Wednesday, August 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Knoxville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Knoxville Smokies stepped away from baseball to volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank which aids food pantries across 18 counties— the team also assisted with a food drive at Covenant Health Park that will run until Sunday. WVLT 8
- ➤ Beloved longtime WBIR anchor Bill Williams died on August 18 at his home—he served for 23 years and launched the Monday’s Child segment that helped more than 1,000 children find permanent homes. He came from the Ozarks and was honored in Knoxville with a street renaming and a dedicated day. Knoxville News Sentinel
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Knox Asian Festival returns this weekend at World's Fair Park—its 12th year in a row. 10 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Tennessee is back in session as Dr. Amber Williams leads an onboarding process that provides freshmen with key resources from day one—campus stores are also busy supplying gear and dorm needs. The university is set to start a busy year with new dorms and improvements in athletics. WVLT 8
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The University of Tennessee Police Department now has five working dogs after adding two new explosive detection K—9s; the chocolate Labrador retriever mix, Doc, honors Dr. Spencer Gregg and the black Labrador retriever, Holt, honors former President Andrew David Holt. Both K—9s are paired with officers and train weekly to boost campus safety. 6 News
- ➤ Residents in Knoxville must cast their early vote in the City Council primaries by Thursday—voters then return on Election Day Aug. 26. 10 News
- ➤ Construction on Alcoa Highway in Knox and Blount counties began in 2016 and continues with some segments nearly finished while work near the UT Medical Center and Tyson Boulevard is set to complete in fall 2027 or begin in 2028. The 13-mile project will likely reach full completion in the 2030s — extending delays for drivers along this key route. Knoxville News Sentinel
- ➤ Knoxville City Council postponed a vote on the Emerald Youth project to expand Chilhowee Park because community members and some councilmembers were upset by a lack of public input. Councilmember Gwen McKenzie will hold a meeting on Aug. 26 at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center—where neighbors can share their ideas for the park's future. Knoxville News Sentinel
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UT Medical Center will launch a new CT lung cancer screening unit and a second mobile mammography unit later this year to provide screenings in rural and underserved communities — these expansions are supported by federal and state grants to help lower cancer mortality. WVLT 8
TRAVEL NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Knoxville.
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The Great Smoky Jeep Invasion
All day — LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge — Admission details vary — Experience the ultimate Jeep showcase with vendors and custom off-road vehicles.
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Comedy Side Show with Lukas McCrary
8-10 p.m. — Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus — $15 entry — Experience a hilarious night with Knoxville's own Lukas McCrary back for a one-night special performance.
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Repticon Knoxville Show
9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center — Entry fee varies — Explore the fascinating world of reptiles and exotic pets at this dedicated trade show.
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Summer Movie Magic - Jurassic Park
7:30 p.m. — Tennessee Theatre — Ticket info available — Relive the thrilling adventure of Jurassic Park in a historic setting with live organ music beforehand.
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Zink Duo Live Performance
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Local Eatery and Grill — No cover charge — Enjoy a night of heartfelt country and bluegrass music with the talented Zink Duo.
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Modern Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners
6-7:30 p.m. — Kern's Bakery-Scruff Stage — Cost not specified — Dive into the art of beautiful lettering with Sip & ScriptⓇ at a local bakery stage.
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FC Naples vs. One Knoxville SC
7-9:30 p.m. — Covenant Health Park — Check for ticket prices — Watch an exciting soccer match between FC Naples and One Knoxville SC.
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2025 Tennessee Volunteers Football Season Tickets
Aug 28-29 — Neyland Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for the excitement of the Tennessee Volunteers' entire regular season at home.
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Tennessee Lady Vols Volleyball vs. South Florida Bulls
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center — Ticketed event — Cheer on the Lady Vols as they take on South Florida in an exciting volleyball matchup.
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Knoxville Christian Singles Gathering
1-4 p.m. — Knoxville Museum of Art — $15 for Non-Hub Members — Enjoy art, treats, and games while connecting with fellow Christian singles.
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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Knoxville.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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