Lady Vols In The WNBA Update
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Lady Vols In The WNBA Update

Posted on June 24, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The 2025 WNBA season is a quarter of the way through, and currently there are four Lady Vols on active rosters and another sitting out the year due to injury.
 
Forward Rickea Jackson (at UT 2022-24) leads the professional group of LVFLs, bouncing back from an early-season setback to play a significant role with the Los Angeles Sparks. Center Mercedes Russell (2013-18) is Jackson’s teammate during her first season in L.A., while forward Isabelle Harrison (2011-15) is a first-year member of the New York Liberty.
 
Guard/forward Rae Burrell (2018-22), a teammate with Jackson and Russell on the Sparks, is recovering from an injury and expected back this season, while guard Jordan Horston (2019-23) of the Seattle Storm is missing the entire 2025 campaign due to an injury but is expected back for 2026. 

Rickea Jackson

6’2 | F | Los Angeles Sparks | 2nd Season

  • Averaging 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game over 29.6 minutes per contest.
  • Has started eight of nine games after missing time early in the season due to injury.
  • Is LA’s fourth-leading scorer and one of five players averaging double figures.
  • Has scored 10 points or more on five occasions.
  • Fired in a career-high 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting at Las Vegas on June 11, including 4-of-8 marksmanship beyond the arc.
  • Scored in doubles figures over three straight games from June 11-17.
  • Has hit 90 percent of her free throws thus far.

Next Game: June 24 at Chicago (8 p.m. ET / WNBA League Pass) 

Isabelle Harrison

6’3 | F | New York Liberty | 8th Season

  • Averaging 2.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 7.9 minutes per contest as a reserve.
  • Has appeared in 12 of 13 games in her first season with the defending champion Liberty.
  • Contributed to New York crafting an Eastern Conference-leading 10-3 record.
  • Has scored points in seven games and pulled down boards in 10 contests.
  • Carded season bests of nine points, six rebounds, three steals and 17 minutes vs. Connecticut on June 1.
  • Chipped in seven points, five rebounds and two steals at Washington on June 5.

Next Game: June 25 at Golden State (10 p.m. ET / WNBA League Pass) 

Mercedes Russell

6’6 | C | Los Angeles Sparks | 8th Season

  • Has appeared in 14 games in reserve during her first season with the Sparks.
  • Averaging 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds while seeing 8.4 minutes of duty per game.
  • Contributed points in eight contests and snagged at least one rebound in 11 games.
  • Best scoring efforts came in three consecutive games when she tossed in four points vs. Las Vegas, Phoenix and Dallas from May 30 to June 6.
  • Pulled down a season-most three rebounds in that June 6 contest vs. Dallas.
  • Blocked a 2025-best two shots vs. Phoenix on June 1.

Next Game: June 24 at Chicago (8 p.m. ET / WNBA League Pass) 

Rae Burrell

6’2 | G-F | Los Angeles Sparks | 4th Season

  • Has played in one game this season, logging a minute vs. Golden State before suffering a right leg injury.
  • The team announced on May 17 she would miss six to eight weeks with the injury.
  • Burrell is in her fourth season with Los Angeles and has averaged 4.7 points per outing in 70 WNBA games played over that span.
  • She is coming off a 2024 campaign that saw her average career bests of 5.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 15.6 minutes per contest.

Next Game: June 24 at Chicago (8 p.m. ET / WNBA League Pass) 

Jordan Horston

6’2 | F | Seattle Storm | 3rd Season

  • Is out for the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL while playing in the Athletes Unlimited league.
  • She was placed on the suspended list, which enables Seattle to retain rights to Horston, but she doesn’t count against the team’s roster limit and salary cap.
  • Horston averaged 6.9 ppg. and 4.7 rpg. while starting 31 of 75 games over her first two professional seasons.
  • She was a member of the WNBA’s All-Rookie Team in 2023.
Knoxville Man Charged with Felony after Dog Overheats on Patio, Dies, Report Says

Knoxville Man Charged with Felony after Dog Overheats on Patio, Dies, Report Says

Posted on June 23, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man is facing an aggravated animal cruelty charge after leaving a dog on his apartment patio in 95-degree heat.

According to charging documents, officers responded around 7:00 p.m. Sunday to the Kingston Pointe apartment complex on Bearden Hill where they were told a dog that had been outside was seen swaying in the heat before collapsing. The dog was later pronounced dead.

