Lady Vols, Bruins Ink Two-Game Hoops Series
Courtesy / UT Athl;etics

Lady Vols, Bruins Ink Two-Game Hoops Series

Posted on July 18, 2025

Tennessee and UCLA, each ranked in the top 10 of preliminary preseason polls, announced on Friday a two-game series in women’s basketball, beginning with the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
 
The Bruins, ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s “Way Too Early” Top 25, will play host to the No. 7 Lady Vols in a contest at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial on Nov. 30. UCLA is slated to travel to Knoxville for a contest at Food City Center during the 2026-27 campaign.
 
The match-up in Westwood this season will open a two-game West Coast swing for the Big Orange, who have a previously-announced visit to Stanford on Dec. 3 as part of the ACC/SEC Women’s Basketball Challenge. This will mark the fifth time Tennessee has faced both teams on the same journey out west and the third-straight occasion the Lady Vols-Bruins match-up has opened such a trip. UT has fashioned a combined 5-3 record in the previous back-to-back battles, including a 4-0 worksheet in Los Angeles.
 
In the all-time series with the Bruins, UT owns an 18-3 record, including 9-0 in L.A., 8-1 in Knoxville and 1-2 at neutral sites. UCLA, however, has won the last two meetings between the programs, defeating the Lady Vols, 89-77, in College Park, Md., on March 23, 2019, in the NCAA First Round and 80-63 on Nov. 20, 2022, at the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas.
 
In Kim Caldwell‘s first season on Rocky Top and as a Power 4 head coach in 2024-25, she guided the Lady Vols to a 24-10 record, NCAA Sweet 16 finish and No. 15 final AP ranking with a fast-paced attack on both ends of the court. Her squad set records for scoring and three-point shooting during the campaign and picked up victories over UConn, Ohio State, Iowa and Florida State along the way.
 
Tennessee returns three of its top four scorers and rebounders from a year ago. That group includes redshirt junior guard and All-SEC Second Team/SEC All-Defensive Team performer Talaysia Cooper (16.6 ppg., 5.6 rpg., 3.2 apg., 3.1 spg.), senior forward Zee Spearman (11.7 ppg., 6.0 rpg.) and senior guard Ruby Whitehorn (11.6 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 1.7 apg.).
 
Caldwell adds a transfer portal class rated No. 1 by ESPN’s Charlie Creme and a high school signing group rated No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation by most analysts. The transfer class includes 6-foot-4 forward and Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year Janiah Barker (7.4 ppg., 6.0 rpg., 1.4 apg.), who played for UCLA last season, 5-7 guard and All-ACC Second Team selection Nya Robertson of SMU (18.5 ppg., 62 3FGs, 111 FTs) and 6-5 forward Jersey Wolfenbarger of LSU (4.6 ppg., 3.4 rpg., 63% FG).
 
The stellar prep class includes McDonald’s All-Americans Mia Pauldo, Deniya Prawl and Jaida Civil, as well as Mia’s twin sister, Mya Pauldo, and Lauren Hurst, all of whom rank among espnW’s top 60 recruits in the class of 2025. Mia Pauldo (No. 9), Prawl (No. 17) and Civil (No. 20) make UT the only school with three players rated among the top 20 in the 2025 class by espnW.
 
UCLA, meanwhile, finished at No. 3 in the final 2024-25 Associated Press poll, compiling a 34-3 overall record and 16-2 mark in the Big Ten. It advanced to its first-ever NCAA Final Four, falling to eventual champ UConn, 85-51, in the semifinals.
 
Head Coach Cori Close’s squad returns five of its top six leading scorers, including 6-foot-7 senior center Lauren Betts (20.2 ppg., 9.5 rpg.), 5-11 senior guard Kiki Rice (12.8 ppg., 5.0 apg.) and 6-0 senior guard Gabriela Jaquez (9.6 ppg., 5.3 rpg.). The Bruins also added the No. 12 prep class to that mix, including 6-4 forward Sienna Betts, the younger sister of Lauren and the nation’s No. 2-ranked recruit, as well as the No. 4-ranked transfer in 6-0 graduate guard Gianna Kneepkens of Utah (19.3 ppg., 5.0 rpg., 3.0 apg.).
 
For the most up-to-date information about the program, follow Lady Vol basketball on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.

