Signal species are constantly sending humans messages about our changing world, and the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom produced an hourlong radio special all about them.

After community members denounce a lack of transparency from public officials in a Carroll County data center project, some people are pursuing ethics complaints against those who approved it.

A federal appeals court has struck down part of a Tennessee anti-abortion law. Meanwhile, two nonprofits made moves this week to avoid cooperating with requests from the state’s attorney general for documents involving mail-order abortion pills.

Communities worldwide are dedicating Friday to honoring Dolly Parton. The day falls on Sept. 25, a wink at her hit song “9 to 5.” Parton, who died of cancer last month at age 80, left a legacy as a singer-songwriter, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur. In the U.S., many states are establishing Sept. 25 as Dolly Parton Day, highlighting her career and commitment to improving literacy. People can celebrate by donating to her Imagination Library or dressing in her signature style. Parton hoped her songs would have a lasting impact.

Tennessee officials say they need more high-security facilities for kids who commit crimes. Experts say this approach flies in the face of crime data and research that shows youth prisons are not rehabilitative.

Addiction Recovery Care, once Kentucky’s largest treatment provider, was ordered by a federal judge to pay $18.4 million to two creditors for defaulted payments.

After a botched lethal injection in May, dozens of Tennessee medical professionals told the governor that healthcare professionals shouldn't help with executions, no matter the method.

As the plane went into a spin and began to plunge, a passenger and crew got into the cockpit, subdued the pilot and diverted the flight to land in Saudi Arabia, Israel's leader says.

The FBI says it's addressing a massive data breach, vowing to go after the hackers it believes are responsible.

Valar Atomics wants to place over 450 reactors on more than 9,500 acres in Utah to power a huge data center project.

In most states, people with Medicaid coverage will have to prove they're working, volunteering or studying, starting Jan. 1. But Montana is starting that early, and it's sowing confusion and anxiety.

Here are the honorable mentions from this year's Student Podcast Challenge, chosen from nearly 1,500 entries.