NashVillager

Cracker Barrel showed the world just how difficult it is to try to keep things fresh when your brand is built on total consistency. Plus, the local news for August 28, 2025, and a postmortem on Tennessee's most recent execution. 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

Today is the anniversary of one Black Tennessean's hard-fought rise to union leadership. Plus, the local news for August 27, 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

Steamboats made Nashville's river an important mode of commercial transportation, and barges keep that tradition alive today. Plus, the local news for August 26, 2025, and lifelong learning. 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

On this day in 2012, Goodlettsville little leaguers won the national championship — and gained memories for a lifetime. Plus, the local news for August 25, 2025, and Kentucky's first medical cannabis dispensary. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Hosts/producers: Tony Gonzalez and Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

On today's episode, Blake Farmer digs into Fisk University's beginnings. Plus, the local news for August 22, 2025, and a look at the controversy surrounding East Bank Boulevard.  Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

From the tallest building in Nashville, to our airport's busiest year on record, superlative numbers are in the news this week. Plus, the latest local news for August 21, 2025, and the story of one Tennessee town pushing back against a bitcoin data mine.  Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Across Middle Tennessee, many of our Kurdish neighbors saw their lives changed forever by a war that ended in a ceasefire on this day in 1988. Plus, the local news for Aug. 20, 2025, and shining a light on the Nashville Shakespeare Festival.  Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

State interference in university matters has been an ongoing theme in Tennessee for quite some time. Plus, the local news for August 19, 2025, and the man who shows up in support of the death penalty at each execution.  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

Tennessee has a special place in history for its role in delivering voting rights for women, and Febb Burn played a crucial part in making it happen. Plus, the local news for August 18, 2025, and what federal cuts to the national parks mean for our region.Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

On this day, the world learned of Glady's Presley's death. For pop icons, learning about their closest loved ones tells us a lot about them. Plus, the local news for August 15, 2025, and a conversation about genre expectations from two Black artists performing at Cheekwood tomorrow. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

In Tennessee, we're never too far from wild terrain, and its residents are never too far from us, either. Plus the local news for August 14, 2025 and the search for a “lost” musician. 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

Electric vehicles mark a revolution for the automotive industry, but the future of EV manufacturing in our state remains an open question. Plus, the local news for August 13, 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

From legal prostitution to lawsuits over the sex offender registry, our approach to illegal sex work in Tennessee has changed a lot through the years. Plus, the local news for August 12, 2025, and elephants! 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

There's been a lot of consternation over the White House decision not to consider worships spaces sanctuaries from immigration raids, but our law has never said they were. Plus, the local news for August 11, 2025, and author Kevin Wilson. 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

Tennessee has its own version of the Juneteenth holiday, although it's mostly celebrated in just one area of the state. Plus, the local news for August 8, 2025, and 100 years of the Belcourt and the Opry. 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

There have been some pretty gross developments relating to water systems in two Middle Tennessee communities, and the courts are getting involved. Plus, the local news for August 7, 2025, and a road through Warner Park. 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

It's both incongruous and natural that a small East Tennessee city just played host to pro baseball's biggest regular season crowd. Plus the local news for August 6, 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

Some of Tennessee's National Guard facilities are moving in what could be a win-win for two Midstate airports. Plus, the local news for August 5, 2025, and the social media aspect of what are perceived as threats against schools. 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

Some say the Defense Secretary wants to jump ship and become Tennessee's governor. But this state has laws that require a lengthy pause between moving to the state and running for certain offices. Plus, the local news for Aug. 4, 2025, and how medical ethics clashes with the planned execution of Byron Black. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Metro officials are taking a page from the book of William the Conqueror before adjusting the way we handle our trash. Plus, the local news for August 1, 2025, and artificial intelligence in music. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Tony GonzalezAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Miriam Kramer, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Today, we're revisiting a favorite story from WPLN's past about the incredible, long-lived following for musician Jim Reeves in nation's like India and Sri Lanka. Plus the local news for July 31, 2025 and Nashville Artist of the Month Jamie Lidell. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Miriam Kramer and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

TennCare is Medicaid, but with a lot of customizations for the state. We take a look at how it got that way, plus the local news for July 30, 2025 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: Miriam Kramer, Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Nashville is built on a kind of bedrock that's famously difficult to tunnel through, so what does that mean for new plans to make an underground passage to the airport? Plus the local news for July 29, 2025 and a heavy polluter in East Tennessee. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Blake FarmerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

During the Second World War, Nashville women did their part making dive bombers used by multiple Allied militaries. Plus, the local news for July 28, 2025 and the upcoming execution. 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

The looming decision over how Tennessee's next execution should be carried out grapples with the big questions that have always been a part of the justice system in our nation. Plus, the local news for July 25, 2025, and Big Freedia. 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

A group of Tennesseans wants to re-start a dam project, but conservationists say it could have ill effects for people and habitats along the Duck River. Plus, the local news for July 24, 2025, and a dive into Kustom Kulture. 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 Tennessee politicians have strong words about China and that nation's influence. But are all of their concerns well-founded? Plus, the local news for July 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

