Pierce Gentry

After the federal government shutdown cut staffing and services at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, local governments and nonprofits in the region stepped up to foot the bill and keep the park open during the peak fall season.

State officials in Appalachia have labeled low-head dams as public safety hazards, with some even being responsible for deaths. But some community members are hesitant to have the fixtures removed.

In Tennessee, prosecutors can charge people for crimes committed by another person, even if they weren’t directly responsible. Activist groups are working with state legislators to change that.