Nobody’s perfect. That’s true even — and perhaps especially — for people in public office. For as long as there have been politicians, there have been political scandals and controversies. And Tennessee is no exception. In this installment of The Backstory, we have collected the stories of several early leaders of Tennessee who got caught […]
5 times Tennessee influenced the USA as it celebrates 250 years
From constitutional amendments to airport security, see how Tennessee history has shaped the nation as we know it.
Tennessee’s Congressional maps keep on changing (except for when they didn’t)
How long have Tennessee’s political maps been gerrymandered?
Redistricting the site of the Memphis Massacre
How did a vicious attack on Black people in Tennessee relate to landmark constitutional protections?
How a hijacking threat to Oak Ridge changed airport security forever
What role did Tennessee play in the advent of airport security?
Sam Houston’s rowdy reputation before Texas
Was Sam Houston the most temperamental early Tennessee leader? Plus, the local news for September 5, 2025.
How a mother’s letter helped secure women’s right to vote
Who was Febb Burn?
Founding father William Blount gets busted for treason
How did a founder of Tennessee make history as the first U.S. Senator expelled from office? Plus, the local news for July 8, 2025.
Remembering the Trail of Tears
Why is there so little to remind us of the way Native nations were displaced via Tennessee routes?
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM