PepsiCo has announced an immediate closure of its Knoxville plant, a significant business change with consequences for employees and the local economy.

The announcement was reported October 19, putting workers and their families at the center of a difficult transition.

The company indicated that employees would receive pay during an applicable notice period.

Published accounts have varied on the exact number of affected positions, so that figure should not be treated as confirmed until the company's official workforce disclosures are clear.

Covenant Health Air has added two advanced medical helicopters to support care across East Tennessee.

Based in Morristown and Rockwood, the aircraft help connect serious emergencies and rural communities with appropriate hospital resources.

The dual-engine Airbus H135 T3 aircraft are equipped as flying critical-care units.

Equipment includes point-of-care ultrasound, automated CPR support, capacity to carry whole blood and a system for transporting critically ill newborns.

The 134th Air Refueling Wing plans to relocate the entrance to McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base as development proceeds around the adjoining McGhee Tyson Airport.

The proposed change reflects the need to coordinate military-base access with ongoing civilian airport expansion.

The Air National Guard base and commercial airport share a busy aviation environment near Alcoa.

As facilities expand or circulation patterns change, access roads, security checkpoints and traffic movements may need adjustment.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day returns Saturday, October 24, offering an opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded medicines.

Learn the national event hours, what materials may be accepted, how to verify local sites and where to look for year-round options.

TDOT bridge inspections are creating scheduled closures around downtown Knoxville through October 28.

Motorists should plan around the following ramp changes and check for weather-related adjustments.

The Henley Street northbound ramp to I-40 East is scheduled to close from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Drivers can use Western Avenue or Summit Hill Drive to Hall of Fame Drive to reach I-40 East.

East Tennessee country artist Kelsea Ballerini performed privately for patients at Dolly Parton Children's Hospital.

The appearance celebrated the launch of Musicians On Call, a program that brings live music into healthcare environments.

Hospitalization can interrupt a child's usual routines and make days feel unfamiliar.

Music programs provide moments of entertainment, connection and emotional support, though they do not replace medical treatment.

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation celebrated the opening of The Gallery at Beaumont on October 21, marking another major step in the multiyear Transforming Western initiative.

The development is the second new housing project to open under the effort, which focuses on improving housing and neighborhood opportunity in the Western Heights and Beaumont areas.

The Gallery at Beaumont combines new residential space with planned community amenities.

Organizers say the property will also provide space for a health center and an arts center, reflecting an approach that pairs housing investment with services for residents.

Blount County leaders are considering a temporary, 12-month moratorium on major subdivisions, apartment developments and other multifamily construction.

The proposal appears in county records as Resolution 26-10-013 and is being examined through the local planning process.

Rapid development brings questions about road capacity, schools, water systems and other public services.

Supporters of a temporary pause argue that planning authorities need time to evaluate infrastructure before approving major new projects.

The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to wind down operations after the County Commission Budget Committee declined to recommend $90,000 in temporary bridge funding.

Chamber leaders say the decision comes after years of changes in the organization's responsibilities and public support.

The chamber previously combined membership services, tourism promotion and economic development functions.

According to its statement, tourism and economic development responsibilities were later moved to other organizations, along with associated funding.

The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability is seeking one or two additional partners for the coming winter warming-center network.

North Knoxville Baptist Church had planned to participate, but fire damage has prevented it from serving as a warming center this season.

Returning partners include Church Street United Methodist Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church and Eternal Life Harvest Center.

St. James Episcopal Church is joining the network, according to the October 21 announcement.

The Knox County Regional Forensic Center reports drug-related deaths were down 16 percent from January through June 2026 compared with the same months in 2025.

National CDC figures indicate overdose deaths declined nearly 14 percent in 2025 compared with 2024.

The McNabb Center reports that patient numbers have risen as treatment access improves.

A recent expansion increased residential and detox beds from 38 to 72, helping reduce delays in access to care.

Lakeshore Park has celebrated the opening of its new Hilltop Pavilion, another improvement to the popular West Knoxville public space.

Local officials marked the completed project with a ribbon-cutting, highlighting a facility intended to serve park visitors and community gatherings for years to come.

Lakeshore Park is known for its green space, walking opportunities and scenic setting.

