UPDATE 9/2/25 11 A.M.: The victim of the fatal crash that happened Monday night on I-40 West has been identified as Laura Vinot, 50 of Jefferson City, Tennessee.
The investigation into the crash revealed that Vinot, driving a Chevy minivan, was attempting to change lanes when her vehicle clipped a Chevy Tahoe. That caused Vinot’s vehicle to skid off the road and rollover multiple times. Vinot, who was not believed to be wearing a seatbelt when the collision occurred, was ejected from the vehicle and later died at the UT Medical Center.
No other injuries were reported in the crash, which remains under investigation by KPD crash reconstruction investigators.
ORIGINAL STORY: Knoxville Police Department crash reconstruction personnel are investigating a fatal crash that happened on Monday night on I-40 West.
At around 8 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2025, KPD officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-40 West near the Papermill Drive exit.
One of the drivers, an adult woman, was ejected from the vehicle and transported to the UT Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead after her arrival.
The contributing factors that led to the crash remain under investigation by KPD crash reconstruction investigators.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an Endangered Child Alert for a missing Claiborne County child.
One-year-old Ashton Franklin was last seen near Berry Hollow Road in Speedwell with his biological mother, Christine Franklin.
Ashton is described as being 2′6″ tall and 20 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, and Christine is 30 years old and has hazel eyes and brown hair and was last seen wearing an oversized gray shirt and pink shorts.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to call the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office at 423-626-3385 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
A man is facing charges after sending a woman to the hospital in a pedestrian car crash in Anderson County.
The Sheriff’s Office says it happened early yesterday (Monday) morning. Deputies and the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the 100 block of Haney Hollow Road in the Marlow community to investigate the crash.
The woman, later identified as 37-year-old Wanda Phillips, was taken to the hospital, her condition has not been released.
The man, 21-year-old Timothy Black of Oak Ridge, was taken into custody and is facing multiple charges including Attempted Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Aggravated Assault and reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southeastern Conference office announced Monday that a pair of Tennessee football standouts were recognized with weekly honors for their performances in the Vols’ season-opening victory over Syracuse. Colton Hood was selected as SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, while Braylon Staley was tabbed the SEC Freshman of the Week.
Hood finished his Tennessee debut with four tackles, a fumble recovery touchdown and three pass breakups to help lead the Vols past the Orange in the Aflac Kickoff Game. The Colorado transfer earned the start at cornerback in place of the injured preseason first-team All-American Jermod McCoy and stepped up in a big way.
His three pass breakups were the most by an SEC player in Week 1, and he also executed the big blow — scooping up a fumble and returning it 22 yards for a touchdown with 0:56 left in the first quarter that put the Vols up 17-0. The McDonough, Georgia, native played all 84 defensive snaps for Tennessee in his Big Orange debut.
Making his first career start on Saturday, Staley finished with a game-high 95 receiving yards with four catches and one touchdown. Playing in just his fifth collegiate game, the redshirt freshman tallied a 73-yard touchdown reception that provided a momentum swing for the Vols in the opener. He was the only player in the SEC with a 70-plus yard catch in Week 1 and one of only two in the Power Four (USC, Eli Sanders).
Tennessee has racked up 43 weekly honors from the conference office under head coach Josh Heupel (2021-present).
SEC Weekly Awards – Week 1 (Sept. 1, 2025)
Co-Offensive Player of the Week Jackson Arnold, QB, Auburn Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Co-Defensive Player of the Week Colton Hood, DB, Tennessee Fred Johnson, LB, South Carolina
Co-Special Teams Player of the Week Rayshawn Pleasant, DB/CB, Auburn Vicari Swain, DB/PR, South Carolina
Offensive Lineman of the Week Braelin Moore, C, LSU
Defensive Lineman of the Week Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss Will Whitson, DT, Mississippi State
ATLANTA – No. 24/18 Tennessee opened its 2025 season in commanding fashion Saturday afternoon, racing past Syracuse, 45-26, In the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Vols (1-0) struck quickly with 17 first-quarter points. After Max Gilbert drilled a 34-yard field goal on UT’s opening drive, sophomore running back Peyton Lewis capped an 85-yard march with a 2-yard touchdown plunge. The defense added to the lead moments later as Nathan Robinson forced a strip sack that transfer cornerback Colton Hood scooped and returned 22 yards for a score.
