Knoxville News Sentinel
Even Pickens can’t rescue UT from back-to-back losses to Longhorns
OKLAHOMA CITY – Tennessee softball’s season ended after the Lady Vols lost twice on the same day to Texas in the Women’s College World Series semifinals. The No. 7 seed Lady Vols dropped the second game 4-0 to the No. 2 seed Longhorns at Devon Park on...
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KCS chief looking toward the future
School’s out and summer’s in for Knox County Schools students, but the work is never done for Superintendent Jon Rysewyk. h Rysewyk, after a marathon end to the school year attending 19 graduations, is looking ahead to ways Knox County Schools will...
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PREY
To prevent cover-ups of clergy sexual abuse, the Catholic Church in America banned settlement deals that silence victims. But the Diocese of Knoxville has used such agreements in at least two cases since the rule went into effect, a violation of...
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How Banana Ball fit into Smokies stadium
A sold-out Covenant Health Park holds just a fraction of the fans the Savannah Bananas typically play in front of. Convincing the wildly popular team to play in Knoxville’s new stadium took a year and a half of conversations, thousands of contacts,...
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ROCKET RECORD
Rockets are having a big year. NASA launched the Artemis II mission, sending a crew to orbit the moon. It’s the 100-year anniversary of Robert H. Goddard’s pioneering work in liquid-fueled rockets. And now University of Tennessee at Knoxville students...
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Emma Clarke is enjoying the ride
OKLAHOMA CITY – Sage Mardjetko had barely gotten through the handshake line before Emma Clarke scooped her into a hug, screaming as she celebrated Tennessee softball sweeping Georgia in the super regional. Clarke’s 6-foot-1 frame enveloped Mardjetko as...
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No mention of coal as leaders discuss future
“Beautiful, clean coal,” a passion of President Donald Trump’s, was out of focus during the first meeting under new leadership for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s governing board. h TVA is a federal organization and the nation’s largest public...
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To include covered stage, firepits, V-O-L-S letters
With students away for the summer, a construction project to build a modern plaza is happening alongside one of the busiest buildings on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus. The open area in front of the eastern side of the Student Union...
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‘We’ve never faced anything like this’
Engineers and construction crews expect Interstate 40 to reopen in fall 2028 and they’re literally moving earth to make it happen. North Carolina Department of Transportation crews and contractors are using rocks from nearby National Forest Service...
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It’s easy to get news on your schedule
Every day, our newsroom publishes dozens of stories, photos and photo galleries, and videos. The constant stream of local information appears in print, on our website and across multiple social media platforms. Still, it can be hard sometimes to find...
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Bananas bring bunch of fun
Before the Savannah Bananas take over Neyland Stadium in front of 100,000 fans May 23, Knox News watched the viral team bring a scaled-down version of their high-energy show to Covenant Health Park on May 21 − and learned a lot about the Banana Ball...
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Sheriff candidate wants new vote ‘Hypocrisy is ripe’
A fiery group text message exchange between top members of the Knox County Republican Party obtained by Knox News shows deep divisions following the primary elections. The exchange was initiated by county party chair Martin Daniel, who threatened the...
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Location that’s puzzled readers is ‘borrow pit’
Curiosity often starts with two words, one question: “What’s that?” If you see new construction or anything funky around town, send an email to [email protected]. We’ll work to get you an answer and might even share our findings with Knox News...
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‘Slap in the face’
Following the decision to ban the globally renowned book “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by Alex Haley in Knox County Schools last week, family and friends of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Tennessee resident have called the...
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Who’s in charge at sheriff ’s office?
The extensive state investigation that led to the indictment of 10 current and former employees of the Knox County Sheriff ’s Office created a leadership vacuum at the top of the agency when it ensnared two of the agency’s leaders: Chief David Amburn...
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This wacky squad has gone viral
After only about 10 years of being a team, the Savannah Bananas are set to bring more than 100,000 fans to Neyland Stadium as part of a 45-state, 75stadium, 190-game tour. The wacky squad with even wackier rules will first take over Knoxville Smokies...
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Book explores Jan. 6, Obama and Trump
Ahead of the release of his new memoir, Knox News spent time with Lamar Alexander at his Walland home office where the former senator showed off his collection of historic memorabilia, meaningful artwork and family photos from over the years. The...
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KCS school board pushes for reversal of ‘Roots’ ban
When the Rev. John Butler takes a stroll in Morningside Park, he always stops at the Alex Haley statue. He brings family and friends there when he visits, detailing the “Roots” author’s legacy in Knoxville. h He visited the statue once again on May 15,...
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BADGES, BUSTED
In one of the largest law enforcement corruption crackdowns by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in state history, at least 11 people connected to the Knox County Sheriff ’s Office have been indicted, including former Sheriff Jimmy “J.J.” Jones and...
