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CHATTANOOGA NEWS CHRONICLE – 37TH MILESTONE CELEBRATION

Top Stories

July 24, 2026

CHATTANOOGA NEWS CHRONICLE – 37TH MILESTONE CELEBRATION

Longest-running Black Newspaper in Chattanooga History: 1989-2026

By F. R. (Imani) Edwards

March this year, 2026, Chattanooga News Chronicle became the longest running black newspaper in Chattanooga history. The newspaper, locally owned and operated by John L. Edwards, III and his family, the Chronicle has proudly served the Chattanooga community and surrounding areas for 37 years and will celebrate this milestone event on Friday, September 18, at 6:00pm at Greater Tucker Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall.

HONORING OUR LEGACY – SHAPING OUR FUTURE is the theme for this auspicious event.

Ruth W. Brinkley, retired President of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, and former President, CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga, will be the guest speaker. Entertainment will be provided by Chattanooga’s own songstress, the incomparable Karen Collins, and dinner will be served. Ticket prices for Table of (8) $600.00; and individual seats are $75.00 per person. The entire public is invited to join in this milestone celebration.

Edwards’ humble beginnings included a dream, his passion, and a typewriter. He wanted to publish a newspaper that told and recognized positive stories and celebrated accomplishments, big and small, of black men, women and children. His dream included the newspaper to be a positive and progressive voice that shared the good news about and for the black community.

John started the Chattanooga Courier around March 1989. John, with his typewriter, was a one-man operation for several years until son Adrian joined with him and transitioned him and the business with updated technology and the computer! Thirty-seven (37) years later, including numerous upgrades, changes, and even a business name change, John’s dream and passion have reached this milestone event: 37 Years!!

There is lots more to share about John’s journey and the story of the Chattanooga News Chronicle will be featured in upcoming issues. For now, SAVE THE DATE: September 18, 2026. Tickets will go on sale August 1st and Sponsorship packets are available now.

For more information on tickets and sponsorships, contact Nikita Edwards-Brown at Nikita Edwards edwards.nikita@gmail.com or 423/267-2313.

We look forward to seeing you on September 18th: SAVE the DATE!

“The Shepherd’s Voice”

Commentary

Submitted Article

July 23, 2026

Our Greatest Witness: Love

By Dr. Ernest L. Reid, Jr

There is no shortage of reasons to be angry. Turn on the television, scroll through social media, or listen to conversations around Chattanooga and Hamilton County, and you will quickly discover that we are living in a time of deep division. Political disagreements have become personal battles. Economic hardship has created frustration. Violence continues to rob families of sons and daughters. Distrust has weakened confidence in many of our institutions. Too often, people are known more for what they oppose than for what they stand for. In moments like these, hate can appear powerful, but appearances can be deceiving. The greatest force the world has ever known is not hate—it is love.

When Jesus was asked to identify the greatest commandment, He answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39, KJV). Jesus did not separate our love for God from our love for people. The two are inseparable. We cannot genuinely claim to love God while harboring contempt for those made in His image. His command also assumes that we understand our own worth. Biblical self-love is not arrogance or self-centeredness. It is recognizing that every person has been created in the image of God, redeemed through Christ, and given dignity and purpose. When we know who we are in God, we no longer feel the need to diminish others to elevate ourselves. Secure people build others up; insecure people tear them down.

Many of the challenges facing our communities are symptoms of a deeper spiritual problem. We have become comfortable criticizing one another while becoming increasingly uncomfortable caring for one another. We have learned how to debate but forgotten how to listen. We have allowed politics, race, economics, and ideology to overshadow a simple biblical truth: every person bears the fingerprints of the Creator. Before someone is a Democrat or Republican, Black or White, wealthy or struggling, they are first a child of God deserving of dignity and respect.

Love is not weak, sentimental, or passive. Biblical love never ignores injustice or remains silent in the face of oppression. The prophets confronted corrupt leaders because they loved God’s people. Jesus overturned the tables in the Temple because He refused to allow exploitation to masquerade as worship. He consistently stood with the marginalized while calling people to righteousness. Hate seeks to destroy; love seeks to restore. Love speaks the truth, pursues justice, and refuses to surrender compassion.

Here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, we often discuss improving education, strengthening neighborhoods, reducing crime, and creating greater economic opportunity. Those goals matter, but no strategic plan or government program can fully succeed unless relationships are strengthened as well. Communities are transformed not only by budgets but by neighbors who genuinely care for one another. Imagine what could happen if every church adopted a school, every business mentored young entrepreneurs, every neighborhood welcomed new families, and every adult invested in the life of one child. Lasting change begins when ordinary people decide to love beyond convenience.

The African American community understands this truth because our history bears witness to it. Our ancestors loved themselves enough to reject the lie that they were less than God’s children. They loved their families enough to pursue education despite overwhelming barriers. They established churches, schools, businesses, and civic organizations because they believed future generations deserved greater opportunities. The Civil Rights Movement was rooted in a courageous love that refused to surrender either justice or human dignity. It challenged oppression without allowing hatred to define its character. That legacy now belongs to us.

The Church has a unique responsibility in this moment. We are not called merely to gather on Sundays but to demonstrate what the Kingdom of God looks like every day of the week. Our worship should produce compassion. Our preaching should produce peacemakers. Our faith should move us to mentor children, strengthen families, serve our neighbors, and stand beside those who have been forgotten. The credibility of the Church is measured not only by what we proclaim from the pulpit but by how faithfully we embody the love of Christ in our communities.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that “the greatest of these is charity.” We see that love most clearly at Calvary. Hatred nailed Jesus to the cross, but love held Him there. Violence sought to silence Him, yet forgiveness flowed from His lips. Three days later, the empty tomb declared that love is stronger than hate, grace is greater than sin, and life is more powerful than death.

That same love still has the power to heal broken families, restore divided neighborhoods, rebuild trust, and renew hope. It begins when each of us chooses to see our neighbor not as an enemy to defeat but as someone created in the image of God. The world may tell us that hate is inevitable, but Christ tells us that love is possible. When love leads, hope rises. When hope rises, communities flourish. And when communities flourish, the Kingdom of God becomes visible among us. Love is still our greatest witness, and it remains God’s most powerful answer to a world searching for hope.

Good Neighbors Celebrates 74 Years of Service: “Legacy of Love, 74 Years of Giving Back”

Local

Submitted Article

July 23, 2026

Good Neighbors Celebrates 74 Years of Service: “Legacy of Love, 74 Years of Giving Back”

In the heart of Chattanooga, a legacy of compassion and community care continues to thrive. Good Neighbors, Incorporated—an organization born from a simple act of kindness—will celebrate 74 years of service on August 15, 2026, at Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church, with doors opening at 3 PM. The theme, “Legacy of Love, 74 Years of Giving Back,” beautifully captures the spirit of this milestone.

This celebration is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend—especially those who have ever participated, volunteered, had relatives involved, or received help from Good Neighbors. Your presence is a powerful way to honor the legacy and ensure its future.

A Humble Beginning with a Powerful Impact

The story of Good Neighbors began in late fall of 1951, when Mrs. Whiteside learned of a heartbreaking situation: children in a nearby neighborhood were so hungry that others mocked them by throwing bread on the ground, watching them scramble to eat. Deeply moved, she rallied her church’s missionary society, neighbors, and friends to provide food and clothing. Their generosity not only helped that family but sparked a movement.

Motivated by this experience, Mr. and Mrs. Whiteside formally organized the Good Neighbors Club on January 10, 1952. Operating from their home, they collected and distributed essentials to those in need. Support poured in from local churches, and Fred Webb of WMFS Radio (now WNOO) amplified their mission through a weekly public service broadcast, building widespread community interest.

No Government Funding—Just Faith and Generosity

True to Mr. Whiteside’s personal philosophy, Good Neighbors never sought government funding. Instead, it relied on private donations and grassroots fundraising. By 1959, the organization had grown so significantly that the State of Tennessee granted it a charter, officially recognizing it as a tax-exempt charitable organization.

This commitment to independence and faith-driven service has remained a cornerstone of Good Neighbors’ identity.

Building a Legacy: Whiteside Faith Manor & New Testament Church

Two major milestones stand out in the organization’s rich history:

• September 1977 marked the groundbreaking of Whiteside Faith Manor, a senior residential facility with 117 apartments, dedicated in April 1979. It remains a model for senior housing in the region.

• On May 3, 1979, the Good Neighbors New Testament Church opened its doors next to the Manor. A non-denominational church, it continues to reflect the inclusive and faith-filled mission of the organization.

These institutions are physical testaments to the enduring vision of Mr. and Mrs. Whiteside—places where dignity, community, and care are lived out daily.

Serving Families with Swift, Direct Assistance

Today, Good Neighbors supports 60 to 75 households annually, delivering swift, direct assistance when it’s needed most. Whether it’s food, clothing, or emergency aid, the organization remains a lifeline for families facing hardship.

This work is made possible by the continued generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners who believe in the mission and want to see it thrive for generations to come.

