The Scruffy Stuff Knox News

The 60-day waiting period required to demolish downtown Knoxville's most crumbling building is over, but there's one more hurdle to address before the decaying building can come down: pedestrian safety. While the owner of Pryor Brown Garage works on that, we at Knox News decided to start thinking about what could replace the historic structure. Listen as co-hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brenna McDermott share their thoughts, and share yours by emailing ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com.  "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 not much shopping that happens at coffee shops; they are more like caffeine lounges than anything else. This is especially true for those who prefer tea and other drinks, yet you'll still find these people in coffee shops around Knoxville. That's because coffee shops are about far more than their roasts. Atmosphere, meeting areas, gifts and food all are offered in these spaces around town.  Co-hosts Ryan Wilusz and Brenna McDermott pick their favorite Knoxville coffee shops around town on this week's episode. The catch: Coffee can't be a factor in their 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.

Brian Canever and Patrick Teasdale of the Knox Soccer Podcast join Ryan Wilusz, co-host of "The Scruffy Stuff," to talk about One Knoxville SC's jump to a professional league. As Knoxville's sports culture continues to grow, with a baseball stadium planned just east of downtown, is the Scruffy City ready to become a soccer city? We answer this question and a whole lot more about the first pro soccer season in Knoxville, beginning March 18.  To hear Ryan talk about the stadium on the Knox Soccer Podcast, click here or search for the show on your favorite podcast platform.  "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.

If a bear does cocaine in the woods and no one is around to see it, did it really do cocaine?  The answer is a resounding yes, and "Cocaine Bear" places this far-fetched premise prominently on display during the new film directed by Elizabeth Banks.  With its ties to Knoxville − and Knox News − it was only fitting for two reporters, Ryan Wilusz and Keenan Thomas, to be among the first to see the movie at Regal Cinebarre.  Listen for our thoughts about the movie and for what viewers should expect in terms of Knoxville references. Tap here for the full story. "The Scruffy Stuff" is presented by knoxnews.com and produced by Brianna Paciorka. 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.

Just the prospect of a downtown Knoxville stadium was enough for real estate investors to begin buying property left and right in the Old City and Magnolia Warehouse District.  The trend has continued since the stadium was approved, and property values are rising. Areena Arora, Silas Sloan and Ryan Wilusz explore real estate transactions, property trends and the possible future of a stadium district.  Host Brenna McDermott leads this discussion, based on our in-depth reporting available now at Knox News.  "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.

Inspired by Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day," this podcast explores what it would be like to wake up in the same place day after day. The fun part: You get to choose.  Ryan Wilusz, Brianna Paciorka and Keenan Thomas consider food, shopping, nightlife and other amenities to determine which block in the downtown Knoxville area they would select.  "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.