Knoxville City Council Looking at New Intervention Program after Cutting Ties with Turn Up Knox
WVLT

Knoxville City Council Looking at New Intervention Program after Cutting Ties with Turn Up Knox

April 30, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – It is Youth Violence Protection Week, and the Knoxville City Council met Tuesday night to discuss a new intervention program.

This comes after the city cut ties with Turn Up Knox in February.

As it was written on the agenda, the resolution was for a total of $519,750.00 to create a community violence intervention program. This caused some local organizations to feel they had been overlooked.

“It’s pretty much a slap in the face to anybody that’s been out here actually doing the work and showing results,” said Rashaad Woods, the director of the ReNOUNce DeNOUNce Gang Intervention Program.

The money set aside in the resolution would go to the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform, based in California.

“To devise a plan that doesn’t include any grassroots efforts that are already established and effective in the community, it hurts,” Woods said.

Woods said he feels like the city overlooked many local groups doing that kind of work in the community.

“To think that somebody could come from another state or another city and do what a person inside the city does and is already doing better than what they’re doing, it just seems kind of egotistical,” Woods said.

WVLT News reached out to the city with Woods’ concerns and received the following statement:

NICJR is a nationally recognized leader in community-based violence reduction. And NICJR is certainly no stranger to Knoxville. For nearly two years, it has been providing training and coaching to City staff and Knoxville community partners.

If City Council approves the contract extension tonight, NICJR will hire a full-time program manager and local credible messengers. So this will be the best of both worlds – local people continuing to do this important work who are trained and managed by renowned national experts.City of Knoxville

Woods said before Tuesday night’s meeting that he hoped council would consider spreading the money in a different way.

“There’s a lot of programs in the City of Knoxville. There’s a lot of programs that are working in the City of Knoxville. Why not reinvest in some of those programs? It wouldn’t have even taken that much money,” Woods said.

City council spent two hours discussing and hearing feedback on the resolution before postponing it for two weeks.

Amendments discussed included shortening the length of the contract, status reports every 90 days and a workshop.

Story Courtesy of WVLT

Sharman & Lawless Shine as #5/12 Vols Open Homestand with Win Over Norse
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Sharman & Lawless Shine as #5/12 Vols Open Homestand with Win Over Norse

April 30, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 5/12 Tennessee opened its two-week homestand with a hard-fought 7-5 win over Northern Kentucky on Tuesday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in what was a rematch of last year’s opening game of the NCAA Knoxville Regional.

The Volunteers (36-9) wasted no time jumping out to an early lead, plating a pair of runs in the bottom of the first on a Hunter Ensley two-run double.

The Norse (24-19) responded, however, taking advantage of four walks and a hit batsman to score four of their five runs on the night in the top of the second inning to take a 4-2 lead.

UT went on to score four unanswered runs to regain the lead and entered the seventh with a 6-4 advantage before the two sides traded runs in the inning to account for the final score.

Freshman righty Brayden Krenzel returned to the mound after missing the past two weeks with an illness, striking out two batters in a scoreless first inning for the Vols. Nate Snead slammed the door with a shutout frame in the ninth to pick up his fourth save.

Sharman Shines

Redshirt junior lefthander Michael Sharman stepped up big time when the Vols needed it most by stopping any momentum NKU had built offensively in the early going with 4.1 impressive innings of extended relief.

Sharman gave up just one run on three hits and set a career high with six strikeouts on the night to earn his third win of the year.

Lawless Long Balls, Vols Reach Century Mark 

Redshirt freshman catcher Stone Lawless also had a big night at the plate, hitting two solo homers while drawing a walk. The Alabama native’s second long ball of the night in the bottom of the sixth inning proved to be the game-winning hit.

With Lawless’ two dingers, Tennessee hit the 100-homer mark for the fourth straight season. Since the start of the 2021 season, UT’s 664 four baggers lead the nation. 

Production Throughout the Lineup

Three other Vols joined Lawless with multiple hits on Tuesday night in Gavin Kilen (2-for-5, 2 doubles, 1 run), Dean Curley (2-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI) and Dalton Bargo (2-for-3, 1 run).

Ensley finished with a game-high three RBIs to increase his team-leading total to 53 on the year. Blake Grimmer also had a clutch pinch-hit RBI single in the seventh inning to provide an insurance run for the Big Orange.

Up Next

Tennessee opens an important weekend series against No. 5/10 Auburn on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.

Vols Welcome Transfer Guard Amaree Abram
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Vols Welcome Transfer Guard Amaree Abram

April 30, 2025

NOXVILLE, Tenn. – University of Tennessee head men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes announced Tuesday the signing of Amaree Abram.

