Livin’ La Vida Local

• Median family income: $44,500
• Chattanooga’s population: 147,110
• Estimated cost to buy a home: $123,748 (prices have increased 203.4%)
• Average cost of a gallon of gasoline in Tennessee: $0.601

In the news

Who was performing

• Juneteenth Wednesday Jazz | Wednesday, June 19 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga | $10 | Commemorate the holiday with local jazz musician Dexter Bell + his friends.

• Fresh Out the Shoebox | Thursday, June 20 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Floor Five of The Edney Innovation Center, 1100 Market St., Chattanooga | Donation | This all-ages open mic night is open to readers, writers, and listeners of poetry.

• Free Movie Night | Friday, June 21 | 8-11 p.m. | Tennessee Riverpark, Hubert Fry Center Oval, 4301 Amnicola Hwy., Chattanooga | Free+ | Enjoy free popcorn, games, and a screening of “Trolls World Tour” in the park — bring your own blankets and chairs.

• BBQ BASH | Saturday, June 22 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Coolidge Park, 150 River St., Chattanooga | Free+ | Taste the flavors of summer at this arts, crafts, and farmers market.
• Chattanooga Summer Cocktail Festival | Saturday, June 22 | 6-9 p.m. | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd., Chattanooga | $49 | Sample an array of cocktails while enjoying food, activities, and music spun by a DJ.
• Fish + Sips | Saturday, June 22 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Tennessee Aquarium, 201 Chestnut St., Chattanooga | $60-$85 | Explore the aquarium after-hours while sampling beers from local breweries + enjoying food and live music.
• Silent Disco Pride Party | Saturday, June 22 | Times vary | Sleepyhead Coffee Main + Dodds, 2602 E. Main St., Chattanooga | $12 | Come out for a night of dancing, music, and self-expression — tickets include a pride-themed goodie.
• Wild Wonders: A Close Encounter with Native Animals | Saturday, June 22 | Times vary | Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Rd., Chattanooga | Donation | This interactive tour takes an intimate look into the lives of native Nooga animals, including bobcats, raptors, and red wolves.*

• Juneteenth — a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Honor this holiday + celebrate Black culture at the Juneteenth Festival or Unity Group of Chattanooga’s Parade & Celebration.

• Erlanger is seeking a $370 million bond from the Chattanooga Health, Educational, and Housing Facility Board to aid in future expansions while refinancing current loans. The health system’s locations in Hixson, Ooltewah, Cleveland, and Murphy, NC are on the docket for enhancements. (NewsChannel 9)

• The city’s landfill, Wood Recycling Center, Refuse and Recycle Collection Centers + Household Hazardous Waste Facility will be closed today, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Garbage and recycling collection scheduled for this morning will be conducted as normal.

• Nominations and applications are now open for ChaTech’s fifth annual TechX Awards. With 13 categories, folks will be recognized for innovation, leadership, software engineering, and more. Note: Nominations close on Friday, July 26 + finalists will be announced on Monday, Aug. 26.

• Over 470 out-of-town softball teams will be flocking to Chattanooga for Connect Sport’s Scenic City Summer Showcase happening today, June 19 through Sunday, June 23. The showcase will feature bracket tournaments, college scouting + new to this year, the Coca-Cola Scenic City Pro Cup with four professional fastpitch teams.

• The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce has appointed Marcherie Savage as the INCubator’s new director of entrepreneurial development. Savage is credited for her work in telling the city’s “entrepreneurial story and building vital relationships with business leaders and local entrepreneurs.”

• Erlanger will host its annual Safe Kids at the Zoo event on Saturday, June 22. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can head to the Chattanooga Zoo to learn ways to stay safe on the road, at home, and at play during a full day of activities.

• Ever wondered who has the best sangria in town? According to the results of La Paz Chattanooga’s recent “Best Sangria” contest, Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina takes the prize. Make sure to check this NorthShore spot out to try its sangria with a traditional red wine base + classic flavors. (Chattanoogan.com)

• Ironman has announced the dates for the 2025 70.3 triathlon season. The race will make its way to Chattanooga on May 18 for the downriver swim, a bike course through historic Chickamauga, GA + a run through downtown to finish. Think this is your year to participate? Start training.

• Need a teeth cleaning, oral exam, or cavity filling? Make sure you and your family’s teeth are squeaky clean and healthy with Cempa Community Care’s Dental Services. Psst: Low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients are welcomed, too.*

• PROVEN Skincare analyzes 47 unique factors to create a personalized three-step regimen just for you. Take the quiz today. Bonus: Get 50% off with code PROVENPARTNER.*

• “Together We Shine Brighter” by Christen McNelly
• “Collective Magic” by Jaclyn Lewis
• “The Magician” by Jerome Foster
• “The Art of Unity” by Juanita Montgomery
• “Lift One Another” by Justin Butts
• “Double Dutch” by Karen Estes
• “Seeds of Hope” by Lexi D’Ambrosio
• “Bessie” by Olivia Reckert
• “ChattUnity” by Rea Shaw
• “Garment of Destiny” by Sofia Rudakevych