KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI) — The Knox County Health Department is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated during this year’s Fight Flu TN Day on October 20.

As part of a statewide initiative led by the Tennessee Department of Health, free flu shots will be available at five locations throughout Knox County. Health officials say the clinics are open to the public and will provide vaccines to both insured and uninsured adults and children at no cost.

No appointments are necessary.

Free Flu Shot Locations

Knox County Health Department

• 140 Dameron Avenue
• 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Knox County Health Department West Clinic

• 9000 Executive Park Drive, Suite A301B
• 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Mission District Safe Space

• 505 Depot Avenue
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Emerald Youth East Area Ministry Complex

• 2410 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Free food will be available through a partnership with New Direction Health Care Solutions and Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.

Lonsdale Elementary School

• 1505 Louisiana Avenue
• 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Health officials say annual flu vaccination helps reduce the severity and spread of influenza, particularly among children, older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

The free clinics are part of a statewide effort to increase immunization rates ahead of the peak flu season and make vaccines more accessible to Tennessee residents.

Residents are encouraged to bring insurance information if available, but no one will be turned away because of insurance status.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI) — With National Slow Down, Move Over Day approaching on October 17, AAA is urging Tennessee motorists to pay closer attention when encountering disabled vehicles, emergency responders, tow trucks and other roadside workers.

According to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, many drivers believe they are following Move Over laws, but observational data suggests otherwise. More than 90% of drivers reported slowing down or moving over the last time they passed a stopped vehicle, tow truck or police cruiser. However, previous research found only 64% actually changed lanes or reduced speed when required, meaning more than one-third of drivers failed to take either action. [wbir.com]

The consequences can be deadly.

AAA reports that more than 2,100 people nationwide were struck and killed while stranded or working along roadways between 2019 and 2023. In 2025 alone, AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside events, and 15 roadside service providers lost their lives in Move Over-related crashes. Many of those incidents involved impaired or hit-and-run drivers.

Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said roadside danger extends far beyond emergency responders.

“Drivers often think roadside danger only affects police officers, firefighters and tow truck operators. But anyone can become vulnerable at the roadside.”

A separate AAA survey found Tennessee drivers recognize those risks. More than half, 57%, said being struck by another vehicle would be their biggest concern if their own vehicle became disabled on the side of the road.

Tennessee’s Move Over Law

Under Tennessee law, drivers must move over for stopped vehicles displaying flashing or hazard lights whenever it is safe to do so. The law covers:

• Emergency vehicles
• Tow trucks and recovery vehicles
• Highway maintenance vehicles
• Utility vehicles
• Solid waste vehicles
• Disabled motorists stopped on the roadside

If changing lanes is unsafe or impossible, drivers are required to reduce speed and proceed with caution.

What Drivers Should Do

AAA recommends motorists:

• Slow down immediately when approaching flashing lights
• Move over one lane when safe
• Stay alert and avoid distractions
• Never drive impaired or drowsy
• Watch for workers and stranded motorists near the roadway

Research cited by AAA found 63% of fatal crashes involving roadside assistance providers occurred after the striking vehicle had already left the travel lane, highlighting the role distraction, impairment and fatigue can play in deadly crashes.

If Your Vehicle Breaks Down

AAA recommends drivers:

• Pull as far off the roadway as possible
• Turn on hazard lights immediately
• Note their location before calling for assistance
• Raise the hood if safe to do so
• Avoid standing directly in front of or behind the vehicle
• Stay aware of surrounding traffic

AAA says the message is simple: Slow down, move over and stay alert. Officials hope greater awareness will help prevent roadside tragedies and protect emergency responders, roadside workers and stranded motorists alike.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Knoxville Police Department is searching for two women accused of robbing a Knoxville car dealership at gunpoint and making off with approximately $5,000 in cash.

According to police, officers were called Tuesday to MG Auto Sales LLC, located at 4403 Clinton Highway, after reports of an armed robbery. Investigators say two Black women wearing face masks and gloves entered the business and robbed employees at gunpoint.

