NPR and Member stations in Appalachia and the Mid-South have launched a collaboration aimed at strengthening local news coverage and bringing more stories from this region to the rest of the country.
Classical Host Laura Atkinson and Reporter Justin Hicks trace the American musical tradition of shape note singing from colonial America up to today in an emotional, and joyful sonic journey.
Local newsrooms grapple with AI’s role in journalism
The emergence of artificial intelligence is prompting changes in several industries, including journalism, as they contemplate how to utilize the new technology.
5 questions with Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom’s new audience editor
The Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom’s latest hire will lead audience strategy, ensuring our reporting is not only excellent but also accessible, engaging and trusted.
Campus firings over Charlie Kirk comments chill free speech in Appalachia
An atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has set in on campuses across Appalachia where at least a dozen faculty and staff at colleges and universities have lost their jobs after sharing negative opinions about the conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Santa swaps his sleigh for a train to spread Christmas cheer along the rails in Appalachia
The CSX Santa Train recently made its 83rd annual voyage across parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia to greet thousands of people and deliver gifts to kids of all ages.
Hardwood companies seek relief from Trump tariffs
President Donald Trump’s administration has promised financial relief for soybean farmers when the federal government reopens. The hardwood lumber industry, which has been struggling with impacts from Trump’s first term, wants to be included.
Martin mayor, his daughter and city’s economic development head indicted following Tennessee comptroller investigation
The mayor of Martin, his daughter and the northwest Tennessee city’s economic and community development head were all indicted by a grand jury this week following an investigation by the state comptroller’s office that uncovered the misappropriation of of funds.
Knoxville College’s newest leader says school has to restart its accreditation process, lists priorities for the school
Knoxville College Board of Trustees has selected Dasha Lundy as the school’s interim president after the previous leader stepped down in July. Lundy, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for the College, says she wants to reengage the community, boost student enrollment and resolve the school’s financial debt.
How Tennessee became home to North America’s only freshwater pearl farm
For thousands of years, pearls have been a prized gemstone used to craft jewelry and other adornments. But North America has just one freshwater pearl farm that cultivates the shiny objects, located at Kentucky Lake in western Tennessee.
20,000 people watched a Black man hang in Kentucky 90 years ago. A new book looks at why
A new book from a Kentucky native details the last public hanging in the United States, which took place in Owensboro 1936, and examines it through the lens of lynch culture in America.
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