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Morgan O’Neal

Product Editor

Morgan is a Tennessee native who lives and works in downtown Austin. Before 6AM City, she wrote for Texas Highways and led the digital team at Community Impact. If she’s not out and about in the city, she’s likely paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, playing with her cat Louie, or making beaded jewelry

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Musician in colorful, patterned jacket and sunglasses playing guitar under stage lights.
Culture
Your guide to Big Ears Festival 2026
Here’s what to know about the Big Ears Festival lineup, can’t-miss performances, tickets, and tips for navigating downtown Knoxville.
March 19, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_LuckPotluckWillieNelsonPerformance2026
Culture
Inside the annual Potluck dinner, fundraiser, and concert at Luck Ranch
Warning: Setting foot on Lunch Ranch may make you want to never leave.
March 18, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A plate of baked oysters topped with herbs and cheese sits on crushed ice. Beside it is a glass of white wine.
Food
New 865today readers share their favorite Knoxville restaurants
We asked new 865today subscribers to share their favorite restaurant in Knoxville, and these 10 spots were mentioned the most.
March 13, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A grassy area of colorful wildflowers.
Travel and Outdoors
How to turn your Richmond yard into a mini wildlife haven
Help beautify your neighborhood, and become part of a nationwide habit network.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
A crowd of enthusiastic fans with painted faces holds up a "One Knoxville Sporting Club" banner.
Sports
One Knoxville SC kicks off 2026 season: What to know before the home opener
The defending USL League One champions return to Covenant Health Park on March 14. Here’s what to know about the schedule, new kits, themed matchdays, and how to attend.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Last call Rodeo Austin_ATXtoday_FEB
Sports
5 things to know before you go to Rodeo Austin
Maximize your Rodeo Austin experience with these insider tips.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A wooden roller coaster with riders, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Rides, eats, shows: What’s new at Dollywood in 2026
From adrenaline-pumping coasters to seasonal foods and immersive live shows, Dollywood is bringing fresh thrills and flavors this spring.
March 8, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Orange bus with "Tennessee" in bold white letters above windows, parked on street. Bright, sunny background with trees and cars.
City
University of Tennessee receives $10 million for T bus fleet expansion, safety upgrades
The funding will add 10 hybrid buses, improve pedestrian safety, and reduce wait times on campus routes.
March 6, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A person triumphantly holds a trophy overhead amid falling confetti at a lively event, with a cheering crowd under vibrant blue and purple lights.
Sports
Your guide to the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville
Watch the pros chase championship bass on the Tennessee River and check out free fan events across Knoxville.
March 6, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A delicate floral teacup filled with tea sits on a saucer next to a tea strainer on a lace doily.
Events
3 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Knoxville
Attend a lecture, film screening, and tea gathering in honor of inspiring women in Knoxville.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Minaa B., Alok Vaid-Menon, Ana Kirova, and Kesha sit down for a panel conversation on the stage at SXSW 2025.
Events
Best of the fest: Your ultimate guide to SXSW 2026
It’s the SXS-Best time of year in Austin, and SXSW 2026 is going to look a bit different this time around, so buckle in and let us help you plan.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A wooden roller coaster with riders, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Rides, eats, shows: What’s new at Dollywood in 2026
From adrenaline-pumping coasters to seasonal foods and immersive live shows, Dollywood is bringing fresh thrills and flavors this spring.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Kelsea Ballerini in a sparkling red jumpsuit plays guitar and sings on stage, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. Bright lights illuminate the performance.
Culture
15 celebrities with ties to Knoxville
From “Mad Men” to country radio, these famous faces were born, raised, or educated in the Scruffy City.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Several community members stand on a gravel path in front of a caboose with a mural of a woman on its side.
City
Work underway on SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk
Walkers, bikers, and families can look forward to a scenic path featuring murals, sculptures, and preserved rail history.
March 3, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Culture
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Raleigh
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A pink pillow with a needlepoint-made patch that reads, "Ask me about my needlepoint."
Culture
Where to find needlepoint supplies around Richmond, VA
Needlepoint is one of the hottest “anolog” hobbies right now. Find our where to find supplies and meet other stitchers.
March 2, 2026
 · 
Elise Steele
Entrance of West Town Mall, featuring a modern facade with large glass windows and a prominent sign.
Business
6 new shops + restaurants coming soon to West Town Mall
Sneakerheads, bargain hunters, and foodies, get ready. These new arrivals will spice up your next mall trip.
February 27, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A wooden roller coaster with riders, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Rides, eats, shows: What’s new at Dollywood in 2026
From adrenaline-pumping coasters to seasonal foods and immersive live shows, Dollywood is bringing fresh thrills and flavors this spring.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Spacious bookstore interior with tall wooden shelves filled with colorful books, viewed from a mezzanine. People browse below.
Business
End of an era: McKay’s closing after 40 years in Knoxville
The beloved secondhand bookstore on Papermill Place Way will close in May, though other Tennessee locations remain open.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_AntonesSXSW
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
February 25, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
A historic, dark-brick mansion under a clear blue sky, with a path leading through well-kept green lawns surrounded by tall trees.
History
Historic Eugenia Williams House will open for tours this spring
Once home to Coca-Cola heiress Eugenia Williams, the 10,800-sqft riverfront estate will offer tours, cultural events, and walking trails across 24 acres.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Arts
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Columbia
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 23, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Red tray with two burgers and fries; one burger has lettuce and tomato. Fries on left are plain, and on right, topped with cheese and sauce. Cup with red drink on right.
Food
In-N-Out Burger confirms plans for first Knoxville location
East Tennessee fans, your In-N-Out cravings are about to be satisfied.
February 20, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Culture
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Austin
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Culture
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Knoxville
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A wide-angle view of an empty soccer stadium with vibrant green seats and a well-manicured grass field under a clear blue sky. The stadium's modern architecture features large metal beams supporting a partially covered roof. A digital scoreboard displaying event branding and sponsor logos is visible in the background. Sunlight casts long shadows across the field, emphasizing the open-air structure.
Sports
The return of El Tree: Everything to know about the 2026 Austin FC season
Get the ultimate Austin FC playbook, including the schedule, where + how to watch, game day eats, and how to make the best of your trip to Q2 Stadium.
February 17, 2026
 · 
Laura Figi
the Austin, Texas skyline with Barton Springs Pool visible in the foreground.
Culture
Best things to do in Austin: A must-see list for visitors
From historic landmarks to rooftop bars, this guide rounds up the must-try restaurants, sights, and nightlife spots that make the Capital City shine.
February 17, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Three volunteers, in the middle of paving an outdoor walkway, smile at the camera with rakes and a wheelbarrow in hand.
Work
Where to give back and volunteer in Knoxville
This list of volunteer opportunities in Knoxville includes everything from animal shelters to mental health and victim services.
February 13, 2026
 · 
Madison McMillen
View of an empty baseball stadium with green and brown turf. A few people are working on the field, surrounded by empty stands under a clear sky.
Sports
Lindsey Nelson Stadium renovation ready for Tennessee baseball opener
Tennessee baseball’s home now seats 8,012 fans and features new gates, suites, concessions, restrooms, and upgraded player facilities.
February 12, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A hand holding an iced coffee and bouquet of flowers in front of a mural that says Coffee and Flowers in white lettering
Culture
How to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home in Knoxville
Spending Valentine’s Day at home? Here’s how you can still have a special night without breaking the bank, hiring a sitter, or even leaving your couch.
February 10, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
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