Take a look back at our biggest stories of the past month. From legislative updates, to the state’s growing wine industry, these were the headlines that defined our January. Read them all at the links in our bio.

The Evelyn Miller Young Pianist concert series begins its 2026 season on 2/1! Opening pianist, Dr. Dario Martin, stopped by WUOT this week to chat about his upcoming performance. Full interview at the 🔗 and hear Dr. Martin play on 2/1 at 2 PM on stage at UT College of Music.

4 Tennesseans have died in the winter storm, and officials are bracing for continued recovery from widespread power outages as efforts are slowed by ice and downed trees. WUOT and @WPLN cover the statewide impacts of the severe winter weather. More at: bit.ly/3Ma3YHp

Morning Concert host Melony Dodson talks with Brian Salesky about the Amadeus Concert Ensemble's upcoming show, Organ Spectacular, featuring organist Dr. Byongsuk Moon in his final performance before returning home to South Korea. Head to the 🔗 in our bio for their full talk.

In part 2 of the 2026 Legislative Update episode of Health Connections, Dr. Myers and Sen. Briggs are back to discuss healthcare affordability. Listen to their full conversation at the link in our bio.

As real estate developers continue to buy up swaths of land in Nashville and the surrounding area, some of Tennessee's 122 Civil War battlefields are being lost in the process. Learn more at the link in our bio. ✍️/📸: Pierce Gentry, WUOT News

KSO’s MoxCar Masterworks Series is back with another performance of Brahms' Violin Concerto tonight at the TN Theatre! WUOT's Melony Dodson chats with famed guest violinist Vadim Gluzman and KSO conductor, Aram Demirjian, about this dazzling piece. Full convo at the 🔗 in bio!

Governor Bill Lee says the USDA's Summer EBT food assistance program costs too much to run despite widespread support among local officials and families. Listen to the full story at the link in our bio or on the WUOT mobile app. ✍️: Pierce Gentry, WUOT news

Allen Co. KY farmer Margaret Townsend and her dog, Luca, are on a mission to make Appalachia the truffle capital of the world. 🐾 🍄 Learn more about the project at the link: wuot.org/2026-01-12/ky-farme…

Though pearls have a rich history dating back thousands of years, this Camden TN freshwater pearl farm is the only one of its kind in all of North America. 🦪 🤿 Learn more: wuot.org/news/2025-11-07/how…

Tennessee is preparing for a major upgrade in how it tracks weather— one that could improve everything from flood warnings to farming decisions. Hear more about Tennessee’s new Mesonet system at the link in our bio or on the WUOT mobile app. ✍️: Heather Haley, WUOT News

This week on Health Connections, Dr. Carol Myers sits down with State Sen. Richard Briggs to record the annual legislative update. Head to the link in our bio for their full conversation and keep an eye out for part 2 dropping later this month!

Tomorrow is the Morning Concert’s (belated) 1st Friday Request Show! Submit your symphonies and sonata of choice to Melony Dodson via email at [email protected] by 11:59 to hear your favorite pieces LIVE on air. We can’t wait to see what you want to listen to tomorrow!

The Porch Light newsletter is your go-to spot for news, history and culture across Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Sign up today at the link in our bio.

In 2025, public radio reporters across KY, TN & WV captured scenes that shaped our region and our year. Revisit our defining stories of 2025 at the link in our bio or on the WUOT mobile app.

Recently on Health Connections, Carole Myers talks to Michael Collins about the rise of Whippets, its costs and potential legislation interventions in stopping the abuse of this dangerous drug. Hear more at the link in our bio or on the WUOT mobile app.

Tennessee may be best known for football or country music, but some hope the Volunteer State can one day be known for wine. WUOT’s Heather Haley talked with the newly expanded state team working to grow the grape and wine industry.

We’re spotlighting stories across TN, KY and WV. The Porch Light newsletter brings updates from the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, a news collaboration incl. WUOT. Smoky Mountain Signal subscribers will get The Porch Light starting 01/2026. Keep the light on, sign up at the 🔗

An atmosphere of fear has set in on campuses across Appalachia where at least a dozen university faculty & staff have lost their jobs after sharing negative opinions about the conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Read more at the link in bio. 📸/✍️: Pierce Gentry, WUOT News

This week on Health Connections, Dr. Myers and guest Dr. Andrea Yates to discuss how we actually find peace and joy during the holiday season. Listen to a snippet of their conversation here or head to the link in our bio for the full segment!