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City’s welcome mat receives upgrade
The gateway to Gay Street and exploring the city is now a “curious” green, and anyone interested in what makes Knoxville special is invited inside to shop around, grab a seat and stay awhile. h Roughly a decade had passed since Visit Knoxville − the...
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UT proposes increase to tuition, other fees
Attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville could be more expensive next fall after Chancellor Donde Plowman’s Advisory Board on May 12 approved an increase to tuition and fees. The $968 increase for out-of-state tuition and the increase in...
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More than 100,000 expected at Neyland
The Savannah Bananas’ sold-out game scheduled for May 23 at Neyland Stadium is projected to draw more than 100,000 fans, just shy of a record-breaking attendance for the barnstorming ball club. Another SEC college town can claim the largest crowd...
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New era begins with focus on rural care
Tennessee’s only independent children’s hospital has entered a new era after nearly 90 years of providing care. Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital has a new name and a substantial donation thanks to Dolly Parton, but hospital leaders say the mission...
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A mother’s gift
As any new or experienced parent knows all too well, keeping a newborn fed is key to having a healthy, happy baby. But some infants need extra help, and some mothers are more than happy to provide
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TVA waterways cope with severe drought conditions
Drought conditions have made for lower water levels across the Tennessee Valley Authority’s waterways, but utility officials say rivers and reservoirs are safe for boating and swimming as Memorial Day weekend approaches. TVA manages 49 dams and...
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Redistricting sparks rage
Alarms wailed and shouts of “Don’t do this! Don’t do this!” sent House and Senate chambers into chaos as Tennessee Republicans took final votes on a new congressional map that fractures the voting power of Black Memphians and carves up the state’s last...
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GOP mayor nominee Henderson went all in on anti-tax pledge
The biggest takeaway from the May 5 election? Primary voters did what primary voters do. They selected candidates who are more partisan than the typical voter. It was a classic example of how the American primary election system works. Primaries are...
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‘A PHENOMENON’ IN KNOXVILLE
The world stood still when Michael Jordan walked away from basketball at the peak of his career in 1993, and almost no one saw what came next: a roster spot with a minor league baseball team and multiple games played in Knoxville. h Jordan was facing...
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Final chapter closes on beloved bookstore
Daniel Smith, left, and Nathan Webster are the final customers at McKay’s on the Knoxville store’s last day of business May 3. McKay’s still has shops in Chattanooga, Nashville and North Carolina. Apair of used music manuals helped close the book on...
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Rainforest is closer than you may think
Know Your Knox answers your burning questions about life in Knoxville. Want your question answered? Email knowyourknox@knoxnews .com. Have you ever heard the longstanding rumor that Knoxville is in a rainforest? Well, it’s not – but the city’s just a...
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Decisions that matter for the future
I’ve got 31,000 reasons for you to vote if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t care much about elections, especially local ones. Thirty-one thousand is the number of new people projected to move to Knox County by 2034, the year term limits kick in...
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These restaurants added to fun at 1982 World’s Fair
You’ve probably heard people noshed on Petro’s Chili & Chips at the 1982 World’s Fair, but do you recall Strohaus? What about the Sunsphere Hardee’s? When 11 million visitors came to East Tennessee 44 years ago, the Scruffy City gave them a taste of...
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Lone Tree Pass to get an Italian steakhouse
Construction has nearly wrapped at the corner of Gay Street and Summit Hill Drive, where the Lone Tree Pass development is adding milliondollar condos, a coffee shop and an Italian steakhouse in downtown Knoxville. The $30 million project from...
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‘Will transform not just gameday but 365 days’
Tennessee athletics director Danny White said the Neyland Entertainment District project will break ground this summer, beginning with the demolition of the G10 garage. h The $280 million project is pending approval by the UT Board of Trustees and...
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Knoxville Catholics united in belief of Leo
Knoxville Catholics are celebrating Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, as he nears one year leading the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion global followers. Parishioners at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Knoxville are...
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Council to ban smoking in all Knoxville bars?
Knoxville could be the latest on a growing list of Tennessee cities that have banned smoking in all bars. The Knoxville City Council could vote as soon as May 12 on an ordinance sponsored by Councilmember Debbie Helsley and supported by Smokefree...
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A day to race in blond wigs, butterfly wings
Despite a few raindrops, guests at Dollywood had an extra pep in their step before the theme park was even open on April 25. Thousands of runners dressed in blond wigs, pink attire, glitter, sparkles and even butterfly wings lined up bright and early...
