Here’s what’s happening around East Tennessee today, along with helpful community resources and interesting things to discover beyond our backyard.

Monday Motivation

A new week does not require a perfect plan. Start with the next useful thing you can do, then build from there.

Today in History

  • 1814 – Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became “The Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry.
  • 1901 – President William McKinley died eight days after being shot; Vice President Theodore Roosevelt became president.
  • 1959 – The Soviet spacecraft Luna 2 became the first human-made object to reach the moon.

Tennessee Trivia

The Tennessee cave salamander was designated the official state amphibian in 1995. It is found in caves, springs and underground waters in parts of Middle Tennessee.

😊 Today’s Smile

Why did Monday bring a ladder to work? It wanted to start the week on a higher level.

Today’s Highlights

  • Safari Sprouts — 8:45 a.m., Zoo Knoxville. A zoo educator leads this early-morning program for young children and their adults; advance registration and zoo admission or membership are required. Details
  • Little History Lessons: Old-Time Music — 10:30 a.m., East Tennessee History Center. The Monday program offers a short, accessible look at regional history; RSVP information is available through the museum calendar. Details
  • WDVX Blue Plate Special — noon–1 p.m., Visit Knoxville Visitors Center, 301 S. Gay St. The free live radio performance continues its weekday lunchtime tradition. Details
  • Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights — 7:30 p.m., Tennessee Theatre. The legendary trumpeter brings the Tijuana Brass sound to the historic Gay Street theater. Details

Featured Resource

Tennessee Valley Fair: The fair continues at Chilhowee Park with exhibits, food, rides and entertainment. Monday’s schedule includes evening fair activities and an 8 p.m. performance by Avery Anna. Plan your visit

Community Connections

  • Ijams Nature Center: Find programs, activities and events for all ages. More
  • Knox County Public Library: Check programs and events at branches across Knox County. More
  • KCS Calendar: Keep up with Knox County Schools dates, meetings and activities. More
  • KUB Construction: Check current utility construction and possible traffic impacts. More
  • Weather: Check the latest Knoxville-area forecast. More

Beyond Knoxville

  • Across Tennessee: Check Great Smoky Mountains National Park conditions, alerts and visitor information. Read more
  • National: Catch up on the latest U.S. headlines. Read more
  • Interest — Congress: Follow current activity in the U.S. House and Senate. Read more
  • Around the World: Follow major international developments. Read more
  • Stock Market: Check the latest market numbers, trends and financial news. Read more

National Month

National Preparedness Month — September is a reminder to review household emergency plans, update important contacts and make sure basic supplies are ready before they are needed.

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