NashVillager

A lot of communities use the word Metro or Metropolitan, but it doesn't always mean the same thing as it does here in Nashville. Plus the local news for April 1, 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

Thousands of Black Civil War soldiers hoped for the chance to prove themselves. Few were given the chance. Nashville's 14th Regiment didn't just fight; they took an epic victory lap. Plus the local news for March 31, 2026 and the impact of hearing loss on musician John Anderson. 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 are a few telltale signs when state lawmakers are ready to wrap up and head home for the year. Plus the local news for March 30, 2026 and HealthQ takes on GLP1s. 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 most important thing on this somber anniversary is holding on to the memory of those who were lost. Plus the local news for March 27, 2026 and Rissi Palmer. 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 Midstate grows, so does the need for more jail cells. Plus the local news for March 26, 2026 and Scott Hamilton. 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 look at three remarkable stories of Tennesseans who died providing medical aid on the front lines of battle. Plus the local news for March 25, 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

On the anniversary of a landmark voter registration case out of Tennessee, this state's elections laws could be impacted by two other lawsuits currently moving through the federal judicial process. Plus the local news for March 24, 2026 and Ben Slinkard, AKA drag performer Kennedy Ann Scott 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 elevator unlocked the possibility of building structures that extended beyond the number of stairs people were willing to climb. WPLN is looking for the public service equivalent to that invention. Plus the local news for March 23, 2026 and the resilience of a local restaurateur who was victim of a mass shooting. 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

While vehicle assembly lines are pulling away from electric car and truck production, the factories designed to make their batteries are going through a different transition. Plus the local news for March 20, 2026 and marking Nowruz through music. 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 just something magical about walking through a sea of blooms. Plus the local news for March 19, 2026 and TSU's president on the financial plans for the HBCU. 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

Federal investigators have released findings from the first phase of their probe into the Bucksnort blast that killed 16 in October. Plus the local news for March 18, 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

Irish immigrants were once a visible presence in this city, but now you have to go a little farther West to see that heritage embraced on a large scale. Plus the local news for March 17, 2026 and the strange story of a Meat Storm. 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 story of Nashville's Kurdish community and the losses that lead so many to leave their homeland for Tennessee is valuable context for understanding the position of Kurdish people encouraged to join in the current war on Iran. Plus the local news for March 16, 2026, and HealthQ looks at the cost of dental care. 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

It's Oscars time again. There's not much Tennessee representation at the awards, but the state is continually trying to change that. Plus the local news for March 13, 2026 and Book Not Brooke. 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

At the start of the Great Depression, a Minnesota candy magnate moved to the Pulaski area and became the community's biggest employer. Plus the local news for March 12, 2026 and Winter Storm Fern evictions. 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 folks want some state funding converted into digital currency. Plus the local news for March 11, 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

From college teams to pro athletes starting professional video game teams, esports is expanding the definition of what sports are. Plus the local news for March 10, 2026 and unlawful imprisonment of immigrants 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

For roughly 40 years, a volunteer effort has been a major part of the war on litter. Plus, the local news for March 9, 2026 and Health Q takes on HSAs 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

Music City is gearing up to have far more options for getting from point A to point B. Plus the latest news for March 6, 2026 and Curious Nashville figures out what's under a conspicuous grassy mound 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

Mutual aid organizations used to be the only tool for minority groups to make sure the people most in need of help got assistance. Now, with the government handling things, tweaks to the food aid system are coming down the pike. Plus the local news for March 5, 2026 and property tax concerns boil over. 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

Roughly a year and a half after devastating floods, two East Tennessee state parks continue to have significant closures. Plus the local news for March 4, 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

Last year, the attention on a federal law enforcement rollout in Memphis was on the involvement of the National Guard. Perhaps we should have paid more attention to the Highway Patrol, instead. Plus the local news for March 3, 2026 and environmental reviews for Nashville's tunnel project. 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

Tennesine may not have any practical applications as an element, but it does have value. Plus the local news for March 2, 2026 and uranium enrichment. 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

Aren't we all missing Mister Rogers? On this day in 2003, the world said goodbye to Fred Rogers. The beloved children's TV host is also known in the public media world for his valiant effort to defend its educational mission.Plus the local news for February 27, 2026, and insight into the WNXP Nashville Artist of the Month: Venus and the Flytraps.

When were streetcars desired in Nashville? There wasn't a streetcar named Desire in Nashville. But there was a time when streetcars were the most desired form of transit in the city. Back in the 19th century, public transit in Nashville was said to be among the finest in the nation, but it was kind of chaotic. That story, plus the local news for Feb. 26, 2026 and a look at efforts to bring Major League Baseball to Nashville. 

The murder of Marcia Trimble, as described by a police captain at the time, is when “Nashville lost its innocence.” Why that case still haunts the city to this day. Plus the local news for February 25, 2026 and this week's What Where Whens-day.