Police said the suspects fled the scene in a newer-model Ford Explorer. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the vehicle or the suspects. The women remain at large.

The dealership is a family-owned used car business that recently moved to its Clinton Highway location in June. Co-owner Maria Gomez told WVLT off camera that the robbery was unlike anything her family has experienced before. While the family declined an on-camera interview, the incident has left business owners in the area on edge.

Nearby business owner Shawn Faircloth of Faircloth Customs said his company has taken extensive security precautions in response to crime concerns.

“We have over 58 cameras inside and outside the building,” Faircloth said. “And they don’t want to break in and come in here while we’re here, because we all carry.”

Faircloth said his business has dealt with theft in the past and understands the impact such crimes can have on small business owners.

“It’s heartbreaking, because we work for this and we pay for it out of our pocket,” he said.

The Knoxville Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is actively investigating the robbery. Detectives have not released descriptions beyond the suspects’ clothing and are asking anyone with information about the case or the Ford Explorer to contact investigators.

No injuries were reported during the robbery.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Leaders at North Knoxville Baptist Church are focusing on recovery after investigators determined a Wednesday morning fire was intentionally set and arrested a suspect in connection with the blaze.

According to investigators, evidence recovered at the scene and security video led authorities to 43-year-old Jeremy Lee Hensley, who was later taken into custody and charged with felony arson and burglary. Officials said Hensley has no known connection to the church.

The fire caused the most significant damage to the church foyer, while heavy smoke spread throughout much of the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Pastor Jim McNeal, a retired firefighter-paramedic who has served the congregation for more than three years, said his fire service experience may have helped save much of the church.

“I’m very adamant about keeping all of our fire doors closed, and I think that probably saved our church,” McNeal said. “The smoke can find any crevice, and it did, but it kept the fire retained.”

McNeal said the reality of the damage struck him when he entered the sanctuary.

“That’s when it really hit me,” he said. “Initially, you’re just running through a checklist, but seeing the sanctuary brought the emotions of it all.”

The church holds deep roots for many families in the community, including Debb Goosie, the church’s director of operations.

“We’ve been here since 1930,” Goosie said. “My grandparents were here, my parents were married here, and I was married here. It holds a special place for us.”

The current fire also revived memories of a devastating blaze in the 1980s that destroyed the church sanctuary.

“There are a lot of emotions because we’ve had a fire before,” Goosie said. “You immediately start wondering how much damage was done and whether we’ll still be able to have church.”

Despite the destruction, church leaders say worship services will continue this Sunday in the church gymnasium while cleanup and restoration efforts begin.

McNeal said the congregation is turning to faith in the aftermath.

“We serve a great and wonderful God,” he said. “This didn’t catch Him by surprise. Somehow, God will be glorified through this.”

Court records indicate Hensley is also accused in a separate case involving the theft of a boom lift that was allegedly driven into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in downtown Knoxville in May, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Records show a theft charge in that case remains under consideration by a grand jury, while two other charges were later dropped.

The arson investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated additional charges are possible.

KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Knox County Commissioner Brandon Huckaby is requesting a public hearing to determine whether Robert Alex Moody, a member of the Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals, should be removed from his position following an assault citation stemming from an incident earlier this month.

According to Huckaby, police records indicate that on Oct. 10, protester William Wilson alleged that Moody punched him outside a political event at Jackson Terminal in downtown Knoxville. Following the investigation, the Knoxville Police Department issued Moody a citation for misdemeanor assault.

In a statement announcing the request, Huckaby emphasized that he is not seeking to predetermine the outcome of the matter.

“This is a request for a public hearing, not a request to prejudge the outcome. Mr. Moody deserves notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond.”

The next step in the process is for the Knox County Commission to vote on whether a hearing should be held. If commissioners approve the request, a formal hearing would be scheduled to examine the facts of the case and determine whether removal is warranted.

Huckaby’s proposed charges ask commissioners to determine whether Moody’s alleged physical strike was intentional and lacked legal justification. The commissioner noted that any claim of self-defense would need to be fully considered before a decision could be made.

