The Scruffy Stuff

The proposed Neyland Entertainment District, shake-ups at WUTK and new public parking spaces. It's safe to say the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is at a turning point.  Staying on top of it all is higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, who joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss the biggest changes the campus community should expect and how those changes impact the rest of Knoxville.  LINKS: How University of Tennessee students are scrambling to keep WUTK on air in 'hectic' times Parking passes on sale for University of Tennessee: How to buy amid major changes Inside look at Tennessee plans for Neyland district: Cost, restaurants, parking garage Important dates and costs University of Tennessee families must know before fall semester What's that big building going up between Publix and Sutherland Avenue next to Tyson Park?  University of Tennessee dining shakeups bring new restaurants to 'best value' campus "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here.

Whether you have the voice of an angel or require a little liquid courage before taking the stage, karaoke is always a fun option for a night out, and Knoxville has plenty of options.  Knox News reporter Allie Feinberg joins host Ryan Wilusz to discuss their recent visits to some of the most popular karaoke destinations in town. They talk about what makes each venue unique, what makes for a good karaoke song and what songs they consider their go-to choices.  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

The left turn into and out of the Knoxville McKay's used books and record store on Papermill Drive is a headache on a normal day. But when the store celebrated its 50th anniversary July 9 with an all-day, prize-filled road trip to five locations in Tennessee and North Carolina, traffic was exacerbated − and some got more than they bargained for. Growth and development reporter Daniel Dassow joins host Ryan Wilusz to discuss all things McKay's, from how people spent their $800 in store credit to why the Knoxville store is so popular to begin with. Plus, we share some of our favorite and most hilarious social media posts documenting the madness.  LINKS: >> What happened at McKay's bookstore? Inside the cross-state road trip for a hot bargain >> Our $800 McKay's shopping list: Obscure titles, a 'Peppa Pig' cap and one pricey dinosaur >> 'Woodstock of 2024': McKay's road trippers reminisce and cash in after a hot day in lines The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

The world was watching June 24 as Tennessee defeated Texas A&M to capture its first national title in the baseball program's history. Behind the scenes and on the field, Knox News was tirelessly working to capture the biggest moments during the Vols' quest for gold.  Brianna Paciorka, visual journalist at Knox News and producer of "The Scruffy Stuff," was in the middle of the action throughout the championship weekend. Her job: photograph history. The tireless work paid off with incredible shots that illustrate the excitement and emotions surrounding the Tennessee win.  Paciorka joins host Ryan Wilusz to discuss how she approached this historical assignment, what was going through her head as the final game was winding down and why seeing the confetti fall was also a career highlight for her.  Links: >> Tennessee baseball wins College World Series 2024: Our best photos from Omaha >> Champs! Tennessee baseball wins first national title, topping Texas A&M in 2024 CWS final >> Knoxville celebrates Tennessee baseball, Tony Vitello with parade, celebration >> You asked, we reprinted! Get our in-demand front page and special Tennessee celebration photo >> Celebrate Tennessee baseball's national championship with Knox News poster, extra edition >> Celebrate Tennessee baseball's epic CWS national championship with our special new book "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

FROM MAY 14, 2024: There's nothing quite like springtime in Knoxville ... except for summertime. OK, fall and winter are awesome too.  Knoxville has plenty to offer any time of year, from mouth-watering bars and restaurants to family-friendly festivals to natural amenities like the Urban Wilderness.  But with summer quickly approaching, hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka share their bucket list of things they hope to accomplish before football season picks up – things like finding their go-to place, enjoying the river and trying ice cream from a classic Knoxville fixture (no, it's not Cruze Farm).   What activities are on your bucket list? >> Link: 23 things you have to do in Scruffy City "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

It's Bonnaroo week, one of the most magical times of year for Knox News journalist Ryan Wilusz, host of this week's episode of "The Scruffy Stuff."  Ryan is joined by photographer Hanna Mattix, who is attending the Manchester, Tennessee, music festival for the first time this year. For Ryan, it will be his 10th trip to The Farm as a fan.  Listen as Hannah asks first-timer questions to the Bonnaroo veteran, who discusses his tips and tricks for staying comfortable, unofficial Bonnaroo traditions and a whole lot more you should know before making the trek with your C'roo.  READ AND WATCH: >> Bonnaroo changed America. Knoxville's Ashley Capps on how it came together: 'We taught ourselves' >> My love for Bonnaroo has radiated positivity in so many ways >> Eyes deceiving you? Why the 2024 Bonnaroo lineup is better than it looks at first glance >> Bonnaroo through the years: From traffic nightmare to a musical 'movement' >> Vintage Bonnaroo: Knoxville photographer's 8 years of photos "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Since September, Knox News journalist and co-host of  "The Scruffy Stuff" Ryan Wilusz has devoted Thursday nights to judging the bracket-style competition known as Band Eat Band, first at Scruffy City Hall and then at Asylum 801.  The West-family competition paid performers and donated to local charities, including Knox News' own Empty Stocking Fund, before signing a $5,000 check for the winning band. Listen as Wilusz and co-host Keenan Thomas discuss the competition, who won and how the format served as an incubator for Knoxville's local music scene.  >> Story and photos: Nine months later, Band Eat Band crowns the 'king' of Knoxville's music scene. See who won  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

From May 23, 2023: For fun under the sun, downtown Knoxville has plenty of patios to offer. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, our thirst keeps getting stronger for outdoor spaces to enjoy drinks and food.  Host Ryan Wilusz, along with producer Brianna Paciorka and higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, average their individual scores to determine an admittedly unscientific ranking of patios in the Scruffy City.  Scores are given a letter score, with a special "S" ranking we are calling "the Sunsphere," reserved for patios that should be considered a Knoxville icon. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

FROM MAY 16, 2023: For fun under the sun, downtown Knoxville has plenty of patios to offer. And as the weather keeps getting warmer, our thirst keeps getting stronger for outdoor spaces to enjoy drinks and food.  Host Ryan Wilusz, along with producer Brianna Paciorka and higher education reporter Keenan Thomas, average their individual scores to determine an admittedly unscientific ranking of patios in the Scruffy City.  Scores are given a letter score, with a special "S" ranking we are calling "the Sunsphere," reserved for patios that should be considered a Knoxville icon. Stay tuned next week for part two!  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

There's nothing quite like springtime in Knoxville ... except for summertime. OK, fall and winter are awesome too.  Knoxville has plenty to offer any time of year, from mouth-watering bars and restaurants to family-friendly festivals to natural amenities like the Urban Wilderness.  But with summer quickly approaching, hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka share their bucket list of things they hope to accomplish before football season picks up – things like finding their go-to place, enjoying the river and trying ice cream from a classic Knoxville fixture (no, it's not Cruze Farm).   What activities are on your bucket list? >> Link: 23 things you have to do in Scruffy City "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Adeem the Artist dropped their highly anticipated follow-up to "White Trash Revelry" on May 3, and we can't stop listening! The appropriately titled album, "Anniversary," released the same day they celebrated 10 years of marriage with local artist High Five Hannie.  Adeem joins "The Scruffy Stuff" to talk about their family's journey amid newfound fame, the research that goes into writing, the expectations for their hometown album release show and just how many times you can wear a shirt on tour before it's considered dirty.  Want to hear more? Check out the last time Adeem the Artist joined "The Scruffy Stuff" to perform and discuss songs off "White Trash Revelry."  >> Tickets: Adeem the Artist album release show, May 10 at the Bijou Theatre >> Photos: Knoxville's own Adeem the Artist through the years >> Link: A queer child of Appalachia, Adeem the Artist chronicles the American South in vivid truth >> Link: Knoxville's own Adeem the Artist teases next album with a new '90s pop country bop' single "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

A proposed high-rise along the Tennessee River would be one of the first things people see when entering downtown from the south, but the design is still up for debate.  While developers have expressed to stakeholders the challenges of building on a sloped riverside site, the Design Review Board wants them to go back to the drawing board to brainstorm how the project will better benefit the public.  Growth and development reporters Ryan Wilusz and Silas Sloan discuss what must happen for this project to move forward and how a successful development could change the way people experience and interact with the western edge of downtown.  >> Link: Why 16-story apartment building planned downtown has to rethink its design "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods.  Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka, who visited on a Thursday afternoon and were welcomed by the bustling sounds of a diverse customer base, including UT students. It makes sense with all the apartments aimed at college students nearby. Kern's Food Hall is no Marble City Market, Knoxville's first food hall, and that's OK. We break down some of the differences, what makes Kern's unique, how it could affect South Knoxville growth and everything else you should expect before visiting. That includes a breakdown of what's open in this first phase.  >> Link: Kern's Food Hall is ready to spill some secrets - restaurants, rooftops, brewery and all >> Link: Kern's Food Hall is open! Here are 9 things to know, from eating to parking >> Photos: See Kern's Food Hall on opening day! "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville. The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifact they discovered to limestone caves beneath The International property in downtown Knoxville, where radiation technology was used to see what's inside. The experiment came with unexpected consequences, resulting in a rift in space and time that has caused these humans to become aliens, the past to become present, and myth to become reality. This week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas, were at opening weekend of Asylum 801 to document how this nightclub could change Knoxville, from bridging the gap between downtown and the university to serving as an incubator for up-and-coming artists by giving them a state-of-the-art stage to perform on. Not to mention filling a dancing void in downtown, which has been without a regularly programmed nightlife venue of this magnitude.  >> Link: Asylum 801, a new downtown club, is ready to blast off in extraterrestrial fashion >> Photos: Check out opening night of Asylum 801 club in Knoxville "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter."  How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill the tea. The result was a whirlwind of coverage related to the possibility of a "Jolene" cover, all citing Knox News and Turner's work.  Turner joins host Ryan Wilusz on this week's episode to discuss why he asked the question in the first place, what it's like to interview Parton and how the media craze caused by his reporting unfolded right before his eyes.  >> Link: Will Dolly Parton be on Beyoncé’s new country album? Here’s what Dolly had to say >> Link: Hear and see Dolly Parton on Beyoncé’s new album 'Cowboy Carter' >> Link: Will Knoxville radio play Beyonce's cover of ‘Jolene’ or shops sell 'Cowboy Carter' vinyl? "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

For the first time in a long time, East Knoxville residents cut off from downtown through the demolition of mostly Black neighborhoods in the 1960s and '70s will be able to move more easily throughout the city to take advantage of new amenities, new infrastructure and new job opportunities. But amending the generational pains of urban removal, touted as urban renewal at the time, is just a sliver of the expansive overhaul known as "Reconnecting Knoxville" that will add walkways to highways, replace parking lots with parks and bring Knoxville's complicated African American history to the forefront of a city trying to navigate the crossroads of progress while remembering − and learning from − past mistakes. Listen as hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka discuss how this seven-phase project will change the way people experience downtown and nearby neighborhoods, including how the downtown baseball stadium fits in the plans.  >> Link: 5 ways new paths and parks will 'Reconnect Knoxville' from the stadium to the river "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.  

It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer. Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka – co-hosts, journalists and Big Ears veterans – talk about how to plan for this year's festival, including some changes that might surprise those who have been before.  >> Link: 10 must-see Big Ears concerts and what to know for this weekend's downtown music festival >> Link: Don’t miss him! Tickets to Andre 3000's Knoxville shows are available separately from Big Ears "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.  

The future of free parking on nights and weekends, a downtown Knoxville amenity that helps encourage people to visit and explore our city, is the subject of a survey that has surfaced some stress among downtown businesses. The survey on whether free parking is the best strategy moving forward was organized by a handful of downtown business owners, though it has gathered enough steam for the city to take notice and clear up some confusion. Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka talk about the implications of removing free parking and how the amenity contributed to the renaissance of downtown Knoxville.  The full story is available at knoxnews.com. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

From Oct. 30, 2023: Nearly one year ago, we embarked on a mission to create a resource for new residents – something to help people adjust as they settle in their new home or take on new roles in the community. We’re happy to share with you Knoxpedia, the one-stop shop for all things Knoxville. Whether you’re new to town, looking to become more civically engaged or just a generally curious person, this comprehensive guide is for you! Looking for the best brewery or music venue in town? Knoxpedia has you covered. Confused about local politics or how to sign up for services like trash and recycling? We have entire sections dedicated to that. Listen to learn more!  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.

A viral video of Knoxville native Briston Maroney walking off stage toward the end of his hometown show at The Mill & Mine sparked a conversation among two of Knox News' biggest music fans, downtown reporter Ryan Wilusz and visual journalist Brianna Paciorka.  Listen as they discuss which Knoxville music venues have the best crowds, what you can do to improve everyone's concert experience and why shouting "Free Bird" is never a good idea.  "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com. Want more downtown analysis? Sign up for the free weekly Urban Knoxville newsletter by clicking here, and join the downtown discussion by becoming part of the Urban Knoxville group on Facebook.