NashVillager

Nashville and Memphis passed major referendums related to transit and guns this week, but it isn’t the first time the two cities have tried to pass these kinds of measures. Plus, the local news for November 7, 2024, and an in-depth conversation about where transit goes from here. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

As we come up for air after a busy Election Day, we take a look back at one of the more chaotic elections in U.S. history. Plus, the local news for Nov. 6, 2024 and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day in Davidson County. Here’s what to expect. Plus, the local news for Nov. 5, 2024 and a glimpse inside the life of a poll worker. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

James K. Polk is the second U.S. president from Tennessee, and we’re celebrating his birthday. Plus, the local news for Nov. 4, 2024 and a look at President Biden’s influence on the TVA. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHosts/producers: Tony Gonzalez & Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What was the dawn of Nashville’s electric age like? Nashville’s first electric company was founded on this day in 1881, but you can still see little glimpses of that early age of electricity today if you know where to look. Plus, the local news for Nov. 1, 2024 and the story of a disenfranchised voter who’s working to regain her right to vote. Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What exactly is a special census? Some counties decide that they need a special census to recount their populations. That can bring new funding to the area, but it can also mean a logistical headache. Plus, the local news for October 31, 2024 and WNXP’s artist of the month: Kings of Leon. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony GonzalezWriter: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

We pull back the curtain to explain how our newsroom functions and how we think about our coverage from day to day. Plus, the local news for Oct. 30, 2024, and an investigation into the ways children are affected by a state law meant to curb threats of mass violence in schools.Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Former Tennessee Senator Al Gore was accused by political opponents of claiming to have invented the Internet. We dig into the more complicated truth. Plus, the local news for Oct. 29, 2024 and a deep look at why Nashville’s theater community has to get creative to find rehearsal space. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Medical Department of the University of Nashville opened 173 years ago today, and a lot has changed in that time. Plus, the local news for October 28, 2024 and a look at how technology is transforming the music industry in Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Hosts/producers: Catherine Sweeney & Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

For this special edition of the NashVillager Podcast, WPLN has collected a batch of stories all about the upcoming election. From national races to local issues, this episode will help voters across Middle Tennessee get informed ahead of the Nov. 5 election. Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Reporters: Char Daston, Marianna Bacallao, Paige Pfleger Contributor: LaTonya Turner Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What built the company town? The DuPont company has taken on an outsized roll in one Davidson County community’s development and history. Plus, the local news for October 25, 2024 and the final installment of our ride along series. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Hosts: Nina Cardona & Tony GonzalezProducer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What’s the best bike ride in Nashville? The Natchez Trace Parkway was completed in 2005, and today, it stands out as a popular biking spot for travelers in the Southeast. Plus, the local news for October 24, 2024 and a bus rider’s strong opinions on what can be better about transit in Nashville. Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Hosts/producers: Miriam Kramer & Tony GonzalezEditor: Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

When were Middle Tennessee’s counties established? Dickson, Rutherford, Williamson and Wilson counties were all established on days this week in history. Plus, the local news for Oct. 23, 2024 and a bus ride along with a high schooler who says public transport gave them a sense of freedom. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What signs of our past still float down the Cumberland? The Cumberland River isn’t the busy working river that it once was — but when you glimpse a barge coming around a bend it can illuminate layers of local history. Plus, the local news for Oct. 22, 2024 and a rideaong with a bus riding enthusiast. Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Every voice counts. Every story matters. Today kicks off our fall fund drive, and on today’s episode of the podcast, we’re taking a moment to bring you the inside story of how we do what we do. Plus, the local news for Oct. 21, 2024 and your questions on Nashville’s transit referendum answered.Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What's the latest on transit? In this special edition of the NashVillager Podcast, WPLN metro reporter Cynthia Abrams brings you four stories all about the coming transit referendum on the ballot this election cycle. Check out all the stories below: Here’s how Nashville’s 2024 transit referendum compares to what voters rejected in 2018 Nashville’s proposed transit sales tax could burden low-income residents. Here’s how the city would try to offset the impact. Nashville’s transit referendum is bound by the county line. Can it still make a regional difference? A transit tax could help Nashville access over a billion federal dollars. Will voters think that’s worth it? Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host: Marianna BacallaoEditor/producer: Miriam Kramer Reporter: Cynthia AbramsContributors: Nina Cardona, Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Election Day is coming, and we here at WPLN News are on top of it. Today we'll share our coverage plan — and you can already find many stories at WPLN.org/elections. Plus, the local news for Oct. 18, 2024 and a conversation with civically engaged kids. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A Middle Tennessee facility has played a role in the testing and development of rockets, NASA spacecraft and cutting-edge planes from around the world. Plus, the local news for October 17, 2024 and a look at genomic sequencing. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The state will likely release a new protocol for lethal injections in Tennessee soon, and more executions could follow. Plus, the local news for October 16, 2024 and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

One Nashville mayor’s daytime TV appearance forced the city as a whole to question how we’re seen and who should lead us. Plus, the local news for October 15, 2024 and how bus rapid transit would work if the transit referendum passes. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

On the anniversary of Vanderbilt’s first faculty Nobel win, one of the university’s graduates is basking in the glow of his own new award. Plus, the local news for October 14, 2024 and a musical Forest Gump. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Dottie West was born on this day in 1932, but before she became a massive country music star, she was a victim of abuse at the hands of her father. Today, those facing abuse have more places to turn; however, our system is far from perfect. Plus, the local news for Oct. 11, 2024, and the last installment of Making Noise. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

