Lightning strikes tree, at least three houses; 2 people injured, 1 dog killed Published 4/4/2011 at 8:34 p.m. 44 comments

KNOXVILLE – Two people have been sent to area hospitals and a dog is dead this evening after lightning bounced off a tree and struck at least three houses in Northeast Knoxville, authorities said.

Authorities: Huge sewage spill into Little Pigeon River after basin failure Updated 4/5/2011 at 12:07 p.m. 6 comments

GATLINBURG – Emergency responders are on the scene of a spill at the Gatlinburg wastewater treatment plant on Banner Road that may involve millions of gallons of sewage.

Fukushima fallout arrives in Oak Ridge Published 4/5/2011 at 11:55 a.m. 3 comments

The first evidence of Fukushima fallout in Oak Ridge has been confirmed, with low-level amounts of radioactive I-131 measured in precipitation at three sampling sites, according to information from the Envirionmental Protection Agency’s RadNet site.

Chattanooga police shooting suspect has history of armed robberies Published 4/5/2011 at 12:17 p.m. 0 comments

The man in custody for the slaying of a Chattanooga police officer on Saturday has an extensive history of armed robberies, according to Colorado court records.

KUB trying to restore power to 200 customers today Published 4/5/2011 at 11:59 a.m. 0 comments

KNOXVILLE – Today, about 200 KUB customers are still without power after a line of storms passed through the Knoxville area on Monday.

Knoxville men, 18 and 19, charged in home invasion stickup Updated 4/5/2011 at 10:13 a.m. 29 comments

KNOXVILLE – Officers arrested two suspects in a home invasion robbery within minutes of the heist at a West Knoxville apartment and are searching for a third person.

Mud slide closes northbound Parkway lanes in Gatlinburg Published 4/5/2011 at 9:08 a.m. 2 comments

GATLINBURG – State workers today are clearing a mud slide off the Parkway that forced the closure of two northbound lanes.

High winds, rain, hit South; at least 7 killed Published 4/5/2011 at 12:06 p.m. 0 comments

JACKSON, Ga. – At least seven people died in the South as fast-moving spring storms packing high winds, hail and lightning blew through the region, uprooting trees and knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, including in metro Atlanta.

6 firms express interest in building new Carter Elementary Published 4/4/2011 at 5:33 p.m. 41 comments

Knoxville – Six groups including three with Knoxville area ties have responded to Knox County’s invitation to build and own a new Carter Elementary School in East Knox County, according to proposals opened this afternoon.

Ned McWherter, former governor, House speaker, dies Updated 4/4/2011 at 6:26 p.m. 29 comments

NASHVILLE – Ned McWherter, a onetime factory worker who became a millionaire businessman and two-term Democratic governor after two decades as a legislator, died Monday afternoon. He was 80.