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A punishing race with a cult following
You might not realize one of the world’s most rigorous athletic competitions happens in the mountains of East Tennessee. The nearly impossible 100-plus-mile ultramarathon is secretive and quirky, yet it draws international attention.
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Skaggs unretires to lead TVA
Mike Skaggs, a former chief operating officer at the Tennessee Valley Authority, will return to lead as the federal utility’s interim CEO. Skaggs spent 26 years with TVA before retiring in January 2022. He was TVA’s chief operating officer starting in...
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Knoxville in high demand for relocation
Knoxville has once again been recognized as a top relocation destination in the United States. Newcomers are flooding to Knoxville more regularly than any other region in Tennessee, including Nashville. The newest indication is reflected in...
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Complex is coming to lot on West Fifth Ave.
Curiosity often starts with two words, one question: ‘What’s that?’ If you see new construction or anything funky around town, send an email to [email protected]. We’ll work to get you an answer and might even share our findings with Knox News...
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KCS plans to cut 57 teachers, 27 staffers
Knox County Schools plans to eliminate 57 teachers and nearly 27 central office staffers as enrollment declines and pressure mounts to increase teacher salaries to a new state minimum. Revenue available to KCS grew by 2.5%, or $17.2 million, compared...
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East Tennessee prom season is here
The nerves, the laughter, the gowns, the tuxedos. Prom season is here across East Tennessee, and our photographers are heading back to school to spotlight the special moments that end up being lifelong memories. h Prom is more than a dance. It’s a rite...
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Oak Ridge primed for a key role in nuclear
Oak Ridge’s energy enterprises have the Trump administration’s attention. Tim Walsh, assistant secretary for the Office of Environmental Management at the U.S. Department of Energy, is one of several energy department leaders to visit Oak Ridge for a...
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THIN GREEN LINE
While federal enforcement and policy signals around marijuana have softened in recent years, Tennessee has moved in the opposite direction by tightening its hemp rules. That contrast leaves the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ seed-to-sale cannabis...
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Voters must pledge party loyalty
The rules for who can vote in primary elections in Tennessee haven’t changed, but voters will see new language on their ballot applications. Every year, before voters can cast a ballot in person or by mail, they have to sign a statement saying they’re...
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New statues at Knoxville Smokies stadium honor local Black luminaries ‘SACRED GROUND’
The collection of statues at Covenant Health Park is now complete with the unveiling of four figures representing some of Knoxville’s most prominent Black luminaries and leaders. h Local icons Ruth Cobb Brice, Ida Cox, Beauford Delaney and Nikki...
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Proposal would take control of McGhee Tyson from Knoxville
Control over McGhee Tyson Airport would shift from city hall to the Capitol under a legislative plan to give state leaders the majority voice in running the airports in Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga. The state-controlled airport boards...
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One Knoxville SC earns historic match
Anational soccer tournament has pitted teams from all levels of competition against each other for more than 100 years, and One Knoxville SC is closer than ever to claiming the coveted title. h Knoxville’s team, which plays its home games at Covenant...
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Armory to ‘anchor’ downtown Maryville
The Armory, a massive new entertainment venue and restaurant coming to downtown Maryville, has almost anything you could dream up − both virtual and real. h The complex’s 27,000 square feet will house a restaurant, two bars and endless entertainment...
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A local artist gets trail off to good start
The traditional starting point of a trail that reaches from the highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Outer Banks in North Carolina is now officially marked at the top of Kuwohi – with a Knoxville connection. More than 70 people –...
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Knox County mayor candidates set to debate
Early voting starts April 15, and voters have four options, three Republicans and one Democrat, to succeed termlimited Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Knox News reporter Allie Feinberg will co-moderate a conversation-style debate with the...
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Smokey XII is a true ‘walk-on success story’
Bluetick coonhounds must be courageous, amenable, friendly and fearless to be considered fit for carrying the torch held by the 11 Smokey mascots before them. Two-year-old Neyland − a true “walk-on success story,” according to College of Veterinary...
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HonorAir flight gives vets love, appreciation
After receiving a less-than-enthusiastic welcome home from the Vietnam War half a century ago, the veterans on the final HonorAir Knoxville flight were greeted upon their return with handshakes, warm embraces and signs bearing messages of gratitude and...
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Smokies test their first weekday afternoon game in 2026 Sunny vibes
Alocal business leader stopped by the Michelob Ultra Backstop Bar before the first pitch April 8 and handed over his card, starting a tab for himself and the employees he brought out for the Knoxville Smokies’ first weekday afternoon game at Covenant...
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Defining moments in Caldwell’s tenure
Alot can change in two years. h On April 7, 2024, Tennessee announced the hiring of Kim Caldwell as the new Lady Vols basketball coach. Caldwell was fresh off a 26-7 season at Marshall, leading the Herd to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since...