Blount County Homeowners Receiving Suspicious Letters About Property Deeds
WVLT

Blount County Homeowners Receiving Suspicious Letters About Property Deeds

Posted on July 18, 2025

KNOXVILLE, TN ( Story courtesy of WVLT) – The Blount County Register of Deeds Office is getting a lot of calls and people walking in to talk about letters homeowners are receiving in the mail.

A group has asked people to send them money so they’re able to get their property deed. The group is charging people $89, which is causing some concern for the register of deeds.

“It’s heart wrenching. It really is,” Phyllis Crisp said.

Crisp is the register of deeds and said people would be able to do it for a lot cheaper if they go through her office.

“It’s a dollar a page, so one to two dollars and you have an original,” Crisp said.

The letters also have Nashville and St. Petersburg, Florida addresses along with the wrong county seal on them.

Crisp said several people are impacted by this but feels they’re targeting the older generation most.

“Senior citizens, they think it’s someone trying to take their property. So we’ve had several of them come in and had several phone calls from them,” Crisp said.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WVLT News it is technically not illegal since the group eventually sends homeowners the deeds.

Crisp is asking homeowners in the county to reach out to them directly if they need their property deed.

“I don’t want them relating that to my office and them think that I’m ripping them off,” Crisp said.

WVLT News reached out to the group sending the letters, Clerk’s Property Office. They told us they only deal with home warranties even though the letters clearly indicate them asking about property deeds and property deed transfers.

Summit Medical Group Negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Stall
Summit Medical Group

Summit Medical Group Negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Stall

Posted on July 18, 2025

Over the course of the past year, Summit Medical Group (Summit) has engaged in good-faith negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST). Despite its best efforts, Summit has been unable to reach a fair and sustainable agreement.

As a result, Summit has sent a formal notice of non-renewal to BCBST. Without an updated contract, Summit providers will be out-of-network for BCBST commercial and Medicare Advantage products starting Jan. 1, 2026.

Summit Medical Group was founded with a clear mission: to provide patient-first care rooted in independent, community-based medicine. Summit’s providers are neighbors embedded in the communities they serve, committed to delivering personalized, relationship-focused care.

“Issuing the notice of non-renewal was a necessary step to protect the future of independent medicine and ensure patients continue to have access to high-quality, personalized care,” Summit Medical Group CEO Ed Curtis said. “We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports our providers and the communities we serve.”

Summit wants to assure patients that nothing changes for now and they can continue to seek care at Summit as usual. While Summit is hopeful an agreement can be reached before the contract expires to avoid any disruption, there is a strong possibility Summit may be out-of-network starting in 2026.

Patients will be kept informed with updates as negotiations continue in the coming months.

About Summit Medical Group:

Summit Medical Group is one of Tennessee’s largest independent health care organizations, with more than 500 providers at 96 locations in 23 counties. Summit also consists of four diagnostic imaging centers, mobile diagnostic services, eight physical therapy centers, four express clinics, central laboratory, and sleep services center. Summit provides healthcare services to more than 435,000 patients, averaging over two million encounters annually. For additional information, visit https://www.summitmedical.com/

KNOXVILLE MAN ARRESTED, COCAINE AND OTHER ILLICIT DRUGS SEIZED FOLLOWING ONGOING MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION
WVLT

KNOXVILLE MAN ARRESTED, COCAINE AND OTHER ILLICIT DRUGS SEIZED FOLLOWING ONGOING MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION

Posted on July 18, 2025

KNOX COUNTY, TN (TBI / WOKI) – A joint ongoing investigation that began earlier this year has resulted in the arrest of a Knoxville man and the seizure of cocaine and other illicit drugs.

In February, special agents with the TBI Drug Investigation Division, the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into the sale and distribution of large amounts of cocaine and other drugs in Blount and Knox Counties. During the course of the investigation, Charles Sherman Hicks was identified as a supplier. On July 16th, a search warrant was executed at Hicks’ residence in the 6400 block of Sevierville Pike in Knoxville. Upon entering the home, authorities located approximately one kilogram of cocaine, approximately sixteen pounds of marijuana, over 160 grams of what are believed to be pressed fentanyl pills, and numerous oxymorphone pills. A handgun, more than $35,000 in cash, several vehicles, and various other assets were also seized.

Charles Sherman Hicks (DOB: 12/2/77) was arrested and charged with Possession of Schedule II Drugs for Resale, Possession of Schedule VI Drugs for Resale, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm During Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Maintaining a Dwelling for Drug Use, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He is currently being held in the Knox County Jail.

The Knoxville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration also provided assistance.

