Pierce Gentry

After months of debate over potential environmental and health risks, BWXT received just enough votes from the county government this week to overcome a zoning hurdle and move forward with its project.

Hundreds of locals packed the county courthouse in protest, including musician Gabriel Wilson, who says outside pressure shaped the vote.

The project now heads to federal regulators for review.

Under its $1.6 billion federal contract, BWXT must begin production by the end of 2028.

For NPR News, I'm Pierce Gentry in Jonesboro, Tennessee.

The TVA's shift in strategy comes after a months-long effort by President Trump to install board members loyal to his energy agenda.

The new board voted Wednesday to strip renewable energy generation from TVA's strategic plan in favor of keeping its coal power plants, which burn millions of tons of coal each year.

TVA Vice President Tom Rice heaped praise on the Trump administration.

Regional activists have accused the federal utility of rushing its decision with little to no time for input from the general public.

For NPR News, I'm Pierce Gentry in Knoxville.

Seven local governments and one non-profit in the region have partnered to commit nearly $2 million to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to help keep staff paid and popular destinations such as Cades Cove open for visitors.

Sevier County is home to a significant portion of the park and fronted much of the money.

Here's Vice Mayor Brian McCarter.

The National Park Service estimates the park was responsible for nearly $3 billion of investment in surrounding communities during 2024.

McCarter says they can keep this up for about a month and hope to get their money back once the federal government reopens.

For NPR News, I'm Pierce Gentry.

Seven local governments and one non-profit in the region have partnered to commit nearly $2 million to Great Smoky Mountains National Park to help keep staff paid and popular destinations such as Cades Cove open for visitors.

Sevier County is home to a significant portion of the park and fronted much of the money.

Here's Vice Mayor Brian McCarter.

The National Park Service estimates the park was responsible for nearly $3 billion of investment in surrounding communities during 2024.