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Mister Rogers told us to find the helpers when things in the news get to be too much, and that's what we're doing today. Plus, the local news for May 30, 2025, and immigration policy as a wedge issue in churches. 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
Many states have outlawed payday loans, but Tennessee is the proving ground for an arguably more predatory option. Plus, the local news for May 29, 2025, and the spread of black bears. 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
Thousands of people from five Native nations were forced to leave their ancestral lands on foot, and many of them walked through our communities on their way West. Plus, the local news for May 28, 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 Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention is meeting soon, and the future of its public policy arm will likely be on the agenda. Plus the local news for May 27 and WNXP's Nashville Artist of the Month. 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
Memorial Day Weekend is the annual kick off of road trip season. It turns out, it's also the anniversary of the very first proof of concept. Plus, the local news for May 23, 2025, and Niche to Meet You. 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
Thousands of Tennessee residents could have their lives upended by a recent federal decision. Plus, the local news for May 22, 2025, and the execution of Oscar Franklin Smith. 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 put a hold on executions in 2022 due to concerns about its lethal injection protocol. This morning, the state resumed executions, using lethal injection to put to death Oscar Franklin Smith. He had spent more than three decades incarcerated and went through numerous execution dates. Today on the show, we speak with one of Smith's sons, Casey Smith, about the impact this crime — and its punishment — have had on his life.But first, WPLN criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger joins us to report on today's latest developments.Today's episode was produced by Paige Pfleger and Tasha A.F. Lemley.GUESTS Paige Pfleger, WPLN Criminal Justice Reporter Casey Smith, son of Oscar Franklin Smith
There are tens of thousands of bridges across Tennessee, carrying roads, streets and foot traffic over ravines, creeks, rivers and lakes. Some of them really need repairs. Plus, the local news for May 21, 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
When states and cities don't agree, it can get a little complicated. Plus, the local news for May 20, 2025, and a conversation about Tennessee's first lethal injection execution in years scheduled for this week. 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
It's commencement season across the state. And thanks to a law passed on this day more than 30 years ago, those public school graduations can include a religious practice, if certain rules are followed. Plus, the local news for May 19th, 2025, and how to speak up for a beloved species of butterflies. 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 we remember one of Nashville's most iconic midcentury retailers: Harvey's Department Store. Plus, the local news for May 16, 2025, and the Biscuits and Banjos festival. 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 consistently outpaces the nation for all the wrong reasons when it comes to mental health. Plus, the local news for May 15, 2025, and we hear from some local students at the end of the school year. 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
Office towers may boom and bust, but industrial development always seems to be a good match for Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for May 14, 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
Let's talk about the latest local happenings in the natural world. Plus, the local news for May 13, 2025, and how soybeans get caught up in American trade wars. 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
Agriculture is a big business in Tennessee, and livestock drives a big portion of it. Plus, the local news for May 12, 2025, and an attempt at criminal justice reform for people deemed accomplices. 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
One of Nashville's most notable citizens of the early 20th century lost a major court battle on this day in history. We're taking a look at what's happening today with several high-profile cases. Plus, the local news for May 9, 2025, and the wildflowers blooming in the Great Smoky Mountains. 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
Biking in Nashville has come a long way since the 1800s, but there's still a long way to go. Plus, the local news for May 8, 2025, and a look at how two Nashville teachers are supporting students in the wake of an increased crackdown on undocumented immigrants in the U.S. 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
Tonight, talented actors will perform a reading of a piece of journalism produced by WPLN in partnership with ProPublica. The Theater of War performance will be followed by a discussion in person and on Zoom about gun violence prevention. You can take part here. Plus, the local news for May 7, 2025, and this week's edition of What, Where, Whens-day.
The Tennessee legislature recently wrapped up the first half of the 114th General Assembly, and there is a lot to digest.Today, we bring you the first of a two-part review. Reporters assigned to cover the work of our elected state representatives join us to recap the bills passed, the bills still waiting to be signed by the governor, and the constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot in 2026.Tomorrow, we go a bit deeper into the issues with a post-session analysis — that you can join by calling 615-760-2000 at noon Thursday.Guests Sarah Grace Taylor, State Government Reporter, Nashville Banner Marianna Bacallao, Power and Equity Reporter, WPLN Nina Cardona, Morning/NashVillager Podcast Host, WPLN Catherine Sweeney, Health Reporter, WPLN
As much as our current president loves to sign executive orders, former president Franklin D. Roosevelt used even more of them, creating agencies that reshaped Midstate communities. Plus, the local news for May 6, 2025, and spending time with a mixed immigration-status Tennessee family. 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 precious natural resource: wetlands. We even have wetlands right here in the heart of Nashville. And they are at risk.During the 2025 legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers passed a bill that will cut some of the protections for wetlands across the state. Developers now have the option to build over wetlands without informing the state and will no longer be financially incentivized to develop around them.Today, we hear why wetlands are a valuable part of a healthy ecosystem. We also break down the legislation and check in with local groups working to protect this natural resource.This episode was produced by Caroline Eggers, WPLN's environmental reporter, and Katherine Ceicys.GUESTS Dr. Justin Murdock, Ecologist and Professor of Biology, Tennessee Tech University Grace Stranch, CEO, Harpeth Conservancy LaTricea Adams, President of Young, Gifted and Green FURTHER READING & LISTENINGWPLN | Wetlands have some protections in Tennessee. The state legislature might remove them.
