NashVillager

On today’s special holiday edition of the NashVillager podcast, we highlight three of Nina’s best On This Day essays from the last year. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Miriam Kramer Editor: Tony Gonzalez Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Nashville is lush and beautiful, but not for everyone. On this special holiday edition of the NashVillager podcast, we take a look back at Caroline Eggers’ fascinating story on Nashville’s tree canopy. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Catherine Sweeney Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Two novels released this year — Those Beyond the Wall by Vanderbilt scholar Micaiah Johnson, and Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner — are works of fiction. But they both showcase ties to real Nashville events: the People’s Plaza and the Covenant School shooting. WPLN spoke with the authors to learn more about the thinking behind the works. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Cynthia Abrams Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

You may have heard the names Harold Love Jr. and William Lamberth in the same breath as a new law or the latest happenings at the Tennessee State Capitol. But who are they when the statehouse isn’t in session? This episode, we’ll hear from these lawmakers on both sides of aisle about what brought them to politics, and who they are outside of it. Plus, a look ahead at some freshman lawmakers we’ll meet in the new year. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Marianna Bacallao Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

This year was an emotional roller coaster in the news, with one surprise and unprecedented event after another. It was hard to keep track of life’s more predictable moments — annual traditions and the natural world. In this special holiday episode of the NashVillager, reporter Char Daston shares his favorite WPLN stories from this year about the changing of the seasons. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Char Daston Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A Murfreesboro 20-something became a monk – for a bit. A temporary ordination is a rite of passage in Thailand, but it hasn’t carried over to Thai communities in the U.S. That didn’t stop this first-generation Thai American from taking part. Plus, a look at WPLN’s religion stories throughout the years. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Rachel Iacovone Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

On this special holiday edition of the NashVillager, reporter Paige Pfleger takes us back to one of the most joyful stories that came out of the WPLN newsroom this year. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Paige Pfleger Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

We’re revisiting three stories — published over a span of just seven days — showing how the journalists of WPLN News explain local events by connecting the dots. 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

Tennessee has had its own share of political scandals that rise to the level of criminal convictions. We run down some of them and give you the latest in the case of former Senator Brian Kelsey. Plus, the local news for December 20, 2024 and a Cookeville Christmas parade that never happened. 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

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing concern that drones seen over the country recently could be foreign surveillance devices. We break it down. Plus, the local news for December 19, 2024 and a look at new traditions ex-evangelicals in Nashville are celebrating this holiday season. 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 very first Christmas parade was held in the last week of November in 1928; but, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the annual tradition faded. Before that there was a whole lot of drama. Plus, the local news for December 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

On this day in 1938, a scientist set off a new age of nuclear power. Nearly a century later, Tennessee remains central to nuclear power technology in America. Plus, the local news for December 17, 2024 and a feature report that digs into the stigma around methadone clinics. 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, 160 years ago, the Battle of Nashville ended, marking the beginning of the end of the Civil War. And there are still lessons to be learned from the human side of that story today. Plus, the local news for December 16, 2024 and WNXP’s top albums of the 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

Fort Negley wasn’t just a major Union fortification during the Civil War, it was also a place where Black people’s labor was exploited, and where they put down new roots to create a new community with lasting impact. We take a look at what’s next for the historic site. Plus, the local news for December 13, 2024 and motel turned transitional 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

From bolstering the emergency alert system to preventing news deserts from forming, a look at an organization that has an important impact–both direct and indirect–on this news source. Plus, the local news for December 12, 2024 and pen pals. 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 27 superfund sites located in our state; we unpack what that means. Plus, the local news for December 11, 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

On International Human Rights Day, a look at the Tennesseans being honored this year by the state’s Human Rights Commission. Plus, the local news for December 10, 2024 and the latest release from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. 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

Looking into one of the details in the new Nashville transit plan that doesn’t get much attention. Plus the local news for Dec. 9, 2024 and a story of racial reconciliation in rural West Tennessee. 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

Twenty-thousand Tennesseans have an HIV diagnosis, and even more don’t know they’re infected. Plus, the local news for December 6, 2024 and what Nashville can do to support its hip hop scene. 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

