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🐶 A tail of resilience
On game days, members of the Alpha Gamma Rho agricultural fraternity will serve as Smokey XII’s handlers. | Photo courtesy the University of Tennessee
Vols fans, it’s time to welcome a new pup to Rocky Top: Meet Smokey XII.
The University of Tennessee has introduced its newest mascot, a two-year-old bluetick coonhound named Neyland. He came to UT through word of mouth after his previous owners were no longer able to care for him. After an evaluation, the university saw his potential to carry on the Smokey legacy, a beloved tradition for 70+ years.
For now, Neyland is being fostered by a staff member at UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he’s training and getting used to the sights and sounds of gameday crowds.
If you missed it, Smokey XI retired after the 2025 football season and now lives with the Hudson family, longtime stewards of the Smokey tradition.
Comedian Leanne Morgan will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Lady Vols softball game this Sunday, March 29. Psst — in case you missed it, tickets to her December show in Knoxville go on sale at 10 a.m. today. (WBIR)
Outdoors
Stop and smell the flowers. Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s wildflower season at Whiteoak Sink begins Wednesday, April 1 and runs through Sunday, May 3.
Festival
Rap superstar DaBaby will headline Thaw Out Tennessee, a music festival dubbed “Tennessee’s biggest party.” Grab tickets for the Friday, May 1 fest in World’s Fair Park.
Travel
In Chicago for March Madness? Join Rocky Top on the Road for a tailgate at The Barn Hockey Bar from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight before the Vols take on Iowa State.
Ranked
Talk about stepping up to the plate. Covenant Health Park was ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for best minor league ballpark.
Job
Lakeshore Park is seeking a new executive director. Apply here if you think you’re the right fit for the role, or explore our Job Board for more opportunities.
Health
Meet Dr. Joanne Baird, a sports medicine surgeon who truly gets what it means to stay active. A former Division I soccer player and US Navy veteran, she brings real-world experience to every patient she treats at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) East Tennessee. See how Dr. Baird can help you with your health journey.*
Shop
This FDA-registered vibrator is recommended by doctors because it’s backed by science to boost arousal and support natural lubrication, thanks to its bendable shape designed to stimulate all the right spots. Even better? Save 50% during MV.Health’s sitewide sale.*
Wellness
If constant food noise and hunger are wearing you down, MEDVi offers clinician-guided GLP-1 care built for real life. Your dosage is tailored just for you, with clear guidance so you’re never left guessing. See if you qualify and start your introductory month for $179.‡*
Number
$1.50. That’s the price of Costco’s iconic hot dog — a tasty shopping staple and a viral deal in its own right. But it’s far from the only bargain worth knowing about. From overlooked perks to smart in-store strategies, here are 10 lesser-known hacks every Costco shopper should have in their back pocket.*
Event Spotlight
When you see this on the sidewalk, you’ll know you’ve arrived. | Photo provided by Make. Art. Music.
No Big Ears Festival pass? No problem — you can still tap into the fest’s creative energy all weekend long.
Make. Art. Music. — a citywide celebration taking place in multiple downtown venues — is running now through Sunday, March 29. Dive into free experiences like interactive glassblowing at Pretentious Glass Co., live mural painting in Strong Alley, and pop-up musical performances throughout the city.
Plan your stops ahead of time, or keep it casual: Wander downtown, follow the sidewalk graphics into participating locations, and see where the moment takes you.
The Buy
It’s lightning deal time. Snap up these top-rated items, up to 55% off today only in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.
⚡ Save 33% on this No. 1 best-selling women’s sports bra, built to provide support and cushioning during high-impact exercise.
⚡ This cute swimsuit cover-up is 20% off this morning, the lowest price of the year so far — grab it in a tropical print or stick to timeless black or navy.
⚡ Refresh bedding with 38% off cooling bamboo sheets, made with a luxurious, high-end feel that stays cool to the touch on hot nights.
⚡ Restock your bra drawer with 55% off this comfortable wireless bra, great for everyday wear.
⚡ This top-rated men’s knit polo is 27% off and will earn you style points at spring + summer occasions.
An annual census of migratory monarch butterflies found that, while their numbers slightly increased last year, they are still at risk of extinction. Add native plants to your garden to give our winged friends a helping hand before their next migration — you can find them locally at Stanley’s Greenhouse.
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‡Prescription-only GLP-1 treatment requires evaluation by a licensed U.S. provider. Treatment is provided only if medically appropriate; not all patients qualify. Results vary. Compounded medications, if prescribed, are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved as finished products. See program terms for details.
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