News - Friday, October 8, 2021

In 1886, as the story goes, a dense, decorative shrub known as privet took root in what would become Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Although the party who introduced the fertile plant has faded from local memory, privet continues to thrive in the area more than 150 years later.

This is the third installment in a series of articles that examines films in which the U.S. system of justice plays a central role. In this entry, Chattanooga criminal defense attorney Steven Moore discusses the popular 1992 comedy “My Cousin Vinny,” which he says offers an accurate portrayal of an American criminal trial. Spoilers for the movie are included.

Chattanooga is the No. 3 commercial office market in the U.S. as of the third quarter of 2021, according to the National Association of Realtors’ monthly Commercial Market Insights report, released Monday.

This places the city ahead of Daytona Beach, Florida, Miami, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Omaha, Nebraska, Palm Beach, Florida, Provo, Utah, and San Antonio, but behind No. 1 Austin, Texas and runner-up Boise, Idaho.

When most people hear the term “real estate,” they automatically picture a home with a “For Sale” sign in the yard. But there’s another equally important component to the market – commercial real estate.

In fact, in greater Chattanooga, 430 Realtors subscribe to our commercial multiple listing service, with nearly 80 of those focusing solely on commercial real estate.

The annual Fall Home Show will be held Oct. 29-31 at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center.

Presented by Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga and EPB Fiber Optics, the show will feature hundreds of booths covering everything from new home construction and fall fix-ups to whole house renovations and landscaping – all under one roof.

Plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Sargent has opened a full-time practice in Chattanooga. He returns after five years in Salt Lake City.

Sargent concentrates on craniofacial surgery, maxillofacial trauma and cosmetic surgery. He’s appeared on the nationally syndicated show “The Doctors,” where he discussed his techniques in craniofacial surgery.

Autumn is a magical time in Chattanooga. Everywhere you turn, you’re treated to a sight, sound or aroma that lures you into the embrace of this enchanting season.

There’s the sound of crisp leaves scraping against the pavement downtown, the smoky tang of a neighbor burning leaves and the warm display of orange, red and yellow trees on the mountains that circle the city.

Change has historically come slowly in college sports. Multiple NCAA committees, competing interests and regional traditions have combined to stall the pace of movement.

But the wheels have started to spin much faster in the last year, forced by the judicial system and societal upheaval, leading to outside compensation for players, relaxed transfer rules and conference realignments.

Josh Heupel revealed the Tennessee game plan days before the Vols took the field against Missouri, explaining “the secret behind the sauce is really the run game for us.”

The Vols gave proof to concept in a dominating victory at Missouri that provided Tennessee fans with a glimpse of what was promised when Heupel was hired in January.

After four games there is much to dissect about the Tennessee Titans. About the only certainty with this team is that it is completely inconsistent.

How else do you explain an upset win in Seattle and a win against the Colts followed by losing to the hapless New York Jets in overtime.

Coming off a stinging upset loss to the previously winless Jets, the Titans now face division foe Jacksonville, which has lost 19 consecutive games dating back to last season. They have to hope their letdown against the Jets is a lesson learned as they approach another winless team in Week Five.

The Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga will honor 10 women this month as 2021 Women of Distinction.

This year’s honorees are Dr. Valerie Boaz, Sandy Brandt Chambers Dittus, Becky Fuller Hansard, Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, Donna Fitch Lawrence, Daisy Maurya-Ballard, Dr. Cathie Smith, Anne Marie Stone, Amy Walden and Caroline McGuire Walker.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga will bring its annual Jewish Film Series to the community in October.

Five Jewish-themed films produced in the United States, Syria, Israel, Italy and Poland will be screened virtually beginning Wednesday, Oct. 13.

If you’re a woman who owns a business, you might have some challenges not shared by your male peers – and several opportunities to help improve your financial future.

You may already be taking some or all the right steps, but here are some ideas to be sure you’re considering and revisiting as your business grows:

Gratitude makes us more aware of the sources of joy, wonder and hope in our lives. Being grateful also can improve health, strengthen relationships and help us manage our money.

Developing gratitude requires us to focus on what we have rather than on what we lack, says Meghaan Lurtz, a senior research associate with financial planning site Kitces.com and past president of the Financial Therapy Association. Such thankfulness has been shown to reduce feelings of impatience, perhaps making it easier to save and delay gratification, as well as decreasing the temptation to spend.

Ever dreamed of working in professional sports? Who wouldn’t want to get up and go to work for their favorite sports franchise? Every day would be fun and exciting, and you might even meet a few of the players. Sounds amazing, right?

I’ve met a number of folks over the years who’ve spent the majority of their career in the highest levels of professional sports, including basketball, golf and baseball. And I’ve noticed common themes. They all work extremely hard. They all travel – a lot. And, they’re all thrilled to be working in pro sports. It was a life dream that they each worked toward for many years.

The Honda CR-V has for years been one of the most appealing small crossover SUVs on the market. It boasts a smooth ride, enjoyable acceleration and handling, and lots of passenger and cargo space. However, Honda introduced this latest CR-V generation back for the 2017 model year and hasn’t significantly updated it since. And that has opened the door for newer rivals to challenge its reign.