TDOT Announces Closure of West Topside Road in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE – Motorists traveling on Alcoa Highway (US 129/State Route 115) southbound and West Topside Road in Knox County should be aware of upcoming road construction activities that will have a temporary impact on traffic.

Beginning on Monday, July 22, the connection between Alcoa Highway (US 129/State Route 115) southbound and West Topside Road will be temporarily closed. This closure will be in place 24/7 and is necessary to allow the contractor to have a safe working space to construct the proposed pedestrian tunnel beneath West Topside Road.

This method of installing a precast pedestrian tunnel will limit the overall length of time that West Topside Road will be closed in comparison to traditional construction methods of cast in place. This alternative method of construction will minimize impacts to traffic while construction takes place.

During this closure, traffic will be temporarily detoured for this phase of construction. These traffic patterns are expected to be in place for approximately two weeks.

To access West Topside Road from Alcoa Highway southbound, traffic will be detoured by exiting Alcoa Highway southbound at the John Sevier Highway (State Route 168) interchange. Traffic will then take John Sevier Highway to Maryville Pike and then onto West Topside Road.

To access Alcoa Highway southbound from West Topside Road, traffic will be detoured by taking Alcoa Highway northbound to the John Sevier Highway (State Route 168) interchange. Motorists will then access Alcoa Highway southbound at the John Sevier Highway interchange.

As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and “Know Before You Go!” by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.

A Global Internet Outage is Affecting Airlines, Banks, Media and Offices
courtesy of WVLT

A Global Internet Outage is Affecting Airlines, Banks, Media and Offices

You may be running into several issues right now due to a significant Global Internet outage.

Microsoft users worldwide, including banks and airlines are reporting widespread outages.

You are going to want to check your flights before you head out to McGee Tyson this morning. The FAA has grounded flights from several carriers due to this outage. It’s affecting airlines including United, Allegiant Delta and American.

It’s unclear how long this grounding will last and that same outage led to an hours long standstill for multiple flights late last night.

The cause, exact nature and scale of this outage is clear and cybersecurity experts are tracking growing outages in services at ADT security, even Amazon.

Several media broadcasters worldwide lost access to their computer systems. Microsoft acknowledged connectivity and service issues for some customers in the central U..S and say they have determined the cause of the outage and a fix to it is underway.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Microsoft users worldwide, including banks and airlines, reported widespread outages on Friday, hours after the technology company said it was gradually fixing an issue affecting access to Microsoft 365 apps and services.

The cause, exact nature and scale of the outage was unclear. Microsoft appeared to suggest in its X posts that the situation was improving but escalating outages were still being reported around the world hours later.

The website DownDectector, which tracks user-reported internet outages, recorded growing outages in services at Visa, ADT security and Amazon, and airlines including American Airlines and Delta.

News outlets in Australia reported that airlines, telecommunications providers and banks, and media broadcasters were disrupted as they lost access to computer systems. Some New Zealand banks said they were also offline.

Microsoft 365 posted on X that the company was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems to alleviate impact in a more expedient fashion” and that they were “observing a positive trend in service availability.”

The company did not respond to a request for comment. It did not explain the cause of the outage further.

Australian outages reported on the site included the banks NAB, Commonwealth and Bendigo, and the airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas, as well as internet and phone providers such as Telstra.

News outlets in Australia — including the ABC and Sky News — were unable to broadcast on their TV and radio channels, and reported sudden shutdowns of Windows-based computers.

An X user posted a screenshot of an alert from the company Crowdstrike that said the company was aware of “reports of crashes on Windows hosts” related to its Falcon Sensor platform.

The alert was posted on a password-protected Crowdstrike site and could not be verified. Crowdstrike did not respond to a request for comment. Story courtesy of WVLT

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for January 2022 Murder in North Knoxville

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for January 2022 Murder in North Knoxville

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A man is sentenced to life in prison for a January 2022 murder in North Knoxville.

According to District Attorney Charme Allen’s office, 61-year-old Johnny Robert McBee has been convicted of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon and sentenced to life in the Tennessee Department of Correction for shooting and killing 42-year-old Jerome Nance following an argument on January 30, 2022.

