Chris Paris
Oct 2, 2026
Happy Friday, 865! |
October is officially here, and this week’s issue has a strong mix of local news, practical updates, and weekend ideas across East Tennessee. We’re covering a major nuclear expansion story in Oak Ridge, new development along Knoxville’s Magnolia Avenue corridor, staffing changes at Knox County Schools, and several fresh business openings from Maryville to Farragut.
We’ve also got useful updates for the days ahead, including Sunday roadblocks on I-40 and I-640, changes to SNAP benefits, and a consumer alert on Amazon Prime refunds. On the lighter side, fall fun is ramping up with BOO! at the Zoo, Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the cooler weather.
New to 865 Daily? We’re your local guide to the news, openings, community changes, weekend plans, and useful updates shaping Knoxville, the Smokies, and surrounding East Tennessee communities. Thanks for spending part of your Friday with us. |
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Trivia Question❓Before the Tennessee Valley Authority was created, what major East Tennessee river project was already under construction and later became TVA’s first completed dam?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Tennessee hosts Auburn at Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3, with kickoff at 3:30 p.m. The game marks 100 years since Gen. Robert Neyland began his first season as the Volunteers’ head coach.
Tennessee will wear special Smokey Grey uniforms inspired by Neyland’s era and military service. The university will also honor championship teams and athletes from 1976 through 2016 during Champions Weekend.
Fans should plan for an early, busy afternoon in Knoxville: Volunteer Village opens at noon, stadium gates at 1 p.m., and the Vol Walk begins at 1:30 p.m.
Campus road closures begin at 5 a.m., so fans without parking passes are encouraged to avoid driving into the campus corridor. Downtown game-day shuttles begin running at 12:30 p.m.
Expect changed traffic patterns after the game. ESPN will televise the matchup nationally. Read More... |
Oak Ridge’s nuclear legacy is entering a commercial phase as two companies advance fuel and reactor projects in the city.
X-energy subsidiary TRISO-X has completed the main structure of its 214,000-square-foot TX-1 fuel facility and is moving into interior construction and equipment installation.
The plant is designed to produce TRISO fuel for advanced reactors, with a planned capacity of about 700,000 fuel pebbles a year.
TRISO-X also added roughly 70 acres to its campus, while an $11 million Tennessee grant will support further development and potential expansion.
Meanwhile, Kairos Power broke ground on its Hermes 2 demonstration reactor, which is planned to deliver up to 50 megawatts to the TVA grid.
Under an agreement with Google, power from Hermes 2 is intended to help meet data-center demand in Tennessee and Alabama.
Together, the projects are positioning Oak Ridge and East Tennessee as a growing hub for commercial advanced nuclear energy, alongside the region’s longstanding research work. Read More... |
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Knox County Schools has expanded its retirement incentive program to classified employees, making 532 more workers eligible after a Thursday night vote by the Board of Education.
The change reaches staff who keep schools running each day, including secretaries, custodians, cafeteria workers, instructional assistants, transportation employees and security personnel.
For longtime employees already considering retirement, the incentive offers another option, but a strong response could leave the district filling vacancies across several departments at once.
How many employees take the offer will determine whether the expansion brings modest turnover or a more noticeable staffing shift for Knox County schools.
The district has not said how many of the newly eligible workers it expects to participate, leaving the potential effect on hiring and school operations unclear. Read More... |
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East Knoxville’s Magnolia Avenue corridor is set for another round of investment, with street improvements approved and a $98.5 million residential development proposed near Covenant Health Park.
Knoxville City Council approved a $3.1 million streetscape phase between North Bertrand and North Kyle streets, adding sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, landscaping and upgraded transit stops.
The work builds on roughly $9 million in city infrastructure and utility upgrades along Magnolia Avenue, where longer-term plans call for improvements toward Cherry Street.
Meanwhile, council authorized negotiations on a tax-incentive agreement for a proposed development by WP South Acquisitions LLC at Patton and Georgia streets.
Plans include 335 apartments, some designated as workforce housing, parking for 420 vehicles, greenway amenities and a pedestrian bridge linking the site to the First Creek at Austin community.
Together, the projects could bring more housing and safer walking, cycling and transit connections between East Knoxville neighborhoods and downtown. Read More... |
East Tennessee SNAP households may see changes to their monthly benefits after the Oct. 1 cost-of-living adjustment, which updates federal benefit limits, income standards and deductions.
Amounts vary by household size, income and expenses, so recipients should check their notices or Tennessee’s One DHS Customer Portal for their updated benefit.
Some adults ages 18 to 64 must meet an 80-hour monthly work, volunteer or training requirement to keep benefits beyond a time limit, though exemptions apply.
Tennessee now pays 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from 50%, adding roughly $58 million to its budget.
