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'Last year a dog won' | Kid-led 'straightest stick' contest brings smiles to Minnesota village

Siblings Setona and Soren Mahoney hosted their second annual straightest stick competition in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota.

Brewers-Rays will produce a first-time champion, and maybe the first all-indoor World Series

The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays will face off in the first World Series between title-less teams since the Phillies defeated the Kansas City Royals in 1980.

One merger approved, one deadline looming | The future of firefighting in Sevier County

While Northview-Kodak now has a path forward, the Pittman Center Volunteer Fire Department remains in discussions with the county.

Did anyone win Powerball's $607M jackpot? Here are the winning numbers for Oct. 19

A $607 million jackpot was up for grabs in Monday's Powerball drawing. Here are the winning numbers.

Japan launches spacecraft to mysterious moons of Mars in a bold mission to bring home soil samples

Five of the world's space agencies have joined forces for the five-year mission that will attempt to land a robotic prospector plus a rover on Mars' moon Phobos.

Pigeon Forge tourism numbers are up despite less traffic

Tourism revenue in Pigeon Forge rose 2% through August 2026, despite perceptions of lighter traffic. Officials say GPS guidance might have eased crowds.

Man who took Peachy the flamingo from Las Vegas hotel exhibit found guilty of animal cruelty

A jury convicted a Canadian tourist of animal cruelty charges for snatching a flamingo named Peachy at a Las Vegas hotel.

Video shows Arizona mother fighting off home intruder; suspect claims role-play setup

An Arizona woman claimed the man assaulted her and her 1-year-old daughter after entering her home uninvited.

Lay's introduces seasonal Thanksgiving-inspired chips ahead of the holidays

Lay's will soon release five seasonal flavors just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Trump: New Mexico should 'immediately' change its name to New America

President Donald Trump suggested again on Monday that New Mexico should change its name to New America.

Delayed fall foliage could extend tourism season for East Tennessee businesses

Warm weather has delayed fall foliage in East Tennessee, potentially boosting tourism businesses like Sevierville's Scenic Helicopter Tours.

Monroe County animal center euthanizes 21 dogs after September 2025 attack seriously injured 71-year-old woman

Monroe County Friends of Animals euthanized 21 dogs after a legal case linked to a September 2025 attack.

Knoxville native Kelsea Ballerini launches new program in city she grew up in

The 'Musicians On Call' program at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital will bring live, volunteer musicians to patients' bedsides.

Gelato sold at Lidl stores recalled over listeria

Lidl US is recalling one batch of Gelatelli Coffee & Vanilla Gelato with Coffee Sauce & Cookie Pieces because it may be contaminated with listeria.

Early voting turnout rises across East Tennessee

Knox, Sevier and Blount counties are seeing high voter turnout during early voting.

Trial to begin for Morristown man accused of murdering Bean Station men

Jury selection is set to begin Tuesday in Aaron White’s trial in Grainger County. He is accused of killing Jon Atkins and Deven McDaniel and cutting up their bodies.

Vols’ win over Alabama has Knoxville dreaming big

Tennessee's unexpected win over Alabama has energized fans and shifted expectations, but the Volunteers face critical upcoming games.

Ritz Crackers releasing gluten-free version of classic cracker, but only at 2 retailers

Ritz is releasing its first-ever gluten-free cracker, following in the steps of other popular cracker brands like Cheez-It and Goldfish.

Pepsi to close Knoxville bottling plant, affecting over 100 workers

According to a WARN notice, employees were informed of the closure on Oct. 19, and the company is working to place them at nearby facilities.

When do polls close on Election Day? A guide to voting times in all 50 states

A complete guide to poll closing times for every state during the upcoming midterm elections.

Why isn't Election Day a federal holiday?

Election Day falls on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, a tradition that dates back to 1845 for presidential elections.

Records: Man arrested at Alabama vs. Tennessee game after caught drinking while impersonating event security

Blake Bible, 20, of Morristown, is facing theft charges after he was caught drinking a White Claw while wearing an Axis Security uniform.

Richard Riehle, 'Office Space' and 'Casino' star, dies at 78, reports say

Richard Riehle, who starred in more than 400 projects during his decades-long career, has died at age 78.

Georgia adoption journey turns gas station meeting into family 'sisterhood'

A chance conversation at a Georgia gas station led D’Amber Davis to adopt Katelyn Sparks' baby, fostering an unexpected sisterhood.

Trump signs order backed by the first lady aimed at boosting women's health research

President Donald Trump signed an order backed by first lady Melania Trump aimed at boosting women's health research.

