NashVillager

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

A lesson from a past tragedy in 1300s England has relevance to Nashville’s response to the Antioch High School shooting. Plus, the local news for February 10, 2025, and a look inside a community that needs to leave its East Nashville home. 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 lot of lakes, but people made most of them to generate electricity. Where does that leave things for the state’s natural water features? Plus the local news for February 7, 2025 and hip hop songwriting 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

On this episode, we dig into the history of Peabody Campus at Vanderbilt University and how it acts as a microcosm for Nashville’s high education landscape. Plus, the local news for February 6, 2025 and a Metro office looking for a solution for gun violence. 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 sweeping law passed in 1917 changed immigration in the United States for years, and there are many parallels to be found with today’s moment. Plus, the local news for February 5, 2025 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

A trade war between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico could be looming. Here’s what that could mean for businesses and individuals in Tennessee. Plus, the local news for February 4, 2025 and how executive orders from the Trump White House are affecting people who hoped to find asylum in Middle 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

On this episode, we dig into the life of a fascinating Tennessean: Dr. J.S. Anderson. Plus, the local new for February 3, 2025 and a look at a Kentucky shop that still rents out DVDs and VHS tapes. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHosts/producers: Tony Gonzalez and Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

When John Wilkes Booth visited Nashville on this day in 1864, he was met with rave reviews of his acting. Fourteen months later, he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Plus, the local news for January 31, 2025, and new reporting on immigration policy in Tennessee. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

On this episode, we dig round up instances of extremism that have been seen in communities across Tennessee recently. Plus, the local news for Jan. 30, 2025, and senior music writer Jewly Hight takes us inside a songwriting camp for hip hop artists. 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

On this episode, we dive into the history of The Seeing Eye, the first school in the U.S. dedicated to training guide dogs. Plus, the local news for Jan. 29, 2025 and this week’s What, Where, Whens-day. Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHosts/producers: Nina Cardona and Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Vanderbilt fans have rushed the court at basketball games and the field after major football wins. And NIL brand values could go up because of big fan celebrations. Plus, the local news for January 28, 2025 and visiting the state capitol with two moms advocating for their kids. 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 dig into part of what put the “music” in Music City: video game soundtracks. Plus, the local news for January 27, 2025 and a conversation about immigration and 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

On today’s episode, we peel back the curtain on how our newsroom thinks about naming assailants in mass shootings and why we’re choosing to focus on the victim, Josselin Corea Escalante, in the Antioch High School shooting. Plus, the local news for January 24, 2025, and a conversation about this week’s news. 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 today’s episode, we bring you the latest on the Antioch High School shooting that left two students dead and another injured Tuesday. Plus, more local news for January 23, 2025. 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

Having one of the nation’s strictest abortion bans hasn’t stopped this state’s lawmakers from suggesting more ways to limit the practice. Plus, the local news for January 22, 2025, and the unique sound of one of Nashville’s most iconic buildings. 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 a court case that reveals the limits of a church’s power to keep behind-closed-door meetings confidential. Plus, the local news for January 21, 2025 and a profile of the Nashville-based singer/songwriter Yola. 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 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we're bringing you an episode of Versify from the archives. In the episode, Freedom Rider Etta Marie Simpson Ray speaks with poet Kelley Bell about the experience of living in the echo of a movement when your contributions have all but been erased, finding the courage to risk personal gain for the collective good, and the critical importance of carrying the old days with us.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

Both the state of Tennessee and the federal government are having some big discussions about disaster relief funding right now. Plus the local news for January 17, 2025 and a lawsuit involving food stamps in the state. 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