In his filing, Huckaby argues that if the allegations are proven and no legal justification exists, the conduct could constitute cause for removal from the board.

“If established, the undersigned contends that this conduct constitutes cause for removal because unjustified physical violence against a member of the public demonstrates a serious failure of judgment and self-restraint relevant to continued service on a county board that hears and resolves disputes involving members of the public.”

At this stage, the request is only for a hearing and the filing of formal charges. Moody has not been removed from the board, and no hearing date has been set.

The matter is expected to come before the Knox County Commission, which will decide whether the hearing request moves forward.

Fans can watch Sunday’s game on SECN+ and stream the game on Watch ESPN.com and the ESPN app. Andy Brock (play-by-play) and Steve Hamer (color) will have the call.

Fans state-wide can tune in to their local Vol Network radio affiliate to hear Voice of the Vols Mike Keith and analyst Chris Lofton depict the action.

Tennessee is coming off an exceptional 2025-26 campaign which included 25 victories, a fourth-straight appearance in the Sweet 16 and a third-straight trip to the Elite Eight.

THE MATCHUP
•    After dropping the series’ first two games, the Volunteers have won 12 of the past 15 since 12/23/41.
•    In the teams’ last meeting, UT took a 64-49 win over Xavier on 11/29/13 at the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. It was their second matchup in 18 days.
•    Following a 15-18 (6-14) campaign, Xavier was picked sixth in the Big East preseason poll.
•    Junior forward Jovan Milicevic is Xavier’s leading returning scorer after producing 12.4 ppg last year.
•    The Vols are 32-27 all-time versus the current Big East schools. Xaiver (17) is the only team they have played nine-plus times.
•    Barnes is 44-50 against the Big East’s current membership, with a 2-3 ledger while at Tennessee.
•    UT’s last game versus a Big East foe was on 11/29/24, an 82-75 win over Creighton in the Sweet 16.
•    The Vols are 88-20 in exhibitions, including 66-13 in the U.S., 62-11 in Knoxville, 29-3 against U.S. colleges and 16-2 under Barnes.
•    This is the Vols’ fifth straight year playing a DI foe in an exhibition after doing so just once before.

NEWS & NOTES
•    The Volunteers are the only team to play in the Sweet 16 in each of the last four years and in the Elite Eight in each of the past three.
•    Last year, Tennessee logged, per CBS, the sixth instance of an SEC team reaching the Sweet 16 at least four years in a row, since the field grew to 32 in 1975.
•    UT is, according to Stats Perform, one of three SEC schools—five instances—to make the Elite Eight at least three years in a row, since the tournament expanded to 16 teams in 1951. The others are Kentucky (2010-12, 1995-99, 1956-58) and Florida (2011-14).
•    The Volunteers’ +12.6 rebounding margin in 2025-26 was the third-best of the last 30 years (1996-2026), according to Stats Perform.
•    UT had 10-plus offensive boards in 36 of 37 games last year, co-fourth-most in a season the last 30 years (1996-2026), per Stats Perform. Its 44.6 offensive rebounding percentage ranked fourth this century, per KenPom.
•    Seven of UT’s 12 setbacks last year were by fewer than six points. Four were by one possession.
•    UT finished 4-1 versus AP top-11 teams, with the wins by 11.3 ppg. It beat #3 Houston (11/25/25) by three, #11 Louisville (12/16/25) by 21, #9 Virginia by seven (3/22/26) and #6 Iowa State by 14 (3/27/26).
•    Rick Barnes‘ 861 wins are second among active DI coaches and No. 10 all-time (min. 10 years in DI).
•    Barnes has led UT to seven of its 10 25-win seasons. The Vols are one of five teams with 25-plus wins in each of the last five years.
•    The Vols’ 226 wins the last nine seasons (2017-26) rank eighth in DI. Only Houston (273), Gonzaga (270), Duke (255), Kansas (236), Purdue (236), Arizona (230) and Saint Mary’s (227) possess more. Liberty (225) and Auburn (224) complete the top 10. In addition, UT is also eighth over the last five seasons (2021-26) with 134 wins.
•    UT is the nation’s seventh-best program, atop the SEC, the past 10 years (2016-26), per Haslametrics’ average end-of-season rankings.
•    The Vols finished in the AP top 20 for the fifth year in a row, notching their fourth top-12 spot in that span, which dates to 2021-22.

