A Knox County jury convicted Vernon Dee Johnson Jr. on meth, fentanyl and firearm charges. He faces a minimum of 32 more years and is due for sentencing on Sept. 18, 2026.

Two people were killed when their car struck a parked fire engine on I-75 southbound in Scott County; two others were hospitalized and three firefighters were treated and released.

Showers and thunderstorms likely in Knoxville today with a Flood Watch through early Monday. Heavy downpours could cause flash flooding in low‑lying areas.

A nightly swarm of more than 100,000 endangered gray bats filled the sky over Nickajack Reservoir.

Homes and businesses were evacuated after a suspected explosive device was found in a car on Old Knoxville Highway. Bomb technicians and deputies were on scene and an investigation is underway.

Inspectors found raw meats stored too warm and a filthy can opener at La Loteria in Tellico Plains; corrections raised the follow‑up score to 89.

Knoxville police have named Jean Marie Niyonkuru as wanted and believed to be armed. Crime Stoppers says tips that lead to an arrest may qualify for a reward.

A 4-year-old boy, identified as Rhett Luttrell, died after a cake-style fireworks tube tipped over and struck him during a Fourth of July gathering in Pulaski County. Officials are investigating.

A person was found dead inside a vehicle in a Morristown parking lot on July 6; police say the investigation is active and have released few details.

A storage-room blaze at the Love Kitchen on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard caused fire, smoke and water damage Friday morning; no injuries were reported. Volunteers are assessing how services may be affected.

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.