Knoxville
Coverage of Knoxville in the Nexus archive.
- Investigation says Knoxville police chief’s inappropriate relationship with officer didn’t go beyond the phone
An investigation found that Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel texted inappropriately with subordinate officer Jasmine Reed, though it determined there was no evidence of an inappropriate relationship outside of phone conversations. Consequently, chief Noel has been suspended from his job for one month and is expected to return on September 6. The report concluded that the texts were unsuitable for a workplace but did not suggest coercion into sex or a physical meeting.
- One Year After Lackluster Takeover, Tennessee’s AG Office is Taking on a Fraction of the Cases of the Human Rights Commission
Tennessee’s Human Rights Commission was dismantled in 2025 by the state legislature, with responsibilities transferred to the Attorney General’s Office. The AG’s office has since hired fewer than half the staff and closed significantly fewer discrimination cases compared to the commission, amid disorganized transitions, abandoned offices, and lost case records. Former THRC staff claim the move reflects a deliberate reduction in civil rights enforcement, while the AG’s office attributes the challenges to the transition period.
- Knoxville will soon get a new Greyhound bus terminal after years without one
Greyhound Lines will move to a new terminal in North Knoxville, replacing a makeshift pickup spot near First Horizon Bank. The terminal, located near an Amazon Fulfillment Center and a transit stop, is expected to open in 2027 and aims to improve rider amenities. A councilmember and local church leaders have discussed infrastructure concerns, with Greyhound agreeing to maintain the road leading to the site.
- First Hattie B's in Knoxville sets grand opening date
Hattie B's, a Nashville-based hot chicken restaurant, will open its first Knoxville location on August 12 at 2001 Cumberland Avenue.
- One dead, multiple hospitalized after 87-year-old driver runs red light, police say
An 87-year-old man ran a red light in downtown Nashville, killing one person and injuring three others. The driver, Thomas Cahill, struck four pedestrians in the crosswalk, with victims from Australia, Florida, Knoxville, and Parsons, Tennessee. Cahill and his 90-year-old wife sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- East Tennessee bear rescue rehabilitating underweight bear
Appalachian Bear Rescue is rehabilitating an underweight black bear cub found in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The cub, nicknamed Hemlock Bear, is the first to be admitted to the facility in nearly two years and is receiving treatment for health complications and parasites.
- Middle Tennessee city among top 10 cities for first-time homebuyers in new report. Here’s why
A WalletHub study ranked Murfreesboro, Tennessee, as the 10th-best U.S. city for first-time homebuyers due to its affordability, real-estate market, and quality of life. Nashville and Memphis also ranked among top large cities, while Knoxville and Murfreesboro performed well in midsize city categories.
- Powerball ticket worth $50,000 sold in Knoxville. Check your numbers!
A Powerball ticket worth $50,000 was sold in Knoxville, making someone in East Tennessee $50,000 richer after the recent drawing.
- What is happening to Southern Grist Brewing Co. in Tennessee?
Southern Grist Brewing Co. in Tennessee will temporarily close its Centennial Blvd location from July 20 to August 7 to rebrand it as Xul Nashville. Xul Beer Co., founded in 2020, is acquiring the Southern Grist brand to expand, with a gradual transition that will retain some Southern Grist legacy brews and involve current leadership in operations.
- Data centers driving up Tennessee power bills, report finds
A report by ThinkTennessee finds that data center growth in Tennessee has significantly increased electricity usage, causing residential power bills to rise 3.2% in areas with data centers compared to a 1.3% statewide average. The report highlights uneven bill increases and potential grid strain as data centers concentrate in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
- Chattanooga airport board sues to stop state takeover
The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority has sued the state to block a new law allowing state lawmakers to appoint members to local airport boards. Nashville's airport authority also filed a lawsuit, citing a 2024 FAA law that prohibits state takeovers when boards object. The legislation, which affects five Tennessee airports, grants appointment powers to the governor, legislative leaders, and local mayors.
- Murfreesboro, Clarksville among America's new ‘Boomtowns’
Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Franklin, and Knoxville are listed as America's newest 'Boomtowns' in a SmartAsset report. The report highlights these cities for their growth and economic opportunities.
- New report: These TN cities named among America’s new ‘boomtowns.’ Here’s what that means
A new SmartAsset report named four Tennessee cities—Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Knoxville—as part of America’s top 75 'boomtowns' based on housing, labor force, and GDP growth over five years. The report highlights regional trends, with the South and West leading in boomtown growth, and Florida and Texas having the most cities on the list.