga (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Southeastern Trust is hosting Chattanooga Ballet's rendition of "The Nutcracker!" Don't miss it this weekend! (Tivoli Theatre via Facebook)
• Robin Grant and the Standard will be hosting A Very Jazzy Christmas this weekend! We'll see you cool cats there. (AllEvents)
• If you want some unconventional fun and humor this holiday season, you won't want to miss "A Very Tuna Christmas!" This play is a funny and sweet look at the holidays. (AllEvents)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next 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.