A multi‑agency sweep in Oak Ridge led to the arrest of James Dustin Jenkins, who faces attempted first‑degree murder and domestic assault charges. The 7th Judicial Drug and Violent Crime Task Force posted details to its Facebook page.

William Grant Odom was sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty in the 2023 crash that killed Aaron Dixon; court records show drugs and a 0.05% BAC were detected.

Monroe County deputies are asking for help finding 57-year-old Todd Lee Hopkins, wanted for violating probation by failing to register as a sex offender. The sheriff posted the alert on Facebook and listed tip lines.

Knoxville will top out near 80°F Thursday with gusty southwest winds. Showers are likely after 2 p.m. Friday, followed by a sharp cool-down into the upper 30s Friday night.

HB1939 would cap DCS caseworkers at 12 active assessment cases and require 12‑month resolutions; backers praise safety gains while the fiscal note warns of big hiring costs.

Knox County has identified 65-year-old Donna Lee Ann Widener as the person who died in a March 10 house fire on Bays Mountain Road; investigators continue to probe the cause.

McMinn Central says its new OPENGATE portal screened about 515 students on day one, with administrators praising careful planning and thanking families.

An acquaintance has been charged with felony murder after 83-year-old Teddy Turner was found dead at his Livingston home, authorities say.

Warm Wednesday heats into the low 70s with very dry air and gusty winds; rain returns Friday to cool things off. Residents should avoid outdoor burning while humidity is low.

Blount Memorial filed a state WARN notice for 85 employees as Prisma Health outsources Food and Nutrition Services and Environmental Services to Compass Healthcare subsidiaries, with the vast majority of affected workers expected to be rehired by the contractor and remain at the hospital.

A Knox County judge will appoint an independent guardian ad litem to represent two children as competing lawsuits over their mother’s 2023 death and her estate move forward. The court step aims to protect the kids while civil claims proceed.

Andy’s Frozen Custard holds a Friday ribbon-cutting on the Parkway with $2 sundaes, giveaways and a chance to win free custard for a year.

A Knox County grand jury returned presentments charging Douglas James Peek II with aggravated sexual battery and observing minors; the filing names two victims under 13.