Let’s get into it!

Dr. Jim Osborn, co-founder and medical director of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, has been selected as one of only four national finalists for the NASCAR Foundation’s 2026 Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award.

The winner will receive a $100,000 donation for their organization—and Chattanooga can help bring it home! Public voting is open through September 6, and supporters can vote once per day.

Read the full story and learn how to vote

Local 3’s August Nurse of the Month knew she wanted to become a nurse all the way back in third grade—and she has spent her career turning that dream into a life of service.

After beginning her nursing career in 2003, Gibson is now stepping into a new role as another school year begins. Her story is a wonderful reminder that the dreams planted early in life can grow into something that positively affects an entire community.

Meet August’s Nurse of the Month

The former Standard-Coosa-Thatcher mill property has been transformed into Mill Town, a 42-acre mixed-use neighborhood located just two miles from downtown Chattanooga.

What was once a long-abandoned industrial property is becoming a community filled with new housing, gathering spaces, and fresh energy. The neighborhood recently opened its doors to the public with its first Mill Town Street Fest, complete with live music, food trucks, drinks, and behind-the-scenes tours.

See the transformation of Mill Town

Compare multiple car insurance quotes and find your best with LendingTree.

Get Insurance Quotes

Chattanooga has upgraded the flashing school-zone beacons at 34 public schools, replacing older equipment with a centralized system that can be programmed around each school’s bell schedule.

City employees can now adjust the beacons remotely for delayed openings, early dismissals, weather closures, and schedule changes. When the lights are flashing, the school-zone speed limit is 15 mph—so keep an eye out and help protect the more than 45,000 Hamilton County students who returned to class this month.

Learn more about the school-zone upgrades

The Chattanooga market is still moving, but buyers are being selective. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well are continuing to sell, while properties that feel even slightly overpriced are often being passed over.

$1,025,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 3,688 Square Feet

This East Brainerd property feels like a private resort while still being minutes from Hamilton Place, Gunbarrel Road, Publix, restaurants, and shopping.

Sitting on a rare 1.89-acre gated homesite, the home features soaring ceilings, granite and quartz countertops, two gas fireplaces, a main-level primary suite, generous storage, and a large bonus room.

The backyard is the real showstopper: a heated in-ground pool, remodeled pool house with a half bath, covered porch, fire pit, fenced yard, and plenty of room for entertaining. Add in a remodeled kitchen, separate HVAC systems for each level, and new roofs installed in 2025, and this home delivers the full staycation experience.

Take a closer look at 8404 Morin Road

Have an upcoming festival, fundraiser, grand opening, community gathering, or special event?

Put it in front of thousands of Chattanooga-area readers by sponsoring the Event of the Week.

Reply to this email for availability and sponsorship details.

Friday, August 21 | 7:00–10:00 PM
The Parlour at The Signal

An all-levels yoga class meets a live house-music set from DJ Leverón for a one-of-a-kind evening blending movement, wellness, and nightlife.

Event details and tickets

Friday, August 21 | 7:00 PM
Songbirds

Kick off the weekend with an evening of honest songwriting, smooth vocals, and live music inside one of Chattanooga’s most distinctive venues.

Get event details

Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday, August 23 | 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
McDonald Farm in Sale Creek

Celebrate the final stretch of summer with a family-friendly weekend at McDonald Farm. Admission is $5 for adults, children under 10 are free, and parking is free.

Watermelon Festival details

Saturday, August 22 | 10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Tennessee River

Kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders are invited to join an organized, people-powered parade through the heart of downtown Chattanooga. First-time paddlers and experienced river explorers are both welcome.

Learn more about the Paddle Parade

Saturday, August 22 | 7:00 PM
Songbirds

Chattanooga-based PLVNET brings its blend of alternative rock, electronic soundscapes, and heavy instrumentation to the Songbirds stage with Hour Late.

Event details and tickets

Sunday, August 23 | 11:00 AM
First Horizon Pavilion

Bring the kids out for an up-close look at trucks and other impressive vehicles while enjoying the Chattanooga Market’s regular lineup of local food, produce, arts, crafts, and live entertainment.

See Chattanooga Market details

Tucked along Suck Creek Road, River Drifters is one of those places that feels perfectly Chattanooga: laid-back, locally owned, and right beside the Tennessee River.

The menu is loaded with big burgers, sandwiches, tacos, wings, and plenty of cold drinks. The Dirty Cowboy burger and blackened shrimp tacos are both strong choices—but the river views and relaxed atmosphere are what really make this spot worth the drive.

It’s an especially great stop after hiking, paddling, boating, or spending the afternoon outdoors.

📍 1925 Suck Creek Road, Chattanooga

Check out River Drifters

That’s all for this week, Chattanooga!

If this edition made you smile, helped you discover something new, or gave you a weekend plan, send it to a friend. The more Chattanooga grows, the more good news we’ll have to share.

See you next week!

— Dan