Daily
Knoxville
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Knoxville.
Good morning, Knoxville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley announced that Natalie Stair has been named its permanent CEO during the ongoing renovation of its historic downtown building—she led the Keys of Hope Capital Campaign and secured a $1.5 million state grant as interim CEO. Knoxville News Sentinel
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Sugar Queen will soon serve doughnuts and coffee at its Chapman Highway spot, building on its past as a food truck and ice cream vendor in South Knoxville — the new offerings are expected to attract local customers. Knoxville News Sentinel
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Despite the federal government shutdown, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is now open for Tennessee students—local schools and community groups will host FAFSA completion events, and the U.S. Department of Education will process applications as usual. Families should have tax returns and W–2 forms ready when starting the application. 6 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon expressed disappointment after city council shelved Tuesday evening's proposal to sell almost 13 acres of Chilhowee Park to Emerald Youth Foundation, which planned to develop the park into a community complex with sports fields and shared spaces. She said her administration will continue investing in East Knoxville projects—such as the Burlington Fire Station and streetscapes—to improve youth safety despite concerns over a lack of taxpayer input. WVLT 8
- ➤ A federal shutdown plan means parks like the Great Smoky Mountains will keep accessible areas open while Cades Cove is closed to all traffic. Sevier County is working with state and local partners (including Blount County and Cherokee Nation) to secure money if federal funding lapses. WVLT 8
- ➤ Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee said it will keep helping families if federally funded programs like SNAP and WIC are affected by the government shutdown, warning that prolonged cuts could worsen food insecurity — urging Washington to act quickly. 6 News
- ➤ The government shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and left many organizations in East Tennessee uncertain—TVA stated it will not be impacted because its funding comes mostly from electricity sales. The University of Tennessee said it will continue operations while the Department of Energy did not clearly address Oak Ridge National Laboratory's situation. 6 News
- ➤ The U.S. Postal Service will continue delivering mail in Tennessee today even though many government services are halted because it earns money from product sales. Local post offices remain open and customers should check their hours—this means mail service is not affected by the shutdown. Knoxville News Sentinel
- ➤ McGhee Tyson Airport avoided disruptions on Oct 1 amid the government shutdown but warns that long lines are expected today and over the weekend as fall break brings heavy travel from students and families—passengers should arrive two hours early. Knoxville News Sentinel
- ➤ Local and state governments are finalizing details to fully reopen Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the federal shutdown has closed key visitor areas. Officials from Sevier County and other partners will announce more details soon—supporting plans to restore full access and boost tourism. 6 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mwelu, a 34-year-old chimp at Zoo Knoxville, had groundbreaking spinal surgery to remove a tumor on September 19—veterinary and human neurologists at the University of Tennessee worked together to give him his best chance at recovery. He is now healing well with close care from his keepers. Knoxville News Sentinel
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Inspire Soccer League, a professional league for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host several games at Covenant Health Park on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 with teams from Knoxville, Spokane, Houston, and Colorado Springs—coach Daniel Alexander said the schedule will help players build skills. WVLT 8
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Give yourself the gift of travel for just $1. Try Dollar Flight Club today and unlock deals up to 90% off—like Paris from $285 or Hawaii from $160. Hurry, this $1 offer ends in 24 hours. Dollar Flight Club
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Knoxville.
-
Brickonomicon 2025
Oct 3-5 — Hilton Knoxville Airport — Registration required — Celebrate Lego building and pop culture fandoms with fellow enthusiasts.
-
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.
-
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark Concert
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Bijou Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening filled with music from acclaimed songwriters Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark.
-
Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton Concert
7-9 p.m. — Bijou Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a groundbreaking collaboration in blues music with Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton's Death Wish Blues.
-
An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx
3:30-9:30 p.m. — Tennessee Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an intimate evening filled with acoustic performances from two iconic singer-songwriters.
-
Dexter and The Moonrocks Live Performance
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Mill & Mine — Cost info not specified — Experience the unique Southern Alternative and red-dirt country fusion by Dexter and The Moonrocks.
-
The Head And The Heart: Aperture Tour
7-10 p.m. — Tennessee Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the acclaimed Seattle band live after a whirlwind year of sold-out shows.
-
Alexandra Kay Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Mill & Mine — $51+ — Experience an unforgettable night of live music in Knoxville with Alexandra Kay.
-
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Satchmo Swings with Byron Stripling
8-9:30 p.m. — Bijou Theatre — Buy Tickets — Experience a heartfelt tribute to Louis Armstrong with electrifying performances from Byron Stripling and the KJO big band.
-
Eddie 9V & Paul McDonald Concert
7-9 p.m. — Bijou Theatre — Check venue for pricing — Experience the soulful sounds of Eddie 9V and Paul McDonald as they showcase fresh tracks from 'Saratoga'.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Make your holiday travel happen with $1 today
Give yourself the gift of travel this holiday season—for just $1. Try Dollar Flight Club for just $1 today and unlock flight deals that save you up to 90% on trips for you, your friends, and your family. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy holiday getaway or a big adventure abroad, they'll send deals tailored to your home airports straight to your inbox. Think roundtrip to Paris from $285, Hawaii from $160, Tokyo from $455, and more. But hurry— this $1 offer ends in 24 hours. Start traveling smarter today.
Try for $1.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Knoxville.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
~ James Clear
About Daily Knoxville
Welcome to the Daily Knoxville, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Knoxville, Tennessee community. If you like the Daily Knoxville, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Knoxville.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Knoxville and across Tennessee. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Knoxville
A free Knoxville community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyknoxville.com/sitemap