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.