In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather

🌞 Daily Inspiration

📰 Techstars Knoxville Accelerator Readies for Third Cohort, Open for Applications

🔥 Knox County Imposes Burn Ban Amid Elevated Fire Risks and Windy Conditions

📰 Scoop There It Is: Knoxville Duo Spreads Viral Debate on Scooped Bagels

🐻 Daily Laugh

📅 Knoxville Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Inaugural FILM FEST KNOX
 

Techstars Knoxville Accelerator Readies for Third Cohort, Open for Applications

The Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator is preparing to welcome its third batch of tech startups, with the potential for the program to be extended. The Knoxville-based accelerator, now led by local entrepreneur Brandon Bruce following Tricia Martinez's departure, invites startups in AI, biotechnology, and clean energy to apply by November 29.

The program, which began with a $9 million investment from local investors in 2021, offers a 13-week period of growth and networking for participating companies, culminating in a Demo Day on June 6. Founders receive $20,000 from Techstars in exchange for 6% equity in their company. The previous cohorts have seen companies like FLUIX Inc. and Silvis Materials plan to continue their presence in East Tennessee. While the second cohort was mostly virtual, the upcoming program aims for a more physically present structure to fully utilize Knoxville's resources.

To learn more and apply, visit the TechStars website.

Knox County Imposes Burn Ban Amid Elevated Fire Risks and Windy Conditions

A ban on open burning has been imposed across Knox County, including the City of Knoxville, due to heightened fire risks. The Knoxville Fire Department communicated the ban through social media, indicating that it applies to all forms of open flames, such as recreational fires, the use of charcoal and gas grills, and portable outdoor fireplaces.

Rural Metro Fire-Knox County echoed the sentiment, attributing the ban to the combination of gusty winds and low humidity levels.

The ban comes as a response to a series of wildfires that emerged over the previous weekend, exacerbated by the current dry and windy weather conditions.

Simultaneously, the Sevier County Emergency Management Agency alerted residents on Wednesday morning that the fire danger level had escalated to "Very High" amidst the persistent drought and expected windy weather.

Scoop There It Is: Knoxville Duo Spreads Viral Debate on Scooped Bagels

A TikTok video capturing the opinions of two Knoxville newcomers on the divisive habit of hollowing out bagels has gone viral, amassing over 1.3 million views and sparking a lively online debate. The practice gained renewed scrutiny when a Californian's TikTok went viral after they shared their negative experience in a New York City bagel shop while asking for a hollowed-out, gluten-free bagel.

The trend, which has been a subject of contention for years, gained further attention with discussions in major publications. In response, Knoxville’s Erin McConocha and Nicki Podesta shared their perspective, with Podesta, originally from New York, expressing strong opposition to altering the bagel, suggesting alternative forms like mini-bagels or "flagels" instead.

The reaction to their TikTok was overwhelming, with thousands finding amusement in Podesta's passionate defense of traditional bagel preparation. With this being McConocha’s first foray into TikTok and the reaction being unexpectedly large, the pair are contemplating more videos.

Podesta and McConocha, both having moved from different parts of the country, also shared their initial cultural shock upon arriving in Knoxville, with differences in social interactions and food options standing out. Despite missing some New York staples, they’ve found local eateries like Jaboni's Pizzeria and Potchke Deli that satisfy their cravings.

So - what is a scooped bagel? It’s, a bagel with its inside removed, believed to reduce calories or hold more toppings, a concept that often receives criticism. Additionally, it explains the "flagel," a flattened bagel preferred in New York for its crunchier texture, and whose origins are contested but deeply rooted in the region. Currently, Knoxville does not appear to have a flagel offering.

Knoxville Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Inaugural FILM FEST KNOX

Knoxville is set to light up its screens with the premiere of FILM FEST KNOX, a brand-new international film festival. The event is a collaborative effort between Visit Knoxville, the Visit Knoxville Film Office, Regal, and The Public Cinema, marking its debut from November 9-12, 2023.

The festival is dedicated to elevating cinema as an art form, welcoming a mix of film aficionados, industry professionals, and enthusiastic audiences to partake in a celebration of cinematic excellence. Held at the Regal Riviera situated in the heart of downtown Knoxville, attendees will find themselves in the midst of the city's dynamic atmosphere.

FILM FEST KNOX will feature an array of film genres but will particularly highlight the unique category of American Regional Cinema. Thanks to a partnership with Regal, the festival is proud to introduce the 6-film American Regional Film Competition, an exclusive segment spotlighting outstanding films crafted outside the major film hubs of Los Angeles and New York.

The top film in the American Regional Cinema competition will earn an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run courtesy of Regal, providing an extraordinary opportunity for filmmakers.

Beyond the screenings, FILM FEST KNOX is also home to a series of exciting events. Festival-goers can look forward to vibrant parties, thought-provoking panel discussions, and intimate receptions paying tribute to our special guest filmmakers. The festival places a special focus on celebrating the artistic visionaries behind the films, acknowledging the critical role these creators play in the storytelling process.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, further details can be found by visiting the FILM FEST KNOX page on the Visit Knoxville website.