🌱 Rent My Equipment App + Hamilton Co. Student Calls For Change

Up and at 'em, Chattanooga! Let's get you all caught up to start this day off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around Chattanooga today.

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First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and chilly. High: 45 Low: 24.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Chattanooga today:

1. Chattanooga-based Rent My Equipment app aims to be "the Airbnb of equipment rental." Mark Williams created the app after realizing that there wasn't one where he could rent out his own equipment, tools, and sporting goods. Williams said people have even begun using the app to start their own small rental businesses and earn income. (The Chattanoogan)
2. A Hamilton County student who said she was assaulted is pushing for change to the bullying policy. 15-year-old Summer Essex was assaulted in her school's restroom last year, and another student videotaped it and posted it on social media. Essex says she was "scared and afraid to fight back" because the principals, teachers, and administration told her if she defends herself she could face suspension. (WTVC)
3. A Hamilton County educator said the process to become a substitute is hindering people from applying. The process includes a background check and physical examination, as well as a list of other things requiring time and money for the applicant. However, there was a policy implemented in Dec. that aims to lower the requirements that substitutes need to meet. (WTVC)

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Today in Chattanooga:

• Zen at the Zoo - Tennessee Aquarium (11:00 AM)
• Alton Park Community Market - City of Chattanooga (12:00 PM)
• Black Jacket Symphony - The Beatles White Album (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• It took four years from groundbreaking in 1988 before the Tennessee Aquarium finally opened in May of 1992. One of the finishing touches on the River Journey building was the installation of the Aquarium logo. (Facebook)
• 2022 is the International Year of Glass Art. All through the year, the Hunter Museum of American Art will be highlighting glass works from its collection. The first feature is of Preston Singletary who is a contemporary glass sculptor who frequently uses designs from his Tlingit cultural heritage to inspire his art. (Facebook)
• Captain Damien Vinson, the new Community Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator, and Firefighter Allen Green, the new Fire & Life Safety Educator, spoke to students at Brainerd High School yesterday. They were joined by Captain Henry McElvain, CFD Investigator. Connecting with young people and teaching them about the fire department, as well as fire safety, are what these firefighters excel in! (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all Monday for another update!

— Kayla Harrison

About me: Kayla Harrison is a Writing Arts professor, as well as a freelance writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. In her free time, you can find her listening to podcasts, writing poetry, and visiting local coffee shops.