🌱 Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program + Proposed Budget

Rise and shine, Chattanooga! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. Chattanooga State is offering Heavy Equipment Operator Training program through its Economic & Workforce Development Division. The program will provide expert instruction with hands-on experiences. The program is certified by the National Center for Construction Education & Research and will begin on May 16. (Press Release Desk)
2. The Chattanooga Fire Department responded to the Hamilton Place Mall on Thursday afternoon. Crews battled a fire that occurred at the Red Robin restaurant that was found in the vent system. This is the second fire that has occurred at the restaurant with the first one occurring on Apr. 22. (WTVC)
3. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly proposed the city's budget to the City Council on Tuesday. The budget proposal will not increase taxes for Chattanooga residents. Most notably, the budget includes an unprecedented $33 million for affordable housing in the city. The budget is for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years. (Chattanooga Pulse)

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Today in Chattanooga:

• Meet our Animal Ambassadors At Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center (1:30 PM)
• Bunny Hop! 2022 At Chambliss Center for Children (6:00 PM)
• Nightfall At City of Chattanooga (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Chattanooga Fire Department has shared photos from the Red Robin fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Click to view the album. (Facebook)
• The Tennessee Humane Animal League showcases Muffin. Click to find your new best friend today. (Facebook)
• The Tennessee Aquarium's IRONKIDS Chattanooga Fun Run is on May 21 at Ross's Landing. Click to register on Facebook. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.