Animal Encounters at Zoo Knoxville are back!
Warm weather means the return of Animal Encounters at Zoo Knoxville! Get closer than ever with experiences like giraffe feeding, our VIP rhino experience, ostrich feeding, and hang out with our feathered friends at Budgie Landing. Stop by the Contact Yard to meet our goats and sheep, and don’t miss...
Construction of pedestrian bridge in Gibbs honoring Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss delayed
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The timeline for the Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss Pedestrian Bridge in Gibbs has been pushed back as Knox County works to obtain grant funding. The project is being funding through a $1.9-million transportation alternatives program grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation....
Tennessee Valley Fair future uncertain as lawmakers push for new Ag facility
East Tennessee legislators are working to assemble a board to explore year-round agriculture space in East Knox County.
FIFA officials return to UT Knoxville as World Cup field preparations ramp up
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — With the University of Tennessee playing a key role in preparing the playing surfaces for this 2026 FIFA World Cup, officials from world soccer’s governing body visited Knoxville once again on Thursday as the most-watched event in sports draws closer. FIFA partnered with Tennessee and...
UT takes first step in eminent domain claim of Tyson House
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The University of Tennessee has begun the process of using eminent domain to buy a property from St. John’s Church of Knoxville and the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. The property in question is the Tyson House ministry building at 824 Melrose Place. Situation just...
New campus construction, degree approved for UT Knoxville
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees has approved millions of dollars in new improvements to the system’s flagship campus in Knoxville as well as a first-of-its-kind degree program in Tennessee. The campus population surpassed 40,000 people in fall 2025 and university enjoyed a...
Union representing Knoxville McKay’s employees claims closure is retaliation
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The union that represents McKay’s employees claims the Knoxville store is closure as retaliation against its employees. Communications Workers of America Local 3805 filed NLRB Form 501 with the National Labor Relations Board, which is used of accuse a private-sector employer of violating...
Knox County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Help Finding Missing 28-Year-Old Man
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is asking for the public’s help locating a missing man last seen Friday afternoon. Benjamin Hixon Rodney, 28, was last seen around noon on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. He is described as a white male, 5′9″, 140 pounds, with blue eyes and brown...
Why Knoxville’s Market Square Burger King Still Rules With 300+ Bourbons
Most burger bars pick one focus. Stock & Barrel does it all crafting brisket-blend burgers with wild toppings while pouring from one of Knoxville’s most impressive 300+ bourbon collections. This Market Square staple serves “Knoxville’s favorite burgers” alongside cocktails that turn casual dinners into bourbon...
TN Attorney General declines to defend state’s ban on religious charter schools in court
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has declined to intervene in a lawsuit challenging a state law banning religious charter schools after issuing a legal opinion that the law is likely unconstitutional.
