NashVillager

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

Robert Renfro came here as a slave shortly after the city was founded. But, he earned his freedom and won both the support of Nashville's elite and multiple lawsuits. Plus the local news for January 16, 2026 and Rock 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

With more and more aircraft flying through local skies, the FAA may institute tighter restrictions to make sure everyone stays safe. Plus the local news for January 15, 2026 and a taste of what it is to ride through a Boring Company tunnel. 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 Supreme Court set precedent for when deadly force can be used in a case surrounding the police shooting of a Memphis teenager. Plus the local news for January 14, 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

For a few decades, Nashville was treated to an occasional, irregular series of musical events that couldn't fall neatly into any one category of either format or genre. Plus the local news for January 13, 2026  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

One beloved barn is about to be torn down, but nearly a dozen Tennessee historic courthouses are getting money for rehabilitation efforts. Plus, the local news for January 12, 2026, and getting care during flu season. 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

Medical providers in Tennessee are licensed and monitored by a variety of oversight boards. Whether or not those groups are doing their job well depends on who you ask. Plus the local news for January 9th, and Mon Rovia 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 legislative session is about to start. Some of the measures lawmakers submit will be thoroughly debated and voted into law. Some won't really cross the starting line. Plus, the local news for January 8, 2026, and Tash Tea. 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

Nashville's central core has been through ups and downs that should inform the way the city's newest neighborhood is designed. Plus, the local news for January 7th 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 month's announcement of an investment in Tennessee zinc operations is big for the state and big for the nation. Plus the local news for January 6, 2026 and the complex music history of Muscle Shoals. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

In the aftermath of World War I, a Nashville man with unbelievable self-confidence sparked a diplomatic incident that reads like fiction. Plus the local news for January 5, 2025 and where to find low cost health care Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Megan JonesAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

A newly filed bill in Tennessee's General Assembly cites lots of scripture and asks lawmakers to take an explicitly pro-Israel stance. Plus the local news for December 31, 2025 and the trade war comes for Tennessee soybeans. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Alexis MarshallAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Why aren't there more dinosaur bones in Tennessee? There are some Cretaceous Period remains in the Volunteer State, but it was the Ice Age that left much richer deposits here.Plus, the local news for Dec. 30, 2025 and red tape that could save lives.Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio.Host/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Tony Gonzalez

Every President and First Lady does something to make the nation's executive mansion their home. For the Polks, it was almost puritan customs, a key bit of redecoration, and an undercurrent of slavery. Plus the local news for December 29, 2025 and a big year for Nashville transit. 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 the holiday episodes, we're doing a look back at our colleague's best work. This one by WPLN's Catherine Sweeney features criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger's story on how a blind spot in Tennessee's probation system leaves domestic violence victims in danger. Credits:  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio  Host/producer: Catherine Sweeney  Editor: LaTonya Turner  Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, and the staff of WPLN and WNXP  

During this holiday week, the NashVillager Podcast takes a moment to share some of the best local reporting of the year — as chosen by WPLN staffers. Today, reporter Rose Gilbert highlights her colleague Mary Mancini's story about a local elephant sanctuary.  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio  Host/producer: Rose Gilbert Editor: LaTonya Turner  Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Nina Cardona, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP  

Remember when we used to burn CDs?A lot of music made it around the world without being properly published in those early days of file sharing. So the “Lostwave community” steps in to hunt down the origins of unidentified music. In this case, music that was made in Boston and heard in Seattle required the help of a data geek in the Middle East to figure out that the originator lives right here among us in Nashville.  This is a production of Nashville Public Radio. Host/producer: Blake Farmer Editor: Tony Gonzalez 

How are Tennessee Christians using the Bible to form beliefs about immigration?  

How can a WPLN music story transport you somewhere new?During this holiday week, the NashVillager Podcast takes a moment to share some of the best local reporting of the year — as chosen by WPLN staffers. Today, music reporter Justin Barney shows how his colleague Jewly Hight goes far beyond typical artists interviews to capture the local music scene.

It's been quite a year for everyone's favorite: country star, actress, philanthropist (and just plain good person) Dolly Parton. Plus the local news for December 19, 2025 and the final installment of The Debt. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

Why are there so many memorial services during the otherwise joyful holiday season?As This Is Nashville mounts an "in memoriam" episode, a look at why the holidays are a natural time to pause and reflect on the people we've lost.Plus the local news for December 18, 2025 and an excerpt from The Debt.

America had Civil Rights Leaders who fought hard for equality far before the to the Civil Rights Movement as we usually think of it got underway. Plus the local news for December 17, 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: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

After more than year without a new contract, some workers at the Chattanooga VW factory are losing patience with the United Auto Workers. Plus the local news for December 16, 2025 and another installment of The Debt. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez and the staff of WPLN and WNXP