News - Friday, November 24, 2023

The graphic photographs from Paris this fall were horrifying. Bedbugs by the bushel, not just in hotels but at movie theaters, on trains and even at the airport. An army of pest control specialists have used heat guns, cryogenics and steam treatments to get rid of the pests, which laugh at traditional insecticides.

You’re on your dream vacation and you’ve just unpacked your suitcase. Things that wrinkle are hung in the closet and everything else is neatly lined up in your temporary chest of drawers. That’s the way you’ve been doing it for years.

For much of Melissa Kirby’s tenure as an attorney, the purpose she’s found in the practice of law has mitigated the burden of the same, she says.

Kirby, 47, is a freshly hired senior counsel at Husch Blackwell in Chattanooga, where’s she’s already handled an assortment of litigation involving trusts and estates, real estate matters and white-collar issues. Settling in at the firm and beginning the work of establishing herself has been exhilarating, she says.

Experts gathered to discuss the intersection of real estate and the latest technological advancements at this year’s NAR NXT, held Nov. 14-16 in Anaheim, California. The event featured two standout sessions that highlighted the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on the real estate landscape.

Sales of existing homes across the U.S. recently fell to a 13-year low, dropping 2% month-over-month and 15.4% year-over-year as of last measure, reports the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as surging interest rates and elevated sales prices continue to make homeownership unaffordable for many prospective buyers.

Now that the last delicious bites of turkey and stuffing are gone, many families in the Chattanooga area are already thinking of Christmas travel. As you begin your packing list and finalize your travel plans, it’s important to take time to ensure your home is properly secured.

The Hamilton County Commission last week approved Mayor Weston Wamp’s proposal to fund an exhibit at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center that will recognize America’s latest Medal of Honor recipient, retired U.S. Army Captain Larry Taylor, a Signal Mountain resident who received the nation’s highest military award at the White House on Sept. 5.

A limited-time ornament of the Tennessee Aquarium will raise funds for the Hart Gallery, a Signal Centers program that supports artists who have a disability or are suffering from homelessness.

The ornament is a stainless steel and resin portrait of the Tennessee Aquarium. It will be available for purchase at the Tennessee Aquarium’s gift shop, the Hart Gallery, and other area galleries and gift shops starting Wednesday, Nov. 29. Pre-sales are available now at hartgallery.org.

For over a decade, the Chattanooga Holiday Market has been a holiday tradition for locals and visitors wanting to shop for unique artisan gifts.

Held at the Chattanooga Convention Center during the first three weekends in December, the Holiday Market is not only a shopping experience but also a boost of holiday spirit that includes live music and entertainment, a lunch eatery and a space to visit with friends.

Carly Simon once sang that anticipation was “keepin’ her waitin.’” As she mused over a relationship that was less fulfilling than she thought it could be, she stuck around hoping for better days.

Anticipation has been keepin’ Chattanooga foodies waitin’ for the launch of Little Coyote, the latest creation of restauranteurs Erik and Amanda Niel, since early last year. The Niels are behind Easy Bistro & Bar and Main Street Meats, two well-regarded eateries in Chattanooga, so the mere thought of the pair launching another restaurant was enough to get mouths watering.

Times Square has long enjoyed top billing in this country for its New Year’s Eve celebration, and with good reason. Revelers started unofficially reveling there in 1904. And since 1907, an illuminated ball has descended there to count down the annual changeover for the throngs in attendance and what are now the millions more watching on TV.

As you know, the gig economy has been booming over the past several years. If you’re thinking of using your skills to take on a side gig, what should you do with the money you’ll make?

There’s no one right answer for everyone, and the decisions you make should be based on your individual situation. And of course, you may simply need the extra income to support your lifestyle and pay the bills. But if you already have your cash flow in good shape, and you have some freedom with your gig money, consider these suggestions:

Jamie Lima remembers his divorce six years ago as one of the most emotionally draining and financially challenging experiences of his life. As a result, he resolved to use his professional background as a certified financial planner to help other people going through similar situations.

Ran Carthon, you are officially on the clock.

Yes, it’s understood that you were hired to work in better collaboration with Mike Vrabel than Jon Robinson did. But with a projected $100 million of cap space to work with and very few building blocks on the roster, a much-needed rebuild needs to begin ASAP.

What do the Titans do about Derrick Henry? Since Mike Vrabel took over as head coach in 2018, Henry has been the focal point of his offense, highlighted by a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2020.

That has changed, slightly, this season as the Titans have phased in rookie Tyjae Spears when they can. But the Titans have been so far behind in games lately against Tampa Bay and Jacksonville that it hasn’t even allowed Henry to get on the field consistently because the Titans have to think pass first.

Yelianiz Torres is nearly immune to the purple and black spots dotting her body. They have become as ordinary as the clothes she wears every day.

It comes with the territory for the University of Tennessee libero. Throwing her body around the volleyball court to dig balls usually leaves marks.