NashVillager

The roots of our community are more tangled than the history that's traditionally been told. Plus the local news for June 26, 2026 and how The Hermitage talks about slavery. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Dry conditions could harm Tennessee's farmers, or precipitation could turn things around. Plus the local news for June 25, 2026 and expanding access to the arts. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

What started as an air force base is now Tennessee's third-largest airport, but you probably will never fly in or out of it. Plus the local news for June 24, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-Day Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee scientists are among the researchers studying glaciers and microbes in one of the world's most remote locations, but this state also has construction and adventuring links to the Southernmost continent. Plus the local news for June 23, 2026 and Health Q on early onset cancer. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Some are on the rise, some are falling slightly, but every Midstate city has to grapple with the question of taxes when they make a new budget each June. Plus the local news for June 22, 2026 and Nashville Pride. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee's roads take their shape thanks to buffalo migrations, privately-developed turnpikes and a desire to link rural communities to interstates. Plus the local news for June 18, 2026 and a new kind of dividing line in North Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

There was a time when one new building could capture the whole city's attention. Now, the skyline is growing by leaps and bounds. Plus the local news for June 17, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Before the Japanese soccer team picked Nashville as its World Cup home base, hundreds of businesses from that company opened facilities here. Plus the local news for June 16, 2026 and Health Q on mental health for kids. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A return home to Nashville ended President James K. Polk's life. His story only got more complicated afterwards. Plus the local news for June 15, 2026 and armadillos. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Between new developments in the lawsuits and a potential new layer of map revisions, Tennessee's political redistricting saga continues. Plus the local news for June 12, 2026 and Nashville In Harmony breaks new ground. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Public health departments are being ordered by state officials to report the immigration status of children who receive government-funded medical care for critical and terminal illnesses. Plus the local news for June 11, 2026 and why Japan's World Cup home base is Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

From a lawsuit over last summer's library garage explosion to the impromptu interstate fireworks display and a downtown arson spree, here's a roundup of recent happenings on a quite flammable theme. Plus the local news for June 10, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Arnold Air Force base was started with equipment confiscated from German testing grounds and the dreams of an American scientist who pioneered the field of rocketry. Plus the local news for June 9, 2026 and family medical leave. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The fugitive imprisoned for killing a Civil Rights icon, the Nashville lawyer who made Congress reconsider, and a mountain of evidence. Plus the local news for June 8, 2026 and kudzu.  Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Many Nashvillians avoid downtown this week, but there's an argument for giving it a chance once in a while. Plus the local news for June 5, 2026 and Ashley Monroe. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee doesn't have its own minimum wage. That means the base pay amount in this state hasn't changed in almost two decades. Plus the local news for June 4, 2026 and second love.Plus the local news for June 4, 2026 and finding a second love. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee communities are adopting new policies to deal with a new, power-hungry form of industrial development. Plus the local news for June 3, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

With Tennessee and the nation celebrating milestone anniversaries, a new WPLN project takes a curated look at the backstory to today's news stories. Plus the local news for June 2, 2026 and bears. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Becoming the 16th state was just the end of a long road of attempts at self-governance in Tennessee. Plus the local news for June 1, 2026 and saving native orchids. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Who gets to decide what lawmakers can and can't do on the House or Senate floor? With some Tennessee legislators facing sanctions for their actions during the recent special session, a look at how the rules apply to the people who make the laws.Plus the local news for May 29, 2026, and Billy Hudson's healing journey. 

What's the origin story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians?Tens of thousands of Cherokee people were marched out of our region in the Trail of Tears. A handful managed to stay.Plus the local news for May 28, 2026, and Healthcare Hollow looks at the fight for a hospital in Jellico, in East Tennessee.

Will Middle Tennessee ever get a theme park again?Comedian Nate Bargatze hopes to build an amusement park in the Nashville area, but many have tried and failed in the years since Opryland closed.Plus the local news for May 27, 2026, and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day.Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio.Host/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

With gas prices skyrocketing, Tennessee's scenic highways and byways offer a road trip option that stays closer to home. Plus the local news for May 26, 2026 and cutting down on screen time. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Taming or harnessing the power of rivers can be great for people, challenging for the environment. Plus the local news for May 22, 2026 and menopause. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Even before the “perfect 36” vote in Tennessee's statehouse clinched ratification of the 19th amendment for the nation's women, Tennesseans were among the advocates that pushed the cause of women's suffrage to the forefront. Plus the local news for May 21, 2026 and a late-in-life transition. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Building new bridges is an essential part of fostering new development where we want it. The opposite is true, too. Plus the local news for May 20, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