This nation faced a Nullification Crisis nearly two centuries ago, and a president from Tennessee stopped it, but this state’s legislators are once again considering that kind of legal mutiny from the federal government. Plus the local news for October 10, 2024 and Making Noise. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The geography of Nashville’s music scene has changed a lot over the years, and once a new venue opens, it’ll bring music into an entirely different part of downtown. Plus, the local news for October 9, 2024 and this week’s edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Alvin C. York came back to the U.S. a hero during World War I, but at his core, he was a pacifist with a passion for rural education. Plus, the local news for October 8, 2024 and the second installment of Making Noise. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Uncle Dave Macon was born on this day in 1870 and he helped define country music – in Nashville and around the world – with his unique, vaudeville-infused banjo style. Plus, the local news for October 7, 2024, and the first feature in our special week of Making Noise. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The first ripple effect of the investigation into surveillance at the Nashville District Attorney’s office is a big one: a major murder trial on indefinite hold. Plus the local news for October 4, 2024 and equal access to country music’s stages. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Vanderbilt University opened on this day in 1875, and the university has major plans for the coming years. Plus, the local news for October 3, 2024 and reporters in East Tennessee witnessing the devastation of last week’s storms Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

When a natural disaster like the fallout from Hurricane Helene hits, states organize to help their neighbors. We dive into how it works. Plus, the local news for October 2, 2024 and this week’s edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Winfield Dunn spent a short time as Tennessee’s governor, but his administration was a watershed moment for the state. Plus, the local news for October 1, 2024 and voter’s questions answered. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The investigation into misconduct in DA Glenn Funk’s office has some historical parallels. Plus the local news for September 30, 2024 and a discussion about the state of Nashville’s music industry. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Lawmakers are trying to make big changes in public schools, but it was a long and winding road to get to this moment. Plus, the local news for September 27, 2024 and how faith-based organizations can expand affordable housing. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Understanding the iconic building in Centennial Park unlocks the history of how Nashville’s concept of itself has changed over time. Plus, the local news for September 26, 2024 and how far rural Tennesseans have to go for chemotherapy. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Personal responsibility, smart decision making, and regulations helped solve one environmental crisis. What about our current moment? Plus, the local news for September 25, 2024 and this week’s edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

We break down a wild chapter in 20th Century history that posed a major domestic threat to America. Plus the local news for September 24, 2024 and a look at how accessible Nashville is for people with disabilities. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

We re-examine the story of Mary Mallon, highlighting plenty of parallels with our modern experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus the local news for September 23, 2024 and a look at how vinyl gets made at United Record Pressing. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Plans for a Murfreesboro ballpark include the unique inclusion of some local history. Plus, the local news for September 20, 2024 and a Jackie Shane documentary. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Deciding to release the manifesto or writings of a person who has committed a crime is never easy for a newsroom. But understanding why the Unabomber’s manifesto was published can hold lessons for the future. Plus, the local news for September 19, 2024 and Brentwood high schooler could win an international competition. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee’s bankers may be going to the polls this November with the hope to reverse a new state law. Plus the local news for September 18, 2024 and this week’s edition of What Where Whens-Day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Former Vice President Mike Pence is in Murfreesboro to celebrate the U.S. Constitution today, and some Middle Tennessee State University students aren’t happy about it. Plus, the local news for September 17, 2024 and the New Music Experience talks about notable female artists. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Spring Hill workers seem to be leading a push to unionize Southern auto plants, but, so far, their peers in Smyrna remain steady in their choice not to organize. Plus, the local news for September 16, 2024 and a spirited discussion about harm reduction. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Hickory Hollow was once a vibrant Nashville mall. Now, its site is slated to become something of a new downtown area for Antioch. Plus the local news for September 13, 2024 and the hope being offered by the Wallace Street Studio Apartments. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Some say strict rules and policies around voting in Tennessee protect the integrity of our elections, but are there too many hurdles to casting a ballot? Plus the local news for September 12, 2024 and L10N. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Today, we’re taking a moment to delight in the ongoing careers of talented journalists who have worked at WPLN News. Plus the local news for September 11, 2024 and this week’s installment of What Where Whens-Day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

It’s the anniversary of the Hattie Cotton Elementary School bombing. We’re taking a look at the circumstances of it and the new push to solve the case and two others. Plus the local news for September 10, 2024 and parenting solo in Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A look at the role the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency plays in designing Nashville’s future. Plus the local news for September 9, 2024 and the changing conversation about TennCare. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

On the anniversary of TPAC’s opening, we take a snapshot of changes in store for the home to a big chunk of Nashville’s performing fine arts scene. Plus the local news for September 6, 2024 and WNXP’s Nashville Artist of the Month: Connor Youngblood. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne have a storied history in American combat operations. Now they’re testing out ideas for how the Army can adapt to a new era of warfare. Plus the local news for September 5, 2024 and how zero tolerance for threats in Tennessee schools is really working out. Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

It may not give us a monorail, but if the transit referendum passes in November, it could mean expanded bus service, sidewalks and bike lanes. Plus, the local news for September 4, 2024 and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

University athletics are bringing in the big bucks for one Tennessee institution while costing others more than they may have bargained for. Plus ,the local news for September 3, 2024 and musician Nick Cave. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: LaTonya Turner Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, Miriam Kramer and the staff of WPLN and WNXP