This week, we’re asking for support

Stress-free morning news

• An Evening with The Ballroom Thieves | Thursday, May 2 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $30 | Enjoy an evening of tender indie-folk music with this acclaimed duo.

• John Paul White | Friday, May 3 | 8-11:55 p.m. | Barrelhouse Ballroom, 1501 Long St., Chattanooga | $25-$30 | See a performance by the singer-songwriter who was formerly a member of the Grammy Award-winning duo The Civil Wars.

• Rock Your World | Saturday, May 4-Sunday, May 5 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Chester Frost Park Pavilion, 7989 Causeway Rd., Hixson | Free+ | Bring the family to see demonstrations and displays, participate in hands-on activities, and shop from 30+ vendors.
• Mother’s Day Gala | Saturday, May 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Mountain Arts Community Center, 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain | Free+ | Treat the mother figure in your life to flowers, chocolate, jewelry, cocktails, and more at this market.

• Adopt & Shop | Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Prior Attire, 2520 Keith St., Cleveland | Free+ | Shop $2 deals, take part in sponsored adoptions + bring your pet for free vaccines and discounted microchipping.
• Strawberry Festival | Sunday, May 5 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | Free+ | Enjoy peak strawberry season with a themed market.

• Brunch & Blooms | Sunday, May 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | $25-$120 | Enjoy brunch, cocktails + live music in a garden of beautiful native plants.*

• The Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development will invest $1.4 million in the newly renovated Harrison Center to further enhance its amenities and community offerings. The funds will go towards a culinary incubator program, a computer lab, adding outdoor play + fitness equipment, and more. (Chattanoogan.com)

• Finley Stadium’s new Ultra Club is officially open for patrons. The 3,500-sqft event space has features such as a full-service bar, in-house catering options, and complimentary parking for up to 250 guests when rented out.

• No. 3. That’s where Hamilton County ranked on the Tennessee State Data Center’s newest census report on population growth. According to the charts, our area saw an increase of 5,262 residents from 2022 to 2023 — only 27 fewer people than Knoxville.

• For the first time in Chattanooga beach volleyball history, the Mocs have earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Picked for the No. 17 seed bracket, they will go up against North Florida tomorrow, May 3. You can catch this away match live on ESPNU. Congratulations, Mocs. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)

• The Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department is seeking volunteers to help repaint the Wheland Foundry Underpass on the Riverwalk. On Saturday, May 11 starting at 8 a.m., you can help paint the new design on the walls — supplies included. Sign up online.

• You’ve heard us talk about the Chattanooga Sister Cities program — now, you get to experience a taste of it yourselves. The organization will host its Flavors of the World celebration on Monday, May 6. From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., folks can try traditional dishes from Germany to Ghana.

• CEO + President of IonQ Peter Chapman will be the keynote speaker for the CO.MOBILITY Summit happening Monday, May 20 through Wednesday, May 22. Chapman will discuss the “transformative power of trapped ion quantum computing and its implications for the future of the industry.” (Chattanoogan.com)