A guard who earned All-CUSA Honorable Mention status this past season, Abram comes to Rocky Top from Louisiana Tech. He has one season of collegiate eligibility left.

“Our entire coaching staff is excited to welcome Amaree and his family to Rocky Top. We wanted to find a guard with collegiate experience and to get someone who has already performed well in the SEC is a bonus,” Barnes said. “Amaree is a high-level athlete with quality defensive ability who can really shoot the ball from 3-point range. He takes pride in guarding the opponent’s best offensive player, which is a mindset we love here at Tennessee. Amaree is a mature young man with leadership skills who loves basketball and we think he is a strong fit for our program.”

During his junior campaign, Abram averaged 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals in 32.1 minutes per game for the Bulldogs, whom he aided to a 20-12 record. He started all 32 affairs, shooting 42.2 percent from the field, 37.3 percent beyond the arc and 84.8 percent at the line.

Abram scored double-figure points in all but nine of his appearances at Louisiana Tech and had fewer than eight points just four times. He reached 14 points in 12 contests, with 17-plus in six and 20-plus thrice. His season high of 23 came Nov. 9, 2024, at UT Arlington, as he went 8-of-14 overall, including 5-of-8 from deep.

A 6-foot-4, 195-pounder, Abram made multiple 3-pointers 22 times, with at least three in half of those and four-plus in four contests. He also grabbed five-plus rebounds in 12 outings, reaching eight on four occasions.

The Port Arthur, Texas, native spent his sophomore campaign, 2023-24, at Georgia Tech. Battling through injury issues, he appeared in 10 contests and notched four starts, averaging 3.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

In 2022-23, Abram competed at Ole Miss and was one of the top freshmen in the SEC. He averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 21.0 minutes per game. Abram appeared in all 33 games and made 22 starts on the year.

Abram scored in double figures eight times as a freshman, dropping 17-plus on five occasions and reaching 20 twice, with both on neutral courts against Power Five foes. He poured in a career-best 26 points Nov. 24, 2022, versus Stanford in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., shooting 12-of-18 from the floor and hitting both his 3-point attempts.

Overall, Abram is averaging 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.9 steals in 24.4 minutes per game across his three-year college career. He owns a 35.9 percent clip from 3-point range on 4.1 attempts per game.

Abram has scored in double figures 31 times in 75 collegiate appearances, with 14-plus on 18 occasions and 20-plus five times. He has connected on multiple 3-pointers 33 times, with four-plus in six appearances.

A graduate of Southern California Academy in Castaic, Calif., Abram was a consensus four-star, top-100 prep recruit. He finished as high as No. 65 in the 247Sports rankings, including No. 11 in California and No. 11 among point guards. Abram placed No. 76 on the On3 Consensus list, including No. 13 in the Golden State and No. 10 at the point guard position.

As a senior, Abram averaged 16.0 points and 7.0 assists per game, including dropping 38 in a victory over 1-of-1 Academy. The McDonald’s All-American Game nominee led his team to the Saint James Invitational title and claimed All-Tournament distinction.

Tennessee has eight prior letter winners from the state of Texas, including two-time team captain Brandon Crump (2001-05) and two Barnes pupils in Victor Bailey Jr. (2020-22) and Jacob Fleschman (2019-20). The Volunteers also had a pair of Texans on the 2024-25 roster in freshman walk-ons Campbell Duncan and Gavin Paull.

Abram is rated a four-star transfer prospect by both 247Sports and On3, the latter of which slots him No. 18 among combo guards.

Tennessee now has three transfers slated to join the team in 2025-26, as Abram follows Jaylen Carey from Vanderbilt and Ja’Kobi Gillespie from Maryland. In addition, the Volunteers is set to welcome four high school players in Nate Ament, DeWayne Brown II, Amari Evans and Troy Henderson.

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.

Football Season Tickets Sold Out For Third Straight Year With 70,500 Purchased
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Football Season Tickets Sold Out For Third Straight Year With 70,500 Purchased

April 30, 2025

Football April 29, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – For the third consecutive season, Tennessee Athletics has exhausted its football season ticket inventory in Neyland Stadium prior to the summer with all 70,500 purchased.

The approaching 129th campaign of Tennessee football produced a departmental record 97.8 percent season ticket renewal rate. In addition, interest in the Vols continues to skyrocket with a current season ticket interest list of 23,755 as of April 29.

“Vol Nation continues to lead the way as the best fan base in all of sports,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White. “In this era of college athletics, it is almost unheard of to sell out over 70,000 season tickets for three consecutive seasons. The Neyland Effect will be in full force on Rocky Top this fall!”

Rise Glorious, Tennessee Athletics’ comprehensive strategic plan, unveiled ambitious season-ticket benchmarks through the 2026-27 athletic year. The initiative’s initial goal of 70,000 season tickets sold was slated for 2026-27, but Vol Nation has now eclipsed that mark three straight years beginning with the 2023-24 athletic year.