KARM Store to open in Chattanooga, set for early 2027

A KARM spokesperson said that more details, such as the store's location and opening date, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Florida brings more charges against former Cuba president Raul Castro

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro is facing more charges in Florida related to the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles.

Knoxville police arrest armed man for aggravated assault

Officers are working to clear the scene.

Covenant Health launches helicopter fleet to boost emergency care in East Tennessee

Two brand-new medical helicopters will be based in Morristown and Rockwood, providing vital services to rural areas with limited access to medical care.

Officer who shot into car and killed 1-year-old boy justified in use of force, Mississippi attorney general says

Mississippi's attorney general said the officer who shot into a car, killing a 1-year-old boy, was justified in the use of force.

Nor'easter brings gusty winds, high surf and coastal flooding to mid-Atlantic states

A strengthening nor'easter will continue to impact to the mid-Atlantic and East Coast through Wednesday. Here's a look at the timeline.

Pepsi announces new flavor for the holiday season

Pepsi revealed a new flavor for the upcoming holiday season.

Attorneys for former KCSO employees work to suppress statements made to the FBI

Four former Knox County Sheriff's Office employees, facing charges of theft, are challenging the use of their FBI statements in court.

Josh Heupel turns his attention to South Carolina after win over Alabama

Head coach Josh Heupel talked about the upcoming matchup against South Carolina.

Retired Ohio man sets out to visit every US state fair

An Ohio man tackles retirement boredom by visiting every state fair in America, seeking unique local flavors and experiences.

The leap second is scrapped to prevent a major tech crash, international scientists vote

Time has run out for the leap second, as an international group of scientists has voted to end the practice of adjusting time to prevent massive computer glitches.

'Love Is Blind' Season 11 cast previews the relationships, friendships and drama

The Boston-based cast of Season 11 of "Love Is Blind" discuss filming and what to expect on the Netflix reality dating show.

Oregon man who stopped Bend elementary school shooter called to tell his mother: 'I shot and killed him, mom'

Kenda Freeman said that her son, Kaylub Giamanco, called her after he helped to stop the deadly school shooting in Bend, Oregon on Thursday.

Amelia Earhart expedition crew finds 'no conclusive evidence' during search for plane wreckage

The crew said what was originally thought to be plane wreckage was "likely a collection of large trees deposited along the peninsula’s sandspit."

Elon Musk says he will give a SpaceX share to every kid in America

Elon Musk pledges to give each U.S. child one SpaceX share, but details on the distribution remain unclear.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts expected to miss the rest of the season with blood clots, source says

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts remains sidelined indefinitely because of blood clots that could cost him the rest of the season.

Rick Barnes looks ahead to Vols basketball matchup against Duke

Rick Barnes looks ahead to the matchup against Duke as the Vols prepare for their upcoming challenge.

National Guard member injured in shooting on Capitol Hill while attempting to break up fight

A National Guard member was shot while trying to stop a fight outside a restaurant on Capitol Hill. Police said the service member is expected to recover.

Here's what we know about the service member who fell to his death at a college football game

A service member died from injuries sustained during a pregame demonstration at a UTSA football game. An investigation is underway.

Jury selected for man accused of killing Blount Co. family, setting house on fire

Johnny Ray Wilburn faces trial for the alleged premeditated murder of a Blount County family and arson, with charges carrying potential life imprisonment.

More than 1.5M pounds of meat and poultry recalled due to 'possible temperature abuse'

Kayem Foods Inc. has recalled more than 1.5 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Here's what consumers should look for.

Amelia Earhart expedition crew finds 'no conclusive evidence' during search for plane wreckage

A group searching for Amelia Earhart's plane said what was originally thought to be plane wreckage on a remote island was likely a collection of large trees.

Air Force identifies service member who fell to his death rappelling at college football game

The man who fell while rappelling from the roof of the San Antonio Alamodome during a pregame ceremony has been identified as a career Air Force instructor.

Mental Health Monday: How to take care of your mental health during the holidays

Mental Health Professionals from Covenant Behavioral Health shares ways for people to take care of their mental health during the holiday hustle and bustle.

Mornings in the Kitchen | Fun, budget-friendly snacks for Halloween

Lauren Woods from the University of Tennessee shares some ideas for affordable, festive snacks this fall.

SEC fines Tennessee $500K after fans rush field following Alabama win

The SEC is fining Tennessee $500,000 for violating the conference’s access-to-competition-area policy after its Oct. 17 football game against Alabama.

