Pierce Gentry
ReporterBorn and raised in Knoxville, Pierce studied journalism in the University of Tennessee's College of Communication and Information. His work with WUOT covering Hurricane Helene, the Great Smoky Mountains and local government has earned him numerous awards, including "Best Radio Reporter" from the Southeast Journalism Conference. In his free time, Pierce enjoys reading, photography and getting lost in the Smokies.
You can contact him via email.
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Locals say US Nitrogen has been releasing dangerous chemicals into the air and water. WUOT’s Pierce Gentry investigated these concerns, and uncovered a history of violations. -
With concerns over environmental damage and toxic runoff, communities in Tennessee and Kentucky are weighing legal action to halt landfill plans. -
A nitric acid plant in a rural corner of Greene County has leaked chemicals into the air and water several times in the last decade. Now US Nitrogen is under investigation by a federal watchdog. -
Over 2,000 people are expected to attend the 44th annual Smoky Mountain Quilt Show, where new quilts compete for prize money and historic quilts are examined and archived for posterity. -
Thousands protested peacefully across East Tennessee on “No Kings Day,” criticizing Trump’s policies and military parade, with veterans and citizens voicing concerns over democracy, spending, and rights. -
The Attorney General filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday alleging the U.S. Department of Education's Hispanic Serving Institution grant programs are "discriminatory," and unconstitutional. -
The University of Tennessee and Y-12 will create a center focused on overcoming nuclear manufacturing challenges, which is projected to create nearly 700 jobs and add $340 million to the economy. -
Mayor Indya Kincannon sat down for an interview with WUOT News to discuss her budget plan for the next fiscal year, along with more details about her proposed 0.5% city sales tax increase and other challenges facing the city as it grows. -
The Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser Memorial Bridge that crosses the Nolichucky River in Greene County was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in September. TDOT contractors built a replacement in less than eight months at a cost of nearly $30 million. -
Many small communities that dot the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains rely on whitewater rafting for tourism. In September, Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to the region, destroying many outdoor water adventure businesses. Now, some are starting to bounce back.
