Pitch Impressions

FIFA Pitch Research photo

Players offer their initial opinions on the turf developed by UT and Michigan State researchers for the stadiums hosting World Cup matches.

Rafting the Pigeon, Post-Helene

Pigeon River rafting photo.

The hurricane changed the river flowing from Western North Carolina into East Tennessee, but paddling its waters remains invigorating.

A ‘Transformative Investment’

Haslam gift photo.

Alums Dee and Jimmy Haslam have donated $130 million to the University of Tennessee — the largest gift in the institution’s history — to support academics.

A Twilight Paddle

Paddling photo.

Ijams Nature Center outing allows paddlers to observe eagles and otters and other wildlife from kayaks on the Tennessee River.

Birding on Sharp’s Ridge

Cardinal photo

Technology has revolutionized birdwatching, but our columnist is reminded that just going out in nature to look and listen has its rewards.

UTK’s Vaulting Ambition

UTK-AAU chart.

Chancellor Donde Plowman wants the university to become a top-10 public research institution, but more faculty, facilities and funding are needed.

Scrambling to Buzzard’s Roost

Maggie and Caesar photo..

A ‘thigh-burning’ climb, elusive landmarks and a beagle mix named Caesar on a trek in Cherokee National Forest near Hartford.

Views Obstructed, Insights Gained

Maggie on the trail photo,

The passage of years can alter vistas, but it doesn’t diminish the pull of Pappy’s Point in the Urban Wilderness’ Baker Creek Preserve.