Scientists have uncovered dozens of new aquatic species in the Southern Ocean, including a carnivorous “death ball” sponge that uses tiny hooks to capture its prey. You don’t need to travel that far to see local wildlife for yourself, because Knoxville is blessed with animal-watching opportunities:
We would be remiss to not mention the world-renowned Zoo Knoxville, where an abundance of species, animal feedings, exhibits, and galleries await.
Ijams Nature Center boasts 318+ acres of wildlife access with the opportunity to see birds of prey, snakes, otters, deer, and more in their natural habitat.
A stair-climbing robot vacuum is among Time Magazine’s 300 best inventions of 2025. If it takes a wrong turn, you can also use voice commands to help it out. That makes the prospect of cleaning this recently listed Wedgewood Hills farmhouse a little less daunting.
Gallery
Take a peek inside South Knoxville’s hottest new dining spot. Mimosas opened at The Davy late last week, offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and drink options, plus convenient to-go breakfasts. We’ve got our eye on the chicken wings and the pancakes and the eggs benny and the... you get the point. (Knoxville News Sentinel)
Weather
There’s snow way you’re going to believe this one. Parts of East Tennessee could get some snowfall early this week as a cold front moves through our area. Sounds like a perfect excuse to cozy up with a warm cup of joe. (WATE 6)
The Word
The viral “6-7" trend has made it into the record books — it’s now Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year for 2025. We don’t understand it, either. What we do understand is our Games section, where not six, not seven, but eight daily options await. (AP News)
On This Day
On November 10, 1969, the first-ever episode of “Sesame Street” aired. Over the years, many of us have learned and laughed with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert + Ernie, and all the other familiar faces. Continue their legacy with a random act of kindness in Knoxville.
Drink
A taste of the Big Easy is gaining popularity across the country, according to the New York Times. The Obituary is a martini made with gin, vermouth, absinthe, and lemon zest, and is experiencing a renaissance. See if you can find one at a local happy hour.
Try This
We don’t make the rules — cooler weather calls for more nights cozied up on the couch. “Nashville” was just named the best television series set in Tennessee, so it’s the perfect excuse to hit play (again). Bonus: Elevate your night in with the best biscuits in town. (Screen Rant)
Fun Fact
Posting on our local job board is like using a GPS for hiring. It gets you to the right talent without the scenic detours. Ready to find your dream candidate? Post your job today. It’s 100% free.
Travel
Now boarding: direct flights from Knoxville to Nashville, Orlando, Tampa, Denver, and more through Southwest Airlines starting in March 2026. Book now + see where else you can fly on the newest airline to join TYS.*
Finance
SouthEast Bank is offering a welcome deal as cozy as sweater weather. For a limited time, earn $250 when you open a new Bonus Rate checking account with SouthEast Bank’s Bundle Up Bonus. Use promo code BONUS2025 online or visit a local branch before Dec. 31 to snag the deal.*
The Knoxville area is just turning past the absolute peak of its fall foliage for 2025, but there’s still time to see Southern Appalachia’s stunning seasonal display.
As people in the comments of this Reddit post say, a short trip to Look Rock could make for some great weekend plans.
Gutter guards that make clogs physically impossible. Yes, really. Meet LeafGuard, a system with seamless construction that eliminates joints where leaks typically develop. The result? A maintenance-free solution that’s built to last. Bonus: Our readers save 75% off installation + an additional $200 off.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Veterans Day is tomorrow, marking 107 years to the day since the end of World War I.
The conflict was fought on battlefields across the globe, and Knoxville played its part in securing victory for the allies. You can learn more about local ties to the Great War at the East Tennessee Historical Society. After all — education is our strongest ally for the future.
