The Scruffy Stuff

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 con...

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 thi...

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:...

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...

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 an...

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 K...

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...

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...

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 se...

Adeem the Artist dropped their highly anticipated follow-up to "White Trash Revelry" on May 3, and we can't stop listening! The appropriately titled album, "Anniversary," released the same day they celebrated 10 years of marriage with local artist High Five Hannie. 

Adeem joins "The Scruffy Stuff" to talk about their family's journey amid newfound fame, the research that goes into writing, the expectations for their hometown album ...

A proposed high-rise along the Tennessee River would be one of the first things people see when entering downtown from the south, but the design is still up for debate. 

While developers have expressed to stakeholders the challenges of building on a sloped riverside site, the Design Review Board wants them to go back to the drawing board to brainstorm how the project will better benefit the public. 

Growth and development reporters...

While it took a while for Kern's Food Hall to finally open, it didn't take long for people to begin exploring the property in packs – enjoying sushi and pizza from vendors, sipping on rooftop drinks, and shopping for flowers, clothes and artsy paper goods. 

Take it from this week's co-hosts, Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka, who visited on a Thursday afternoon and were welcomed by the bustling sounds of a diverse customer base, inc...

Orson Welles has nothing on the far-fetched story inspiring a new out-of-this-world nightclub in the newly established Asylum District that could expand what people consider the boundaries of downtown Knoxville.

The tall tale, from the mind of owner Scott West, goes like this: Rogue doctors from Oak Ridge recently hauled an extraterrestrial artifact they discovered to limestone caves beneath The International property in downtown K...

Before you read about it on CBS News or even our own USA TODAY, Knox News was first to report that a Dolly Parton and Beyoncé collaboration could be happening as part of the latter's album "Cowboy Carter." 

How did we know? Trending news reporter Devarrick Turner straight-up asked Parton during a Dollywood interview, and she seemed eager to spill the tea. The result was a whirlwind of coverage related to the possibility of a "Jolen...

For the first time in a long time, East Knoxville residents cut off from downtown through the demolition of mostly Black neighborhoods in the 1960s and '70s will be able to move more easily throughout the city to take advantage of new amenities, new infrastructure and new job opportunities.

But amending the generational pains of urban removal, touted as urban renewal at the time, is just a sliver of the expansive overhaul known as ...

It’s not just the eclectic and distinguished lineup that sets Big Ears Festival apart in 2024. It’s the host city of Knoxville, Tennessee, that pairs Southern charm with world sounds to present a festival that’s more comfortable than most, with world-class venues that are closer than what most other cities can offer.

Listen as Ryan Wilusz and Brianna Paciorka – co-hosts, journalists and Big Ears veterans – talk about how to plan fo...

The future of free parking on nights and weekends, a downtown Knoxville amenity that helps encourage people to visit and explore our city, is the subject of a survey that has surfaced some stress among downtown businesses.

The survey on whether free parking is the best strategy moving forward was organized by a handful of downtown business owners, though it has gathered enough steam for the city to take notice and clear up some con...

From Oct. 30, 2023: Nearly one year ago, we embarked on a mission to create a resource for new residents – something to help people adjust as they settle in their new home or take on new roles in the community.

We’re happy to share with you Knoxpedia, the one-stop shop for all things Knoxville. Whether you’re new to town, looking to become more civically engaged or just a generally curious person, this comprehensive guide is for yo...

A viral video of Knoxville native Briston Maroney walking off stage toward the end of his hometown show at The Mill & Mine sparked a conversation among two of Knox News' biggest music fans, downtown reporter Ryan Wilusz and visual journalist Brianna Paciorka. 

Listen as they discuss which Knoxville music venues have the best crowds, what you can do to improve everyone's concert experience and why shouting "Free Bird" is never a...