Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What investigators are looking for after this West Knoxville house fire

Also check out Dave & Buster's Sevierville NYE - 2 Parties to choose from on the Knoxville Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 23rd Patch AM
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Cheers Knoxville! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What investigators are looking for after this West Knoxville house fire
  • How one Knoxville family turns brisket and blankets into hope downtown
  • Could this Knoxville lawsuit change how religious schools get public money?

Also on today's calendar: Dave & Buster's Sevierville NYE - 2 Parties to choose from .

Find out what's happening in Knoxvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Knoxvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Tuesday: Cloudy with a shower in spots, with a high of 58 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Low clouds may break; warm, temps: high: 64, low: 54.
  • Thursday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, with a high of 68 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Knoxville Fire Department is Investigating a West Knoxville House Fire (wivk.com) — Fire crews responded Sunday night to a serious house fire on Pinner Drive in West Knoxville, bringing heavy flames under control within about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported, but the home is a total loss, and the Knoxville Fire Department is investigating while the Red Cross assists displaced residents.
   

2. Siblings provide food, blankets − a warm gesture in Knoxville mom's memory (knoxnews.com) — Two Knoxville siblings are honoring their late mother by cooking big-batch meals and handing out blankets and gear to people experiencing homelessness near the I-40 overpass at Broadway. Under the name Mary’s Meals, they’ve served multiple times this year, turning their mom’s favorite recipes and a love of barbecue into warm food, practical supplies, and a sense of family for neighbors in need.
   

3. Is Tennessee's ban on religious charter schools unconstitutional? Attorney general says likely (timesfreepress.com) — Knox County’s school board is being sued by a Knoxville-based Christian nonprofit that wants to open a religious charter school, challenging Tennessee’s ban on religious charters. The case, tied to a new voucher-style scholarship program and a recent opinion from the state attorney general, could reshape how public education funds flow to religious schools in Knoxville and statewide.
   

4. UT Medical Center delivers record-breaking 5,000th baby in 2025 (wbir.com) — UT Medical Center in Knoxville has just delivered its 5,000th baby of 2025, marking a record milestone for the hospital’s labor and delivery team. Staff celebrated baby Ti’onna’s arrival and thanked partners who donated gifts to support the family during this special moment.
   

5. East Tennessee mother says pardon removed barriers that followed her family for years (wate.com) — A Knoxville mother says a recent pardon lifted long-standing barriers tied to her felony record, opening new opportunities for work, housing, and time with her kids. Her experience led to founding Handcuffs to Hope and Together We Rise, local groups providing recovery support and stable housing for women rebuilding after trauma and addiction.
   

📸 Around Knoxville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Ollie, a dog who went missing in Knoxville, TN, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 14 minutes. Message from Owner: "Ollie is… (Nextdoor Gulf Park)
  • Knoxville, the kindness you have exhibited regarding the donations for the homeless is absolutely mind blowing.
    Even the bag of 5 dog treats to the bags of Winter clothes dropped off at my door today is amazing! Let's keep it going. Knoxville Cares! (Nextdoor Kenwood)
  • @myTDOT is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state... (X: MarkNagiTDOT)
  • This fall, KPD, @LMPD and @MNPDNashville joined together to host the inaugural Tri-City Police Leadership Academy. Planning is already underway for... (X: Knoxville_PD)
  • WOODGRAIN Inc. posted a job opening for PT Merchandise Stocker - Knoxville, TN in Knoxville. Apply here.
  • Aza posted a job opening for Housekeeper- SNL (FT, Temporary) in Knoxville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Knoxville here.

Ok Knoxville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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