Fundraising for the Future: $20,000 Goal, $25,000 Stretch

To mark the 74rd anniversary and sustain its vital programs, Good Neighbors has launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of $20,000 and a stretch goal of $25,000. These funds will support ongoing outreach and ensure the organization can continue responding quickly and compassionately to those in need.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.goodneighborschattanooga.org. Every dollar helps extend the reach of this mission and deepen its impact.

A Personal Invitation to the Community

This celebration isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about recognizing the people who made it possible. If you’ve ever:

• Received help from Good Neighbors

• Volunteered your time or resources

• Had a relative who was involved

• Been inspired by their work

…then this event is for you.

Your story is part of the Good Neighbors legacy. Your presence at the anniversary celebration is a way to say “thank you,” to reconnect with others who share your experience, and to help shape the future of this beloved organization.

Join Us on August 15th!

Let’s come together to celebrate 74 years of faith, service, and community care. The event will be held at:

Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church

August 15, 2026

Doors open at 3 PM

With Unity Praise Ministry as the featured guests–free and open to the public!

Bring your memories, your gratitude, and your hope for the future. Let’s honor the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Whiteside and recommit ourselves to being good neighbors in every sense of the word.

The realities of Black men in the 4th quarter of life! (Part 1 of 2)

Commentary

Terry Howard

July 23, 2026

The realities of Black men in the 4th quarter of life! (Part 1 of 2)

In preparation for this piece, I read for the umpteenth time the article, “Why Men Don’t Have Friends and Why Women Should Care” and connected that one with recent reports on the epidemic of loneliness sweeping the nation. Now although those readings were race neutral, here’s the head scratching question I was left with: would they have been written differently in some respects if Black men were the single focus of the article and the reports?

That led to a recent conversation I had with the wife of a longtime friend.

You see, to get a gender-based perspective on the 4th Quarter Project – I’ll define that shortly – I wanted to hear her perspective on what groups of women talk about when men aren’t around and, by contrast, what she figured that men talked about when women aren’t around. (We include perspectives from other women further down). Here’s what she told me:

“Women talk about everything,” she explained. “And women, most of us that is, don’t hold back on showing our emotions. But from what I hear, men don’t show their emotions around other men.”

Now while you’re either nodding in agreement – or shaking your head in disagreement – with that as our start, let’s shift to the above-cited 4th Quarter Project, a group of a cross section of African American men geographically and professionally dispersed in the “fourth quarter” of their lives.

We meet by Zoom every two weeks. There’s a vibe about this group of men who’re united around issues impacting our group that’re probably different from other groups of men. Here’s how the project’s founders, Keith Quarles and Marvin Smith, defined it:

“Many men reach the later stages of life with decades of experience, responsibility and resilience—but few spaces where they can talk openly without judgment or pressure. The 4th Quarter Project aims to make those conversations possible in a way that feels natural, respectful and on each man’s own terms. The Project is designed to create space for everyday older men of color to talk at their own pace about the experiences and challenges that come with later life. This is not about fixing problems, giving advice, or asking anyone to share more than they’re comfortable with. It’s about men telling their own stories, listening to others and recognizing that many of the things we deal with in this stage of life are shared, even when we’ve never said them out loud. The idea is simple: create a setting where men can speak honestly if and when they choose, and where listening is valued just as much as talking.”

So why focus on Black men? Well, here’s an opinion that may cause some readers to flee this page and the rest of this narrative like a flock of startled geese.

Arguably, I don’t know of any demographic group that’s analyzed, pilloried, admired or feared more than Black men. Put him on a basketball court or football field he’s cheered and revered – that is until he gets hurt and can no longer fill the stands and team owner’s coffers. Yet, put him on the street corner with young Black men – yes, I’m going to say it – or in the number one seat in the White House, it’s whoa, uh, uh, that’s a bridge too far, the end of Western civilization as we know it.

With that said, off my chest and out of the way, let’s shift now to the fast-growing list of Black men who comprise the 4th Quarter Project.

Although the men are all residents of the fourth quarter of their lives, like any other demographic of men there’s one thing that they’re not…monolithic! Having been reared in such disparate places as California, Massachusetts, New York or in small towns in the south, their perspectives are shaped by those experiences. And the fact is that we all derive in one way or another – some more, some less – with scars from the quagmire of racism that accompanies growing up Black in America. It comes with the pigmentation.

Professionally, the group is made up of well-educated entrepreneurs, real estate and financial professionals, a medical doctor, a district judge, a writer, business owners and retirees.

So, what issues do we grapple with? Well, I’m glad you asked, or wanted to ask.