Syracuse (0-1) got on the board early in the second quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run, but Tennessee answered immediately. Quarterback Joey Aguilar connected with Braylon Staley on a beautiful 73-yard strike to restore momentum. After the Orange pulled within 24-14 late in the half, the Vols responded again. A 47-yard burst from DeSean Bishop set up his own 1-yard touchdown run, sending UT to the locker room ahead, 31-14.
The defense provided another spark to open the second half as Jalen McMurray tipped a pass in the backfield and junior linebacker Jeremiah Telander intercepted it. Aguilar turned the takeaway into points, finding running back Star Thomas on a 7-yard touchdown reception.
Syracuse battled back with a pair of rushing scores to close within 38-26 early in the fourth quarter, but the Vols put the game away with a methodical nine-play, 54-yard drive. Aguilar hit Miles Kitselman from two yards out to push the margin back to three scores. Tennessee’s defense sealed the win with a fourth-down stop at its own 4-yard line in the final minutes.
Aguilar was in command of the offense, finishing 16-of-28 for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Brazzell II paced the receivers with five catches for 62 yards, while Staley added four receptions for 95 yards and a score. On the ground, Thomas rushed for 92 yards and added a receiving touchdown, while Bishop added 82 yards with his first-half score.
On defense, junior linebacker Arion Carter led the way with a team-high nine tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss. McMurray and edge rusher Joshua Josephs each recorded seven stops with one tackle for loss and one sack apiece. As a unit, the Vols finished with five sacks and seven tackles tackles for loss.
Tennessee finished with 493 yards of total offense and was a perfect 5-of-5 in the red zone.
Up Next Tennessee returns to Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 6, for its home opener against ETSU. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
Sevier County, TN (WOKI) The longest-serving county mayor in East Tennessee decides not to seek reelection in 2026.
Making the announcement Friday, Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said serving as the county’s mayor has “truly been the honor of a lifetime” and that he is “grateful for the trust the people of Sevier County have placed in [him].”
“Serving as Sevier County Mayor has truly been the honor of a lifetime,” said Mayor Waters. “I am proud of what we have built together, grateful for the trust the people of Sevier County have placed in me, and I’m committed to finishing my final year in office with the same dedication and focus as ever. There is still important work to be done before my term ends in 2026, and I remain determined to see it through.”
The announcement marks the end of Waters 48-year career as the head of Sevier County; he first took the job when it was called county executive in 1978 at just 25 years old. Since then, Waters has overseen Sevier County’s rapid growth, including that of a booming tourism industry.
Additionally, during Waters’ tenure, Sevier County’s population has more than tripled, and its budget has grown by almost 20 times.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters announcing Friday that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
Knoxville, TN (WVLT) Knox County Schools is planning to make some big changes to how it operates, and it wants input from families to iron out priorities for the future.
It marks the first major initiative from the school district’s 2030 plan: innovative schools. The system announced Friday that it had launched a survey for parents and students, asking them what the district should focus on, including topics from this list:
Language immersion
Arts-integrated learning
Outdoor classrooms
Debate-focused instruction
Varied uses of technology
Feedback from the survey, which is open until Friday, Sept. 19, will directly impact how the district moves forward, KCS said.
KCS said its already seen success from implementing new learning systems at schools like L&N STEM Academy and Career Magnet Academy. The first new school to take on new instruction programming will be the Kindergarten through eighth grade school being build in the Mechanicsville area. The district said to expect community meetings to help design instruction at the school.
“We intend to be the first choice for families and the best choice for students–not just in Knox County, but across the region,” Superintendent Dr. Rysewyk said. “Initiatives like the one we’re launching today will be instrumental in making that goal a reality.”
Those interested in taking the survey can find it here in both English and Spanish.
It marks the first major initiative from Knox County Schools’ 2030 plan: innovative schools. (Courtesy: KCS)
Sevierville, TN (WOKI) UPDATE 8/29 10:37 a.m.: We’re learning more about the death of a lifeguard Thursday afternoon at a resort in Sevierville.
Officials with the City of Sevierville say police and emergency personnel responded around 12:30 p.m. to The Resort at Governor’s Crossing at 225 Collier Drive for a report of an emergency at the indoor pool.
Authorities say the on-duty lifeguard, 21-year old Colden Riner, had reportedly fallen into the pool and was unresponsive. Lifesaving efforts were ongoing when emergency personnel arrived. Riner was transported to LeConte Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation is underway and an autopsy is planned.
ORIGINAL STORY: Our news partner WVLT reporting Sevierville Police are investigating after a lifeguard dies during an incident at The Resort at Governor’s Crossing Thursday, August 28.
This is a developing story and no other information has been released.
WINTER TOUR FEATURES A 25TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO BEETHOVEN’S LAST NIGHT, VISITING NEW CITIES, AND RETURN OF THE SIGNING LINE PRESALES BEGIN THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11; PUBLIC TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 BEETHOVEN’S LAST NIGHT VINYL RELEASE COMING ON SEPTEMBER 12
Los Angeles, CA (August 28, 2025/WOKI) – Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) today unveiled the exciting details for their 2025 Winter Tour, which will bring the multi-platinum rock group to 64 markets for 106 concerts across the country. This year’s tour will feature an all-new production of their beloved “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” alongside a special second set of hits and fan-favorites that includes a 25th -anniversary salute to Beethoven’s Last Night. “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: the Best of TSO and More” tour promises to continue TSO’s tradition of captivating audiences nationwide with an unparalleled blend of rock, classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling.
Presales for TSO fan club members begin Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5 and presales for other select groups begin on Thursday, September 11 at 10 a.m. local time. The public on sale is set to begin on Friday, September 12 at 10 a.m. local time. For more details on tour dates and ticket sales, visit www.trans-siberian.com.
The 2025 TSO tour promises a reimagined and expanded presentation of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,” which has captivated multiple generations. A product of the imagination of TSO’s late founder Paul O’Neill and based on TSO’s multi-platinum DVD TV special, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” follows the journey of a runaway who breaks into an abandoned vaudeville theater on December 24th. Following this powerful rock opera, the 2025 tour will also deliver a high-octane, visually stunning second set packed with more of TSO’s greatest hits, fan-favorites, and unexpected delights.
Musical Director/Guitarist Al Pitrelli said, “When I go back and listen to our songs, I am always amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. It’s been 25 years since we recorded Beethoven’s Last Night and it seems just like yesterday. We are excited to play pieces from the album and pay respects to the art and legacies of both the great composer and Paul O’Neill. I’m looking forward to watching the expressions on everyone’s face, with all the surprises we have in store. We can’t wait to get on the road.”
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s acclaimed rock opera Beethoven’s Last Night is set to make its vinyl debut on September 12. This special 2LP set, which tells the dramatic tale of Ludwig van Beethoven’s final hours, blending his iconic melodies with hard rock and theatrical storytelling, will be available in two distinct editions: an exclusive lenticular cover and a red vinyl pressing. Fans can order their copies now at http://store.rhino.com/en/rhino-store/artists/trans-siberian-orchestra/ to commemorate this milestone for the beloved album.
TSO is also pleased to announce the return of a fan-favorite tradition: the TSO signing line. For the first time since 2019, every fan attending an evening performance will have the incredible opportunity to get one item signed by members of the group, completely free of charge. Building on the monumental milestones celebrated in their last tour, TSO continues to redefine its success. With over 20 million concert tickets sold and a staggering more than $20 million donated to charity since their inception, TSO remains one of rock’s most generous bands, proudly upholding Paul O’Neill’s vision, by contributing at least $1 from every ticket sold to local charities.
With an incredible $1 billion in gross sales, TSO’s remarkable and consistent appeal is reflected in recent industry accolades: Pollstar recognized TSO at No. 4 for Top North America Tours and at No. 6 on their Top 100 Worldwide Tours chart by gross for Midyear 2025, while Billboard placed them at No. 5 in Midyear 2025 Top Ticket Sales and No. 13 on the Midyear 2025 Top Tours chart. Adding to their impressive achievements, their iconic hit, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,” has just surpassed 100 million streams across digital platforms, further cementing its status as a timeless holiday classic.
DATE CITY VENUE MATINEE EVENING
Thurs., Nov. 13 Green Bay, WI Resch Center 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Thurs., Nov. 13 Council Bluffs, IA Mid-America Center — 7:00 PM Sat., Nov. 15 Cincinnati, OH Heritage Bank Center 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Nov. 15 Denver, CO Ball Arena 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Nov. 16 Youngstown, OH Covelli Centre 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Nov. 16 Colorado Springs, CO Broadmoor World Arena 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Wed., Nov. 19 Knoxville, TN Thompson-Boling Area at Food City Center — 7:00 PM Wed., Nov. 19 Salt Lake City, UT Delta Center 3:00 PM 7:00 PM Thurs., Nov. 20 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Complex — 7:00 PM Thurs., Nov. 20 Idaho Falls, ID Mountain America Center — 7:00 PM Fri., Nov. 21 Allentown, PA PPL Center — 7:30 PM Fri., Nov. 21 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena — 7:00 PM Sat., Nov. 22 Wilkes-Barre, PA Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Nov. 22 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Nov. 23 Hershey, PA Giant Center 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Nov. 23 Portland, OR Moda Center 2:00 PM 7:00 PM Tues., Nov. 25 Bakersfield, CA Dignity Health Arena — 7:00 PM Wed., Nov. 26 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre — 7:30 PM Fri., Nov. 28 Manchester, NH SNHU Arena 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Fri., Nov. 28 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Nov. 29 Worcester, MA DCU Center 3:00 PM 8:00 PM Sat., Nov. 29 Anaheim, CA Honda Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Nov. 30 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena 3:00 PM 8:00 PM Sun., Nov. 30 Phoenix, AZ PHX Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Wed., Dec. 3 Fort Wayne, IN Allen County War Memorial Coliseum — 7:00 PM Wed., Dec. 3 Tulsa, OK BOK Center — 7:00 PM Thurs., Dec. 4 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse — 7:00 PM Thurs., Dec. 4 Little Rock,AR Simmons Bank Arena — 7:00 PM Fri., Dec. 5 Toledo, OH Huntington Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Fri., Dec. 5 Springfield, MO Great Southern Bank Arena — 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 6 Dayton, OH Nutter Center 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 6 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 7 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 7 Oklahoma City, OK Paycom Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Wed., Dec. 10 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena — 7:00 PM Wed., Dec. 10 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena at the BJCC — 7:00 PM Thurs., Dec. 11 Raleigh, NC Lenovo Center — 7:00 PM Thurs., Dec. 11 Jacksonville, FL VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena — 7:00 PM Fri., Dec. 12 Greenville, SC Bon Secours Wellness Arena 4:00 PM 8:00 PM Fri., Dec. 12 Sunrise, FL Amerant Bank Arena — 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 13 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 13 Orlando, FL Kia Center 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 14 Atlanta, GA Gas South Arena 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 14 Tampa, FL Benchmark International Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Wed., Dec. 17 Albany, NY MVP Arena — 7:00 PM Wed., Dec. 17 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center — 7:00 PM Thurs., Dec. 18 Elmont, NY UBS Arena — 7:30 PM Thurs., Dec. 18 Austin, TX Moody Center — 7:00 PM Fri., Dec. 19 Newark, NJ Prudential Center 3:00 PM 8:00 PM Fri., Dec. 19 Houston, TX Toyota Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 20 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena 2:30 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 20 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 21 Philadelphia, PA Xfinity Mobile Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 21 San Antonio, TX Frost Bank Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Tues., Dec. 23 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Tues., Dec. 23 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Fri., Dec. 26 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Fri., Dec. 26 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena 2:30 PM 8:00 PM Sat., Dec. 27 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sat., Dec. 27 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 28 Hamilton, ON TD Coliseum 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Sun., Dec. 28 Minneapolis, MN Target Center 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Tues., Dec. 30 Washington, DC Capital One Arena 3:00 PM 7:30 PM Tues., Dec. 30 Fargo ND Fargodome 3:00 PM 7:30 PM
