In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Today Mostly Sunny with a high of 65

📰 University of Tennessee Welcomes Austin-East Magnet High School Students to Class of 2028

📰 Knoxville Police Launch 'Take Me Home' Program to Aid in Locating Missing People with Disabilities

📰 Understanding the Impact of Sleep Apnea on Cognitive Health

👮🏻 Knoxville Woman Pleads Guilty in Dark Web Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Romantic Rival

📅 Events & Entertainment - Things to Do This Weekend

💰 Financial Tip of the Day

🦃🎄🎅 Seasonal Shopping News

🦃 Black Friday Store Opening Times

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

University of Tennessee Welcomes Austin-East Magnet High School Students to Class of 2028

The University of Tennessee's Office of Undergraduate Admissions visited Austin-East Magnet High School to celebrate the acceptance of several students into UT's Class of 2028. These students are part of the Flagship school program and will receive scholarships covering tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters.

The group of admitted students includes:

• Tylan Baker (business analytics)

• Samuel Beaty (journalism and electronic media)

• Shaniya Cherry (child and family studies)

• Saevyon Cozart (business analytics)

• Noah Djenini (business administration)

• Jamia Hackler (university exploratory track)

• Jamya Hackler (psychology)

• JaMya Hollis (psychology)

• Angeline Irankunda (psychology)

• Samyah McGhee (studio art)

• Charleston Thomas (accounting)

• Jaymee Walker (communication studies)

Knoxville Police Launch 'Take Me Home' Program to Aid in Locating Missing People with Disabilities

The Knoxville Police Department has launched the Take Me Home Program, aimed at helping first responders quickly locate missing individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. This registry allows family members to enroll their loved ones, providing first responders with vital information such as emergency contacts, physical descriptions, and photos.

The initiative, brought to Knoxville by Detective Phyllis Tonkin, mirrors similar programs across the U.S. Participants receive Alert Me Bands and scent preservation kits to aid in searches. Funded by a Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant, the program is available to those living, working, or studying within Knoxville city limits. Learn more - Take Me Home Program.

Understanding the Impact of Sleep Apnea on Cognitive Health

A Knox County study shows the significant impact of good sleep on overall health and cognitive function, with a particular focus on the effects of sleep apnea. Dr. Shelandra Bell emphasizes that sleep apnea, characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep, can lead to decreased cognitive abilities and heart health problems.

She advises those struggling with restful sleep to consult healthcare professionals about sleep apnea, highlighting the importance of good sleep for cognitive well-being. There is a link between better sleep and improved cognitive function, especially when obstructive sleep apnea is managed or absent. The study notes that even mild sleep apnea can be associated with poorer cognition, but it does not establish a causal relationship.

Things To Do This Weekend

All Weekend

• Cirque Italia Water Circus: Gold Unit at the West Town Mall; Saturday, 11/18 @1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - Sunday, 11/19 @ 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tickets between $15 - $60.

Sunday, 11/19

• Retropolitan Craft Fair at the Mill & Mine from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• Peppa Pig and Friends Sing-Along Party at the Tennessee Theatre starting at 2:00 p.m. Tickets from $35 - $65.

• Bearden Tree Lighting at Everly Brothers Park starts at 5:30 p.m. Free event.

Financial Tip of the Day

Tip: Avoid late fees! If you're not a fan of automatic payments but keep missing your due dates, set recurring calendar reminders to help you stay on track.

Today’s Financial Tip of the Day is brought to you by Sara Hobbs of Stewardship Advisory Services.

Knoxville Woman Pleads Guilty in Dark Web Murder-for-Hire Plot Against Romantic Rival

Melody Sasser, a 47-year-old woman from Knoxville, has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge of murder for hire. She was involved in a scheme to eliminate a woman she viewed as a romantic rival by hiring a hitman through the dark web. Sasser and her attorney, Jeff Whitt, reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

She had orchestrated the plot to kill the woman, identified as "J.W.," starting from the end of 2022. Sasser provided detailed personal information about J.W., which she obtained by surveilling her and her husband. Sasser is currently detained in Knox County Jail, with her next court appearance scheduled for December in Knoxville.

🦃🎄🎅 
Local Shopping this Season

Black Friday Store Opening Times

Are you going shopping on Black Friday? Here are large store opening times. Are you a locally-owned business opening early for Black Friday hours? Let us know here, and we will add you to this list! [email protected] 

Opens at 5:00 a.m.

• Academy Sports

• Bass Pro Shops

• JCPenney

Opens at 6:00 a.m.

• At Home

• Belk at West Town Mall

• Big Lots

• Dicks House of Sports at West Town Mall

• Dillard’s

• Foot Locker

• Gap

• H&M

• Home Depot

• Lowe’s

• Pottery Barn

• Sephora

• Tanger Outlets Sevierville

• Tractor Supply Company

• ULTA

• Victoria’s Secret

• Walmart

• West Town Mall

• Williams Sonoma

Opens at 7:00 a.m.

• Belk in Turkey Creek

• Home Goods

• Marshalls

• T.J. Maxx

Opens at 8:00 a.m.

• Barnes & Noble

• Guitar Center

Opens at 9:00 a.m.

• Staples

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Knoxville Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message to [email protected] and let's celebrate the spirit of Knoxville together! Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it at the email address above!