Beacon Briefing

The campus newsletter serving the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and its surrounding community.

SGA passes Narcan legislation, brings additional wellness resources to campus

Oct 14, 2026

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2 min read

SGA passes Narcan legislation, brings additional wellness resources to campus

UT’s Student Government Association takes steps to expand campus wellness resources and access to Narcan. Plus, Smokey statue vandalism leads to felony charge, G10 demolition begins and Tennessee prepares for Alabama.

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Cat’s out of the bag: UT College of Veterinary Medicine keeps lions, tigers on the prowl

Oct 7, 2026

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2 min read

Cat’s out of the bag: UT College of Veterinary Medicine keeps lions, tigers on the prowl

UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine has worked with Tiger Haven for decades, providing medical care for more than 100 big cats while giving veterinary students hands-on experience with lions, tigers and other non-domestic felines. Plus, a UT sophomore becomes a millionaire on “College GameDay,” George MacIntyre provides a spark at quarterback and a student-built digital organizer expands beyond Rocky Top.

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Tennessee football quarterback Faizon Brandon facing unfamiliar territory v. Auburn

Sep 30, 2026

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2 min read

Tennessee football quarterback Faizon Brandon facing unfamiliar territory v. Auburn

For the first time in nearly three years, Faizon Brandon is coming off a loss as a starting quarterback. Plus: President Donald Trump’s visit to Neyland Stadium, concerns across the SEC following two student deaths at Ole Miss and Tennessee football’s championship legacy immortalized at Champions Corner.

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From SGA president to mayor: US congressional candidate reflects on UT education

Sep 23, 2026

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2 min read

From SGA president to mayor: US congressional candidate reflects on UT education

Chaz Molder, former UT Student Government Association president and current mayor of Columbia, is now running for U.S. Congress in Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District. Plus, meet Knox County’s new mayor; hundreds line up for Roller Rabbit’s UT pop-up, and; see how the Vols’ 2026 opponents fared in Week 3.

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Big Orange Bar finds footing in Fort Sanders

Sep 16, 2026

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2 min read

Big Orange Bar finds footing in Fort Sanders

Fort Sanders’ newest bar is finding its place in UT’s crowded nightlife scene. Plus, Tennessee football loses an offensive starter, Vols honor 9/11 at Neyland and student musicians take the stage at Kern’s Food Hall.

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UT campus feels impact of record enrollment numbers

Sep 9, 2026

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2 min read

UT campus feels impact of record enrollment numbers

Record enrollment is being felt across Rocky Top as more than 41,000 students navigate traffic, transportation and packed classes. Plus, Phi Kappa Psi launches a new scholarship, Hattie B’s opens near campus and Knox County pulls the plug on Flock cameras.

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