Friday, September 19th, 2025

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Good morning, Knoxville. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jackie’s Dream, a favorite soul food spot, will move from its Woodland Avenue location to Covenant Health Park in early 2026. Owner Jackie Griffin said the new 2,000 square-foot space—designed with a retro look in red and blue—will offer an expanded menu including alcohol while keeping its homey feel. WVLT 8
- ➤ New Hope Children's Advocacy Center received a donation that will boost its ability to help more than 400 children facing abuse this year—expanding its reach and services for local families. 10 News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Food City reopened its remodeled store on Hardin Valley Road today with over 9,700 square feet of new retail space—this expansion adds a Starbucks café, larger departments for meat, produce, groceries, and an upgraded food service area with fresh options. WVLT 8
- ➤ Jackie’s Dream, a popular soul food restaurant in Knoxville, will move from its North Knoxville location to a new 2,000-square-foot space (498 E. Jackson Avenue) at Covenant Health Park early in 2026 and will add alcoholic drinks while keeping its classic menu of comfort food and Sunday dinners. 6 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ East Tennessee celebrates Dolly Parton’s legacy with murals, a statue outside the courtroom, and Dollywood attractions that show her journey from a small-town singer to a global icon. Local artists and her family work together—keeping her inspiring story alive in the region. 10 News
- ➤ Former WBIR anchor Nicole Henrich wrote the rom-com The Wrong Paris that is now the world’s most streamed movie on Netflix. The film stars Miranda Cosgrave as a Texas girl who mistakenly thinks she is in Paris, France when she is actually in Paris, Texas—ranking first in 67 countries and second in the U.S. 10 News
- ➤ Dollywood announced its new hybrid coaster and whitewater rapids ride, NightFlight Expedition, which will cost $50 million and open in spring 2026 at Wildwood Grove—designed to combine four experiences through the Smoky Mountains. Dolly Parton, who recorded a video saying she is fine despite being under the weather, noted that season pass holders can purchase 2026 passes on Sept. 17—giving them early access to try the ride before it opens to the public. 10 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Apex Leadership Initiative will host its first graduation for 18 future local leaders on September 25 at the Change Center. The graduates, aged 21 to 40, have learned skills to join the workforce and help shape Knoxville’s future. WVLT 8
- ➤ Grant Williams donated $1.5 million to the University of Tennessee, with $750,000 for the Men’s Basketball Excellence Fund, $250,000 for the My All Unrestricted Fund for softball, and $500,000 to the Grant Williams Scholarship Endowment in the Haslam College of Business—this gift was announced Thursday. WVLT 8
- ➤ TCAT Knoxville and Roane State Community College held a ribbon cutting for the Countdown to Grand Opening of the Knox Regional Health Science Education Center, which will open in January. The facility features a Simulation Center — complete with EMS, ER and multipurpose training rooms — to train future healthcare workers in East Tennessee. WVLT 8
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Zoo Knoxville welcomed 10 new flat-tailed tortoise hatchlings yesterday—doubling its seasonal record and advancing the zoo’s conservation efforts for the critically endangered species. 6 News
- ➤ The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that harms fruit trees and grapevines, was found in Knox County after a citizen reported it. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture advised locals to stomp the insect and destroy its egg masses to protect local crops — residents are urged to act quickly. WVLT 8
- ➤ The Tennessee Department of Agriculture confirmed that a spotted lanternfly was found in Knox County after a citizen reported the insect on a tree of heaven — marking the first detection in the area. Officials urged residents to check vehicles and outdoor equipment for egg masses to help stop the pest from spreading. 6 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ TVA showcased its River Forecast Center on Thursday to show how it uses improved communication after Helene to monitor water levels and prevent flooding. TVA said it planned to lower lake levels after Labor Day — a move that might upset some boaters — and that its dam management averted $406 million in damages during Hurricane Helene. WVLT 8
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The nine-story Beauford Delaney Building near Covenant Health Park is set to complete by December and will open later this year with 47 condo units priced from $750,000 to $2.5 million. Early buyers include Smokies owner Randy Boyd and a top executive — residents will soon enjoy communal kitchens, fitness rooms and terraces while the neighborhood grows around the stadium. Knoxville News Sentinel
TRAVEL NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Knoxville.
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The Hails Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Open Chord Stage — Special guest TBA — Experience the vibrant sounds of The Hails, a rising band with a Miami-infused sound.
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Sense and Sensibility
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Clarence Brown Theatre — Cost info unavailable — Experience a modern take on Jane Austen's classic as the Dashwood sisters navigate love and loss in late 18th century England.
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St. Paul & The Broken Bones Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Tennessee Theatre — Cost info unavailable — Explore the complexities of blood relations through the soulful tunes of St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
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Parker McCollum Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of live music with country artist Parker McCollum.
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The Snozzberries at LunaVerse
7:30-11:30 p.m. — LunaVerse Knoxville — Ticket prices vary — Experience a powerhouse, genre-bending sonic journey infused with hi-energy psychedelia and deep-fried funk.
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Molly Tuttle Live in Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Tennessee Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the Grammy-winning artistry of Molly Tuttle with her band Golden Highway.
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Maddox Batson - I Need A Truck Tour
7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Mill & Mine — VIP packages start at $300 + Fees — Enjoy an exciting concert experience with a post-show meet and greet opportunity.
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Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party
10:30 a.m. — Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Disney as Mickey and friends embark on an adventurous search party on ice.
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Brickonomicon 2025
Oct 3-5 — Hilton Knoxville Airport — Registration required — Celebrate Lego building and pop culture fandoms with fellow enthusiasts.
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Jackyl Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint — Check website for ticket prices — Rock out with Jackyl, blending hard rock, heavy metal, and Southern rock vibes.
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