On top of our list are the health-related challenges that accompany aging. And since life in the fourth quarter means a constant shrinking circle of friends and family members through death, the topic of loss was one that was shared.

What else? Well, occasionally we push the envelope with some topics. For example, our discussion about the impact of adding white and openly gay men to the group was one topic that drew mixed reactions influenced in part by personal beliefs and experiences and where members were born and raised. For example, those raised in the Jim Crow south tended to discuss matters of race and sexual orientation differently than those raised on the West coast or in the northeast.

Now do we talk about death, life’s common denominator, and the inevitability of our own death? If not directly, vicariously I believe we do when we talk about the growing list of those we once knew who’re no longer with us.

Here’s what several men said about their participation in the 4th Quarter Project.

Part 1. – END……..Read CHRONICLE week August 06 publication for Part 2.

Terry Howard is an award-winning writer, a contributing writer with the Chattanooga News Chronicle, The American Diversity Report, The Douglas County Sentinel, Blackmarket.com, recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award, and third place winner of the Georgia Press Award.

BLACK SOLDIERS SLAUGHTEREDAT FORT PILLOW, TRUE OR FALSE?

African American History

Submitted Article

July 23, 2026

BLACK SOLDIERS SLAUGHTEREDAT FORT PILLOW, TRUE OR FALSE?

Paul Cuffe (1759–1817) was a Black American and Wampanoag merchant, shipowner, abolitionist, and advocate for African resettlement in Africa.

Early Life and Family – Paul Cuffe was born on January 17, 1759, on Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, the youngest of ten children. His father, Kofi (or Cuffe) Slocum, was an Ashanti man from West Africa who had been enslaved but later freed by Quakers, while his mother, Ruth Moses, was a Wampanoag Native American from Cape Cod. The family initially lived on Cuttyhunk Island, managing grazing lands for the Slocum family, before moving to a 116-acre farm in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, which Paul and his brother John inherited after their father’s death.

At age 14, Paul began his seafaring life on whaling voyages to the West Indies. During the American Revolution, he served on privateer missions and successfully ran supplies through British blockades, even surviving capture and imprisonment by the British in New York Harbor for three months. After the war, he co-founded a shipping business with his brother-in-law, Michael Wainer, building ships such as the Hero and Alpha and expanding trade along the Atlantic Coast, the Canadian Maritimes, and Europe. He also engaged in whaling and fishing expeditions, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest African Americans of his time.

Social and Civic Contributions – Cuffe was a devout Quaker and a member of the Westport Friends Meeting, contributing to the construction of a new meeting house and speaking at Quaker services. He founded the first racially integrated school in the United States and supported local initiatives such as a smallpox hospital, demonstrating his commitment to education and public welfare. In 1780, he and his brother petitioned the Massachusetts Legislature for voting rights, challenging racial inequities in taxation and suffrage.

Family Life – In 1783, Paul married Alice Abel Pequit, a Wampanoag widow, and they had seven children, all of whom survived too adulthood. His family often participated in his maritime ventures, serving as mates, captains, and masters of his ships.

Pan-African Advocacy – Cuffe was an early advocate for the resettlement of free Black Americans to Africa, promoting trade and education initiatives in Sierra Leone. He used his wealth and influence to support African and African American communities, reflecting his vision of economic empowerment and social justice.

Death and Legacy – Paul Cuffe died on September 7, 1817, in Westport, Massachusetts. He is remembered as a pioneering Black entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social activist whose life bridged African, Native American, and American communities, leaving a lasting impact on maritime trade, education, and civil rights.

Trailblazing Nurse Fred McCray Honored in Bessie Smith Cultural Center Hall of Fame: First African American Male Registered Nurse in Chattanooga and Tennessee

Top Stories

Camm Ashford

July 23, 2026

Trailblazing Nurse Fred McCray Honored in Bessie Smith Cultural Center Hall of Fame: First African American Male Registered Nurse in Chattanooga and Tennessee

From left, Arthur Benton, Bessie Smith Cultural Center with honoree Fred McCray, recognizing his historic legacy as the first African American Male Registered Nurse in
Chattanooga and the State of Tennessee. McCray is joined by family, daughters Freda and Fredericka; son, Stephen, and wife, Cheryl McCray. (Contributed photos)

Mr. Fred McCray, a pioneering healthcare professional who broke racial and gender barriers in nursing, will be inducted into the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum’s Hall of Fame in August, recognizing his historic legacy as the first African American male Registered Nurse in Chattanooga and the State of Tennessee.

