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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
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
In this episode, I speak with England rugby captain Megan Jones about grief, pressure, identity and what it means to keep going when life changes completely. Megan shares the experience of losing both of her parents within six months, growing up alongside her mother's addiction, and how rugby, journaling and the people around her have helped her carry both pain and love at the same time. Ahead of Celebration Day on Monday 25th May, a day that invites us all to raise a glass and remember someone we love and miss, Megan reflects on the small everyday moments she still holds onto most: cups of tea with her dad, car journeys, stories, laughter and feeling fully accepted by her parents. We talk about vulnerability, belonging, leadership and why the people we lose continue to shape who we are long after they're gone.Join in the celebrations and celebrate someone this Monday 25th May: https://www.celebrationday.com/Follow Meg on Instagram: @thanksmeg More from Therapy Works: Subscribe to the Therapy Works Substack for guidance on everyday struggles and access to Julia's monthly live webinar: https://juliasamuel.substack.com/ Grieving someone you love? Julia's Grief Works Support Programme offers structured, expert-led help, with 94% of people reporting feeling better after using it. As a podcast listener you can get 25% off plus a 30-day money-back guarantee here - www.griefworks.com/therapy Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliasamuelmbe for tips, tools, and conversations about navigating life's challenges. If you enjoy this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and subscribing - it makes a big difference and helps others discover these conversations. If you need help finding a therapist, visit: The Samuel Therapy Practice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
Behind every Instagram ad, commercial, or TV trailer you see, there is a fierce battle over what song will get to play in the background. Music sync is one of the last places where independent artists can still make money, but it's an increasingly crowded field. Meet: the Syncmaster, Katie Jelen, who's fighting to get their songs placed. Jason Moon Wilkins — Host Justin Barney — Reporter Kate Jelen — Sync Rep, Honestly Good Music Madeline Dowling — Music Supervisor Lynn Grossman — Owner, Secret Road Que Parks — Musician Annalisa Franklin — Musician This episode was produced by Emily Siner, Justin Barney and Jason Moon Wilkins. Mixing and Mastering by Michael Pollard. Scoring by Jay Ragsdale. Special thanks to Tony Gonzalez, Jewly Hight, Celia Gregory, Megan Jones, Leigh Mayo, Carly Butler, Stephanie O'Byrne, and everyone who helped.Institutional support from Tennessee Arts Commission, First Horizon Foundation. Follow WNXP on social platforms as @WNXPNashville
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
In 1984, loggerhead sea turtle Jorge became trapped in fishing nets and was moved to an aquarium in Mendoza. He was kept in captivity for more than 40 years until legal action and a campaign led to the closure of the aquarium and his release in 2025. But, where is he now?Megan Jones asks marine biologist Alejandro Saubidet, who was in charge of his rehabilitation.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.(Photo: Jorge. Credit: Andres Larrovere/via Getty)
In the summer of 2003, pharmacist Hon Lik was one of millions of smokers in China.He was coughing a lot and having problems with his breathing and wondered if he could make an alternative cigarette.After various experiments, he created a vape prototype. It went on sale in May 2004 and was instantly a hit - selling 100,000 in China.Hon tells Megan Jones how he brought it to market.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines' life and Omar Sharif's legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives' ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.(Photo: Hon Lik smokes his invention. Credit: Frederic J Brown/AFP via Getty Images)