Sweetwater City Schools paid $2.5M for Sweetwater High, completing the city's K–12 system; officials say staff stayed on and transition planning is under way.

Norris police are investigating after hundreds of dead rats were found dumped in woods near Lower Clear Creek Road. State and county crews are assisting removal while investigators seek tips.

UT System President Randy Boyd outlined 90‑credit, three‑year bachelor’s degrees as targeted, workforce‑focused pathways. The approach would be piloted under the UT strategic plan with accreditor review required.

A 19-year-old Knoxville man was arrested after a woman told police he had held her against her will for two weeks; court records show he faces domestic assault and false imprisonment charges.

A Flood Watch covers parts of East Tennessee through Sunday morning. Cocke County EMA urged residents to remain weather‑aware as heavy storms could cause localized flooding.

A Grainger County man was arrested after allegedly attacking a deputy in Bean Station. The officer was treated at UT Medical Center and later released.

A suspect surrendered after a reported shot on Caton Road in Sevierville; police say no injuries were reported and the scene was cleared.

Federal prosecutors say an Oak Ridge man was sentenced to 27 years after sending child pornography to an undercover agent; investigators seized dozens of files.

Club XYZ, a cornerstone of Knoxville's queer nightlife, will close after Pride weekend; owners point to a landlord dispute.

Knoxville Police responded to an active barricade on E. Caldwell Avenue; crisis negotiators and Special Operations personnel are on scene.

A new family entertainment complex has opened at 2141 Parkway, swapping tribute shows for simulators, interactive mini‑golf and baked chimney‑cone ice cream.

An 89-year-old man was pronounced dead after his truck was recovered from the Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing; police are investigating.

Young-Williams warns scammers are spoofing shelter and police numbers, demanding thousands from owners of missing pets. Verify calls with official numbers and report suspicious contacts.