It’s the fourth time in the past 24 seasons that UT has sold out of its football season ticket inventory, last doing so in August 2016 prior to the current streak that began in May 2023. The Vols carry a streak of 20 consecutive home sellouts into the 2025 season.

The 2024 campaign saw Tennessee average a sold-out 101,915 fans and an accumulated attendance of 713,405. Both of those marks ranked sixth nationally. The Vols have drawn an accumulated attendance of 2,821,625 (29 games) since White and Josh Heupel‘s arrival in 2021.  

The unwavering support and Neyland Effect has correlated to on-field success. Since the start of the memorable 2022 season, Tennessee owns a 20-1 record in Neyland Stadium with its only loss versus a No. 1 ranked team. The 20 victories during that span rank third in the FBS and tied for first in the SEC.

Neyland Stadium continues to undergo a historic transformation project. An expanded south concourse with enhanced concessions and increased restrooms, along with state-of-the-art Founders Suites are scheduled for completion prior to the start of the season.  

Fans interested in purchasing future new season tickets can fill out the 2026 season ticket interest form.

Tennessee returns to Neyland Stadium to host ETSU on Sept. 6. The home opener comes after the Vols face Syracuse in the Aflac Kickoff Game on Aug. 30 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 

Tennessee Athletics Rise Glorious Football Season Tickets Sold 

YearGoalActual Sold
2022-2356,00061,490
2023-2461,00070,500 (sold out)
2024-2568,00070,500 (sold out)
2025-2669,00070,500 (sold out) 
2026-2770,000
‘Bring the Thunder’ for Childhood Cancer Annual Tournament Happening This Weekend
https://bringthethunder.org/

‘Bring the Thunder’ for Childhood Cancer Annual Tournament Happening This Weekend

April 30, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The ‘Bring the Thunder’ for Childhood Cancer annual baseball tournament is back this weekend on May 3-4 at Bower Field in South Knoxville.

The tournament is put on twice a year to help families with children with cancer.

Every year, two children are picked for the proceeds to go to, this year it is Kayla and Hayden.

Bring the Thunder
Bring the Thunder(Bring the Thunder)

In it’s inaugural tournament, there were 66 teams participating. Since then, the tournament has seen tremendous growth with 124 teams participating and has raised over $331,381 for these families.

It is free for teams to enter the tournament, and all proceeds made at the gate, raffles and donations go straight to the families.

The baseball and softball is not about winning or losing. They are put on to make these young people feel special.

In 2017, Lane wanted to pay it forward after someone lent a hand to his son who had a serious health condition (not cancer).

Lane had learned of a few children play in his son’s league at Bower Field at the time who had cancer and he decided to put on a benefit tournament.

Since then, Lane has been putting on ‘Bring the Thunder’ for Childhood Cancer twice a year to help raise money for families in need.

For more information on the ‘Bring the Thunder’ for Childhood Cancer annual tournament, please go to:  https://bringthethunder.org/

Story courtesy of WVLT

TBI: Investigation Underway after SWAT Search Leads to Gunfire, Standoff in Kingsport

TBI: Investigation Underway after SWAT Search Leads to Gunfire, Standoff in Kingsport

April 29, 2025

Kingsport, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating after shots are fired Tuesday morning during a SWAT-led search warrant in Kingsport.

TBI officials say the Sullivan County Special Weapons and Tactics team was executing a search warrant at a home in the 300 block of Barnett Drive just after 9:30 a.m. when a person inside fired shots and a deputy returned fire.

TBI says after a short standoff, the person inside the home surrendered and was taken into custody. No one was injured in the incident.

According to TBI, agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, adding that investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney general for further review and consideration.

The TBI is investigating after shots are fired Tuesday during a SWAT-led search warrant in Kingsport. No injuries were reported. (Frankly Media)
Remote Area Medical to Hold Free Clinic in Oak Ridge May 3 & 4

Remote Area Medical to Hold Free Clinic in Oak Ridge May 3 & 4

April 29, 2025

Oak Ridge, TN (WOKI) Remote Area Medical will host a free clinic in Oak Ridge this week to provide free medical, dental and vision services to those in need.

It will be held at the Oak Ridge Recreation Center this Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 6:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. Patients will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

In order to accommodate the event and parking, the Oak Ridge Senior Center will be closed to the public all day on Saturday, May 3. The Oak Ridge Recreation Center will be closed to the public all day Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. Additionally, there will be no public swim at the indoor pool on Friday after 2 p.m.

The Oak Ridge Public Library will remain open for its normal schedule all weekend.

