NashVillager

Some days, sharing what’s going on can feel like a minefield. Plus, the local news for April 18th, 2025, and the Opry’s 100th anniversary book. 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

Policy about immigration and undocumented people is making headlines, but just who are the people affected by it in our state? Plus, the local news for April 17, 2025, and the Opry turns 100. 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

Governor Bill Lee’s administration has rolled out a new lethal injection protocol, but advocates say that it sacrifices humane treatment for expediency. Plus, the local news for April 16, 2025, 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

Scandals in Tennessee have shaped our political landscape. Plus, the local news for April 15, 2025, and a Music City organization that’s trying to support diverse artists in an era of DEI rollbacks. 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 this day in 1823, a court in Franklin convicted a teenager named John Murrell of “riot.” We dive into the story. Plus, the local news for April 14, 2025, and how the Lower Broadway tourism district is dealing with overdoses. 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

Nashville is facing major uncertainty when it comes to funding services like public health in the city. Plus, the local news for April 11, 2025, and Bon Iver’s new album. 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 state bill that’s drawn continual protest through the legislative session heads to a Senate vote. Plus, the local news for April 10, 2025, and an age-bending production comes to TPAC. 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

Black musicians consistently been excluded from the country spotlight, but their work has been heavily influential for everyone in the genre. Plus, the local news for April 9, 2025, and this week’s edition of What Where When-sday. 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

How Marsha Blackburn’s rise mirrors large-scale changes to Tennessee’s political landscape. Plus ,the local news for April 8, 2025. and Mammoth Cave bats. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Paige Pfleger filling in for Miriam KramerPaige PflegerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Miriam Kramer, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The new trade war could have a real impact on Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for April 7, 2025, and a look at some restaurants that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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

Brent Arledge is the most prolific piano tuner in Nashville, and possibly the world. He tunes the Ryman, the Schermerhorn and the Grand Ole Opry. He services dozens of studios and is trusted in the homes of countless Nashville musicians. Arledge’s craft can be heard on every song coming out of Music Row that features piano.But elite piano tuning is grueling work. It’s taxing on the body, it strains relationships, and it never leads to fame or glory. Arledge is the subject of episode 3 of WNXP's Music Citizens podcast. You can listen everywhere you get your podcasts on Monday.

One of the core parts of our mission as a public service is to provide vital, live-saving information when it really counts -- during severe weather. Plus, the local news for April 4, 2025 and a look at what it takes to find housing when you’re unhoused. 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

Music Row has changed a lot through the years, but it’s a place that tells a very special and very Nashville story. Plus, the local news for April 3, 2025,and painted dove memorials. 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 century ago, entrepreneurship and a natural resource collided to cement one Middle Tennessee city as a hub for the pencil industry. Plus, the local news for April 2, 2025, 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

From traditional radio to this podcast, WPLN News is finding new ways to bring Nashville to you. Plus, the local news for April 1, 2025, and Nashville-based country artist Angie K. 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

Nashville General is our city’s safety net hospital offering medical lifelines to people with nowhere else to turn. And now it has fallen on hard times. Plus, the local news for March 31, 2025, and diving into Nashville’s music scene with local artist Annie DiRusso. 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

Pat Summitt was an incredible college basketball coach, but more than that, her players and fans remember her high standards both on the court and off it. Plus, the local news for March 28, 2025, and tensions flare when gun bills are debated in the statehouse. 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 mark the second anniversary of the Covenant School shooting by looking back at its aftermath. Plus, the local news for March 27, 2025, and a Kentucky community grieving after the death of a teenager who became the target of online extortion. 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

Before they went out west, Frank and Jesse James tried to reform their criminal ways and live the straight life in Nashville. Plus, it’s our one-year anniversary, the local news for March 26, 2025, 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

For generations, public schooling in Tennessee has operated on the premise that we all benefit if everyone gets a solid education. Politics seem to be turning that through-line on its head. Plus, the local news for March 25, 2025, and our region feels the impact of increased tariffs. 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 Scopes Monkey trial opened a new chapter for the ongoing conversation about what should, and shouldn’t, be taught in public schools. We’re entering a new era in that journey because of Trump administration policies now. Plus, the local news for March 24, 2025, and a look at the Sewanee Review. 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 once-clear lines between the company that runs the massive landfill near Murfreesboro and local leaders who want it to close may be getting a little bit fuzzy. Plus, the local news for March 21, 2025, and Nashvillians keeping a close eye on Gaza. 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

Performing rights may not be the sexiest part of the music industry, but they are a major backbone of Nashville’s Music Row. Plus, the local news for March 20, 2025, and the fight over fluoride. 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 and other schools are changing the way they talk about and approach diversity, equity and inclusion in light of the Trump administration’s focus on ending the practice. Plus, the local news for March 19, 2025, 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

