Crossing The Divide

After hours of interviews, the XtheDivide team is racing to meet the Friday deadline for the final reporting pieces in eastern Kentucky. Music credit: "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear.

The XtheDivide team hits the first deadline for their Kentucky reporting. Music credit: "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear.

Fountains, horses, and pie - Lexington is one classy city. Music credit: "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear.

Emma Jones, a defense attorney in Pikeville, KY, said people in this region feel like they've been left behind "because they have been." Jones shared what makes eastern Kentucky a great place to live, and what she believes is needed to make it better. Music credit: "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear and "Drone Thistle" by Blue Dot Sessions.

Rachel's Crossing the Divide radio piece on educational divides in Massachusetts aired during New England Public Radio's Morning Edition. Music credit: "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear.

Today was a full-on day of reporting for our projects covering healthcare, hemp and limited internet access in eastern Kentucky. Music credit: "Jettisoned" and "Massive" by Podington Bear.

As a farmer, a food writer and the president of the Pikeville Farmers' Market in eastern Kentucky, Joyce Pinson explained what makes the region's agricultural heritage so unique. Music Credit: "Jettisoned" by Podington Bear and "Turning on the Lights" by Blue Dot Sessions.

During the Cambodian genocide in the 1970s, nearly all of the country’s musicians were killed. But in a strange twist of fate, music saved the life of a Cambodian boy named Sovann. Now a U.S. citizen in Lowell, Mass., he’s trying to make sure Cambodia’s music traditions live on. Across town, a 9-year-old boy seems uniquely gifted to do just that. Explore photos and more

At the Pikeville Farmers' Market last night, we met Charles and Joyce Pinson, two vendors from eastern Kentucky. Charles's family has lived in these mountains for 10 generations, and agriculture has played an important role in shaping the culture and food traditions here. With specialty crops and more infrastructure, such as high tunnels and greenhouses, Charles says agriculture could boost livelihoods and draw in tourists.

Lauren Hamby, a sophomore at Floyd Central High School, shared what she hopes for her future and the future of this region she is proud to call home. The music is "Jettisoned" and "Springtime" by Podington Bear.