NashVillager

The meme-worthy escape of a Rutherford County zebra raises all kinds of questions about laws pertaining to animals. Plus the local news for June 4, 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

Tennessee’s water is remarkably full of an invisible pollutant that sticks around in our bodies. Plus, the local news for June 3, 2025, and a look at a CMA Fest showcase that played to a largely immigrant audience. 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 South is famously averse to unions. These days, that’s especially true in Nashville. Plus the local news for June 2, 2025, and TVA’s coal about-face. 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 story of how Nashville became home to the largest Kurdish diaspora in America is an epic one. A tale of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of stunning perseverance. But the story of the Kurdish people, no matter where they are, is a story about a country that only exists in the hearts of its people. And the lengths they’ll go to make it real. Learn more here.

Mister Rogers told us to find the helpers when things in the news get to be too much, and that’s what we’re doing today. Plus, the local news for May 30, 2025, and immigration policy as a wedge issue in churches. 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

Many states have outlawed payday loans, but Tennessee is the proving ground for an arguably more predatory option. Plus, the local news for May 29, 2025, and the spread of black bears. 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

Thousands of people from five Native nations were forced to leave their ancestral lands on foot, and many of them walked through our communities on their way West. Plus, the local news for May 28, 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 Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention is meeting soon, and the future of its public policy arm will likely be on the agenda. Plus the local news for May 27 and WNXP’s Nashville Artist of the Month. 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

Memorial Day Weekend is the annual kick off of road trip season. It turns out, it’s also the anniversary of the very first proof of concept. Plus, the local news for May 23, 2025, and 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

Thousands of Tennessee residents could have their lives upended by a recent federal decision. Plus, the local news for May 22, 2025, and the execution of Oscar Franklin Smith. 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

There are tens of thousands of bridges across Tennessee, carrying roads, streets and foot traffic over ravines, creeks, rivers and lakes. Some of them really need repairs. Plus, the local news for May 21, 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

When states and cities don’t agree, it can get a little complicated. Plus, the local news for May 20, 2025, and a conversation about Tennessee’s first lethal injection execution in years scheduled for this week. 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 commencement season across the state. And thanks to a law passed on this day more than 30 years ago, those public school graduations can include a religious practice, if certain rules are followed. Plus, the local news for May 19th, 2025, and how to speak up for a beloved species of butterflies. 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 remember one of Nashville’s most iconic midcentury retailers: Harvey’s Department Store. Plus, the local news for May 16, 2025, and the Biscuits and Banjos festival. 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 consistently outpaces the nation for all the wrong reasons when it comes to mental health. Plus, the local news for May 15, 2025, and we hear from some local students at the end of the school year. 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

Office towers may boom and bust, but industrial development always seems to be a good match for Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for May 14, 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, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Let’s talk about the latest local happenings in the natural world. Plus, the local news for May 13, 2025, and how soybeans get caught up in American trade wars. 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

Agriculture is a big business in Tennessee, and livestock drives a big portion of it. Plus, the local news for May 12, 2025, and an attempt at criminal justice reform for people deemed accomplices. 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 of Nashville’s most notable citizens of the early 20th century lost a major court battle on this day in history. We’re taking a look at what’s happening today with several high-profile cases. Plus, the local news for May 9, 2025, and the wildflowers blooming in the Great Smoky Mountains. 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

Biking in Nashville has come a long way since the 1800s, but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, the local news for May 8, 2025, and a look at how two Nashville teachers are supporting students in the wake of an increased crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the U.S. 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

Tonight, talented actors will perform a reading of a piece of journalism produced by WPLN in partnership with ProPublica. The Theater of War performance will be followed by a discussion in person and on Zoom about gun violence prevention. You can take part here. Plus, the local news for May 7, 2025, and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day.

As much as our current president loves to sign executive orders, former president Franklin D. Roosevelt used even more of them, creating agencies that reshaped Midstate communities. Plus, the local news for May 6, 2025, and spending time with a mixed immigration-status Tennessee family. 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

“All the King’s Men” is a great American novel and its author Robert Penn Warren has roots in Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for May 5, 2025, and a conversation about last month’s Biscuits and Banjos festival. 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

During Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s State of Metro speech, he touched on the optimism Nashvillians are feeling about the direction of our city these days. Plus, the local news for May 2, 2025, and a discussion about O’Connell’s speech. 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

An update on where things stand between the federal government and broadcasters like this station. Plus, the local news for May 1, 2025, and Tennessee doubles down on homeless encampments. 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

In an ideal world, people go to prison to learn to leave crime behind. In the real world, all too often they’re the places where more crimes take place. Plus, the local news for April 30, 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

Nashville has a complicated history with trains, and it may not get any less complicated anytime soon. Plus, the local news for April 29, 2025, and an interview with the artist Father John Misty. 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 double agents live out real-life scenarios that are the stuff of movies, others just get taken advantage of. Plus, the local news for April 28, 2025, and a conversation with WNXP’s Nashville artist of the month, Chrysalis. 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 a long and twisted history with renewable energy. Plus, the local news for April 25, 2025, and a look at how people are changing what aging means today. 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 history as a city is a complicated one, and today, it looks far different than its founders ever could have possibly imagined. Plus, the local news for April 24, 2025, and taking a look at Tennessee farmland. 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

White House cutbacks are being felt locally in many ways, but here’s another one: The group that led the way on helping refugees integrate into Middle Tennessee life is no longer getting federal money to carry out that mission. Plus, the local news for April 23, 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

A bill passed this session could complicate efforts to remove a Confederate flag from Williamson County’s seal. Plus, the local news for April 22, 2025, and the second episode of 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

Tennessee legislators have a long and complicated history with marijuana bans. Plus, the local news for April 21, 2025, and an excerpt from the newest episode of Music Citizens. 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 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