Latest news with #WATE
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
tnAchieves hits major milestone as 50,000+ recipients graduate from college
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The nonprofit, tnAchieves, is celebrating a major milestone in the program's history. According to the group's annual report, 53,168 students who have received support from tnAchieves have graduated from college. In addition, tnAchieves found that every graduation metric included in the report saw an annual increase. The three-year graduation rate jumped five percentage points, which tnAchieves said is a historic increase in college completion. The report added that 84.7% of graduates are living and working right here in the state. Sweetwater residents supporting each other after tornado in Loudon County According to the nonprofit, the increases are being driven by the COMPLETE and Knox Promise Programs. In addition, tnAchieves said Knox Promise's 49.3% three-year graduation rate would place the program third in the country when compared to national graduation rates. To read the full report, click here. 'tnAchieves is dedicated to taking a human approach to building Tennessee's future workforce,' said tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. 'There is power in supporting a student in not only going to college but encouraging them through meaningful degree completion and into the workforce. Today these 50,000 grads are more educated, more skilled and more prepared than ever to live and work in Tennessee.' KCDC honored in D.C. for veterans housing development in Knoxville The nonprofit's mission is to support Tennessee students and keep these numbers on the rise by offering educational resources like mentors, tutors and scholarships, including the TN Promise scholarship program. With these resources, tnAchieves hopes to ensure Tennessee students are as prepared to enter the workforce as they can be while also increasing their chances of graduating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sweetwater residents supporting each other after tornado in Loudon County
SWEETWATER, Tenn. (WATE) — An EF0 tornado moved through Loudon County Friday morning, damaging multiple structures and injuring five people. Most of the damage was found off Holt Road near the border of both Loudon and Monroe Counties. In a matter of moments everything changed for this community. Richard L. Bean to retire after mayor calls out problems at juvenile detention center 'Just total shock, because there was no warning like it hit so fast and it was over so fast, I've never been through something like this,' said Leslie Guilford. Guilford said the tornado was like nothing she had ever experienced before. 'We came running outside and there's a camper next door, and it had flipped over four times, and there were people trapped inside, so we ran down there in the rain to help try to make sure they were okay,' she said. 'We had the neighbors call 911 and then everybody started showing up to help and assess all the damage.' Four people were in the camper that flipped over, in talking to their family 6 News learned despite some minor injuries, they were doing okay. However, like many other residents, they weren't the only ones who were home when it happened. 'It was early this morning, and I think it was around 8:30, It just got really loud and the ceiling started creaking and all that other stuff,' said Craig Brackett. 'Next thing I know, I'm getting a call as a responder for the camper that had rolled over and I knew exactly, it was on our property.' National Weather Service surveying damage in Loudon County Brackett works as a first responder and also co-owns Grain Bin Commodities off Holt Road. He said multiple parts of his property were damaged, including two Airbnb's and two barns, one of which they use for events like 'Fall at the Farm.' 'It's all about people, the buildings are replaceable and we've got a lot of buildings to replace, but that's okay. The people are okay, that's what matters,' said Brackett. He said now that they know everyone off the road is safe, they will help each other rebuild. 'We have some of the best neighbors, they've been so supportive through everything, and they were the first ones down here right after it happened,' said Guilford. 'So we're thankful for Callie and Craig and all the other neighbors that have come by.' Five injured after EF-0 tornado in Loudon County When the tornado came through, Brackett's business was used as a post for first responders, the National Weather Service, the Red Cross, and as a place for the people displaced. While it will take a while to rebuild, they tell me they are glad everyone seems to be okay. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
KCDC honored in D.C. for veterans housing development in Knoxville