Prohibition may have ended for the U.S. at large in 1933, but for Tennessee, the lasting effects of banning the making and selling of alcohol are still far-reaching. Plus, the local news for December 5, 2024 and a conversation with musician Moses Sumney. 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 founder of the U.S.’s first anti-slavery newspaper is a great example of what it means to change your mind for the better. Plus, the local news for December 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

There’s a long history of neon signage in our city, and you can get a taste of it in just about every part of town. Plus, the local news for December 3, 2024 and hearing from two parents of transgender children who moved out of Tennessee. 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 Toni Morrison to Doctor Seuss, Tennessee school districts are deeming books “questionable” and removing them from libraries and classrooms. Plus, the local news for December 2, 2024 and how Kentucky voters said no to school choice. 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 Public Radio staffers share their favorite podcast episodes of the year. Our 11-hour playlist will keep your mind well-fed during the long hours of holiday travel. Plus, This Is Nashville took your calls about Thanksgiving traditions. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Rachel Iacovone Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A Midstate native’s death once encapsulated the sentiments of Southerners licking their wounds in the wake of the Civil War. But how was the story of Sam Davis manipulated into propaganda? Plus, the local news for November 27, 2024, and a holiday 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

Call it the Opryland Hotel or the Gaylord Opryland, but the way the massive hotel and resort off of Briley Parkway has grown and changed is a reflection of the way Nashville has evolved. Plus the local news for November 26, 2024 and a school choice failure in Kentucky. 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

At the center of every story about illegal immigration is someone human: a person, a family, a child. Plus, the local news for November 25, 2024 and checking in with the Unicoi County Animal Shelter after devastating flooding. 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 report details how public school buildings around the state are faring. It could give fodder to both sides of the political aisle once lawmakers return to the statehouse. Plus, the local news for Nov. 22, 2024 and an excerpt from the second 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

Headline-grabbing Pastor Greg Locke says his church is finally moving to a new home. And he’s planning to play nice with his new neighbors. Plus, the local news for November 21, 2024 and a look at why concert cancellations are plaguing the 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

A major settlement in the 1990s changed Middle Tennessee’s relationship with tobacco and smoking, and it’s still being paid out today. Plus, the local news for Nov. 20, 2024 and this week’s 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

An annually-updated list of at-risk historic sites in Nashville reveals what we value and what gets left behind. Plus, the local news for Nov. 19, 2024 and a profile of the artist Fancy Hagood. 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 negative focus on Tennessee State University’s finances has gone up to yet another level, but the TSU community hasn’t forgotten about funding promises that were never kept. Plus the local news for November 18, 2024, and TVA’s clean energy backslide. 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

Three Tennessee-based companies are facing headwinds – and possible windfalls – in our state. Plus, the local news for Nov. 15, 2024 and a look at how kids with disabilities are treated under the state’s mass threats of 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

The computers you use every day may be shrinking in size, but a massive supercomputing facility in Memphis shows that giant machines still have their place – and they’re only getting bigger. Plus, the local news for Nov. 14, 2024 and former Nashville mayor Megan Barry. 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

Budget season in Nashville is about to get underway, so we’re breaking down how the city funds itself. Plus, the local news for Nov. 13, 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

With massive change in store for Nashville’s East Bank — across from downtown — you may wonder why it wasn’t already a neighborhood with homes, retail and restaurants. Plus the local news for Nov.12, 2024, and ten years of co-housing in Music City. 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

Reflecting on the life of Capt. Darby Cardona, USAF, is a reminder of what’s really at stake when our nation goes to war. Plus, the local news for Nov. 11, 2024 and WNXP’s Nashville Artist of the Month Chuck Indigo. 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 the last legislative session, Republican infighting blocked Lee’s top priority, a plan to give families “scholarships” for private schools. Now, he’s taking another go at it and sweetening the deal with money for public education and teachers. Plus, the local news for November 8, 2024 and musician Joy Oladokun. 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 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