For information on the clinic, visit ramusa.org/events/oak-ridge-tn.

Remote Area Medical to hold free clinic in Oak Ridge May 3 & 4. (Courtesy: Remote Area Medical)
‘Turn Up Knox’ Director to Run for Knoxville City Council

‘Turn Up Knox’ Director to Run for Knoxville City Council

April 29, 2025

Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) The executive director of violence intervention program Turn Up Knox announcing Monday that he is running for Knoxville City Council.

Leaning on his three years at the helm of Turn Up Knox, Denzel Grant says his top priorities are “violence prevention, affordable housing, and real equity for East Knoxville” as he seeks the District Six seat held currently by Gwen McKenzie who is term-limited.

As reported previously by our news partner WVLT, Grant’s move to run for office comes after the city pulled funding from Turn Up Knox in February, citing spending imbalances.

Grant told the news outlet at the time that Turn Up Knox planned to continue its mission despite the loss of funding.

Grant started the organization in 2021, a record year for gun deaths in Knoxville. According to WVLT, since then, data from the Knoxville Police Department has shown a steady drop in murders and non-deadly shootings; that said, other organizations and efforts to reduce violence in Knoxville have also been credited by KPD with helping to lower crime rates.

Synchronous Firefly Lottery and Viewing Dates for 2025

Synchronous Firefly Lottery and Viewing Dates for 2025

April 29, 2025

GATLINBURG, Tenn.— Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host its annual synchronous firefly viewing opportunity at Elkmont from May 29-June 5. The public can apply for this opportunity by entering a lottery for a vehicle reservation through https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233374? . The lottery for reservation applications opens on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. EDT and closes on Monday, May 5 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. This lottery system ensures that all applicants have an equal chance of securing a reservation.  

Every year, in late May or early June, hundreds of visitors gather near Elkmont to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of Photinus carolinus, a firefly species known for its synchronous flashing behavior. Since 2006, the National Park Service has limited access to the Elkmont area during an eight-day period of predicted peak firefly activity. This approach helps to alleviate traffic congestion, ensures a safe viewing experience for visitors and minimizes disturbances to these remarkable fireflies and their ecosystem during their mating period. 

A total of 960 vehicle reservations, 120 per night, will be issued through the lottery process. Each reservation allows one vehicle with a maximum of seven occupants to park at the Elkmont viewing location. The number of daily reservations is based on parking capacity and the ability to safely accommodate a large number of viewers on site while minimizing resource impacts. 

Lottery applicants may choose two potential dates to participate in the viewing opportunity during the eight-day period. Applicants will be selected using a randomized computer drawing. All lottery applicants will be charged a $1 application fee. Successful applicants will automatically be given reservations, and a $29 reservation fee will be charged to the same credit or debit card used for the application fee. The $29 fee covers the cost of awarding the reservation, on-site portable restrooms, supplies and nightly personnel costs for managing the viewing opportunity. 

Reservations are non-refundable, non-transferable, and good only for the date issued. There is a limit of one lottery application per household per season. All lottery applicants will be notified by e-mail by May 13 if their application was successful or not. 

During the viewing period, access to Elkmont is restricted after 12 p.m. to passenger vehicles with a reservation and registered campers staying at the Elkmont Campground. Overnight parking at Little River Trailhead, Jakes Creek Trailhead or the Appalachian Clubhouse is not allowed during this eight-day period. 

Each year in late May or early June, Photinus carolinus, a firefly species, flashes synchronously. (Courtesy: GSMNP)
Knoxville 8-year-old ‘fighting for his life’ After Being Hit by a Car
WVLT

Knoxville 8-year-old ‘fighting for his life’ After Being Hit by a Car

April 29, 2025

Wyatt Turpin remains at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital after being hit by a car more than two weeks ago.

The eight-year-old was hit by a car while trying to cross Broadway Street in Knoxville and was taken immediately to the hospital.

“When I got that call, I can’t describe to you the pain and anxiety and how anxious I was,” said Wyatt’s mom, Elizabeth Turpin.

Turpin was at work when the accident happened and said her son was in the care of someone that she knew at the time. The driver of the car that hit Wyatt will not be charged, according to Knoxville police.

Wyatt has a broken leg, fractured hips, and a significant brain injury.

“He loves to be in sports, play on bikes, and anything that goes fast; he loves to watch, like racing. That’s one of his dreams to become a race car driver,” said Turpin.

Turpin said that as of the last few days, Wyatt was able to open his eyes for the first time. He’s also been able to acknowledge and respond to questions by blinking.

While doctors said it’s likely Wyatt won’t make a 100% recovery, Turpin is holding out hope and still waiting for more positive news in the coming weeks when it comes to Wyatt’s recovery.

Story courtesy of WVLT

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