The dog’s owner, Angel Gonzales-Valencia, reportedly put the dog on the patio around 1:00 p.m. because it had gotten sick. The police report also said Gonzales-Valencia’s wife, Monica Mendoza, had checked on the dog around 2:00 p.m.

Gonzales-Valencia was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals. The dog, a two-year-old pit bull mix, was taken to Young-Williams Animal Center.

Angel Gonzales-Valencia (Courtesy: JIMS)
Dolly Parton to Perform in Las Vegas for First Time in More Than 30 Years

Dolly Parton to Perform in Las Vegas for First Time in More Than 30 Years

Posted on June 23, 2025

Las Vegas, NV (WOKI / WVLT) Dolly Parton is headed back to Las Vegas for the first time in more than 30 years!

The queen of country music will be performing six times at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace for Dolly: Live in Las Vegas. The shows are slated for December 4 through December 13, but tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m.

“To say I’m excited would be an understatement,” Dolly said. “I haven’t worked Vegas in years and I’ve always loved singing there. I’m looking so forward to the shows in The Colosseum at Caesars and I hope you are as well. See you there!”

Interested in catching Dolly in Vegas? Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Dolly Parton to perform in Las Vegas for first time in more than 30 years. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Loudon County Man Missing for Months Found Dead in Abandoned Camper, Sheriff’s Office Says

Loudon County Man Missing for Months Found Dead in Abandoned Camper, Sheriff’s Office Says

Posted on June 23, 2025

Loudon County, TN (WOKI) Authorities in Loudon County Monday announcing they have found the body of a man missing since mid-March.

Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office say deputies found 51-year-old Guy Ro DeMasellis deceased in an abandoned camper where he had been staying.

According to LCSO, after a thorough investigation, no signs of foul play were discovered.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. DeMasellis’ loved ones during this difficult time,” a post from the department said. “We would also like to sincerely thank our community for the information and tips provided throughout this investigation. Your assistance was invaluable in helping our detectives bring closure to this case.”

The announcement came Monday morning, when a representative with the office said deputies found him in the camper, where he had been staying. (Courtesy: LCSO)
Knoxville Police Asking for Help Finding Man Accused of Assaulting Officers

Knoxville Police Asking for Help Finding Man Accused of Assaulting Officers

Posted on June 23, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knoxville police are asking for help finding a man wanted for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and evading arrest after fleeing a traffic stop Saturday afternoon.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers stopped a car on Catalpa Avenue because the driver, 23-year-old Amauri Adams of Knoxville, was not wearing a seat belt.

KPD reports Adams appeared to place something underneath the driver’s seat and that when they approached the car, officers saw a large black duffel bag with what they suspected to be pre-packaged marijuana sticking out.

Officers tried to remove Adams from the car, but he put it in gear and fled, pushing two officers out of the vehicle.

The officers were not injured, and the car was later found.

Anyone with information is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at (865) 215-7165.

Amauri Adams, 23 (Courtesy: Knoxville Police Department)
Claiborne Animal Shelter is Temporarily Closed
Claiborne Animal Shelter

Claiborne Animal Shelter is Temporarily Closed

Posted on June 23, 2025

The Claiborne Animal Shelter is going to be closed to the public until further notice to address “a situation.”

The shelter says they are taking the necessary steps to find the best path forward for animals and the community.

The closure includes all general visits, adoptions, and intakes of cats, kittens, and puppies.

Dog intakes are still being accepted but only by appointment.

Information regarding Saturday’s announcement is limited, it comes just days after it announced a pause in dog intakes due to a parvovirus outbreak.

The shelter reiterated that it is not closing for good, only until the situation is addressed and resolved.

Knoxville Fire Department Responds to Two Apartment Fires this Weekend, One Leaves 14 People Displaced
KFD

Knoxville Fire Department Responds to Two Apartment Fires this Weekend, One Leaves 14 People Displaced

Posted on June 23, 2025

Sunday evening, at 6:26 PM, KFD responded to a reported kitchen fire at Sutters Mill Apartments, located at 808 Sutters Mill Lane in West Knoxville.

On arrival, KFD located a fire on a stovetop that had extended into a portion of an apartment’s kitchen.

Crews from KFD ladder 18 were able to rapidly extinguish the fire and keep flames from extending to other portions of the apartment.

The apartment is uninhabitable and has suffered fire, smoke, and water damage. Other units in the same building have suffered mild smoke damage but are uninhabitable.