Trial records indicate McBee fired three shots at Nance, killing him, after Nance exited his vehicle when both men arrived at 930 Atlantic Avenue following an argument about Nance dating McBee’s niece earlier that day.

During his trial, McBee reportedly said the revolver “accidentally discharged three times,” but District Attorney Charme Allen said he was ultimately found guilty of first degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The DA’s office described McBee as a “career criminal,” having six prior felonies from the 1980s for armed robbery, assault with intent to murder, and other burglary offenses.

Johnny Robert McBee, 61 (Knox County DA’s Office)
Campbell County Deputies Investigating after Finding Body, Sheriff’s Office Says

Campbell County Deputies Investigating after Finding Body, Sheriff’s Office Says

Campbell County, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway in Campbell County after a body is found along a highway.

Officials with the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office say the office, together with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, is investigating after finding a body Wednesday along Highway 25.

The body was reportedly found near Highway 90.

As the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not released any further details at this time.

The body was reportedly found near Highway 90. (Courtesy: CCSO)
Knoxville Man Sentenced to 20 years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Support to ISIS
Photo courtesy of WVLT

Knoxville Man Sentenced to 20 years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Support to ISIS

A Knoxville man was sentenced on Wednesday in the United States District Court in Knoxville for supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, more commonly known as ISIS.

According to court documents obtained by WVLT News, Benjamin Alan Carpenter, also known as Abu Hamza, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release on Wednesday.

Carpenter was convicted in October 2023 of one count of attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization.

According to the Department of Justice, evidence presented at the trial demonstrated that Carpenter served as the leader of Ahlut-Tawhid Publications, an international organization of pro-ISIS “munasirin,” or supporters, dedicated to translating, producing, and distributing ISIS propaganda throughout the world.

For years, the DOJ said Carpenter used his alias “Abu Hamza” to publish a large body of ISIS media, including a weekly newsletter.

In 2020 and 2021, Carpenter contacted an individual he believed to be affiliated with ISIS’ central media bureau and provided translation services for a project intended to relaunch Al-Hayat Media Center, ISIS’s official foreign-language media arm, according to the DOJ. Unbeknownst to him, however, that individual was an FBI undercover employee who had infiltrated Carpenter’s group.

He was then arrested in March 2021.

“For years, this defendant led a global digital media operation to distribute pro-ISIS propaganda, promoting the group’s radical message of terror and pushing it to every corner of the world,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s conduct and the Justice Department’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who would provide material support to foreign terrorist organizations.”

The case was investigated by the Knoxville Joint Terrorism Task Force, which is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It was led by the Knoxville FBI Field Office and involved the assistance of FBI offices from across the country.

Story courtesy of WVLT

DOGWOOD ARTS ANNOUNCES LARGE-SCALE MURAL PROJECT IN NORTH KNOXVILLE

DOGWOOD ARTS ANNOUNCES LARGE-SCALE MURAL PROJECT IN NORTH KNOXVILLE

July 18, 2024 [Knoxville, Tennessee] — Dogwood Arts and Visit Knoxville are excited to announce a large-scale public art project unlike any other in our area. The project will transform an unassuming, little used space into an extensive outdoor art gallery, further enhancing the public art in Knoxville alongside cities like Asheville, Miami, and Philadelphia as must-visit destinations to appreciate art of all kinds.

Knox Walls at Emory Place will be an immersive art destination in North Knoxville featuring thirteen large-scale, permanent murals by prominent artists from across the country. The murals will be located in the space behind Lilienthal Gallery, Pivot Point Gallery, French Fried Vintage, Design AF, NOI Knoxville, and Harb’s Carpeting & Oriental Rugs between N. Central Street and N. Broadway [see attached site plan for reference].

“The high caliber of artists who responded to our nationwide call surpassed our expectations and our entire team is brimming with excitement to bring each of the artists selected to Knoxville — it’s an opportunity unlike any other for us to welcome and host internationally-recognized, award-winning artists to leave their mark on our City,” said Sherry Jenkins, Executive Director of Dogwood Arts. “Critical funding from Visit Knoxville and personal investment and commitment by Ilana Brodt (a talented artist , Lilienthal Gallery Owner, and owner of many of the buildings involved) were two important elements that helped bring this dream to life. We all hope Knox Walls at Emory Place will become a catalyst for community connection, economic growth, and accessibility to the arts in North Knoxville and beyond.”