WINNING WAYS
•    Over the last nine seasons (2017-26), Tennessee (226-85; .724) paces all SEC schools in total victories, overall winning percentage and postseason victories (27). In that span, UT has three SEC titles (2018 and 2024 regular seasons, 2022 tournament).
•     In that same period, the Volunteers are one of two SEC teams with even 210-plus wins and/or a winning percentage above .685, alongside Auburn (224-87; .720), which is second in both.
•    Over SEC play across the same span, Tennessee (109-52; .677) is first in both league victories and league winning percentage. The only other schools at even 100-plus wins and/or a .620 clip are Kentucky (107-54; .665), Alabama (104-58; .642) and Auburn (103-59; .636).
•     In just the last five seasons (2021-26), the Vols own a 134-48 (.736) overall record. That is good for the most total wins and the best winning percentage in the SEC, far ahead of Auburn (.726; 130-49).
•     In that time, Tennessee (62-28; .689) is second in league victories and league winning percentage, behind only Alabama (64-26; .711).

RARE AIR
•    Tennessee is the lone team to make the Sweet 16 each of the past four years and the Elite Eight each of the last three.
•    This is only the sixth such occurrence—one other streak was vacated—by any school since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
•    The other instances came from Florida (2011-14), Kansas (2001-04 S16/2002-04 E8), Michigan State (1998-2001 S16/1999-2001 E8), Kentucky (1995-99) and Duke (1986-92 S16/1988-92 E8). Memphis (2006-09 S16/2006-08 E8) had the vacated streak.
•    The Volunteers have also made the Round of 32 in each of the last five years. Only Duke, Kansas and Kentucky from the above list also had a five-year concurrent Round of 32 streak.

PRESEASON PLAUDITS
•    Juke Harris was tabbed a Preseason Third Team All-American by Blue Ribbon Yearbook. The outlet’s only other first-year transfers who made the cut were Louisville’s Flory Bidunga (second team) and St. John’s’ Tounde Yessoufou (fourth team).
•    Harris earned Preseason First Team All-SEC status from the media. He was the lone first-year transfer on the five-man team, on which he was joined by Rueben Chinyelu, Thomas Haugh, Josh Hubbard and Tyler Tanner.

SUPREME SCORERS
•    Tennessee’s nine transfers totaled 3,880 points in 272 appearances last year, good for 14.3 per contest.
•    UT’s top seven incoming transfer scorers—Dai Dai Ames, Jalen Haralson, Juke Harris, Terrence Hill Jr., Braedan Lue, Tyler Lundblade and Miles Rubin— amassed 3,557 points in 232 contests, 15.3 per game.
•    Six of them—all but Lue—led their respective teams in scoring. The top five of that group—Ames, Haralson, Harris, Hill and Lundblade—put up 2,802 points in 164 games, averaging 17.1 per game.
•    Per Basket Under Review’s Will Warren, UT is the only team with four transfers who hit 50-plus 3-pointers last year (Ames, Harris, Hill and Lundblade).

CHICAGO CONNECTION
•    Tennessee has three players from Chicago, all of whom are in their first year as Volunteers. Dai Dai Ames is a senior who transferred from Cal, Marquis Clark is a freshman and Miles Rubin is a junior who transferred from Loyola Chicago.
•    Amorrow Morgan, who was an assistant coach at Loyola Chicago for two years (2021-23), served as the lead recruiter for all four players. He previously recruited Ames to Cal and Rubin to Loyola Chicago, but did not coach either of them there.
•    Ames and Rubin attended Parker Junior High School together in middle school.