Starting in October 2027, the state could also owe a share of benefit costs if its payment error rate remains above federal thresholds; payment errors do not necessarily indicate fraud.
The proposed Healthy SNAP Tennessee food-purchase restrictions remain suspended after a federal court ruling. Read More... |
Some East Tennessee Amazon Prime customers may receive automatic refunds of up to $200 under a federal settlement over allegations that Amazon enrolled people without proper consent and made cancellation difficult.
The Federal Trade Commission says Amazon began a new payment round on Oct. 1, 2026, expanding eligibility to customers who used 11 to 20 Prime benefits in a 12-month period.
To qualify, U.S. customers must have enrolled through a challenged sign-up process or unsuccessfully tried to cancel online between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, and used no more than 20 benefits during any 12-month period after enrollment.
No claim is needed; Amazon is sending eligible payments by PayPal, Venmo or mailed check, and recipients generally have 60 days to accept them.
Watch for legitimate payment notices, but be wary of scams: neither Amazon nor the FTC will charge a fee to issue a refund.
Eligible refunds are expected by April 2027. Read More... |
Quote Of The Day |
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier |
Serenade at Farragut Moves Forward With Townhomes and Neighborhood-Focused Retail |
A new mixed-use project is taking shape along Watt Road in Farragut, bringing plans for 30 townhomes and roughly 10 commercial businesses to a 9.2-acre site near the town’s western edge.
The development, called Serenade at Farragut, is planned for 421 Watt Road, between North Watt and Harrison roads. The property is zoned for Neighborhood/Convenience Commercial use, allowing a combination of housing and smaller-scale businesses intended to serve nearby residents.
Developer Eddie Kherani of Reliance Development has said the commercial portion is being designed around neighborhood-oriented uses rather than a large retail center. The team is hoping to attract two restaurants with outdoor seating, a coffee shop, ice cream parlor, nail salon, pizzeria and smoothie shop, among other possibilities. As of mid-September, four businesses had already committed to leases, although their names had not yet been announced.
Plans also call for 30 townhomes, creating a residential component alongside the commercial space. The buildings are expected to use mostly brick and stone and will be accessible from Watt Road.
The project has been in the planning process for several years. Farragut officials approved rezoning for the property in 2022 to support mixed-use development, and the Municipal Planning Commission later approved a preliminary plat and a driveway sight-distance variance in December 2024.
The location is also notable because of nearby growth. The developer has pointed to recent improvements at Bob Leonard Park and the project’s proximity to the Watt Road interchange as reasons the site could support more neighborhood services. Farther north, the much larger Prosperity Crossing development is also under construction along Watt Road, adding to the amount of investment moving into the corridor.
For Farragut residents, Serenade could mean more everyday dining and service options without needing to drive toward Turkey Creek or central Farragut for every trip.
The project is still developing, so the next details to watch are which businesses are ultimately announced, when construction milestones are reached, and when the first commercial spaces are expected to open. |
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October brings festivals, outdoor adventures and community gatherings across East Tennessee. See what's coming up in Newport, Lenoir City, the Smokies and other communities around the 865. Read More... |
BOO! at the Zoo Returns to Knoxville This Weekend |
Halloween season officially gets underway at Zoo Knoxville this Saturday with the return of BOO! at the Zoo, one of the city’s most popular family-friendly fall traditions.
The event runs on select nights from Oct. 3 through Oct. 30, with activities scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
New this year is HallowGlow Forest, an immersive light experience designed to add a colorful new stop to the evening. Families can also expect plenty of familiar favorites, including trick-or-treating and carnival-style games throughout the zoo.
There’s also a particularly fitting addition for Halloween: a temporary exhibit featuring adoptable black cats from Young-Williams Animal Center. The partnership gives visitors a chance to meet animals looking for homes while highlighting a local organization serving pets throughout the Knoxville area.
For families planning a visit, advance admission for nonmembers ages 3 and older is listed at $15.
With Halloween activities spread across several weeks, BOO! at the Zoo can be an easy option for families looking to celebrate without packing everything into Halloween weekend.
BOO! at the Zoo
For current dates, ticket availability and event details, visit Zoo Knoxville’s official BOO! at the Zoo page. |
Interesting Facts |
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Oktoberfest Returns to Ober Mountain for a Month of Fall Fun |
A taste of Bavaria is back in the Smokies as Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain kicks off today in Gatlinburg.
The month-long celebration runs Oct. 2 through Nov. 1, giving locals and fall visitors several weeks to enjoy seasonal food, live entertainment and mountain views as autumn settles into East Tennessee.
Throughout the festival, Ober Mountain will feature Bavarian-inspired food, live music and traditional Oktoberfest activities, including stein-holding contests. Additional seasonal activities will be offered during the celebration, making it an easy option for families, couples or anyone planning a fall day in Gatlinburg.