Buyer of Neil Armstrong's childhood home has plans to open it up for public tours

Astronaut Neil Armstrong's childhood home has been bought by a historic group that wants to open it up for tours, showing how the first man on the moon got started.

Miley Cyrus pays tribute to godmother Dolly Parton, wipes away tears during Hollywood Bowl concert

Clutching a tissue while a black-and-white photo of Dolly Parton was projected overhead at the Hollywood Bowl, Miley Cyrus reflected on the death of her godmother.

Canada awaits Alberta referendum results after Carney urges voters to reject separation

Voters in Alberta are deciding Monday whether to begin a process that could lead to independence, testing national unity amid U.S. President Trump's trade war.

Knoxville Museum of Art hosts first 'Roots of Appalachia' event

The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrated Appalachian music's rich multicultural roots with live performances

Cindy Crawford remembers son Presley Gerber in social media post

Model Cindy Crawford mourned the loss of son Presley Gerber — who died at 27 in September — in a social media post Sunday.

Former Vol Cordarrelle Patterson arrested by Sevierville Police Department

Records show Patterson was registered in the Sevier Co. Sheriff's Office on the morning of Oct. 17, but released later on the same day.

BCSO: Calderwood Highway reopened after 'Serious crash' in Blount County

The Tennessee Highway Patrol and Blount County Sheriff's Office were on scene, BCSO said.

Woman released after truck drives onto Kansas youth soccer field, killing 2

A 34-year-old woman was released pending further investigation after a pickup truck struck people at a Wichita, Kansas, soccer field, killing two.

Trump says he will close historic DC golf course for 15 months of renovations

President Donald Trump plans to close Washington’s historic East Potomac Golf Course for 15 months as a legal challenge to his renovation moves forward.

Tennessee places No. 11 in AP Top 25 after rolling past Crimson Tide, 26-10

The Vols took home their biggest win of the season, beating SEC rival Alabama in Neyland Stadium. Tennessee looks to beat South Carolina next week.

New survey reveals what makes someone a bad travel companion

A Booking.com survey of more than 29,000 travelers found that bad trips have led some people to reconsider relationships and friendships.

Air Force service member dies after incident during pregame ceremony at Texas football game

An Air Force service member died after being injured during a pregame ceremony at a University of Texas at San Antonio football game.

Metal bracket falls from Cedar Point roller coaster into guest area

Cedar Point closed its Millennium Force roller coaster after a metal bracket fell into a guest area, days after a fatal incident at another Six Flags park.

Tennessee M2 Hockey vs. Alabama M1 Hockey: How to watch on the free WBIR streaming app

Tennessee Club Sports Network is the official network for UT Club Sports, and now you can watch broadcast club sports on WBIR's streaming app.

Faithful gather to welcome Pope Leo back for Sunday blessing after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first public blessing since lung cancer surgery, returning to St. Peter’s Square four days after the operation.

Former Sevier County Deputy and Dandridge Police Sergeant John Conrad passes away

Officials said Conrad died after a battle with Huntington's disease

Did anyone win Powerball's $600M jackpot? Here are the winning numbers for Oct. 17

A $600 million jackpot was up for grabs in Saturday's Powerball drawing. Here are the winning numbers.

Grass fire at Canadian military base kills 4 soldiers and critically injures 19 other people

Four service members were killed and dozens more seriously injured in a fire at a military base in Alberta, Canada, on Saturday the prime minister said.

Knoxville churches come together to increase voter turnout in East Knoxville

Four Knoxville churches joined the city's first Souls to the Polls event Saturday, providing rides to help increase voter turnout in East Knoxville.

2 killed, 11 others hospitalized, including children, after car drives through Kansas soccer field, police say

A child and an adult were killed after a vehicle drove through a soccer field in Kansas on Saturday, police said. "Multiple" others were taken to hospitals.

Val Chmerkovskiy suspended from 'Dancing With the Stars' after social media post

Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended from "Dancing With the Stars" for a week after making what the network called an "inappropriate" social media post.

Search continues after boat capsizes off Baja California coast. 16 rescued, but others missing

Authorities are searching for 11 people believed to be missing after a boat departing from Mexico capsized off the coast of Baja California.

Bystander, teacher, parent helped prevent 'more bloodshed' in Oregon school shooting, police say

Police credited a bystander, a parent and a teacher with helping prevent further tragedy during a deadly elementary school shooting in Bend, Oregon.

Stop using this Power Quick Pot pressure cooker immediately, CPSC warns

Federal safety regulators are warning consumers to dispose of a Power Quick Pot pressure cooker after reports of serious burn injuries.

Florida man killed by nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing at park

A 71-year-old man was killed by an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator while fishing at a Florida park, marking the state's second fatal attack this year.

WNBA Finals 2026: How to watch the Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will face off in the WNBA Finals, with the first game airing Saturday on NBC.

A farmer found an 11-foot metal object in a Minnesota cornfield. Its origin remains a mystery

An 11-foot metallic object found in a western Minnesota cornfield is being investigated by state and federal agencies.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Knoxville for ROTC ceremony, UT vs. Alabama game

The Department of Defense secretary administered the oath of enlistment to new recruits and visited Neyland Stadium.

Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy urged support for Russia sanctions after Trump paused new restrictions as Russian strikes targeted energy sites ahead of winter.

Vatican says Pope Leo to be released from the hospital Saturday, 4 days after lung cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV is expected to return to the Vatican Saturday after surgery confirmed lung cancer, with a public blessing planned for Sunday.

TBI: Madisonville officer shoots man in Sweetwater, TBI investigating

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said a Madisonville officer shot a man who was "reportedly armed and making threats."

Coastal homes burn as hot winds fuel California fires

High winds are fueling a fast-moving fire that has burned homes in Southern California. At least six homes burned on Friday.

Did anyone win Mega Millions' $403M jackpot? Here are the winning numbers for Friday, Oct. 16, 2026

The Mega Millions jackpot has grown to $403 million after a ticket sold in Florida won a massive $803 million prize in July.

Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold, saying waiver is in US national interest

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that puts on hold a sanctions package targeting the Russian economy.

At least 10 more Congressional offices report receiving suspicious white powder, threatening letters

Members of Congress in several states reported receiving packages containing white powder Friday.

Fight against breast cancer creates inseparable bond between 2 Knoxville teens

Lilly Creel and Lauren Captain are hosting a Sadie Hawkins dance at Neyland Stadium, with all proceeds going to local breast cancer fighters through Covenant Health.

New Mexico judge tosses charges against actor Timothy Busfield, citing prosecutor misconduct

A New Mexico judge dismissed a grand jury indictment that accused actor Timothy Busfield of four counts of criminal sexual contact with a child.

Eddy Ford, former mayor of Farragut, dies at 87

With 29 years of service, Ford held the record of Farragut's longest-serving political official.

Daily Dose | Helping kids thrive this school year with mental health days, better breakfasts, sports snacks and picky eaters

When should kids take a mental health day? Plus, smart breakfasts, pre-practice snacks and tips to help picky eaters try new foods.

Cause of death released for pro wrestler Benjamin 'Pac' Satterley, reports say

The cause of death has been released for Benjamin Satterley, who wrestled for AEW under the name "Pac." He was 40.

Selma Blair's rep speaks out following plane arrest, says actress didn't intend to hurt anyone

Selma Blair's spokesperson issued a lengthy statement in response to her arrest after a reportedly violent incident on a flight to New York.

States sue AI giant OpenAI, saying ChatGPT is hurting children and deceiving adults

Eight states are suing the artificial intelligence giant OpenAI, saying the company’s popular chatbot violated consumer protection laws.

WBIR legend Ken Schwall helped bring historic wagon back to East Tennessee

Former WBIR reporter Ken Schwall helped bring rare Cline wagon from Michigan to Tennessee in 2017. It is now featured at the Museum of Appalachia.

Tennesseans to vote on whether to enact Marsy's Law, which would add more protections for crime victims

Supporters say the law would give them peace of mind. Critics say it draws out court cases and isn't far to defendants.

UT approves third phase of student housing expansion as enrollment continues to grow

UT approved a $98 million residence hall to replace Reese Hall by fall 2028, adding 586 beds as student enrollment continues to grow.

Sevierville opens ‘In Dolly’s Footsteps’ landmarks honoring Dolly Parton’s hometown roots

Sevierville's "In Dolly’s Footsteps" project invites visitors to explore landmarks celebrating Dolly Parton's early life, offering a personal glimpse into her roots.

Knox County school bus involved in crash, no injuries reported, police say

Knoxville police said the bus, with about 40 students inside, was 'clipped by a pickup truck' on Woodlawn Pike. No injuries were reported, officers said.

Nominate a teacher for Educator of the Week

A chilly start for your Tuesday, but then nice and mild again by the afternoon

Beautiful weather is expected this week with cool mornings and mild, sunny afternoons. Get outside and enjoy the nice weather if you can!