Susan Espiritu

I spent part of Monday hiking the Jakes Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering the route from the trailhead to Campsite 27. It turned out to be a rewarding summer hike with colorful wildflowers, a beautifully restored section of trail and one unforgettable wildlife encounter before I even reached the trailhead.

At KnoxTNToday, we're always looking for new ways to keep our readers connected to the people, places and events that make East Tennessee such a special place to call home.

Welcome to Daily Connections! We've refreshed our longtime Headlines feature into a new daily guide designed to help you discover what's happening around East Tennessee, connect with community resources, and start your day with something interesting—and something to make you smile. We hope you'll join us every morning.

Some young people impress us with their accomplishments. Others inspire us by the way they care for others. Ella Kate Vinson has done both.

This column highlights several ministries actively seeking support, showcasing their unique contributions and the importance of community involvement. Together, we can empower these ministries to make a lasting impact.

When most people hear the name Ernest Hemingway , they think of classic novels like The Old Man and the Sea or A Farewell to Arms . The Nobel Prize-winning author is known for adventure, travel, and a writing style that uses simple words to tell powerful stories.

There were certain expressions Mama didn't have to explain. We knew exactly what she meant. One of them was, “Don't stir the pot.”

The Rotary Club of Bearden proudly recognized three exceptional members during its annual awards presentation, celebrating individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment embody Rotary's motto of Service Above Self

After a patriotic detour for the past few weeks, Knoxville is back on track with its regularly scheduled programming. The Bijou is inviting cutting-edge talent while downtown is again home to its regular bar patrons, and everywhere in between seems to be settling into that late summer strut.

Faith isn't just for Sunday morning. It's something we carry with us every day—in moments of joy, uncertainty, gratitude and challenge.