An additional pavilion helps make an outdoor destination more useful for families, community groups and people who simply want a place to pause.

The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability is seeking one or two additional partners for the coming winter warming-center network.

North Knoxville Baptist Church had planned to participate, but fire damage has prevented it from serving as a warming center this season.

Returning partners include Church Street United Methodist Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church and Eternal Life Harvest Center.

St. James Episcopal Church is joining the network, according to the October 21 announcement.

Knoxville’s beloved Fantasy of Trees returns November 25–29, 2026, at the Knoxville Convention Center.

The holiday event features beautifully decorated trees and seasonal activities while raising funds for Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital.

Learn the announced daily hours, ways to participate and why this Thanksgiving tradition matters to East Tennessee families.

There's plenty happening around Knoxville and East Tennessee October 23–25, including Halloween fun inside Cherokee Caverns, Beardsley Farm Harvest Fest and Maryville College Homecoming.

Our weekend guide also highlights Knoxville Opera, Alcoa's fall festival, Oak Ridge Farmers' Market and a Maryville costume fundraiser.

Head beyond Knoxville for a weekend of Appalachian crafts, mountain music, fall festivals and specialty vehicle shows.

Highlights for October 23–25 include Morristown's 50th Mountain Makins, Dandridge Fall Days, the Cherohala Skyway Festival, Smoky Mountain Overland Invasion and The Sparks Show.

The Cherohala Skyway is one of East Tennessee's most dramatic autumn drives, climbing from the Tellico Plains area into the mountains before continuing into western North Carolina.

The 43-mile National Scenic Byway offers distant ridgeline views, wooded slopes and places to stop and enjoy changing leaves.

Tellico Plains is a natural starting point for Tennessee drivers.

Fuel up, check the weather and consider picking up snacks or a meal before heading into the mountains.

On Friday, October 30, Seven Islands State Birding Park invites visitors to discover a different side of East Tennessee nature after sunset.

The Spider Eyes Night Hike runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and takes participants through park habitats that feel and sound very different at night.

The hike invites guests to watch for the reflective eyes of spiders in the grass, listen for owls and observe bats overhead.

A spider's eyes can reflect a flashlight beam, revealing tiny points of light that are easy to miss during the day.

One hilltop home tells an extraordinary story of Knoxville's past.

Built in 1858, the Mabry-Hazen House connects the origins of Market Square, the divided Civil War years, an infamous 1882 gunfight and Evelyn Hazen's much-publicized legal case.

Today its collection of more than 2,500 original family artifacts makes the museum one of Knoxville's most distinctive historic places.

The American Red Cross of East Tennessee celebrated volunteer Dr. Pauline Eastham's 100th birthday on October 21 with a special tribute to her years of service.

The chapter dedicated a room in its Disaster Cycle Services department in her honor.

Eastham has used her background as a clinical psychologist to help communities cope with the emotional effects of disasters.

Her volunteer work included responding to major Midwest flooding in 1997 and serving as a disaster mental health worker following the September 11, 2001, attacks.

When an aging parent begins needing extra help, East Tennessee families do not have to navigate every service on their own.

Learn where to start with the regional aging-services line, Knox County Office on Aging, transportation, meals, caregiver assistance and practical next steps.

A Knoxville mother has turned her creativity and enthusiasm for Tennessee football into a small business.

Rivalry Row Piñatas creates football-rivalry-themed piñatas for tailgates and other fan celebrations.

Local reporting describes the flexibility of this work as important for the founder while she cares for her daughter, who has a rare genetic disorder.

That family consideration helps explain why an independent creative venture can be appealing.

Holy Land Market & Deli, a well-known Knoxville restaurant and market, is temporarily closing for repairs following a vehicle crash into its building on Wednesday, October 21.

The unexpected disruption affects a longstanding destination for Middle Eastern food and specialty groceries.

Local reporting describes damage to the building and a need for repairs before the business can safely welcome customers again.

An exact reopening date has not been confirmed in the initial report.

Knoxville Tours customers are awaiting refunds after reported cancellations, while House of Strays has opened in the Old City.

Stone's Throw Coffee and several stadium district concepts remain planned openings that require confirmation.