FORMERLY FOES
•    Several Tennessee players faced each other in prior seasons. Multiple matchups last year featured strong performances from two future Volunteers.
•    On 3/7/26, Dai Dai Ames scored a career-high 31 points at Wake Forest. Juke Harris had 31 and a career-best 15 rebounds in an 80-73 win  for the Demon Deacons.
•    On 1/30/26, Terrence Hill Jr., tallied 24 points, six rebounds and five assists in an 89-75 triumph over Loyola Chicago. Miles Rubin finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Ramblers.
•    On 1/2/26, Dai Dai Ames scored  23 points, seven of which came in the final 11 seconds and included a game-winning 4-point play, in a 72-71 home victory over Notre Dame. Jalen Haralson had 17 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Fighting Irish.
•    Jalen Washington played UT thrice last year while at Vanderbilt. He averaged 7.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 3.3 bpg. His six blocks on 2/21/26 set a career high.

It's time to stop allowing so many points, start generating more takeaways and sacks and, most important, help the team improve on a 2-3 start that has it looking up at the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) in the AFC South.

On paper, a Sunday visit from the Tennessee Titans (0-5) should give Indianapolis a chance to turn things around. Coming off a 34-22 loss last week in Pittsburgh, the Colts rank 27th in the NFL in points allowed at 27.6 per game.

Bynum believes the formula is simple.

"Just leave no boxes unchecked," he said. "I think this week, especially with our up-and-down performances that we've had, we want to lock in on every single detail and make sure that No. 1, effort and the controllable things are done to 100%.

"The communication, knowing our assignments, those things that are controllable, making sure those are taken care of because that should never be a question on game day. Then everything else after the ball snaps, then that'll take care of itself."

The Colts ran into plenty of problems in Pittsburgh, specifically 188 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns from the Steelers' Jaylen Warren and 235 passing yards and three TD passes from Aaron Rodgers.

That was too much to overcome for an Indianapolis offense looking to regain the form that carried the team to an 8-2 start last year. Indianapolis is scoring 24.8 points per game this season (11th in the NFL) but ranks in the bottom half of the league in rushing, passing, total yards and third-down conversion percentage.

Although Jonathan Taylor has rushed for 398 yards and six touchdowns in five games, quarterback Daniel Jones hasn't been quite as efficient. Losing No. 1 wide receiver Alec Pierce hasn't helped, but Jones has averaged 5.8 yards per attempt, one of the lowest figures in the NFL.

In theory, Tennessee could help Jones find the explosive plays the offense has been missing. The Titans are allowing opponents to complete 74% of their passes, a rate surpassed only by the Miami Dolphins' 76.6%.

On the other side of the ball, Tennessee's offense has been consistently ineffective, averaging a league-low 11.6 points per game. The Titans suffered a 26-3 home loss to the previously winless Houston Texans last week.

Tennessee ranks last in total offense, 31st in passing, 27th in rushing and last in average time of possession. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward is averaging 5.8 yards per attempt, the same as Jones.

Ward knows it won't be easy for the franchise to rebound after struggling mightily in recent seasons.

"We all have something to play for," he said. "It's bigger than ourselves -- it's about the organization. It's about what we want the narrative to be about us. And we have the ability to control that each and every week.

"We know what we are capable of doing, and we are not meeting our expectations. But we have a lot of games left. At the end of the day, we have to play better on Sundays to get the results that we want."

Since the start of the 2024 season, the Titans have lost 33 of 39 games, with four of the defeats coming against the Colts. Indianapolis has won the teams' past six matchups.

Titans safety Kevin Winston Jr. (quadriceps) did not practice on Wednesday, while running back Tyjae Spears (knee), cornerback Marcus Harris (ankle), safety Amani Hooker (concussion) and tight end David Martin-Robinson (hamstring) were limited.

Colts right tackle Jalen Travis (ankle), wide receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ribs) did not practice on Wednesday, while wide receiver Josh Downs (hamstring) was limited. Right guard Matt Goncalves and defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau were undergoing concussion evaluations.