Friday, July 4th, 2025

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Good morning, Knoxville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ After a fatal I-40 crash killed a couple traveling through Loudon County, Zoe—who jumped from the car during the wreck and was cared for by the Roane County Animal Shelter—has been rehomed with a close friend of the victims. 10 News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Disco Chicken and Donuts at Kern’s Food Hall will open its doors this Fourth of July weekend and hold a grand opening celebration on July 11 at 9 a.m.—serving gluten-free fried chicken tenders, smoked gouda macaroni and cheese, and handcrafted donuts in a disco-inspired setting. The restaurant, Knoxville’s first 100% gluten-free venue, offers safe dining for those with celiac disease or gluten allergies. 6 News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A former Oak Ridge police officer, 34-year-old Zachary Gauthier, was indicted on 23 counts of official misconduct after complaints led to an investigation—he was fired on April 24, booked on a $50,000 bond, and later released. Anderson County authorities now handle the case. 6 News
- ➤ An East Tennessee man from Meigs County was arrested on July 2 at McGhee Tyson Airport after he failed to report his planned flight to Belize as required by his sex offender status—he now faces at least 90 days in jail and possible federal charges. 6 News
- ➤ The Knoxville Police Department conducted an operation on July 2 in Downtown and Old City to address aggressive panhandling — officers cited nine for panhandling, four for drug paraphernalia and arrested three for charges including indecent exposure, disorderly conduct and drunkenness. 6 News
- ➤ Knoxville police reported a dramatic decrease in violent crime so far this year, noting that murders dropped from 14 to 4 and robberies and carjackings each decreased by 25% compared to the first half of 2024—non-fatal shootings also fell from 23 to 21. The department said these lower numbers mark a clear downward trend in recorded violence in our city. 10 News
- ➤ Former Townsend city manager Danny Williamson pleaded guilty to stealing $3,954 in city funds by using city credit cards for home goods and personal items from July 2020 through February 2024 — he was given judicial diversion and placed on three-year supervised probation. WVLT 8
- ➤ A Knoxville man—Elijah K’Von Cotner, 25—was arrested after he was accused of trying to break into a woman's apartment on Mansion Avenue around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday; officers later found him in another apartment parking lot with a 9mm Glock handgun with a loaded drum magazine, an extra drum magazine, a small amount of suspected marijuana and $860, and he will appear in court on July 7. 6 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center is hosting an Independence Day concert today. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 10 News
SHOP NEWS
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SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, Tennessee Football revealed new two-tone grey uniforms with a Davy stripe, star-shaped Vols patch, and stenciled jersey numbers — a design that honors the volunteer spirit and Davy Crockett’s legacy — ahead of the 2025 season. The team will start with an out-of-state game on Aug. 30 and host its first home game on Sept. 6. 10 News
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Tour de Rocky Top Cycling Event
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. — Peaceful Side Social | Townsend — Registration fee applies — Experience Knoxville's premier road cycling event with a fresh new location and exciting challenges.
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Foodees Food and Culture Festival
1-9 p.m. — Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center — Free entry — Savor gourmet dishes from over 40 food trucks while exploring unique crafts in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
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Dinner Detective Knoxville
6-10 p.m. — Hilton Knoxville — $63.99 + taxes & fees — Enjoy a hilarious murder mystery dinner show where the guilty party could be sitting right next to you.
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Beginner Sushi Class at Hi-Wire Brewing
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hi-Wire Brewing - Knoxville — Cost information not specified — Roll your own sushi creations in a hands-on class perfect for beginners.
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Beginner Poke Bowl Class
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Hi-Wire Brewing - Knoxville — Cost information not provided — Create and customize your own delicious poke bowl with fresh ingredients.
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Joan Osborne Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bijou Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the hits of Grammy-nominated artist Joan Osborne live in Knoxville.
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Zoo Knoxville Zoomobile Experience
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Sequoyah Library — Free entry — Enjoy a conservation-themed story time with special guest animals and an experienced educator.
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Knoxville Open Disc Golf Tournament
9 AM – 4 PM — Victor Ashe Park — Registration required — Participate in a competitive B-tier PDGA-sanctioned singles tournament across two scenic locations.
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Old City Market
11 AM - 4 PM — 100 E Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN — Free entry — Explore a vibrant outdoor market featuring local artists and creative makers.
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Absinthe All-Stars Concert
7-9 p.m. — Emporium Center / Arts & Culture Alliance — Free admission — Experience a delightful evening filled with lively jazz music from the Absinthe All Stars.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.
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