Judicial review has been a part of the American legal process since 1803, but lawsuits challenging state measures have become particularly prevalent in Tennessee in recent years. Plus the local news for February 24, 2026 and housing more kids in jail-like facilities.

A landmark in Texas history is also a Tennessee story. Plus the local news for February 23, 2026, and Leonard Slatkin. 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

When the Emergency Broadcast System was activated on this day in 1971, people thought all-out nuclear war had started. While the system is used more for weather emergencies these days, the FCC takes false alarms very seriously (even on public radio). Plus, the local news for February 20, 2026 and a story about potentially funneling foster kids to jail-like facilities.   Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: Tony Gonzalez Additional support: Mack Linebaugh

When people in one small town wanted hydrocodone, a primate helped them know they'd found the pharmacist who'd hook them up. Plus the local news for February 19, 2026 and a conversation with new conductor of the Nashville Symphony, who happens to be one of the most prominent American conductors of our time.

Building a landmark nuclear facility in East Tennessee was about speed and incredible scale. Plus the local news for February 18, 2026 and this week's edition of What Where Whensday.

Would you trust a winter forecast based on worms and spider webs?On this date in 2000, Tennessee lost Helen Lane, the remarkable weather forecaster who used old-fashioned observations of nature to make predictions — and became nationally known.Plus the local news for February 17, 2026 and a feature on a local rapper who contains multitudes.Related reading: WDEF archives: Winter Forecasting with Helen Lane (1990) TIME Magazine: Watch for Huddling Spiders (1998) Legislative resolution honoring Helen Lane (2000)   Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio.Host/producer: Tony GonzalezEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Before we had wires connecting us all, we lit our homes with gas. And on this date, the lights came on for the first time. Plus the local news for February 13, 2026 and a new biography of Justin Townes Earle that offers some clarity on the singer-songwriter's complex legacy. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: LaTonya Turner Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP 

A local Black History Month story of a Middle Tennessean who seized an impressive education despite all the roadblocks 19th century society put before people of her race and gender. Plus the local news for February 12, 2026 and the legal battle over the size of Metro Council heads to the state's high court. 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 upcoming vote may see the Rutherford County [LT1] library board and library staff at odds. Plus the local news for February 11, 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 [LT1]seems important to say "Rutherford County library board..." so people don't think it's NPL 

The home to one of Nashville's founding mothers is now a prominent park, where ongoing investments seek to protect its future relevance to the community. Plus the local news for February 10, 2026 and Appalachian truffle hunting. 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 may not be the most wintery place (ice storms aside), but we do have some connections to the Winter Games. Plus the local news for February 9, 2026 and how immigration tensions played out locally during the winter storm 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 Nashville Electric Service was founded out of a triumph of private utilities over private companies. It's been the only source for power in the city ever since. Plus the local news for February 6, 2026 and Nashville's Kurds react to news from their homeland. 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

Deadly events can leave their mark on a place, even when we don't realize it. Plus the local news for February 5, 2026 and an arborist's take on what Nashville trees need now. 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 the president talking about “nationalizing” U.S. elections, let's take a look at how things run right now in this state. Plus the local news for February 4, 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 line crews working to restore power are only one part of the NES storm response. Communication to residents is the part where folks are finding major faults with the utility. Plus the local news for February 2, 2026 and locals take over on Lower Broadway. 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

We're ready for a major change in the weather. And ready or not, it's time to pay attention to more than just storm updates. Plus, the local news for February 2 and the lasting effects on our tree canopy. 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

Until you make it to a friend's house or a warming shelter (which should be your primary strategy), history and outdoor enthusiasts offer some strategies for weathering the freezing temps. Plus, the local news for January 30, 2026, and a GRAMMY preview. 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 power grid repairs to fixing damage to homes, winter weather like what that hit Middle Tennessee can be expensive. Plus the local news for January 29, 2026 and remembering our last big ice storm.  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 South is prone to winter weather that turns more ice than snow. Plus the local news for January 28, 2026 and riding out the storm with newborns 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

It's cold, but not cold enough to freeze the Cumberland River again. Nashville's founders famously crossed the Cumberland on foot, but that's not the only freeze on record. Plus the local news for January 27, 2026 and Nashville artist Shelldhn 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 physiological reason why the winter weather may be taking an emotional toll. Plus, the local news for January 26, 2026 and a HealthQ suggestion for finding help during pregnancy. 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

Today, Tennessee's Deadly Drug Task Force pays a lot of attention to opioids and fentanyl, but its roots lie in sniffing out meth labs. Plus the local news for January 23, 2026, and Dry January USA. 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

Once again, kids are trying to sleep among cubicles when they should be cared for in home settings. Plus the local news for January 22, 2026 and saving Civil War sites. 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

It looks like this weekend could bring a big storm to Middle Tennessee. Are we ready to handle that kind of weather? Plus the local news for January 21, 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

It's been a winding path from Tennessee's first constitution to the laws about how long a governor can serve now. Plus the local news for January 20, 2026 and Health Q on using the gym benefits in some insurance plans. 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