An investigation is underway by Tennessee Highway Patrol in Loudon County after a pedestrian is killed after being hit by a car on I-40 East.
The crash happened yesterday afternoon near the 356 mile marker and temporarily shut down the interstate.
People across the country have a chance to vote for the nation’s best-looking police cruiser in the 2023 America’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest and the Tennessee Highway Patrol would like your vote.
THP’s entry features a trooper, a 2021 Ford Explorer cruiser and a 2022 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Motorcycle center stage on the Grand Ole Opry. The 13 states with the highest vote totals will be featured on the 2024 wall calendar which will be available to purchase later this year.
To cast your ballot, please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/bestlookingcruiser2023 before 8 a.m. July 31st.
The Tennessee basketball program has finalized its non-conference schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season, its ninth under the direction of head coach Rick Barnes.
Fans interested in immersing themselves in the action at Thompson-Boling Arena next season are encouraged to click HERE. Big Orange fans have seen the Vols win 90 percent of their games at home over the last three years (43-5).
Tennessee’s lone public exhibition is set to take place on Halloween, as the Big Orange welcome Lenoir-Rhyne to Thompson-Boling Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
The regular season opens on Monday, Nov. 6, with a home game against Tennessee Tech. The Volunteers then hit the road to face Wisconsin on Friday, Nov. 10. The following week, UT returns to Rocky Top to host Wofford on Tuesday, Nov. 14.
For the fourth time in program history, Tennessee returns to Hawai’i for the Maui Invitational the week of Thanksgiving. While the bracket has not yet been revealed, the loaded eight-team field features the Vols, Chaminade, Gonzaga, Kansas, Marquette, Purdue, Syracuse and UCLA all squaring off Nov. 20-22.
The month of November closes with a trip to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Tennessee faces UNC to highlight the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
The Vols then charge into December with a three-game homestand that includes clashes with George Mason (Tuesday, Dec. 5), Illinois (Saturday, Dec. 9) and Georgia Southern (Tuesday, Dec. 12).
On Saturday, Dec. 16, Tennessee heads to San Antonio, Texas, for a neutral-site Hall of Fame Series showdown against NC State at the AT&T Center, home of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs.
The Vols’ final two games before entering the SEC gauntlet are consecutive home dates against Tarleton State on Thursday, Dec. 21 and Norfolk State on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Tennessee’s 11-day holiday break is its longest since 1977-78.
Southeastern Conference play begins Saturday, Jan. 6.
Tipoff times and television details for the aforementioned games—as well as Tennessee’s SEC schedule—will be announced later this fall.
-UT Athletics
The new year proved positive for Knox County students. From the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 tests, districtwide scores increased in all four categories, English Language Arts, math, science and social studies.
Students received a performance score in four categories: “Below Expectations,” “Approaching Expectations,” “Met Expectations,” and “Exceeded Expectations.”
Across Knox County Schools, less than half of all students scored proficient in the four categories. Math was where KCS students struggled the most, with only 34% of students scoring proficient.
On the other hand, social studies was Knox County students’ best subject. 50% of students scored proficient across all tested grades.
“We are pleased with our progress and applaud our teachers and principals for remaining focused on our district priorities. Their commitment is evident in the gains we are making,” said Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “I also want to thank our great community of parents, nonprofits, and business partners for their continued support of our students and schools. We are just getting started and I am excited about the future for our next generation.”
Anyone interested can view the full report below.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Math
Science
Social Studies
When considering district-wide numbers:
Story courtesy of WVLT
Nashville, TN (WOKI) Tennessee’s First Lady announces her initiative, Tennessee Serves, will work to support back-to-school efforts for a third year in a row.
Throughout July, Lee’s Tennessee Serves initiative will provide new backpacks to school-aged children in the state’s economically disadvantaged areas. Tennessee Serves has partnered with the state’s Family Resource Centers to distribute the backpacks in 11 identified counties:
The backpacks will be distributed by each school district. For more information on distribution, contact the school district’s Family Resource Center.
Knoxville Police are continuing their investigation into the body that was found in the creek in Third Creek Greenway Park on Saturday and need your help to identify him.
Despite exhaustive measures, the man has not been identified so police are asking if you can identify one of his numerous unique tattoos, including some pictured tattoos you can see on our website newstalk987.com, to please contact KPD Violent Crimes Unit at 865-215-7317.
Foul play is not suspected in his death at this time.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The U.S. Marshals and the Knoxville Police Department are searching for a man they warn is a “sexually violent predator.”
Jerry Steven Helton is wanted for federal violation of supervised release and unregistered sex offender.
Helton is 6′1″ and weighs 180 lbs with brown hair and green eyes.
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is warning “DO NOT APPROACH” Helton if you see him or know where he might be. Instead, anyone with information on Helton is urged to contact ETVCS at 865-215-7165 or online.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A two year old child is found walking alone in Knoxville Tuesday afternoon, July 18. Now, Knoxville Police Department officials are asking for your help in finding the child’s guardians.
KPD says the toddler was found walking alone in the 5200 block of Asheville Highway with an unleashed golden doodle. The child is safe and unharmed, but Knoxville police are looking for the child’s guardians.
Anyone with information regarding the child’s caretakers is asked to call 911.
Johnson City, TN (WOKI) A 77-year-old Johnson City woman, the subject of a Silver Alert early Tuesday morning, has been found safe.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation sharing that information on Facebook.
The TBI had issued the Silver Alert for Sheryl Frost on behalf of the Johnson City Police Department very early Tuesday. They noted that Frost has a medical condition that could impair her ability to return home safely without assistance.
The TBI reported Frost safe Tuesday afternoon.
Thousands of Tennessee students will have to pay more for their education this fall.
This comes after The Tennessee Board of Regents approved a 3% tuition increase for all 37 community and technical colleges across the state with just five weeks until classes begin.
If students receive a state or federal scholarship, the increase will not affect them.
Students urged to take advantage of financial aid that they qualify for or scholarships.