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Likewise Coffee puts purpose in every cup
Knoxville’s favorite coffee shop has a catchy name, a bigger purpose and a literal 100-year-old home on Magnolia Avenue. Knox News readers spent the past few weeks voting for their favorite among 32 local coffee shops competing in a March...
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As Knoxville’s dogwoods bloom, it’s festival time
One of Knoxville’s most beautiful times of year has arrived as dogwood blooms show off in pink and white. h And when the gorgeous trees begin to flower, Dogwood Arts kicks off its annual events that showcase the city’s beauty, from a downtown festival...
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Windows to the soul
Just as a church’s sanctuary is more than an ordinary room, so its windows can provide something more than just a glimpse of the immediate outside world. From biblical scenes to saints to the many shades of faith,
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A GOLDEN TICKET FOR A GOLDEN ARM
Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens flashes a huge smile a she receives her golden ticket to the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Pickens is the reigning two-time SEC Pitcher of the Year and made history last year throwing the fastest pitch in NCAA...
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PITCH PERFECT
Anew groundskeeper with Major League Baseball experience has been hired to help convert the Covenant Health Park field between a baseball diamond and soccer pitch, a process that was challenging in 2025 by an overwhelming amount of rain. h “It was more...
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WILDFIRE LAWSUIT FALTERS
East Tennessee’s wildfire season was all too real as separate blazes burned for several days in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the risk continues for a region that has been dealing with drought conditions for weeks. Wildland fires can occur...
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Stadium district rises around new ballpark
Covenant Health Park’s inaugural seasons in 2025 brought many celebrations, as well as some learning moments. With the 2026 season upon us, we sat down with Knoxville Smokies CEO Chris Allen to talk about highlights from last season, upcoming...
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Big Ears makes city a global music hub
The 2026 Big Ears Festival took over downtown Knoxville venues March 26-29, bringing curious listeners from all over the world to East Tennessee for a wide-ranging musical exhibition. h National outlets from The New York Times to Rolling Stone have...
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Not the ending Vols envisioned
CHICAGO − A seven-minute stretch dashed all hopes of a historic Final Four appearance for Tennessee basketball. h Tennessee led Michigan by two points early in the first half of the Men’s NCAA Tournament Elite Eight game at the United Center. The...
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Shielded
For years, Tennessee lawmakers have worked to protect domestic violence victims. The case of a Knoxville police officer, however, shows there are gaping holes in the system that can put dangerous offenders back into the community with no record that
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Fireflies light up the Smokies
As national parks continue to regroup from operational changes and staffing cuts from last year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has something that’s consistent every year. Synchronous fireflies and a lottery to view them. The national park will,...
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Woman pleads not guilty to attempted murder of Rihanna
A Florida woman pleaded not guilty on March 25 to the attempted murder of singer Rihanna after authorities said she fired gunshots at the Grammy-winning musician’s Los Angeles mansion this month. The woman, Ivana Lisette Ortiz, appeared briefly in Los...
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Big Ears Festival has mix of familiar, new
Big Ears Festival breathes fresh life into downtown Knoxville each spring, and the 2026 version happening this weekend is poised to be among its most adventurous yet. This year’s musical exhibition will feel familiar to the thousands from across the...
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Medical files key in mystery death
For the first time since Sarah Shanks’ suspicious death in 2023, her family is closer to understanding what happened the night her husband, an emergency room doctor, called 911. Sarah’s parents blame Ryan Shanks for her death and Ryan blames emergency...
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KNOXVILLE BISHOP’S FALL
Years of deep discord in the Diocese of Knoxville began in St. Louis, the deeply Catholic city where the polarizing former Bishop Richard Stika was born, spent his formative years, returned to after he resigned and died in at the age of 68 in...
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SWEET RELIEF
Full results from Tennessee’s nailbiter win vs. Virginia Get notifications through your phone about the latest news from Tennessee in the
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BEYOND THE WEEKEND
Known worldwide for its adventurous musical programming, Big Ears Festival also has become a powerful economic engine for downtown Knoxville, boosting restaurants, bars, hotels and a range of small businesses one important weekend each spring.
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Marking 45 years of ‘magic’ for Vols fans and celebrities
Gus’s Good Times Deli has lived and breathed Tennessee Volunteers fandom for the past 45 years. The walls are plastered with photos of regulars, athletes and celebrities who claim the restaurant as their go-to spot. A poster of Peyton Manning hangs on...
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Drop in Smokies visits in 2025 isn’t bad news
Millions of people continue to flock to the expansive Great Smoky Mountains National Park – just fewer millions than in recent years. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Great Smoky Mountains National Park recorded over 11.5 million visits in...
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