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

Charles Hicks
THP: Woman Falls Asleep While Driving in Jefferson County, Crashes into Bridge

THP: Woman Falls Asleep While Driving in Jefferson County, Crashes into Bridge

Posted on July 17, 2025

Jefferson County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating after a woman is injured after crashing into a bridge Thursday morning on Old Dandridge Pike.

THP’s preliminary report indicates the crash happened around 7:20 and that the driver, a 52-year-old woman, told troopers she fell asleep while driving and crashed into a concrete and metal bridge before coming to a stop in the ditch.

The woman was taken to UT Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

THP says there was no indication of impairment.

Additional information was not released.

Woman injured in crash after falling asleep while driving in Jefferson County, THP says. (Courtesy: THP Fall Branch / WVLT)
BCSO: Maryville Man Arrested after Two Pounds of Marijuana, THC Products Seized in Search

BCSO: Maryville Man Arrested after Two Pounds of Marijuana, THC Products Seized in Search

Posted on July 17, 2025

Maryville, TN (WOKI) A Maryville man is facing several charges following an investigation into alleged drug sales out of a home in Blount County.

Officials with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office say 27-year-old Jamel Daion Mathis was arrested during a search of a home in the 200 block of Seals Crossing Way.

BCSO reports investigators seized more than two pounds of marijuana as well as THC edibles and other THC-related products, a firearm, and over $2,300 in cash.

Mathis is charged with possession of a Schedule VI substance for resale, maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. He is being held at the Blount County Correctional Facility on bonds totaling $15,000, pending a court hearing on July 23.

The investigation into Mathis began after complaints were made to the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force that Mathis was distributing marijuana and THC products to juveniles and others.

“The Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force remains committed to working to keep illicit drugs out of Blount County by thoroughly investigating all narcotic and other illicit drug-related complaints,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

The Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force is made up of deputies and officers from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, the Alcoa Police Department and the Maryville Police Department.

The sheriff’s office says 27-year-old Jamel Mathis was arrested during a search of a home in the 200 block of Seals Crossing Way. (Frankly Media)
Missing Monroe County Man Found in Alabama, Sheriff’s Office Says
WVLT

Missing Monroe County Man Found in Alabama, Sheriff’s Office Says

Posted on July 17, 2025

Monroe County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 7/17: A Monroe County man missing since July 9 is found safe Thursday.

Officials with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announcing that 31-year-old Jared Keller was located safely in Alabama.

The update follows Alabama state troopers finding Keller’s car, a Ford Explorer, Wednesday, July 16 in Birmingham.

Keller had been seen last in the early morning hours of July 9 in Tellico Plains.

UPDATE 7/16: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding a missing man.

31-year-old Jared Keller was last seen at around in the early morning hours of July 9 in Tellico Plains.

His Ford Explorer was found in Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday, July 16.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office detectives are working with Alabama law enforcement agencies to help locate him and bring him home.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact authorities.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help finding a missing man.

31-year-old Jared Keller was last seen at around in the early morning hours of July 9 in Tellico Plains.

He’s 5′11″ tall and 200 pounds with blue eyes and dirty blonde hair and suffers from a medical condition.

He could be in a 2018 Ford Explorer with license plate 027-BKPR.

Anyone with information regarding Keller’s whereabouts is asked to call MCSO at 423-442-4357 or Detective Daniel Martin at 423-442-5002, Ext. 6.

Vols Garner Fourth Straight NABC Team Excellence Award; Five on NABC Honors Court
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Garner Fourth Straight NABC Team Excellence Award; Five on NABC Honors Court

Posted on July 17, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced Thursday its team and individual academic honors for the 2024-25 academic year, with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball program earning plaudits in both areas.
 
The Volunteers received the NABC Team Excellence Award for the fourth consecutive year. They are the only SEC team to claim the distinction each of the last four seasons, with no other program even owning a three-year streak.
 
Six fellow SEC schools made the cut in 2024-25. Tennessee joined Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Ole Miss and Texas on the list. The latter three are the only other SEC schools with even back-to-back recognitions.
 
The team designation is awarded to schools that post a GPA of at least 3.0 during the academic year. Tennessee vastly exceeded that figure with a 3.54 team GPA to set a new program record. That tally included a 3.59 GPA in the spring, the best single-semester GPA in program history.
 
In addition, five Volunteers netted NABC Honors Court recognition, which goes to juniors, seniors and graduate students who record a 3.2 GPA for the academic year.
 