The transit referendum passed, the new sales tax is being collected, now it’s time for the city to get started in earnest on improving public transportation. Plus, the local news for March 18, 2025, and making music and finding joy despite online harassment. 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 new tool could help to preserve native languages far into the future. Plus, the local news for March 17, 2025, and introducing Niche to Meet You. 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

State Natural Areas in Tennessee are set aside for conservation to protect it from development. But that doesn’t always mean the state owns the land. Plus, the local news for March 14, 2025, and a look at the late-night cafe scene 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

Nashville’s Black neighborhoods have a long history, and they tell a complex story about our city. Plus, the local news for March 13, 2025, and a conversation about the aftermath of TVA’s coal ash spill in Kingston. 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 this episode, we take a look at the latest news about the state of kids in Tennessee’s judicial system. Plus, the local news for March 12, 2025 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

Worries about AI are deeply rooted in history. Plus, the local news for March 11, 2025 and an illuminating conversation with a 14-year-old Nashvillian. 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

Sometimes legislation gets a title that is right on the money, but the names given to some bills are pure spin. Plus, the local news for March 10, 2025 and it’s time for property reappraisals. 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

Dr. Kimbrough was best known for his work with the NAACP in the South after the Civil Rights Act passed. He died on March 1 at 98 years old. Plus, the local news for March 7, 2025, and how Mammoth Cave National Park is weathering Trump administration job cuts.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

Public media outlets around the nation are staging a day of action and you can make a big difference. Plus, the local news for March 6, 2025, and a little laughter goes a long way. 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 new study shows a decline in the number of Tennesseans who have an active faith. Plus, the local news for March 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

Tennessee’s Cordell Hull charted a new path for diplomacy in the wake of major tariffs that plunged the U.S. into a deeper depression in the 1930s. Plus, the local news for March 4, 2025 and a conversation about Tennessee’s threats of mass violence law. 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 this episode, we run down the long and complicated history of a major healthcare provider in Nashville. Plus, the local news for March 3, 2025, and a tale from emcee Seddy Mac. 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

America’s been grappling with questions of citizenship and immigration since the very start. Plus, the local news for February 28, 2025 and The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th birthday. 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 Republican Andy Ogles is sponsoring an amendment that would let Trump run for president one more time. So far, it’s not getting much traction. Plus the local news for February 27, 2025 and a look at Nashville’s newest music venue. 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 has played host to quite a few high-profile prison escapes. On this episode, we run them down. Plus, the local news for February 26, 2025 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

On this episode, we dive into the wild saga of the (almost) duel between John Sevier and Andrew Jackson. Plus, the local news for February 25, 2025 and a look at services for unhoused people in our area. 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

Sometimes lawmakers are offended when the measures they support are challenged in court. But sometimes they want to be sued. Plus the local news for February 24, 2025 and checking out vinyl records from the library. 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 this episode, we bring you behind the scenes at our radio station, giving you a sense for how public radio actually works and why we think local journalism is important. Plus, the local news for February 21, 2025 and the release of Nashville artist Tim Gent’s single “MLB.” 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

History is full of stories explaining why territory changes hands, and a surprising number of them are colorful and unexpected. Back in 2008, Georgia made a place to change the long-accepted boundaries between that state and Tennessee. Plus, the local news for February 20, 2025 and spending time with WNXP’s February artist of the month, Mon Rovîa. 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

Special Olympics Tennessee is putting in a bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics in Nashville. We break it down on today’s episode. Plus, the local news for February 19, 2025 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

Book bans are again back in the news. On this episode, we explore what a ban means for a book and what it doesn’t mean for the people who want to read it. Plus, the local news for February 18, 2025 and hopping on the bus with a motivated high schooler. 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 this special episode, we’re bringing you three stories about Tennessee’s three presidents and the complicated legacies they’ve left behind. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host: Cynthia Abrams Producer: Miriam Kramer Editor: Tony Gonzalez Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

For Valentine’s Day, a look at how the love was lost between the company that handles most of Middle Tennessee’s household waste and the community that’s home to the massive landfill. Plus, the local news for February 14, 2025 and how threats to area schools are handled. 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 is the anniversary of one of the most significant protest actions in our city’s history. Plus the local news for Feb. 13, 2025 and a feature on another landmark historical moment tied to the origins of Mammoth Cave National Park. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editors: Miriam Kramer, Tony Gonzalez Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

We’re taking a closer look at what is and isn’t included in the governor’s spending priorities for Tennessee this year. Plus the local news for February 12, 2025 and this week’s edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Miriam Kramer, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

On today’s episode, we examine how far the pendulum has swung on cigarettes since Governor Robert Love Taylor banned them in Tennessee in the 1800s. Plus, the local news for February 11, 2025 and a look inside our trash system. 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