Daily
Knoxville
Friday, August 29th, 2025
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Good morning, Knoxville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Zoo Knoxville welcomed two red panda cubs born on June 3 from first-time parents Sisu and Doofah — the zoo’s first red panda birth in nearly five years — and the cubs weigh over a kilogram each. They show early signs of climbing and playing indoors and will join visitors when they come outside. 6 News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Eleazar Briones-Vega (a fugitive from Florida wanted for sexual battery on a minor) in White Pine on Aug. 28 and booked him in Jefferson County Detention Center as he awaits extradition while authorities report he abused a child under 10 over three years. WVLT 8
- ➤ On March 14 at 2:15 p.m., Knoxville police responded at Merchant Drive after a clean-up crew found skeletal remains near Second Creek Studios—officials have yet to identify the remains of a Black woman estimated to be between 35 and 55 and are seeking DNA and missing persons records to solve the case. 6 News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is asking visitors to help track invasive Joro spiders spotted near Cades Cove by uploading photos through the iNaturalist app for a University of Tennessee researcher to study — the species, which is from East Asia, was first seen last fall and may affect native orb weaver numbers. 6 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tennessee Valley Authority was created in 1933 to bring electricity to struggling communities and later built dams and power plants to support war efforts and local job growth. Today TVA serves seven states and is shifting away from coal power—focusing on nuclear and gas units for cleaner, cheaper energy. WVLT 8
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Knoxville leaders have created a youth mental health guide—covering basics from elementary to college—to help kids and teens understand their mental health and know when to seek help. The guide, developed with input from mental health professionals and community leaders, will use clear language and engaging artwork to reach young readers. WVLT 8
- ➤ Ava—an eight-year-old with leukemia—got her wish to be a scientist when Make-A-Wish East Tennessee and UT Colleges of Pharmacy and Nursing set up an interactive day on Thursday where she compounded a fun medication, checked simulated patients’ vitals, and received her own lab coat and stethoscope. 6 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tristen Keys, the nation’s top receiver prospect in the class of 2026, flipped his commitment from LSU to Tennessee on social media Thursday night — joining other 5-star volunteers and solidifying his decision after a tough recruiting battle. WVLT 8
- ➤ Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman, who recorded 301 yards including four receiving touchdowns and one rushing score last year, is featured as player #3 in the 30 Days 30 Vols series airing on WSMV’s 6:30 and 10 p.m. newscasts—he will head to Atlanta later this week to open Tennessee’s season against Syracuse. WVLT 8
- ➤ Tennessee athletic director Danny White extended head coach Rick Barnes’ contract for life—praising his 836 victories and his role in leading the team to back-to-back Elite 8 trips in 2024 and 2025. Barnes has kept the Vols in the AP Top 25 for 80 consecutive weeks and will continue leading the team on Rocky Top. 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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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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Amped Up Tie Dye Party
2-5 p.m. — Hi-Wire Brewing - Knoxville — $25 ticket includes a graphic tee and tie dye supplies — Celebrate Mango Lazerade with creative fun and discounted drinks.
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Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Knoxville Smokies
7-9 p.m. — Covenant Health Park — Admission varies — Catch the exciting minor league baseball showdown between the Trash Pandas and the Smokies.
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Tennessee Lady Vols Volleyball vs. Wofford Terriers
6:30-8 p.m. — Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center — Tickets from $2.25 — Experience thrilling collegiate volleyball as the Lady Vols take on the Terriers.
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Blake Whiten Live
7-9:30 p.m. — Open Chord Stage — Tickets from $50 — Experience an unforgettable musical performance by Blake Whiten.
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ETSU Buccaneers vs. Tennessee Vols Football
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Neyland Stadium — Ticketed event — Experience college football rivalry as the ETSU Buccaneers take on the Tennessee Vols.
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Knoxville Smokies vs. Rocket City Trash Pandas
2-4 p.m. — Covenant Health Park — Cost information not provided — Catch an exciting minor league baseball matchup in Knoxville's Covenant Health Park.
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Hope Will Rise
Street Hope TN works to eliminate the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children in Tennessee and provide safe environments to foster hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Join supporters and community leaders for a powerful night of advocacy and awareness as Street Hope celebrates 10 years of hope, healing and lives changed.
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Briscoe Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria — Free entry — Enjoy an evening with Austin's own Briscoe as they bring their original music to Knoxville.
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James McMurtry Live in Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bijou Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the storytelling of a Lone Star sheriff and a mechanic through music.
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