Knox County pushes back on juvenile center safety concerns, citing recent upgrades
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knox County leaders say the juvenile detention facility has made progress in recent months, even as questions continue following the interim director’s resignation and a state report identifying more than 90 safety issues. Interim director Brian Bivens stepped down over the weekend after...
‘I can eat for a day or two’ | Knoxville resident reacts to her...
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is now loading partial payouts to SNAP recipients. The partial payouts began on Wednesday. The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) stated with guidance from the U.S Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, that they would...
Knoxville City Council Approves $100K in Emergency Funds to Address Hunger Crisis
In a decisive response to the escalating hunger crisis, the City Council of Knoxville has stepped up, approving an emergency fund to bolster food assistance programs across the region. The unanimous decision, as reported on the city's official website, involves the allocation of $100,000 from the City's Unassigned...
$40,000 donation supports Knox County Sheriff’s Office employees facing hardships
A $40,000 donation to the Knox County Sheriff's Office's Officer Assistance Program will help sheriff's office employees who are facing hardships. The program, which is under the direction of Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, called the contribution a blessing.
TVA pursues ‘historic’ gas build-out, advanced nuclear
Operating revenue for fiscal year 2025, compared to $12.3 billion the previous fiscal year. Natural gas’ share of TVA’s power supply for fiscal year 2025, compared to 23% last year. $732M. Increase in fuel and purchase power expense due to higher demand and a higher cost for coal...
Climate plan for Knoxville region aims to reduce emissions by 75% by 2050
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Knoxville area leaders unveiled the region’s first comprehensive climate plan on Wednesday, the results of a two-year collaborative effort that seeks to greatly reduce emissions in the coming decades as more people move to East Tennessee. It sets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets of...
Knoxville police arrest suspect accused of firing shots into home with children inside
It happened around midnight, according to a news release from Knoxville police, when officers were called to the 1800 block of Fair Drive.
Rural Metro responds to brush fire along wooded ridge near Washington Pike
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Knox County Rural Metro Fire crews responded to a small brush fire reported in the woods near the Washington Pike Target in Knox County. According to Rural Metro, the fire began spreading in the woods on the ridge off Amber Ridge Way around noon on Friday, which is located off Washington Pike and...
Petro’s in Market Square closing due to increasing rent
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Petro’s Chili and Chips in Market Square will be closing for good at the end of the week. A spokesperson for the restaurant said its doors will close for the final time on Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. The closure is due to a 170%...
Retired KPD Capt. Melvin Pierce Jr. dies at 84
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Retired Knoxville Police Department Captain Melvin Thomas Pierce, Jr., died on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at the age of 84, at home surrounded by family. Melvin was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend of the community. Melvin grew up in the Rocky Hill...