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to continue our partnership with Dogwood Arts on this exciting creative endeavor,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “We know that murals and street art are a big draw for visitors in destinations across the country, and Knoxville is no exception. The Emory Place mural project will continue to showcase Knoxville as a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-ARTSY-kinda-town!”

While funding for artist commissions is always a challenge for a project of this size, the project could not happen without the support and commitment of the property owners Ilana Brodt and Johnny and Libby Harb (owners of Harb’s Rug Gallery – on Broadway since 1926). Brodt has already invested significantly in the project collaborating with Dogwood Arts on artist selections and having all of the walls of her buildings cleaned and primed in preparation for the artists who will be arriving soon. Prep of the Harb’s walls will follow shortly.

About the project, Brodt said, “As I developed Emory Place into a hub for arts and culture, I wanted to extend the arts into the alley behind Lilienthal Gallery. When Dogwood Arts came and asked if they could have murals painted there, I was very excited to collaborate. I remembered a project I was a part of in Miami – Wynwood Walls. I envisioned full scale, top to bottom murals, with a specific topic that all artists would work together on. The murals will be permanently on the walls, as an open exhibition, accessible to the public.

I was very excited that we are bringing well-known mural artists from across the US to Knoxville, as well as collaborating with local artists. I always want to bring a taste of other places to raise the awareness of art here. Street art is a global phenomenon which inspires those who see it as they pass by, it enriches an area, and brings civic pride.”

After a nationwide call for artists in early 2024 attracted more than 90 submissions from Connecticut to California, Dogwood Arts and Lilienthal Gallery chose thirteen artists to participate — including some of our own supremely talented local artists — who will create more than 7,000 square feet of murals once the project is complete.

Each artist commissioned by Dogwood Arts will take between 5-10 days to complete their individual murals; work will begin in late July and continue through early September. A press event will be scheduled in mid-August when the largest concentration of artists will be working in the space, more details to follow. Knox Walls at Emory Place will officially open to the public in early October 2024.

Knox Walls at Emory Place is funded by Dogwood Arts, Visit Knoxville, Lilienthal Gallery, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and ORNL Federal Credit Union – presenting sponsor of Dogwood Arts.

Dogwood Arts has commissioned more than 50 murals in Downtown Knoxville since starting the Art in Public Places Mural Program in 2019. The AIPP Mural Program was established to advance existing creative efforts in Strong Alley, transform unique public spaces in our community, provide opportunities for local and regional artists to create new artwork, and improve access to the arts for everyone. More information about the program can be found online at https://www.dogwoodarts.com/murals..

Dogwood Arts, presented by ORNL Federal Credit Union, is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to promote and celebrate our region’s art, culture, and natural beauty. For more information on Dogwood Arts, visit www.dogwoodarts.com or call (865) 637-4561.

One East Tennessee School System Heads Back to Class Thursday so When Do Other Area Schools Head Back To Class

One East Tennessee School System Heads Back to Class Thursday so When Do Other Area Schools Head Back To Class

It’s that time of year where kids are preparing to go back to school. In Alcoa, they are going back earlier than anyone else.

“Our summers are abbreviated compared to school systems that you might think run a more traditional school calendar,” Alcoa High School Principal Caleb Tipton said.

Alcoa City Schools’ official first day of school is July 19, but Tipton said this actually helps his staff.

“In a lot of ways, it keeps your people fresh,” Tipton said.

The Director of Schools, Rebecca Stone, said the shortened summer also helps out the students.

“A lot of times, when you come back the first of the school year, you will do a refresh for the first couple of weeks,” Stone said. “You don’t have to do that.”

The school schedule also allows for the high school to operate with a block schedule. This means students have fewer, but longer, classes each semester.

“It’s a huge benefit because I don’t have to worry about planning a 20 or 30 minute lab. I can do a 70 minute lab and go into a lot more depth with students and show them what were trying to discover,” science teacher Alex Taylor said.