This year, Tennessee lawmakers tried to install guardrails on artificial intelligence, with mixed results. Plus the local news for May 19, 2026 and Key Changes: R&B Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Before the United States entered the “Great War,” one Tennessean volunteered for service and made history. Plus the local news for May 18, 2026 and preserving Fort Negley. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Barrett “Light Fifty” sniper rifle fires ammunition that can take out a tank. And it was designed as a passion project by a local firearms enthusiast in his free time. Plus the local news for May 15, 2026 and a city-state power grab.  Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tennessee's direct connection to Israel took a new step this year. Plus the local news for May 14, 2026 and a NextAge look at dating. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

There have been nearly two years of accusations, investigations, ethics complaints and denials over property assessments and tax values in Rutherford County. Plus the local news for May 13, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tax rates are one thing, assessed value is another, but between the two factors, property tax bills are causing lots of heartburn right now. Plus the local news for May 12, 2026 and Big Emma. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Tolbert Fanning built an important means for Christians without a denomination to maintain ties across congregations. Plus the local news for May 11, 2026 and Miracle Fields. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Newly digitized archives show how Fisk University's radio station was founded in a time of openness to revolutionary ideas. Plus the local news for May 8, 2026 and Amy Grant. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The current special session may be the fastest Tennesse's political map has ever been redrawn, but there's a history of changing the lines for party gain. Plus the local news for May 7, 2026 and Key Changes looks at comedic country. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

She might have become known as a political grand dame just for playing an important supporting role in the careers of the men in her family, but this woman decided her place was in the House and Senate, too. Plus, the local news for May 6, 2026, and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The voting portion of this year's election cycle starts today with local primaries and a new wrinkle to picking your primary ballot. Plus, the local news for May 5, 2026, and Curious Nashville finds buried treasure. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Al Capone was a bootlegger, not a moonshiner, but he found a use for the same hilly area used to hide stills from the revenuers. Plus, the local news for May 4, 2026, and Kacey Musgraves.  Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The same part of Tennessee where the loss of Voting Rights Acts protections could be felt first was once the sight of a brutal event that spurred passage of the 14th Amendment. Plus the local news for May 1, 2026 and RaDonda Vaught. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

From Diane Nash Plaza and Ronald Reagan Way to the fight over MTSU Forrest Hall, there's a lot riding on the names we give streets and buildings. Plus the local news for April 30, 2026, and a preview of the latest Music Citizens podcast. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

First there was Ed the Zebra, then an oryx on the loose. This time, a woman walking her dog got a little too close of an encounter with an animal you just don't expect to see in this part of the world. Plus the local news for April 29, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

108 Tennesseans died because of their work last year, and tens of thousands were injured. Plus the local news for April 28, 2026 and restoring Nashville's urban forest. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Just a day after the General Assembly adjourned last week, one of its longtime members died. Plus the local news for April 27, 2026 and bringing a steam locomotive back to life. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Slowly, over decades, Tennessee has been building a linear trail to give hikers and backpackers access to a part of the Appalachians that isn't the Smokies. Plus the local news for April 24, 2026 and the connection between stargazing and conservation. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

As the General Assembly wraps up its business for the year, we have a results roundup of education-related bills. Plus, the local news for April 22, 2026, and more protection for the Duck River Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The Spanish-American conflict began in earnest when a ship named for our city fired the first shots. Plus the local news for April 22, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

There's a positive update to a recent topic: the state's fire mortality rate took a big leap in the right direction. Plus, the local news for April 21, 2026, and the challenges of long-term unemployment. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

An abandoned plane leads to the colorful story of a Nashville man who broke bad before finding God. Plus, the local news for April 20, 2026, and grassland restoration. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A significant number of significant Nashville buildings that don't exist anymore were all designed by the same man: Adolphus Heiman. Plus, the local news for April 17, 2026, and the music of Summer Joy. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

New child labor protections in Tennessee aim to shield the privacy of kids too young to say no when their parents want to show their lives online. Plus, the local news for April 16, 2026, and the slate of immigration measures moving through the state legislature. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

The effects of Winter Storm Fern continue to be felt, this time in regards to red tape. Plus, the local news for April 15, 2026, and this week's edition of What Where Whens-day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP