The Knoxville Focus

Stories in this Week's Focus by | Jul 13, 2026 | Public Notice | FORECLOSURE NOTICES SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE WHEREAS, 6125 RIVERVIEW, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, executed a Promissory Note payable to HRD, LLC in the original principal amount of $1,500,000.00, dated April 11, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the “Note”), which Note is more fully described in and secured by a Deed of Trust dated April 14, 2025, to Derek L.

North waterfront redevelopment, data center restrictions pass By Mike Steely Senior Writer steelym@knoxfocus.com The north bank of the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville needs redevelopment, and the Knoxville City Council approved a long-term plan to do so Tuesday evening.

By Steve Hunley The University of Tennessee made an announcement that made the national news and startled many Tennesseans. The University of Tennessee announced its Board of Trustees had approved a $1.9 million legal settlement to Tamar Shirinian, a professor at UT who was fired for posting comments on social media following the brutal murder of activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus. Shirinian filed suit after being fired, claiming the university had violated her constitutional rights.

By Ray Hill Hamilton Fish Kean doubtless is unfamiliar to most readers, but he served in the United States Senate and was part of a political dynasty that exists to this day. Kean’s son Robert Winthrop Kean served in the U.S. House of Representatives for twenty years, from 1939 to 1959. Senator Kean’s grandson, Tom, was elected governor of New Jersey, serving from 1982 to 1990.

By Steve Williams Phil Morton worked a long time as an assistant district attorney and prosecutor in Blount and Knox counties until he retired in 2020. Along the way he took up umpiring Little League baseball games and reached its top level in 2004 when he worked behind the plate of the LL World Series Championship at South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. That’s the game televised every summer, with the 12-year-old all-stars from the USA and other countries playing for the title.

The Rotary Club of Bearden has announced its Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, effective July 1, 2026. The new leadership team will continue the club’s longstanding commitment to service above self through community projects, youth programs, scholarships, and support for local and international humanitarian initiatives.

By Pete Gawda Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond has a passion for alleviating domestic violence. Last October, he announced the new Bridge to Safety program to help victims of domestic violence and, at his invitation, about 50 people gathered at the Randall E. Nichols Family Justice Center on Tuesday, July 7, for a domestic violence focus forum.

~ from the City of Knoxville Office of Neighborhood Empowerment The Police Advisory & Review Committee (PARC) will meet on Thursday, July 23, at Lennon Seney United Methodist Church, located at 2084 Dandridge Ave. Community members are invited to attend and participate. Residents who want to speak during the meeting’s public forum must sign up in advance using PARC’s online form or in person between 5:30–6 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Each speaker will have 5 minutes.

~ from the Halls Republican Club The Halls Republican Club will meet Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Boys and Girls Club, 1819 Dry Gap Pike 37918, just off East Emory Rd. As usual, there will be a Meet-and-Greet at 6:05 p.m. with snacks and fellowship, followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thanks for supporting Knox County and our Country. We are experiencing an increase in interest and attendance.

~ from the Knox County Forensic Center The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the non-profit United Against Fentanyl are inviting area residents to take part in a national and statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of opioids and remembering those who have lost their lives to the drug.