Affectionately known as “The Bessie,” the Bessie Smith Cultural Center celebrates Chattanooga’s African American history through a permanent exhibition gallery honoring local trailblazers whose achievements have shaped the community.

Rather than inducting annual classes into a traditional sports-style hall of fame, the museum features an ongoing exhibit dedicated to preserving the stories of Chattanooga’s most influential African American leaders.

For Mr. McCray, the recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful.

“Oh, I’m grateful,” Mr. McCray said during an exclusive telephone interview with the Chattanooga News Chronicle. “But having known so many other African Americans who have gone into the profession long before I got to it, I’m just grateful to be in the number.”

Mr. McCray earned his registered nursing license in 1971, becoming the first Black male Registered Nurse in Chattanooga. He also made history as the first African American male commissioned into the U.S. Army Nurse Corps as an officer through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

His groundbreaking career opened doors for generations of minority men entering the nursing profession.

Ironically, nursing was not Mr. McCray’s original career plan.

“I had planned to go into education,” he recalled. “Mostly my family were educators. I found out much later that there are a couple of nurses in my family, but I was already into nursing when I found that out.”

Mr. McCray’s career path changed after accepting a job as an orderly at Memorial Hospital.

“I went to work at Memorial Hospital, and enjoyed my job there as an orderly,” he said. “While there, I learned that the hospital offered scholarships. So I went to Cleveland State, and Memorial Hospital paid for that.”

Family responsibilities also played a major role in his decision.

“At the time, it was need,” Mr. McCray explained. “Well, I needed to be employed, and I needed to be able to be employed. At the time, I was responsible for the care of my mother and my father. So that was the basic catalyst for my going into a profession where I could help people.”

He noted that opportunities for African Americans pursuing nursing were extremely limited in the late 1960s.

“I was either gonna’ have to teach or nurse. At the time, there was nowhere locally for Blacks to attend to become registered nurses,” he said. “Either you had to go to Tuskegee or somewhere out of state. There was not a school here in Chattanooga.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. McCray served as a Registered Nurse with the Hamilton County Department of Education, providing healthcare and advocacy for students across the school system.

He also practiced at Erlanger Hospital, where coworkers remember him for his compassionate patient care, spiritual encouragement, and steadfast commitment to those he served.

His pioneering accomplishments continue to be recognized by community organizations, including the Chattanooga AARP Chapter, and he is frequently highlighted during Black History Month celebrations for opening doors for future generations of African American healthcare professionals.

Even at 80 years old, Mr. McCray says the demand for nurses remains stronger than ever.

“For nearly everybody, but for me in particular, as a registered nurse, you can always work. You will always have a job,” he said with a laugh. “There was a time when I would leave one job and would not immediately go apply for another one because I didn’t want to go to work the same day.”

“I am 80 years old, and I’m still getting calls to come to work,” he continued. “Of course, I’m not gonna’ step in there, but that’s nothing. This profession is so in demand.”

Reflecting on the profession that shaped his life, Mr. McCray believes nursing is ultimately about service.

“I feel that it’s a profession where you need to have a desire to help people,” he said. “Whether you are doing just that–nursing–or you’re working in an insurance company, well, you need a desire to help people.”

He also encourages young people to consider nursing because of its many career opportunities.

“Nursing is a wonderful profession,” Mr. McCray said. “It also has so many areas of employment. You can work in the hospital. You can work in different areas of the hospital. You can work in insurance companies. You can be a travel nurse.”

He pointed to the many career paths that begin with a nursing degree.

“One friend of mine is a hospital administrator. She started off as a registered nurse. I have one or two friends who are now doctors, and they started off as registered nurses.”

As the Bessie Smith Cultural Center adds Mr. Fred McCray’s story to its permanent gallery of African American legends, the honor serves as a lasting reminder that one man’s determination to care for others forever changed the face of nursing in Chattanooga and inspired generations to follow.

Food City Store Manager Named Top Woman in Grocery

Top Stories

Submitted Article

July 23, 2026

Food City Store Manager Named Top Woman in Grocery

ABINGDON, VA July, 2026) – Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery initiative recognizes the key role women play in the food and grocery industry. Food City store manager, Brooke Seals was selected as one of this year’s winners.

“I would like to congratulate Brooke on this well-deserved honor, which is a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements. We are extremely proud of our women grocers and the vital role they play within our company, throughout the industry, and in the communities we serve,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.

Progressive Grocer receives hundreds of nominations from all sectors of the industry across the nation. This year’s winners were showcased in their June issue and will be recognized in November at their annual awards gala in Orlando, FL.