Grant Hurst (recreation and sport management) made the cut for the second consecutive year, with four teammates joining him on the list. Fellow returnee Zakai Zeigler (retail and merchandising management) also garnered the designation, as did three first-year Volunteers.
 
Felix Okpara (retail and merchandising management) collected the honor in his first year of eligibility, while Darlinstone Dubar (strategic and digital communication) and Chaz Lanier (agricultural leadership, education and communications) did so in their graduate programs.
 
The complete list of 2024-25 NABC academic honorees, for both players and teams, can be found HERE.
 
All 14 players on the 2024-25 Tennessee roster were named to either the SEC Winter Academic Honor Roll or the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll, both of which require a GPA of 3.0 or above.
 
To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

LEXINGTON, KY – March 20, 2025 – The Tennessee Volunteers during the first round game of 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Wofford Terriers and the Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
The Tennessee Department of Human Services says Staff at Clinton Daycare Did Not Report Suspected Child Abuse to DCS
Freepik

The Tennessee Department of Human Services says Staff at Clinton Daycare Did Not Report Suspected Child Abuse to DCS

Posted on July 17, 2025

The Tennessee Department of Human Services says staff at a Clinton daycare did not report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department of Children Services.

They found on July 2 that some incidents at Kiddie Korner of Clinton Nursey & Preschool were not reported to DCS, DHS or parents/guardians as is required.

Additionally, the report said documentation of “the incidents” was not completed and placed in the children’s files.

TDHS says the daycare took corrective action on July 6 by reviewing rules regarding reporting incidents involving neglect and abuse to the agency’s staff. It also recommended the daycare document and file all staff disciplinary actions and to add photos of children on the cubbies.

The Clinton Police Department and DCS are investigating an “incident” using force to make a child take a nap, reportedly injuring the child.

Report by Tennessee Department of Human Services:

Kiddie Korner of Clinton Nursery & Preschool

98 Mariner Point Dr(865) 457-5815[email protected]

Visit Details

Start Date/Time06/27/2025 11:05 AMEnd Date/Time06/27/2025 11:57 AM
Visit IDMNV20078776Regulatory IndividualJanelle McKenney
Consumer Website InformationSummary of Delivery of Safety Plan and Complaint Investigation Visit The visit conducted today included monitoring of the agency’s compliance with Licensing Rules and Regulations and Delivery of Safety Plan and Complaint Investigation. If any violations were received, details can be observed in the compliance details section of the visit along with corresponding corrective action plans.
Technical Assistance ProvidedTechnical assistance provided on June 27, 2025: 1. Continue documenting the supervision of all the educators on a safety plan whenever they are around children. 2. LCs reviewed the Rule on pages 58-59 – 1240-04-01-.15 PROGRAM, LANGUAGE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT. (5) Behavior Management and Guidance. (5) Behavior Management and Guidance. c) Potentially shaming, humiliating, frightening, verbally abusive, injurious discipline methods, and/or techniques that isolate the child are prohibited. Based on the footage, a violation was given. 3. LCs reviewed the Rule on page 58 – 1240-04-01-.15 PROGRAM, LANGUAGE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT. (4) Reclining Rest Period (e) No child shall be forced to lie down or nap or be forced to stay on a cot or on a mat for an extended period of time. 1. Children shall be allowed to participate in a quiet activity if not asleep within a reasonable time or if they wake up prior to the end of the rest period. Based on the footage, a violation was given. 4. LC also reviewed the Rule on page 59 based on the video footage (but did not give a violation just TA): (l) Physical Restraint and Seclusion. The following is not considered physical restraint and is considered acceptable: 1. Physical touch associated with prompting, comforting, or assisting that does not prevent the service recipient’s freedom of movement or normal access to his or her body. 2. Physical restraint and seclusion are emergency safety interventions, not therapeutic techniques, and are implemented in a manner designed to protect the child/youth’s safety, dignity, and emotional well-being. 3. The use of physical restraint is allowed only in the case of an emergency when the child/youth is at imminent danger of self-harm or of harming others and no other option exists to protect the safety of the child/youth and staff members. 5. One educator is not reflecting on the staff information tab in the provider portal, but she is cleared in bactrak. The agency has an open change report, but LCs advised that she needs to be added to a change report as soon as possible.

