🌱 Chattanooga Woman Sues BlueCross BlueShield + Gas Prices Rise

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in town today.

---

First, today's weather:

Warmer; an afternoon t-storm. High: 82 Low: 68.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Chattanooga:

1. A Chattanooga woman is suing BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee after she was fired for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The lawsuit claims that the company ignored her religious beliefs. Tanja Benton worked at the company since 2005 as a biostatistical research scientist before being fired in Nov. 2021. (WTVC)
2. Chattanooga's Cedrick Williams has been charged with kidnapping after abducting a woman and her 1-year-old child. Williams reportedly struck the woman with an automatic drill before dragging her and the child to a home on 13th Avenue. Williams is being held at the Silverdale Detention Center while awaiting trial. (WTVC)
3. Gas prices in Chattanooga jumped 11 cents last week, according to data provided by GasBuddy. The report surveyed 170 gas stations in the Chattanooga area. The average gas station in Chattanooga is selling gas for $4.22 a gallon - $1.47 higher than last year at this time. (Chattanooga Pulse)

---

From our sponsor:

Today's newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. Whether you're working from home or streaming your favorite movies, the new Ring Alarm Pro gives you an internet connection you can count on — while simultaneously keeping your home safe and secure.

To learn more about the innovative security system, or to build your own custom system, you can visit Ring here.

---

Today in Chattanooga:

• ALL: Agenda Session At The City Of Chattanooga (3:30 PM)
• North Brainerd Community Council At The City Of Chattanooga (6:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The Chattanooga Police Department shares photos and information on the logistical planning involved in hosting the Iron Man course. If you missed this year's race, you can preregister for the 2023 event. (Facebook)
• Find your next career opportunity with this week's Chattanooga job roundup. (Patch)
• The Chattanooga Fire Department recognizes Retired Fire Chief Jerry Evans. Thank you for your service to the community. (Facebook)

---

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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.