Three women who’ve known Christa Pike talked to WPLN News about her impact and influence that extends beyond the walls of Riverbend Maximum Security Prison. Press play to listen.
Tasha A.F. Lemley, Managing Editor, This Is Nashville
Tasha A. F. Lemley has lived in Nashville for a bit more than 20 years. Over that time, she married her best friend, found (and said goodbye to) the perfect dog, and has seen this city from the perspective of a graphic designer, outreach worker, podcaster, photographer, legal videographer, and social entrepreneur who co-founded The Contributor street newspaper. She has a fierce enthusiasm for culture and fandoms, loves sumo, has tried every Indian restaurant within 50 miles, makes a mean masala chai, and (as a 40-something-year-old student in a class of 1st-graders) is a proud graduate of Hindi Level 1 at Sri Ganesha Temple. Years ago, Tasha first started getting formally involved with WPLN as a field producer for Versify. Since then, she’s been reporting feature stories highlighting marginalized communities. Audio is what makes her tick, keeps her going, and normalizes her frequent fears. She says her life has changed more than once because of the way someone tells their story. She's always looking for answers — ones we have for each other and those we can find together. So, as Managing Editor for This Is Nashville, she's grateful to help voices be heard.
Tennessee unable to carry out the execution by lethal injection of Christa Gail Pike, witnesses say
Tennessee officials were unable to carry out the execution of Christa Gail Pike for a 1995 murder on Wednesday, media witnesses said, after the lethal injection was halted for hours as courts considered a last-minute appeal.
Christa Pike’s spiritual advisor on Buddhism, execution and the responsibility to respond
The upcoming execution of Christa Pike is getting more than the usual attention: she’s the first woman in more than 180 years to face the death penalty in Tennessee and she’s a practicing Buddhist, a focal point in her legal battles and how she will be put to death.
In pictures: After Dolly’s passing, Nashville mourns its queen
Flowers, handwritten remembrances and other tributes have been piling up at de facto Dolly Parton memorial sites around the Nashville area. Nashville Public Radio’s news team has been out there hearing from grieving fans and gathering snapshots.
Families with newborns ride out Nashville’s ice storm
Zach Small is a first-time dad and he already knows he’s not having a typical experience.
Shock conservation: Keeping the boulder darter out of harm’s way
Harms Mill Dam on the Elk River in Lincoln County, Tenn., is set for removal by mid-November. In preparation, multiple agencies are grouping up to temporarily relocate some federally endangered species, including a small green/grey fish known as the boulder darter.
Harm reduction in Tennessee: a week of perspectives
This Is Nashville is taking a deep look into the opioid addiction crisis. Listen to four audio features here and find links to four full episodes.
Special episode: Face to face with overdoses in Middle Tennessee
Today, we’re bringing you a special excerpt from This is Nashville all about harm reduction for drug users.
With victims on his mind, this Tennessee man shows up to voice support for executions
Meet the vocal demonstrator who has shown up in support of executions in Tennessee.
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