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Liberty Place in West Knoxville has earned a national honor for helping veterans. The 32-unit housing site was recognized by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (KCDC) received the Outstanding Partnership Award during the group's annual conference in Washington, D.C. The award honors groups that demonstrate creativity and collaboration. Liberty Place, which opened in November, provides permanent housing for homeless veterans. It features solar panels, ADA units, and on-site VA support. More than 25 local groups helped furnish and support the residents. This is also KCDC's first housing site dedicated specifically to veterans. Five injured after EF-0 tornado in Loudon County 'Liberty Place would not have been possible without the partnerships that were built at all levels and phases of development, ranging from local, state and federal agencies to nonprofits and community members,' KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. 'Liberty Place is a success because of these collaborations and is an example of how developments can and should work within our community to support homeless veterans.' The project was made possible with help from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Knoxville Homeless Management Information System, local Volunteers of America, and The McNabb Center. Funding for the $15 million project included $2 million in federal funds, $500,000 from affordable housing funds from the City of Knoxville, $7.1 million in tax credits from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), and $1 million from the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP). Additionally, the land for the site was donated by Knox County. Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served KCDC worked with local partners to stock the residents' kitchens before a significant snowstorm that was predicted shortly before the opening, and these partners continue to provide monthly food donations to the residents. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Family ties bring rising WWE superstar to Knoxville for Smackdown
KNOXVILLE (WATE) – WWE Smackdown rolls into Knoxville Friday night. WWE Superstar Jacob Fatu says he's never been to Knoxville and he's excited for it. Fatu also said professional wrestling was a lifeline for him. 'Man, it's keeping me out of jail,' said Fatu. 'I was 18 and sitting in county and who did I see on the screen, Jimmy and Jey (Uso). I couldn't believe my cousins were on their though.' John Cena to return to Knoxville for a final time in May After Fatu was release from jail, he moved to Los Angeles and began training with his family. Fatu's family includes Roman Reigns, Jimmy and Jey Uso and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. 'Man, we grew up around it without knowing we grew up around it. In our culture, we are very family oriented. Wrestling has always been around but it was always normal to us,' Fatu said. Fatu debuted last year – and just like his catchphrase – he been 'all gas, no brakes' ever since. Since his debut he has become Tag Team Champions and more recently he beat L.A. Knight at Wrestlemania for the United States Championship. 'My love and support from my family was in the building that day. Shout out to L.A., man. When you hear that L.A. Knight music and the roar of the crowd, there's no other person that I'd want to do it with. Very thankful for the opportunity, very thankful for WWE,' he said. Fatu had this message for Knoxville as WWE Smackdown is live at Food City Center Friday night. WWE star Bianca Belair encourages public input for Knoxville parks master plan 'Man, if you know Jacob Fatu, Jacob Fatu is gonna tell you the truth. There ain't no other way, It's Friday night. We movin' and groovin',' Fatu said promoting the upcoming show. 'Of course, I'm gonna be there. Solo is gonna be there. We are gonna have the triple threat Money In The Bank triple threat qualifying match. If you're a wrestling fan, it don't matter what you watch, it's time for you to pull up.' WWE Smackdown airs Friday night at 8 p.m. on USA. If you're going to the show at Food City Center, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and will feature John Cena, Cody Rhodes and Knoxville's own Bianca Belair. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
At least 4 injured after storm causes damage in Loudon County
LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office and other agencies are responding to reports of structure damage following storm damage in the Philadelphia Friday morning. At least four people have been injured. The sheriff's office told 6 News deputies and dozens of other first responders were responding because of structure damage that involved multiple injuries in the 3200 block of Holt Road. Inspector finds off temperatures, no sanitizer at Chinese restaurant in Morristown Tennessee Highway Patrol shared that four people have been taken from the Sweetwater area to an area hospital for evaluation. The agency added that drivers should avoid the area and use alternate routes. The sheriff's office said the storm damage included downed power lines, trees and debris. Those in the area are reminded to assume downed power lines are live and stay clear of them, avoid fallen trees, storm debris and unstable structures, and not to enter damaged buildings until they are cleared by authorities. Hazards in the area should be reported to 911 immediately. A National Weather Service survey team is expected to arrive at the area of Holt Road and Sweetwater around 11:30 a.m. Man charged after brother fatally stabbed, dog drowned in Sevier County Just before 9 a.m., the sheriff's office posted on social media saying it was monitoring reports of a 'possible tornado touchdown' in the area of Philadelphia. Residents were urged to take shelter in basements or interior rooms away from windows, and to stay out of mobile homes and vehicles. This is a developing story. or for updates. Following the sheriff's report, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for areas including Greenback, Townsend and Walland until 9:45 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
