News - Friday, January 6, 2023

George Schimpf had already graduated summa cum laude from the school of hard knocks when fire consumed his family’s home on Christmas Eve.

Stricken with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the skin and other areas of the body, Schimpf received a heart transplant in 2019 at the age of 38.

In past columns, we’ve discussed how the judiciary functions, its importance in our democratic republic and how federal judges are appointed. In this column, we’ll discuss the importance of judges being open to new ideas – even challenging ideas.

Holland & Knight and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis have agreed to a combination to be completed during the first quarter of 2023. The combined law firm will operate under the Holland & Knight name and will have nearly 2,000 attorneys in 35 offices across the U.S. and internationally.

When children draw pictures of their parents, they sometimes depict them in the roles they fulfill in the family. A youngster might portray a working parent carrying a briefcase as they leave the house, for example.

When Amanda Durham drew pictures of her father, Chattanooga Realtor Randy Durham, she showed him talking on the phone. Although she didn’t fully understand what he was discussing, she knew he was working and she was to leave him alone.

By the time you read this, 2023 will be here, which means my term as president of Greater Chattanooga Realtors is coming to an end. While there are many proud moments from this past year, I want to spend some time reflecting on just a few of those.

While new home sales received a slight bounce in November from moderating mortgage rates, the housing market continues to struggle because of ongoing supply chain disruptions, elevated construction costs and challenging affordability conditions.

Here in the south, new home sales have fallen 13.1% on a year-to-date basis.

Cornelius Lathan would like everyone to try his Cajun Alfredo stuffed turkey leg. Consisting of fall-off-the-bone roasted turkey leg topped with shrimp rice, braised shrimp and Cajun Alfredo sauce (not to mention a tangy sprinkle of shaved Parmesan), it is the chef’s kiss.

The Chattanooga Fire Department handled its highest annual call volume in 2022 and still made progress on several vital projects.

In 2022, the CFD responded to 24,500 calls, including more than 290 structure fires, nearly 10,000 EMS calls and motor vehicle crashes and over 2,700 “assist a citizen” calls. Crews saved about $151 million in property from fire damage last year.

Have you recently retired but are now thinking of going back to work? If so, you aren’t alone, as many people are choosing to “unretire.”

But if you do reenter the workforce in some capacity, what opportunities might be available to you? And how will your renewed employment affect your financial outlook?

With a new year ahead and the holiday fanfare behind, this is a great time to set money goals, especially if you recently spent a lot on gifts and travel and want to get your finances in shape.

Right now, you may be highly motivated to solve every single one of your money issues in the next few months, but daily life is guaranteed to get in the way. Your financial to-do list, once so full of promise, can eventually get stuffed in the back of a drawer while you manage more pressing matters.

It’s a new year and a new opportunity to find the career that is meant for you. January is the perfect time to begin to set new goals, and look toward the future. So, what can you expect from 2023?

First and foremost, hiring is still happening. There have been a number of layoffs in recent months, but most are in specific industries. And, only a small portion of employees are impacted.

You wanted a luxury car and a spa package for Christmas but got neither? Take matters into your own hands and combine the two. The experts at Edmunds have gathered six vehicles with notable spa-like features for a blissful drive.

2023 Audi A8

Audi’s A8, the flagship luxury model for the German brand and boasts limousine-like sumptuousness. The impeccable cabin is equipped with 22-way power-adjustable front seats that are heated and ventilated to help keep you at just the right temperature.