• The Hamilton County Health Department wants residents to know what their risks are and how they can protect themselves + others this Halloween. For example, trick-or-treating or costume parties could cause people to come into contact with COVID-19. Find low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk activities from the CDC here.
• On Sept. 23, Gov. Bill Lee + the state’s department of education released estimated data regarding learning loss for TN students due to summer school closures for COVID-19. This data projects an estimated 50% decrease in proficiency rates in 3rd grade reading and a projected 65% decrease in proficiency in math.
• As flu season starts, many people may wonder how to distinguish between COVID-19 and the seasonal flu. A test is the only way to be sure, but doctors also offered some differences to note. For example, with the seasonal flu, most people feel worse the first week. With COVID-19, patients likely feel worse as more time goes on. COVID-19 is also more likely to cause loss of taste and smell. (NewsChannel 9)

Weather

• 76º | Rainy | 80% chance of rain 🌧️

NowOpen

• Local entertainment venue The Signal has officially reopened the box office. The first live show since they closed earlier this year due to COVID-19 is Oct. 9. There will be distanced seating, masks required + other health and safety precautions. See more upcoming shows + purchase tickets here. 🎟️

Edu

• Amazon Future Engineer + BootUp are funding computer science education and teacher development for 42 elementary schools in Hamilton County, impacting more than 21,700 students from underserved communities and groups currently underrepresented in tech. The program helps bridge the equity skill gaps at an age when students are just beginning to formulate ideas about their futures. 💻
• Kali O'Neal, an East Ridge Elementary teacher, was given a $700 check from the University of Tennessee and the College Football Playoff Foundation as part of their Extra Yard for Teachers project. The donation is enough to completely fund two of O'Neal's DonorsChoose projects, which support new sensory additions in her special education classroom. Congrats, Kali. 🎉

Outdoors

• Beginning Tues., Sept. 29, the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will increase access to parks in accordance with guidelines from the White House, CDC, and state + local public health authorities. For a list of attractions reopening, go here. (Chattanoogan.com)

State

• The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Driver Services Division announced new services now available at all self-service kiosks placed across Tennessee. The addition of these services will provide customers another alternative to visiting a driver services center or county clerk partner. (Chattanoogan.com) 🚗

Learn

• This week, the Early College Department at Chattanooga State Community College premiered the virtual Bond Arts and Culture Heritage Series showcasing African American heritage through arts and culture — “The Ties That Bond.” The next event will be on Oct. 7 — “Celebrating Afro Latinx Culture.” The series is named in honor of the late Dr. Claude C. Bond, a longtime educator and activist. More details + register here.

FeelGood

• On Sept. 24, United Way of Greater Chattanooga announced its 2,398th delivery of food boxes + household supplies to vulnerable populations in Hamilton County through the Ride United Last-Mile Delivery initiative. This milestone also marks the delivery of 1 million meals to those in need throughout the country. This initiative is a partnership with DoorDash and launched in April in response to the COVID-19 crisis. 🍲

Events

• ChattaBrew Tour | Fri., Sept. 25 | 1-5 p.m.| Various local breweries | $40 | Tour Chattanooga’s best breweries while testing out the most popular beers in the Scenic City. Each tour visits three different breweries, offering a variety of flavors. 🍻
• She-Bop Clothing Swap & Vintage Pop-up | Sun., Sept. 27 | 12-5 p.m. | Hair A Go-Go, 1000 Dallas Rd. | Varying prices | Bring at least three items of clothing to participate in this clothing swap + enjoy shopping from eight local vintage vendors. Cashew will be selling food + drinks. Masks are required at this event. 👚