Quality/Compliance Indicators


Not Applicable

Compliance Details

IndicatorRuleCompliance StatusNon-Compliance ObservedCorrective Action TakenDate Correction Needed ByViolation Corrected Date
N/A1240-04-01-.15 Program Language and Literacy DevelopmentCompliantInappropriate discipline was used at naptime, as well as rough handling of a child.The agency corrected the violation with the following actions: A staff member was let go. The child care agency shared a memo on appropriate protocols during naptime. The child care agency printed out child care licensing rules about naptime procedures.07/11/202506/27/2025
N/A1240-04-01-.15 Program Language and Literacy DevelopmentCompliantChildren were forced to lie on their cots at naptime.The agency corrected the violation with the following actions: A staff member was let go. The child care agency shared a memo on appropriate protocols during naptime. The child care agency printed out child care licensing rules about naptime procedures.0

Please click here for state website https://onedhs.tn.gov/csp?id=cp_visit_details_maps&sysId1=cc46d6079796a250325b71971153af31&name1=Kiddie%20Korner%20of%20Clinton%20Nursery%20&address1=98%20Mariner%20Point%20Dr,%20Anderson&phone=(865)%20457-5815&[email protected]&parent=ProviderDetails&provList=%3Fid%3Dcp_provider_search_results&type=null&address=null&age=null&ptype=null&stype=null&src_type=null&name=null&visitsListURL=%3Fid%3Dcp_monitoring_visits&sysid=a42fefe29718aa14cdfffee6f053af68.

Knoxville Ranks #1 Nationally for People with Disabilities, New Trajector Medical Study Shows

Knoxville Ranks #1 Nationally for People with Disabilities, New Trajector Medical Study Shows

Posted on July 17, 2025

2025 rankings highlight the U.S. cities doing the best job of meeting critical needs

Knoxville, Tennessee has been ranked as the best city in the nation for people with disabilities, according to a new comprehensive 2025 analysis conducted by Trajector Medical, a leading provider of medical evidence services. The recognition highlights Knoxville’s commitment to accessibility and affordability alongside the availability of healthcare for residents with disabilities.

Knoxville earned the highest relative score (100) in Trajector Medical’s evaluation of 141 major U.S. cities.

The city’s #1 ranking is attributed, in part, to:

Healthcare Access:

  • Knoxville ranks ninth best for availability of health care. The city has the:
    • Sixth highest number of healthcare providers at Medicare-registered hospitals per 10,000 people with disabilities (988.17).
    • 13th highest number of Medicare-registered hospitals per 100,000 people with disabilities (22.05).

Economic Opportunity:

  • Knoxville residents with disabilities also have the 13th highest median earnings compared to those without disabilities ($4,585 less).

Knoxville’s achievement reflects a citywide commitment to removing barriers, fostering independence for people with disabilities and serve as a model for communities nationwide.

Trajector Medical’s 30 Best Cities For People With Disabilities

Hover over each location to see a city’s overall rank and additional data. City ranking is determined by 14 metrics spanning three key categories: accessibility, affordability, and health care.

Knoxville’s achievement reflects a citywide commitment to removing barriers, fostering independence for people with disabilities and serve as a model for communities nationwide.

Please go to https://www.trajectormedical.com/best-cities-for-people-with-disabilities/ for more information.

Note: To determine which cities are the best for people with disabilities, Trajector Medical examined data for the 150 most populated cities, 141 of which had available data.

Data Sources: The U.S. Census Bureau, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, The Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Zillow.

Why It Matters

Nearly one in seven Americans (13.6%) has a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, access to essential services, affordable housing, and employment opportunities varies widely. Trajector Medical’s study highlights this disparity but also underscores the crucial role of inclusive city planning and technology adoption in bridging this gap and supporting Americans with disabilities.

“Our mission has always been to empower people with disabilities who face barriers,” said Paige Polakow, president of Trajector Medical. “This research is another way we’ve fulfilled our promise for more than a decade to improve the life trajectory of those who are underserved or at risk.”

Methodology

Trajector Medical evaluated 141 U.S. cities using 14 metrics across accessibility, affordability, and health care—analyzing nearly 2,000 data points. Example metrics include the percentage of accessible buildings, affordable housing costs, and Medicare-registered hospitals per 100,000 people with disabilities. Data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Zillow.

About Trajector Medical

Trajector Medical is a leading provider of medical evidence services for people with disabilities and is based in Gainesville, Florida. Founded in 2014, its licensed medical professionals help individuals gather the medical evidence they need to secure the disability benefits they medically, legally, and ethically qualify for.

To access the full rankings and methodology, visit Trajector Medical’s website https://www.trajectormedical.com/best-cities-for-people-with-disabilities/.

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