Dee and Jimmy Haslam pledged $130 million to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville on June 4, 2026, a major gift that university leaders say will support campus priorities.

Clear, cool start Thursday with highs near 84°F. Dry and sunny through the weekend; showers may return early next week.

Rachael Ellis, a longtime Second Harvest operations and development leader, will become CEO on June 27. The Maryville nonprofit credits her with helping expand emergency distribution and donor support.

Long TSA lines at McGhee Tyson left some travelers waiting as long as 82 minutes; airport and TSA officials urge arriving early during peak windows.

Knoxville’s Real Time Information Center is now operating on a limited basis. Residents can register or integrate private cameras to share footage with KPD.

AJ Tierney is opening House of Strays, a cocktail bar with a black-box theatre on Jackson Avenue that will donate part of proceeds to Knoxville Children’s Theatre. The venue aims to open in fall 2026.

A flood watch is in effect for Cherokee and Clay counties through Saturday afternoon as forecasters warn that flash flooding is possible. Heavy downpours could swamp low‑lying roads.

A Lenoir City woman says she lost a mid‑term pregnancy while detained by ICE; DHS disputes the account and lawmakers are pressing for stronger protections.

Heavy, localized rain early Thursday prompted an NWS Flash Flood Warning and closed SR 160 at Fowler and Bybee in Cocke County. Local crews warned motorists to avoid flooded roads.

KTA voted to make Route 1—the Downtown Connector—permanently fare‑free after a late‑2025 pilot that officials say boosted downtown ridership. The 15‑minute shuttle will continue to run gameday service.

A Harriman man, identified as Cecil Baptiste, died after an assault Tuesday night; two men were arrested and booked on aggravated‑assault charges. Authorities say prosecutors are reviewing the case.

MoneyLion's 2026 analysis names Kingsport, Knoxville and Chattanooga among U.S. metros where asking prices exceed typical home values by wide margins.

A severe storm collapsed a building that housed Duncan Lumber in New Tazewell Friday night while downing power lines. Officials say no injuries were reported and crews are assessing damage.