Seals currently serves as the store manager of Food City’s location in Trenton, Georgia, leading a team of more than 140 associates. In 2025, Seals and her team successfully completed a major remodel and expansion project while remaining fully operational throughout the process. This achievement required precise planning and execution – balancing daily operations, coordinating ongoing construction, and hiring and training new associates to support expanded services. Seals demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptability, and leadership, all while maintaining high standards and continuing to operate a top-performing store.

Seals is a strong leader and mentor who is deeply committed to serving her customers and developing her team. She is a member of Food City’s EMPOWER program, which supports female associates through education, mentorship, and fellowship. She also serves on Food City’s KARE committee, which provides assistance to company associates during times of need. Seals is also active in her local community, serving as a member of her local Kiwanis club and supporting numerous organizations, events, and initiatives through her role, reflecting the company’s commitment to the communities they serve and fostering a culture of service and connection.Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 162 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama

Stretches To Shrink Your Belly

Health

Submitted Article

July 23, 2026

Stretches by themselves don’t directly burn a lot of calories, but they can support weight loss and a smaller waistline in several important, often overlooked ways. Here’s how it works:

How Stretching Helps with Weight Loss

It Reduces Stress Hormones That Promote Belly Fat

Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone strongly linked to fat storage around the abdomen.

• Stretching activates the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”)

• Lower cortisol → less tendency to store fat around the waist

• This is especially helpful if you carry stress-related belly fat

Gentle stretching, yoga, or mobility work can indirectly help reduce abdominal fat over time.

It Improves Posture (Instant Waistline Effect)

Tight hip flexors, lower back, and chest muscles can cause poor posture, making the midsection appear wider.

Stretching helps: Lengthen tight muscles; Engage the core naturally; Reduce anterior pelvic tilt and spinal compression. Result: your waist can look slimmer immediately, even without fat loss.

It Enhances Workout Performance and Fat Burning

Flexible muscles move more efficiently: Better range of motion → better strength and cardio workouts; Stronger, fuller movements burn more calories; Less stiffness = more consistency with exercise; Stretching doesn’t replace workouts, but it makes fat-loss workouts more effective.

It Improves Digestion and Reduces Bloating

Certain stretches gently massage the abdominal organs. Benefits: Improved gut motility; Less water retention and bloating; Reduced “puffy” waist appearance.

Examples:

• Seated spinal twists; Knees-to-chest pose; Cat–cow stretch

This can lead to a noticeably flatter stomach even before fat loss occurs.

Now, which stretches work best you ask? Try these…

But remember: With each pose, breathe in and out through your nose for a calming effect on the nervous system.

7 Stretches that Help Shrink Your Belly

1. The Swan: What you’ll need: A pillow Targets: Neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs

1. Sit on floor with pillow in front of you. 2. Bend left knee, bringing sole of left foot to right inner thigh. 3. Lift butt and extend right leg behind you. 4. Staying centered, gently hinge forward from hips, placing head on pillow. 5. Extend arms forward, elbows slightly bent.

6. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Roll back up. Switch legs; repeat.

2. The Bridge: Targets: Hips and legs

1. Lie faceup with knees bent, feet flat on floor, arms extended by sides, palms up. 2. Keeping shoulders down, engage abs and press into heels to lift hips and back to form a diagonal line from shoulders to knees. 3. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths; lower.

3. The Bend: Targets: Neck, shoulders, back, and obliques

1. Sit on pillow in a cross-legged position. 2. Place left hand on floor to side of hip, left elbow slightly bent. 3. Extend right arm by ear. 4. Lean to left, keeping butt on floor, shoulders down. 5. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. Switch sides; repeat.

4. The Doll: Targets: Neck, shoulders, back, and hips

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. 2. Place right hand on left elbow, left hand on right elbow. 3. Bend over from hips, letting arms and head hang down. 4. Hold for 8 to 10 breaths. 5. Gently roll back up.

There are also some yoga stretches that can special benefits at night too.

5. Up The Wall (Viparita Karani): Sit facing wall and lie onto your back. Moving buttocks as close to wall as possible, lift legs and rest the back of legs against the wall, legs perpendicular to the ground. Rest with your arms out to sides, palms up. Hold for 15 seconds.

Anyone who spends the day on their feet can benefit from this stretch.

6. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): Sit on the ground, back straight, legs together and stretched out in front of you. Flex feet (keeping them active) and bend forward from hips, reaching for toes (or as far as feels comfortable) with hands. Hold for 15 seconds. The farther you stretch here, the more you’ll feel it in the back of your legs.

7. Corpse Pose (Savasana): Climb into bed and lie down, legs slightly apart and stretched out in front of you, arms long by your sides with palms up. Close your eyes and bring focus to breath. Hold for 15 seconds or until you fall asleep.

The best way to end the day is to let go of everything you’re holding onto, especially stress.

ALWAYS: Consult with your medical doctor/advisor before engaging in these activities and start SLOWLY for maximum benefits. (Blackdoctor.com)

Mayors Wamp and Kelly Launch ‘Bring Back the BLVD’ Initiative to Revitalize Historic Rossville Boulevard

Top Stories

Camm Ashford

July 23, 2026

Mayors Wamp and Kelly Launch ‘Bring Back the BLVD’ Initiative to Revitalize Historic Rossville Boulevard

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp and Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined community leaders Monday, July 20, to launch Bring Back the BLVD, a collaborative initiative aimed at restoring Rossville Boulevard as a revitalized commercial corridor while attracting new investment and supporting local businesses.

The effort centers on securing a federal Opportunity Zone designation for the Rossville Boulevard corridor through Tennessee’s recently enacted Opportunity Zones 2.0 program.

If approved, the designation would provide federal tax incentives designed to encourage private investment in existing properties, transforming vacant and underutilized sites into new commercial and economic opportunities.

As part of the application process, Wamp has recommended the Rossville Boulevard corridor as Hamilton County’s top priority for Opportunity Zone designation.

“We should prioritize investing in communities where the infrastructure already exists, not pushing growth farther out,” Wamp said.

“Rossville Boulevard has the infrastructure, location, and employment base to thrive once again. This kind of restorative growth strategy will ensure that our families benefit from the new opportunities coming to Chattanooga and Hamilton County.”

Rossville Boulevard has long served as one of Chattanooga’s primary gateways, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and industrial areas throughout the city and county.

Once a thriving commercial hub, local leaders say the corridor remains well-positioned for revitalization because of its strategic location and existing infrastructure.

Kelly said the initiative represents years of collaboration among local governments, businesses, property owners, and community organizations working to restore the historic corridor.

“Today, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County launched Bring Back the BLVD–an initiative that will spark the revitalization of one of Chattanooga’s main gateways,” Kelly said. “We are advocating to make this area an Opportunity Zone under the State of Tennessee’s Opportunity Zones 2.0 program, which, if approved, creates federal tax incentives to encourage private investment in existing properties, transforming vacant and underutilized sites.”

Kelly added that the Opportunity Zone recommendation has now been submitted to the State of Tennessee for consideration.

He also emphasized the long-term economic benefits of the designation.

“Opportunity Zones are one of the best economic development tools we have in our toolbox because they encourage investors to put down deep roots and stay committed to a neighborhood’s long-term success,” Kelly said.

“When private dollars fill vacant storefronts or build new commercial spaces, it stabilizes local property tax revenues, creates neighborhood job opportunities, and complements city-funded initiatives like commercial façade and storefront activation grants.”

Chattanooga City Council District 7 Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley, whose constituency includes much of the Rossville Boulevard corridor, praised the initiative and reflected on the area’s historic importance.

“I’ve always believed Rossville Boulevard is a place worth believing in,” Dotley said. “For generations, it’s been one of Chattanooga’s main gateways… it’s our responsibility to help create more opportunity. Over the last several years, that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.”

District 7 includes portions of St. Elmo, Alton Park, East Lake, Downtown/Southside, and the Eastside–communities directly connected to the Rossville Boulevard corridor and its ongoing redevelopment efforts.

The initiative also highlights the contributions of local business and community leaders who have invested in the boulevard’s future.

“Investing in Rossville Boulevard has always been about believing in its potential,” said Heidi Hefferlin, founder and managing partner of HK Architects.

“Our team has been proud to work alongside neighbors and community partners to help create a stronger sense of place and show what’s possible here. I’m grateful to everyone who has continued to believe in the Boulevard over the years. That persistence has helped spark the momentum for its next chapter of redevelopment.”

If the state approves the Opportunity Zone designation, supporters say the federal tax incentives could accelerate redevelopment by encouraging private investment in existing commercial properties, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhood businesses, and building on years of revitalization efforts already underway along one of Chattanooga’s most recognizable corridors.

Many cancer survivors have impairments that make using mobile devices and websites difficult

Health

Submitted Article

July 23, 2026

Many cancer survivors have impairments that make using mobile devices and websites difficult

By Rachel F. Adler, Associate Professor of Information Sciences, University of Illinois rbana-Champaign

& Devorah Kletenik, Associate Professor of Computer and Information Science, Brooklyn College

Megan (not her real name) had always taken pride in her ability to meet someone once and remember their name. Then came a breast cancer diagnosis in her 40s, chemotherapy, and the brain fog that followed. She struggled to focus. She couldn’t remember names, or where she placed her keys or phone. Long, wordy instructions were a nightmare.