The current funding crisis isn't the first political hurricane to threaten public broadcasting, but this one truly made landfall. Plus, the local news for July 22, 2025, and privatizing TVA. 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 stood on the banks of the Cumberland river for about 250 years. But another city stood here for far longer, in the era before European settlers came to Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for July 21, 2025, and the Scopes trial anniversary. 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

Two historically Black Nashville universities dream big when it comes to expanding the kinds of sports that HBCU can compete in. Plus the local news for July 18, 2025 and a trip to a beloved recreation area on Percy Priest Lake. 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 summers haven't been the same since Opryland closed in the late 90s. Plus the local news for July 17, 2025, and harm reduction for the drug overdose crisis. 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 may not have any ocean ports, but we do have a Naval presence, and some pretty important Navy officers came from this state. Plus, the local news for July 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

This month, Bridgestone shut down a tire plant that was once a major part of LaVergne's local economy, and a big influence on labor relations. Plus, the local news for July 15, 2025, and what the size of Metro Council means. 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

This year, one Tennessee lawmaker put a lot of pressure on the TSSAA to change one of its rules. Now we might know why he cared so much. Plus, the local news for July 14, 2025, and a new excerpt from 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

Nashville-based denominations could have much more freedom to try to influence elections thanks to the latest move from the federal government. Plus, the local news for July 11, 2025, and fireflies. 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 few free places to park in downtown Nashville anymore, and that's by design. Plus, the local news for July 10, 2025, and the financial cost of staying in your home as you age. 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

Once, Nashville was on the cutting edge of cleaning up municipal water sources. Now, we're fighting about whether new advances are necessary in Tennessee. Plus, the local news for July 9, 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 early days were kind of wild and lawless, but one lawmaker really pushed those boundaries. Plus, the local news for July 8, 2025, and the queer exodus from 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

The former Tennessee House speaker is asking for a retrial after the jury heard more of an audio recording than they should have. It could overturn his conviction on federal corruption charges, but his fate is in the hands of a judge. Plus, the local news for July 7, 2025, and Dom Flemons of the Carolina Chocolate Drops. 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

You'll probably see a strawberry or two on an American flag cake this holiday weekend, but the fruit in Tennessee is under threat. Plus, the local news for July 3, 2025, and a look at community benefits agreements 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

National chains can offer more competition than local shops can handle. But one chain based here is offering a hand to some kinds of small businesses. Plus, the local news for July 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

Tennessee has a long history of naming official state songs, wildflowers, fish and other wildlife. One of our favorites has to be the official state artifact. Plus, the local news for July 1, 2025, and a trip to Dayton for the 100-year anniversary of the Scopes Trial. 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

Fifty-three years ago, Opryland USA opened its doors. Plus, the local news for June 30, 2025, and look at WNXP's Nashville Artist of the Month — the improvisational musician Jarren Blair.  Credits:This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Cynthia AbramsEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Nina Cardona, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

When did a Tennessee governor put his foot down? Today, we look back at that time a Tennessee governor vetoed the entire state budget. Plus, the local news for June 27, 2025, and Big Freedia at Nashville Pride this weekend.Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

On this day in 1974, the UPC barcode was scanned at a checkout counter for the first time. It may have seemed small at the time, but it revolutionized product tracking and is still going strong today. Plus, the local news for June 26, 2025 and an excerpt from the final culminating episode of “The Country In Our Hearts” podcast on Nashville's Kurdish community. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

On this day in 1848, the first act of photojournalism took place in Paris during a workers' strike. It took a few days for the photo to become a wood engraving and then to appear in print.  We move a bit faster nowadays, so this podcast is recorded and assembled before 6 a.m. and dispatched to your phone within minutes — with the local news for June 25, 2025, and the latest edition of What Where Whens-day.  Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Tony Gonzalez Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

It's Scottish Heritage Day in Tennessee. Plus, the local news for June 24, 2025, and an update on a WPLN-ProPublica investigation into the embattled head of a Tennessee youth detention center. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

It's hot this week in Middle Tennessee, and over a dozen states nationwide are under a heat advisory. When has it been hotter in Tennessee history?  In the 1950s, Tennessee had over a week of 100 degree days.Plus, the local news for June 23, 2025, and a deeper look at a niche running event in Tennessee. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Cynthia Abrams Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

It's the longest day of the year. We're looking at what is known about the ritual site that people built to mark the solstice in this area thousands of years ago. Plus, the local news for June 20, 2025, and episode three of The Country In Our Hearts. 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, an explanation of how Nashville stopped being a city and became Metro instead, and how a major part of that transformation may have to change. Plus, the local news for July 18, 2025, and this week's edition of What Where When's-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

Local Juneteenth and Pride organizers are reporting problems with sponsorships this year. Plus, the local news for June 17, 2025, and the Belcourt Theatre at 100 years old. 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