The fire apartment was occupied by one adult male and one adult female at the time of the fire. The adult male was frying food when he briefly stepped away from the stove and returned to find the stove and cabinets on fire. The adult male immediately called 911 to report the fire.

No injuries reported.

Knoxville Fire investigators are on the scene.

The American Red Cross is assisting the occupant this evening.

Kitchen Fires are the number one cause of fire in Knoxville and nationally. “ It is always good practice to stay close to what you are cooking and remain diligent. This is the very best way to avoid kitchen and cooking fires.”  says  Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks.

Sutters Mill Apt kitchen fire

The Knoxville Fire Department also responses to another weekend fire:

This afternoon, at 3:54 PM, the Knox County 911 Center received a call about a building on fire in the area of Keith Ave and Weston Ave.

On the arrival of KFD units at 2109 Keith Ave, heavy fire and smoke were observed coming from the rear section of the second floor of the two-story apartment building.

KFD units quickly attacked the fire and knocked the bulk of it down within 10 minutes of arriving on the scene.

The fire was contained to one unit and a portion of the outside deck of the upper floor. The fire apartment has suffered moderate fire damage. The other units in the building have suffered mild smoke damage. Due to the fire, KUB had to cut power to the building, which required the 4-unit building to be evacuated.

Fourteen people have been displaced.

No injuries reported.

The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants.

Knoxville Fire Department investigators are on scene working to determine a cause.

Keith Avenue fire
An Update on the Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy in Critically Injured While Responding to a Call in Powell
KCSO

An Update on the Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy in Critically Injured While Responding to a Call in Powell

Posted on June 23, 2025

UPDATE 5- June 24, 2025 | 5:45 pm

Deputy Swanger continues to improve, making minor yet significant improvements. This healing journey will take time, patience, and continued fervent prayer. Remember his family, blood and blue, and his girlfriend, who is incredibly strong for him. We can’t thank the community, our sister agencies, and all our first responder friends for your care, concern, and prayers. Dinner was provided this evening for Echo Shift and Deputy Swanger’s family by the Firehouse Subs Cedar Bluff location. Additionally, want to extend our gratitude to the OP: Live Crew, Hosts, and OP Nation fans. Y’all have been exceptional!

UPDATE 4- June 23, 2025 | 6:00 pm

Deputy Swanger remains in the Trauma Intensive Care and has moved all of his limbs this morning. This is an improvement. We are grateful for his progress and understand that with a head injury like the one he sustained, it will take time. Thank you for your continued prayers, positive thoughts, and encouragement. They mean so much to his family, friends, and blue family.

There is ONE approved GoFundMe established by Blue Line Tennessee Inc., and another fundraiser by Knoxville Tactical. If you suspect fraudulent fundraising efforts or would like to verify the validity of an organization or person raising money on Deputy Swanger’s behalf, please get in touch with Kimberly Glenn, Communications Director for KCSO, at [email protected] or Captain Aaron Yarnell at [email protected]

Back The Blue has coordinated a prayer vigil for tonight at 8pm. 💙🙏🏼 We will update with additional information on Deputy Swanger’s progress as we can.

UPDATE 3- June 22, 2025 | 10:55 pm

The condition of Deputy Swanger remains relatively the same. He continues to be in the Trauma ICU at this hour. With injuries of this nature, the recovery process requires time and patience. We at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support from our community and neighboring areas and the countless prayers and well wishes for Deputy Swanger that have poured in from every corner of the country.

Please know that we will continue to share updates as we can. In the meantime, we encourage you to thank the officers and deputies you may know for their unwavering service, courage, and selfless sacrifice. This profession demands individuals of remarkable character—those willing to put the safety and well-being of others above their own. Deputy Swanger embodies such qualities, executing his duties with utmost professionalism and a faithful servant’s heart.

Thank you to the medical and support staff at UT Medical Center for your dedicated care of Dalton during this challenging time. Your expertise and compassion are greatly valued.

UPDATE 2- June 22, 2025 | 12:15 pm

The suspect, Christpher Michael Hensley, 44, of Powell, has been charged with the following –

-Attempted second-degree Murder

-Aggravated Assault on First Responder -Domestic Assault

-Possession of a firearm with intent to go armed

-Manufacturing/delivering/selling/possession of a controlled substance

UPDATE- June 22, 2025 | 6:20 am

The suspect is in custody at this time. The Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. The suspect’s identity and list of charges will be forthcoming.

Deputy Swanger remains in the Intensive Care Unit. We appreciate your prayers and are grateful for the support from our community. We will continue to update as more information becomes available.

June 22, 2025

-Knox County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Incident Involving Injured Deputy-

Knoxville, TN — The Knox County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating an incident that occurred in the 7800 block of Stanley Road, where a complainant called 911 to report someone shooting just before 10:15 pm on June 21, 2025. When deputies arrived, there was an incident with the suspect, which resulted in injuries to Deputy Dalton Swanger.

During the incident, the suspect struck Deputy Swanger with a large rock or brick. Deputy Swanger was transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) for immediate medical attention. Upon arrival at the hospital, Deputy Swanger was confirmed to be in a critical condition.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for the suspect involved in this incident. Efforts are underway to gather further details about the circumstances leading up to the injury, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Sheriff Tom Spangler stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Swanger and his family during this challenging time. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter and are utilizing all available resources to apprehend the individual responsible. I am at the hospital with Deputy Swanger and asking our community to do what they do best, pray!

Vols Lead NCAA with Three Baseball America First Team All-Americans
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Lead NCAA with Three Baseball America First Team All-Americans

Posted on June 22, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee was the only program in the nation to have three players named first-team All-Americans by Baseball America as starting pitcher Liam Doyle, first baseman Andrew Fischer  and second baseman Gavin Kilen all earned recognition from the publication on Friday.

With Friday’s announcement, Doyle and Fischer have now both been named first team All-Americans by four different outlets (ABCA, Baseball America, NCBWA, Perfect Game).

Doyle finished his junior campaign with a 10-4 record and 3.20 ERA in 19 appearances (17 starts) and ranks second in the nation with a Tennessee program record 164 strikeouts. His 15.64 strikeouts per nine innings lead the NCAA.

One of the top prospects for the upcoming MLB Draft, Doyle was just the third Vol to ever garner SEC Pitcher of the Year honors and is also the third player in program history to be named a finalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, joining UT legends Todd Helton (1995) and Chris Burke (2001). His impressive list of accolades also includes being named the Perfect Game Pitcher of the Year and the NCBWA District 3 Pitcher of the Year.

Fischer put together one of the most complete offensive seasons in program history, leading the Vols in OPS (1.257), runs (70), home runs (25), RBIs (65), total bases (165), slugging percentage (.760), on-base percentage (.497) and walks (63). His 63 walks tied Chase Headley’s program record from 2005 while his 25 long balls led the SEC and are the second most in a single season in UT history.

The Manasquan, New Jersey, native, was the only player in the country to reach base in every game this season, getting on in all 65 contests for the Big Orange. Fischer’s marks in homers, walks, slugging percentage and total bases all rank in the top 20 nationally.

Kilen, another top 2025 draft prospect, made the most of his lone season on Rocky Top, leading the team with a .357 batting average and four triples.  Kilen also ranked second on the team in OPS (1.112), homers (15), total bases (141) and slugging percentage (.671) despite missing 12 games in the middle of the season with a hamstring injury.

This marks the third All-America nod for the junior from Milton, Wisconsin, who was also a first-team All-SEC selection this season after racking up 32 extra-base hits and a career-high 46 RBIs.

The full Baseball America All-America teams can be found HERE while Tennessee’s complete list of postseason honors can be seen below.
 

Tennessee Baseball 2025 Postseason Honors

Levi Clark – Fr. – DH
Perfect Game Freshman All-American – 1st Team

Dean Curley – So. – INF
Knoxville Regional All-Tournament Team (2B)

Liam Doyle – Jr. – LHP
Perfect Game Pitcher of the Year
NCBWA District 3 Pitcher of the Year
Golden Spikes Award Finalist
Dick Howser Trophy Finalist
ABCA All-American – 1st Team (SP)
Baseball America All-American – 1st Team (SP)
NCBWA All-American – 1st Team (SP)
Perfect Game All-American – 1st Team (SP)
ABCA Southeast All-Region – 1st Team (SP)
SEC Pitcher of the Year
All-SEC – 1st Team (SP)
Knoxville Regional Most Outstanding Player
Knoxville Regional All-Tournament Team (SP)

Hunter Ensley – R-Sr. – OF
ABCA All-American – 2nd Team (OF)
ABCA Southeast All-Region – 1st Team (OF)
All-SEC – 2nd Team (OF)
SEC All-Defensive Team (OF)
SEC All-Tournament Team (OF)

Andrew Fischer – Jr. – 1B
ABCA All-American – 1st Team (1B)
Baseball America All-American – 1st Team (1B)
NCBWA All-American – 1st Team (1B)
Perfect Game All-American – 1st Team (1B)
ABCA Southeast All-Region – 1st Team (1B)
All-SEC – 1st Team (1B)
Knoxville Regional All-Tournament Team (1B)

Gavin Kilen – Jr. – 2B/SS
Baseball America All-American – 1st Team (2B)
Perfect Game All-American – 1st Team (2B)
NCBWA All-American – 3rd Team (2B)
ABCA Southeast All-Region – 2nd Team (SS)
All-SEC – 1st Team (2B)

Manny Marin – Fr. – 3B
Knoxville Regional All-Tournament Team (3B)

Cannon Peebles – Jr. – C
SEC All-Tournament Team (C)  

Iran’s Nuclear Enrichment Facilities ‘totally obliterated,’ Trump Tells Nation
Fox News

Iran’s Nuclear Enrichment Facilities ‘totally obliterated,’ Trump Tells Nation

Posted on June 21, 2025

Fast Facts

  • The U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites Saturday, President Donald Trump announced on social media.
  • Five to six bunker buster bombs struck the Fordow nuclear site, Trump told Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
  • Thirty Tomahawk missiles were fired against Natanz and Isfahan from U.S. submarines, Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin reports.
  • Trump said Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities were “totally obliterated” during a brief address the American people from the White House Saturday.

Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities ‘totally obliterated,’ Trump tells nation

Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities 'totally obliterated,' Trump tells nation

US Vice President JD Vance, from left, US President Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, and Pete Hegseth, US secretary of defense, during an address to the nation in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Trump said the US military struck three sites in Iran on Saturday, marking the first American involvement in direct attacks against Iranian nuclear assets in its conflict with Israel. Photographer: Carlos Barria/Reuters/Bloomberg via Getty Images

President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Saturday night after announcing strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites via Truth Social.

Speaking from the White House accompanied by Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the President said, “Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”

He also reached out to Israeli leadership, saying, “I want to thank and congratulate Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team. Like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we’ve gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel.”

“This cannot continue,” Trump added. “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal. But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”

Tonight’s speech marks the president’s first formal remarks to the American people since ordering the strikes, and it comes amid mounting questions about what comes next both for the United States and the wider Middle East.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is expected to host a press briefing tomorrow at 8:00 AM ET.

“God bless the Middle East. God bless Israel, and God bless America,” Trump concluded.

Posted by Jasmine Baehr – Story and photo courtesy of our news partner Fox News – http://foxnews.com

Link to watch President Trump’s address to Nation following strikes: https://youtu.be/qOOT7CAGzUs?si=fNzoSHBX1Ya2ZFhK

Netanyahu congratulates Trump, says US strikes in Iran ‘will change history’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Donald Trump in a formal statement following the U.S. strikes in Iran. He said that the U.S. “acted with a lot of strength” in its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

“Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said. “In Operation Rising Lion, Israel has done truly amazing things, but in tonight’s action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, America has been truly unsurpassed. It has done what no other country on earth could do. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

The statement comes after reports that the two leaders spoke following the U.S. strikes.

Posted by Rachel Wolf (Story courtesy of Fox News)

White House gave ‘heads up’ to Congress before launching strikes on Iran: official

The White House gave Congressional leadership a “heads up” before President Donald Trump decided to launch strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, an official told Fox News Saturday night.

The president said Saturday night that the U.S. had completed a “very successful” strike against sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Trump said Iran must now “agree to end this war.”

Posted by Brie Stimson (Story courtesy of Fox News)

House Speaker Mike Johnson was briefed ahead of the U.S. strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital. 

Johnson wrote in a post on X following the strikes that they show Trump’s “America First policy in action.”  

“The military operations in Iran should serve as a clear reminder to our adversaries and allies that President Trump means what he says,” Johnson wrote. “The President gave Iran’s leader every opportunity to make a deal, but Iran refused to commit to a nuclear disarmament agreement.” 

Johnson said that Trump’s “decisive action” is stopping “the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism” from “obtaining the most lethal weapon on the planet.”

One Representative condemns President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran sites: Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. has condemned President Donald Trump for striking Iran’s nuclear sites and says the action is an impeachable offense.”

The President’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and Congressional War Powers,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X late Saturday.”

“He has impulsively risked launching a war that may ensnare us for generations. It is absolutely and clearly grounds for impeachment.”

Posted by Michael Dorgan (courtesy of Fox News)

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner