Jessalin-Heins-Nagamoto-Headshot-LAL

Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto

Assistant Managing Editor

Jessalin is based in Brooklyn, NY and holds Masters’ from the University of Colorado and The New School. She loves walking her chihuahuas in Prospect Park and hunting for the perfect brunch.

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An upclose view of common milkweed, which is both light and dark pink in color, with greenery out of focus in the background.
City
How to turn your Knoxville yard into a mini wildlife haven
A grassroots effort is helping Tennessee properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A vintage program cover featuring a drawing of football player in orange.
Culture
Knoxville: The birthplace of the Southeastern Conference
From Dec. 8-11 in 1932, 13 institutions met in Knoxville to form the SEC.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Mist lingers between the evergreen pine trees at TNT Christmas Tree Farm
Where to get a Christmas tree in Knoxville
All these Christmas tree options are less than an hour from Knoxville. You’re welcome.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
An exterior shot of a white house with a pink door.
New to Lakeland
Staycation in style at these Lakeland Airbnb and Vrbo rentals
Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a stylish mid-century modern stay, Lakeland’s short-term rentals offer something for everyone looking for a staycation.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Kevin Aponte talks to actors in the seats during a Cruel Intentions rehearsal
Inside the local Raleigh theater scene: An interview with Kevin Aponte
We asked this local performer about his favorite venues, plays, and the best barbecue in North Carolina.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Route 66
Culture
Asked: To celebrate the anniversary of Route 66, send in your road trip memories
We’ll get it started with a family road trip along Route 66 to Charleston in the 1970s.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A shot from up high of the Howard Frankland Bridge project. The Bay water is reflecting sunlight, while cars drive along the existing bridge. An incomplete structure spans left to right as crews work on the bridge. The Tampa skyline and South Tampa are in the distance on a bright sunny day.
Just how bad is the traffic in Tampa Bay?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
November 17, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A park area featuring a large tree with yellow and orange leaves and a few more tree off to the right side with hues of yellow and green.
City
Leaf collecting in Nashville: Your yard waste cheat sheet
Raking in the leaves? Here’s how to bag and bundle them the Metro-approved way.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Dylan Aycock
Aerial view of an urban landscape with roads, high-rise buildings, and green spaces under a blue sky with clouds. The scene is bright and vibrant.
City
How bad is the traffic in Chattanooga?
Spoiler alert: It’s not great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
November 11, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Cars cruise along I-77 with the Uptown Charlotte skyline in the distance.
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Charlotte?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
November 5, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Thanksgiving dinner table
Food
Where to find Thanksgiving dinner in Charleston
Whether you’re planning to dine in or carry-out, we’ve rounded up some options for Thanksgiving dinner in Charleston that don’t involve getting the kitchen dirty.
November 5, 2025
 · 
Callie Putnam
Downtown Asheville. Photo by @robertfilm_fx
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Asheville?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
November 4, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
608today Madison skyline
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Madison?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 29, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A view from high up looking south shows Portland along the Willamette River, with freeways and bridges dominating the center of the frame.
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Portland?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 29, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Raleigh's skyline at sunset on the Boylan Bridge.
Just how bad is the traffic in Raleigh?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great in the 919. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Gervais Street Columbia-8497.jpg
City

Just how bad is the traffic in Columbia?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
An aerial shot with the Big Four Bridge in the forefront.
Culture
Just how bad is the traffic in Louisville?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 28, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Knoxville?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
downtown KC skyline
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Kansas City?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Boston city skyline and view of Charles River
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Boston?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Aerial view of the Dallas skyline
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Dallas?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
FTW-panther-city-air-roads-drilling
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Fort Worth?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Sunset Over Monona Terrace
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Madison
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
October 24, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Seattle Skyline
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Seattle?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 23, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A man in full Scottish regalia plays the bagpipe outside at the Charleston Scottish Games and Gathering
Culture
Immerse yourself in Scottish culture at the Charleston Scottish Games and Highland Gathering
Guests will gather to celebrate Scottish heritage at the second-oldest event of its kind in the southeast.
October 17, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
An array of colorful bowls and smoothies from Playa Bowls.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in NOVA
Dining in NOVA is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Men in yellow "Bananas" baseball uniforms performing a dance routine with yellow streamers.
Sports
Uptown to go bananas for the Savannah Bananas
The wildest baseball games you’ll ever see are coming to Truist Field.
October 10, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Fall leaves on lakeshore path around University of Wisconsin-Madison
City

Leaf collecting in Madison: Your yard waste cheat sheet
Raking in the leaves? Here’s how to bag, bundle, and bin them the 608-approved way this fall and spring.
October 6, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A black and white photo of Bartell Drug in 1927
City
Looking back on Bartell Drugs’ local history
There’s never been a better time to support locally owned-pharmacies.
October 6, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A hand holds out a dish with four small shot glasses and two condiment dishes on top. Inside of the shot glasses is a green liquid topped with a hollow breaded sphere filled with food.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and upcoming restaurants in Orlando
Dining in Orlando is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
October 1, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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