NashVillager

The most iconic type of Nashville bar is part of a colorful history that includes cattle drives and sailors on shore leave. Plus, the local news for September 18, 2025 and reclaiming the banjo. 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

Zoning laws may sound arcane, but they set the tone for so much of what gives a neighborhood its character. Plus, the local news for September 17, 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

Not all deaths in the public sphere get the same level of response. Whether or not someone like Charlie Kirk should be remembered with large scale vigils or a moment of silence is a politically loaded question. Plus, the local news for Sept. 16, 2025, and a landfill controversy in a rural area of Tennessee. 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

There was a time when the majority of parks in our city were about ball fields and band shells, but now the four largest parks in the system are mostly given over to nature. Plus, the local news for September 15, 2025, and NPR's Pod Corner. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio. Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

One of our most beloved rights in this nation is also one of the most contentious. Plus, the local news for September 12, 2025, and deciding where Nashville needs more housing. 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

Our history as a state and country has been defined, in large part, by waves of migration. Tennessee has been part of many of those exoduses. Plus, the local news for September 11, 2025, and a look at the debate around IVF in this state. 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

For a brief moment, it looked like our part of the state could have played host to an underground atom smasher. The conversations around the Boring Co.'s planned Music City Loop today holds some parallels. Plus, the local news for September 10, 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 the early days of auto safety to the current attempts to reduce overdose deaths, new ideas for increasing safety are often met with skepticism or annoyance. Plus, the local news for September 9, 2025, and This Is Nashville's harm reduction week. 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

Two men who became emblematic for pandemic disagreements back in 2020 are facing off again, this time in a Congressional election. Plus, the local news for September 8, 2025, and a dip into the archive for Mule Day 2021. 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

Content Warning: This episode contains explicit discussions of hard drug use. It also contains mature, uncensored language.For about the last four years, This is Nashville's managing editor Tasha A.F. Lemley has been reporting on ways to support people who use dangerous drugs, often without requiring, or even suggesting, that they should stop using.It's a philosophy known as harm reduction. The concept has become more widely embraced in recent years as a way to keep drug users from dying – whether that's from an overdose, disease or infection. But some champions want to take it even further, beyond what the law in Tennessee allows right now. And that's the story we're bringing you today for this special episode of the NashVillager. Credits:Producer: Tasha A.F. LemleyHost: Blake FarmerLegal review: Paul McAdooSpecial thanks: Tony Gonzalez

Before he became a Texas legend, Sam Houston was a prominent Tennessean with a penchant for running away to be with the Cherokee. Plus, the local news for September 5, 2025, and horse farm immigration raids. 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

Here in Tennessee, we're using way more energy than we produce.Plus the local news for Sept. 4, 2025 and a profile of Emily Hines, the WNXP Nashville Artist of the Month.  Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio.Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

One of the first times guard troops were called in to protect desegregation was in Tennessee, but would a deployment to Memphis be a good idea now? Plus, the local news for September 3, 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

Clarksville native and TSU Tigerbelle Wilma Rudolph was the complete Olympic package: amazing athleticism and a profoundly inspirational backstory. But being the star of the Rome Games was a double-edged sword. Plus, the local news for September 2, 2025, and author Eliana Ramage. 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 natural disaster can set off ripple effects of problems and challenges wherever it strikes, and there have been lessons learned since Katrina. Plus, the local news for August 29, 2025, and a conversation with the Black Keys.  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

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