While it is different than what they may be used to in other schools, Principal Tipton said they are looking ahead.

“That’s what they are going to need to be used to for the most part when they leave us and go to post secondary,” Tipton said. “A lot of your courses are going to be around the 90 minute mark.”

Officials said they hope this helps the student’s attention spans for college, or for a 40-hour work week.

“You know, being able to train yourself, within that allotted time, to focus on your task,” Tipton said.

Also, being able to take breaks when needed.

“Go hard for a nine week period of time and then give a break,” Stone said. “And then they come back fresh again. That’s always a benefit to kids, that’s always a benefit to students.”

Summer break is quickly approaching its end as the start of the school year is right around the corner for East Tennessee schools.

When does school start again for other East Tennessee schools systems? Start dates for East Tennessee school systems can be found below in alphabetical order:

  • Alcoa City Schools: 7/19, staggered start
  • Anderson County Schools: 8/5, staggered start
  • Blount County Schools: 7/31
  • Campbell County Schools: 8/8
  • Claiborne County Schools: 8/7
  • Clinton City Schools: 8/2
  • Cocke County Schools: 8/2
  • Cumberland County Schools: 8/7
  • Fentress County Schools: 8/5
  • Grainger County Schools: 8/5
  • Hamblen County Schools: 8/2
  • Hancock County Schools: 8/1
  • Jefferson County Schools: 8/6
  • Knox County Schools: 8/8
  • Loudon County Schools: 8/5
  • Lenoir City Schools: 8/5 – 8/6 Orientation, 8/7 1st full day
  • Maryville City Schools: 8/5 staggered start
  • McMinn County Schools: 8/2
  • Monroe County Schools: 8/12
  • Morgan County Schools: 8/1
  • Roane County Schools: 8/2
  • Scott County Schools: 8/2
  • Sevier County Schools: 8/8
  • Union County Schools: 8/7 staggered start

Story courtesy of WVLT

KPD: Three Teens Arrested after Breaking into Car

KPD: Three Teens Arrested after Breaking into Car

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway and three teens have been charged in connection to a car break-in at a Knoxville apartment complex.

Knoxville Police Department officials say officers responded around 2:55 a.m. Wednesday, July 17 to the 3100 block of North Broadway where they saw three people who had allegedly broken into a white Kia sedan.

KPD says the individuals ran from officers as they arrived at the scene but were apprehended shortly after.

All three teenagers, ages 14, 16 and 18, were arrested and charged.

A 14-year-old, a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old were charged, according to the Knoxville Police Department. (Frankly Media)
Marble City Market Heads Accused of Stealing $250,000 from Food Hall

Marble City Market Heads Accused of Stealing $250,000 from Food Hall

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Two Knoxville restaurateurs and managers of Marble City Market are indicted, accused of stealing almost a quarter-million dollars from the food hall.

Ashley and Paul Moody took over operations at Marble City Market in August of 2022. The management shake-up was supposed to help the food hall pick up steam, but now owner of RSQ Management Douglas White is claiming they embezzled money from the business he co-owns.

The Moodys have a long history in the Knoxville hospitality industry from working at Blackberry Farm and opening Smash City Burgers.

Knoxville police have been given a list of all reported theft items; the couple was indicted for stealing “at least $250,000.”

The two are facing charges of theft and violating the computer act.

Marble City Market (WVLT)
Morgan Wallen Adds Second Neyland Stadium Show

Morgan Wallen Adds Second Neyland Stadium Show

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Due to overwhelming demand, Knoxville native and country music superstar, Morgan Wallen, is adding a second show at Neyland Stadium.

Tickets for Wallen’s first concert on Sunday, September 22, sold out Wednesday morning in about an hour.

Wallen’s second show at Neyland Stadium is set for Friday, September 20; tickets go on sale Thursday morning, July 18, at 11:00 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

“I’ve had the honor of playing in a lot of college, MLB and NFL stadiums the past two years, but getting to play to my hometown at Neyland Stadium, nothing tops this for a boy from East Tennessee,” Wallen said when he announced the show.

Morgan Wallen is coming to Neyland Stadium. Second show announced. (Courtesy: Live Nation)