The timing also lines up with one of the busiest and most scenic stretches of the year in the Smokies, when cooler temperatures and changing leaves bring plenty of people into Sevier County.
For 865-area residents considering a visit, Oktoberfest’s month-long schedule provides some flexibility. Instead of squeezing the trip into one festival weekend, visitors can choose from multiple dates through the beginning of November.
Oktoberfest at Ober Mountain
Check Ober Mountain’s current event schedule before heading up the mountain for specific entertainment times, activities and operating information. |
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offering an adaptive hike on October 24 designed for visitors with varying mobility levels, with two ranger-led sessions scheduled during one of East Tennessee's most beautiful seasons. Read More... |
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Before Bearden became one of Knoxville's busiest neighborhoods, it was a small settlement called Erin. Discover where the Bearden name came from and how Kingston Pike helped transform the community. Read More... |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Morning Grace Daily |
Start your morning with a little more peace, hope, and encouragement. Morning Grace Daily offers faith-filled inspiration designed to help you begin the day grounded in what matters most. Visit the website for uplifting daily devotionals, then join the Facebook group to connect with others who are starting their mornings with faith, reflection, and encouragement. A few quiet minutes each morning can help set the tone for the whole day. |
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Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15. Before making changes for 2027, review your prescriptions, doctors, pharmacies and costs, and learn where East Tennessee seniors can get free, unbiased Medicare assistance. Read More... |
Fall brings Medicare Open Enrollment, holiday deliveries, charity appeals and home repairs to Tennessee, giving scammers familiar reasons to call, text or knock on your door.
Slow down before responding to anyone who unexpectedly demands money, personal information or immediate action.
With Medicare Open Enrollment beginning October 15, be wary of callers who ask for your Medicare number or threaten to cancel your benefits; hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
For delivery texts or account alerts, skip the message’s link and check directly through the company’s official app or website.
Before donating, research the charity independently and check whether it is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
Before hiring a contractor, verify required licenses and get a written agreement.
Pressure, threats, secrecy and requests for gift cards or financial details are reasons to stop and verify, not act faster. Read More... |
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Pinchy’s Brings Seafood, Sushi and a Raw Bar to Downtown Maryville |
Downtown Maryville has a new seafood option with the opening of Pinchy’s on High Street.
The restaurant opened Sept. 17 and features a menu built around lobster, sushi and raw-bar offerings, along with outdoor space for diners.
The opening adds another locally notable dining concept to downtown Maryville as the area continues to attract new restaurants and businesses.
Pinchy’s |
Flying Biscuit Café Opens in Downtown Knoxville |
Downtown Knoxville has a new all-day breakfast and brunch option with the opening of Flying Biscuit Café at 327 W. Summit Hill Drive.
The restaurant is part of the Lone Tree Pass development and brings Flying Biscuit’s breakfast-focused menu to a central downtown location.
The opening adds another casual dining option for downtown residents, workers and visitors looking for breakfast, brunch or lunch throughout the day. |
Roads to Watch Around Knoxville Next Week |
Drivers traveling through East Knoxville this weekend should plan for delays as TDOT prepares for bridge inspection work near the I-40/I-640 interchange.
Beginning around 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, crews are scheduled to inspect the ramp from I-40 East to I-640 West. To give workers room to operate safely, intermittent rolling roadblocks will be used across several interstate movements throughout the day.
The affected routes include I-40 East, I-40 West, I-640 East to I-40 East and West, and I-40 West to I-640 West. The right lane of the I-40 East-to-I-640 West ramp will also be closed.
Each rolling roadblock is expected to last about 15 minutes, with the work scheduled to continue until about 7 p.m. Sunday. Because the stoppages will happen intermittently, drivers could encounter backups at different times throughout the day.
More lane closures follow Monday and Tuesday
The Sunday inspection is not the only disruption planned at the interchange.
On Monday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., TDOT plans to close the left lane of I-40 East and West at the I-640 interchange. The right lane of the I-40 East-to-I-640 West ramp will also be closed during that period.
Then on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the right lane of that same ramp is scheduled to close again.
What drivers should know
Because this interchange is a major connection point for traffic moving through Knoxville, even short rolling roadblocks can create delays beyond the immediate work zone.
Drivers heading toward downtown, East Knoxville, or connecting between I-40 and I-640 should allow extra travel time and check current traffic conditions before leaving.
The main takeaway: expect intermittent interstate delays Sunday and additional lane restrictions early next week around the I-40/I-640 interchange. |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Norris Dam, begun by the federal government in 1933 and completed by TVA in 1936. |
Thanks for reading 865 Daily.
We’ll keep bringing you useful local updates from greater Knoxville and East Tennessee — from weekend events and outdoor ideas to road reminders, new openings, community news, and the small details that make life here easier to navigate.
Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you in the next edition. |