The largest lidar-powered smart traffic network in the United States is being built and Chattanooga is a part of it. | Photo via University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute
By the end of 2025, over 120 intersections in Chattanooga will have traffic management technology installed through the Ouster BlueCity solution.
This project is being conducted by the California-based lidar technology company Ouster after it was awarded a $2 million contract for the Scenic City. 12 intersections have already been piloted (like at Georgia Avenue + MLK Boulevard) — let’s get into the hows and whys.
This turnkey solution sets up a virtual loop to capture the data + classifies the information by vehicles, pedestrians, or bikes.
Photo via University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Institute
Ouster BlueCity technology This system uses digital lidar sensors — think: pulsed lasers that measure distances to a target — and edge AI to collect more intelligent signal actuation at intersections + data.
The sensors are connected to perception software that creates a real-time, 3D digital traffic copy of the intersection or road it is monitoring. Notably, the data is stored in the cloud for continued monitoring and as a resource for long-term planning.
Dry January: Mocktails 101 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The Chattery (Broad Street) | $39 | Explore how to use fresh fruit, teas, and fermented goods to create a unique alternative to alcohol for yourself + friends.
Halestorm’s Lzzy and Joe | 8-11 p.m. | The Signal | $53 | “The Living Room Sessions” tour is making its way to the Scenic City, where you’ll hear a special set from the lead vocalist + bassist of this hard rock band.
Friday, Jan. 17
“The Blue Angels” | Friday, Jan. 17-Thursday, Feb. 6 | Times vary | Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater | $9+ | Soar with the subjects in this brand-new documentary featuring never-before-seen footage that chronicles a year with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Resilience Farming Discussion | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (CST) | Sequatchie Cove Farm, Sequatchie | Free, RSVP | Join the Southeast Tennessee Young Farmers for their first meeting of the year, tour the farm + chip in for the potluck-style lunch.
Dolly’s Birthday Party | 2 p.m. | McKenzie Arena | $6+ | Celebrate Tennessee royalty while cheering on the Lady Mocs at this game that will feature cowboy hat giveaways, a Dolly look-alike contest + more.
“How to Sue the Klan” | 5 p.m. | Pilgrim Congregational Church | Free | See a screening of this film on the Chattanooga Five that is currently up for a NAACP Image Awards nomination in the Outstanding Short Film Documentary category.
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A new dining option will be joining The Bitter Alibi’s space on Houston Street — Mother. This cafe will serve up bagels and other brunch items, once open. Follow along on Instagram for updates.
Biz
The Rustic House, a local candle shop, announced it will be moving its operations into the Onion Bottom Station — a manufacturing site in Southside that’s been around since the 1900s. Don’t worry, we’re gonna peel back the layers on this space soon.
Ranked
The Milken Institute’s “Best-Performing Cities” list has dropped for 2025 — with the City of Chattanooga ranked No. 47 in the Tier 2 Category. This ranking is just one point lower than last year’s findings, where we were placed at No. 46.
UTC
UTC student Katelyn Hamilton + Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Venkateswara Rao Kode spent last year turning used coffee grounds (from Goodman Coffee Roasters) into biochar — which can be used in 3D printing. Read about the pyrolysis process. (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)
Edu
Another Chattanooga student is making moves in the science world. Forrest Chai of McCallie School is a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search Top 300 Scholars program. Chai is recognized for a project focused on enhancing drug-drug interaction predictions. Good luck with the rest of the competition.
Pets
Does your pet have modeling potential? Chattanooga Pet Sitter, LLC is on the search for its next cover photo for the spring directory of pet sitters. To be considered, email a cute picture of your pet by Monday, March 31. The winner will be announced in April.
Plan Ahead
Speaking of our fur friends, the Chattanooga Humane Educational Society has slated its annual Fast & Furriest 5K on Sunday, March 23. Register online to participate with your leashed pups in the trail race, a one-mile fun run/walk + get access to the pet-friendly vendor village at Greenway Farms.
Volunteer
Did you know MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service? Join AmeriCorps this MLK Day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and help your community by volunteering on Monday, Jan. 20. Find volunteer opportunities to serve locally.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.)The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This is hands-down one of the best of 2025.*
Category
Music
🎤 Tiny Desk, big dreams
Move over Harry Styles, we’re looking to book some local talent. | Photo via NPR Music
We know Doechii’s Tiny Desk concert has been all over the net, but what if we told you that could one day be a musician from Chattanooga? Enter: NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest.
Unsigned artists across the US can submit a recording now through Monday, Feb. 10 for a chance to win their own Tiny Desk performance, go on NPR Music’s tour + be paired with a mentor in the industry. Past winners have hailed from Utah and Massachusetts to Alaska and Virginia.
Previous local submissions from 2024 we stumbled on include:
A pair of 14K gold plated heart hoops. The huggie-sized earrings are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant. Psst — they’re also the perfect Valentine’s Day accessory.
Last week, we quizzed you all on if you knew which artist/band gave their last-ever performance at Bonnaroo. If you were a part of the 27.2% of readers who answered the Beastie Boys — you would be correct as this band gave their last encore in 2009.
Don’t sabotage your trip to the farm this year and read our prep guide.
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