More than two decades after her diagnosis, Megan still labors with memory issues. She says the inability to remember names seems “abnormal,” and she feels as if she is “somehow lesser.”

Megan is one of more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States. Her experience has a name: chemo brain, a cognitive impairment related to chemotherapy that affects memory, focus and finding words. Approximately 70% of U.S. cancer survivors report long-term functional limitations related to cancers or their treatments, nearly twice the percentage of the general population reporting limitations.

Cancer survivors’ limitations include cognitive challenges not associated with chemo brain. The list of impairments is long, and some can persist for years. One study found that more than 60% of breast cancer survivors who had chemo, radiation, hormone treatment and/or surgery continued to experience dysfunctions six years after diagnosis.

We are computer scientists who study accessibility and human-computer interaction. While complications can affect many dimensions of a cancer survivor’s life, we have found that one of them – using websites, apps and software on mobile phones and computers – has gone understudied. For people who rely on their phones, tablets and laptops to seek health information, schedule medical appointments, review diagnoses, connect with support groups and simply try to live a productive life, these struggles are more than inconveniences.

Accessibility challenges – To understand how cancer survivors experience software and interfaces, we conducted a study along with our colleagues using surveys, interviews and diary notes. Megan was one of our study participants.

Among the 46 participants, ages 20 to 78, 48% developed fatigue after cancer diagnosis and treatment, 52% had anxiety or depression, 33% experienced cognitive difficulties, including chemo brain, 30% had physical or dexterity impairments, and 15% developed visual problems. Six of our 46 participants indicated their impairments lasted less than six months, but for more than 40 percent of the people, effects continued for years. One survivor wrote that fatigue was an ongoing issue 29 years after a leukemia diagnosis.

More than half the respondents reported being frequently distracted or unable to focus while using websites and apps. Nearly as many said they were frustrated while using software that they had easily used before their diagnosis or treatment. Difficulties abounded: 46% reported trouble in reading text, 39% in following instructions and 37% with navigating websites. And 35% had difficulty seeing images or icons, 30% with typing, 22% with scrolling or clicking, and 20% in hearing audio.

A forgotten population – We study software accessibility for all kinds of people. Although cancer survivors can share similarities with older adults or individuals with cognitive, physical or visual disabilities, they are a distinct and underexamined group. Cancer survivors can experience chemo brain, fatigue, numbness or pain in hands and feet, visual changes and other issues that affect how they interact with digital technologies. These impairments can emerge suddenly, fluctuate over time or persist long after treatment ends.

Cancer survivors with chemo brain describe being overwhelmed by dense paragraphs, inconsistent navigation menus, and apps that require memorizing multiple steps. Survivors with vision changes struggle with small fonts and low color contrast.

The basics of website accessibility- -One man in our study recalled losing money on a financial transaction because he clicked the wrong prompt trying to read text that for him was too small. Another participant who had reached out to friends and family for help was frequently told that his questions were so simple as to be embarrassing.

Doctors are sometimes dismissive as well. One survivor in a different study recounted that her oncologist was focused entirely on her clean scans after treatment. He had no idea how her chemo brain might affect her daily life or what could be done about it. As she wryly put it: “Well, it’s only my brain. It’s not like I need to use it for anything.”

Solutions for survivors – Many of the fixes that can make software accessible and easily usable for people with impairments can be simple: Use bullet points instead of big blocks of text, and incorporate more visuals and icons. Use larger fonts, voice input and output, and high contrast between text and backgrounds. Include an ability to zoom in. Provide instructions that are simple and clear, avoid too many options, and design multiple-choice responses.

Designers can also include cancer survivors when seeking feedback on new interfaces, or involve them in a codesign approach when possible. We’re working on a chemo brain game that will help teach design students about accessibility for cancer survivors.

It’s time for technology to catch up with survivorship. Larger studies could show whether different cancer types and treatments – brain tumors vs. breast cancer, or chemo alone vs. chemo plus radiation – lead to distinct software struggles and different degrees of severity. They could also show whether factors such as income, age, race, location or general comfort with technology make accessibility barriers more or less difficult, on top of the impairment itself.

As cancer treatments improve and survival rates rise, more people will be living for decades with related impairments. They are rightly considered medical success stories. But survival is not the finish line: Quality of life matters, too. (The CONVERSATION)

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