“All the King's Men” is a great American novel and its author Robert Penn Warren has roots in Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for May 5, 2025, and a conversation about last month's Biscuits and Banjos festival. 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
During Mayor Freddie O'Connell's State of Metro speech, he touched on the optimism Nashvillians are feeling about the direction of our city these days. Plus, the local news for May 2, 2025, and a discussion about O'Connell's speech. 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
An update on where things stand between the federal government and broadcasters like this station. Plus, the local news for May 1, 2025, and Tennessee doubles down on homeless encampments. 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
In an ideal world, people go to prison to learn to leave crime behind. In the real world, all too often they're the places where more crimes take place. Plus, the local news for April 30, 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
Nashville has a complicated history with trains, and it may not get any less complicated anytime soon. Plus, the local news for April 29, 2025, and an interview with the artist Father John Misty. 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 double agents live out real-life scenarios that are the stuff of movies, others just get taken advantage of. Plus, the local news for April 28, 2025, and a conversation with WNXP's Nashville artist of the month, Chrysalis. 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 and twisted history with renewable energy. Plus, the local news for April 25, 2025, and a look at how people are changing what aging means today. 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's history as a city is a complicated one, and today, it looks far different than its founders ever could have possibly imagined. Plus, the local news for April 24, 2025, and taking a look at Tennessee farmland. 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
White House cutbacks are being felt locally in many ways, but here's another one: The group that led the way on helping refugees integrate into Middle Tennessee life is no longer getting federal money to carry out that mission. Plus, the local news for April 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
A bill passed this session could complicate efforts to remove a Confederate flag from Williamson County's seal. Plus, the local news for April 22, 2025, and the second episode of Niche to Meet you. 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 legislators have a long and complicated history with marijuana bans. Plus, the local news for April 21, 2025, and an excerpt from the newest episode of 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
Some days, sharing what's going on can feel like a minefield. Plus, the local news for April 18th, 2025, and the Opry's 100th anniversary book. 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
Policy about immigration and undocumented people is making headlines, but just who are the people affected by it in our state? Plus, the local news for April 17, 2025, and the Opry turns 100. 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
Governor Bill Lee's administration has rolled out a new lethal injection protocol, but advocates say that it sacrifices humane treatment for expediency. Plus, the local news for April 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
Scandals in Tennessee have shaped our political landscape. Plus, the local news for April 15, 2025, and a Music City organization that's trying to support diverse artists in an era of DEI rollbacks. 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
On this day in 1823, a court in Franklin convicted a teenager named John Murrell of “riot.” We dive into the story. Plus, the local news for April 14, 2025, and how the Lower Broadway tourism district is dealing with overdoses. 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 is facing major uncertainty when it comes to funding services like public health in the city. Plus, the local news for April 11, 2025, and Bon Iver's new album. 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
A state bill that's drawn continual protest through the legislative session heads to a Senate vote. Plus, the local news for April 10, 2025, and an age-bending production comes to TPAC. 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
Black musicians consistently been excluded from the country spotlight, but their work has been heavily influential for everyone in the genre. Plus, the local news for April 9, 2025, and this week's edition of What Where When-sday. 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
How Marsha Blackburn's rise mirrors large-scale changes to Tennessee's political landscape. Plus ,the local news for April 8, 2025. and Mammoth Cave bats. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Paige Pfleger filling in for Miriam KramerPaige PflegerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Miriam Kramer, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP
The new trade war could have a real impact on Middle Tennessee. Plus, the local news for April 7, 2025, and a look at some restaurants that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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
One of the core parts of our mission as a public service is to provide vital, live-saving information when it really counts -- during severe weather. Plus, the local news for April 4, 2025 and a look at what it takes to find housing when you're unhoused. 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
Music Row has changed a lot through the years, but it's a place that tells a very special and very Nashville story. Plus, the local news for April 3, 2025,and painted dove memorials. 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
Waiting on the phone or in a long line for customer service is no fun. But what new alternatives exist?Today we hear the Davidson County Clerk's Office new self-serve kiosks. Plus, Metro Nashville Waste Services has a new curbside composting pilot program that's part of their Zero Waste initiative. Join us to learn about these new and innovative processes created to save you time and serve you better. Plus, last night and in the early morning Middle Tennessee experienced severe weather, including severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. WPLN's Nina Cardona joins us with updates.Guests Brenda Wynn, Davidson County Clerk Jenn Harrman, Administrative Services Manager, Nashville Department of Waste Services Nina Cardona, morning host, WPLN
A century ago, entrepreneurship and a natural resource collided to cement one Middle Tennessee city as a hub for the pencil industry. Plus, the local news for April 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
From traditional radio to this podcast, WPLN News is finding new ways to bring Nashville to you. Plus, the local news for April 1, 2025, and Nashville-based country artist Angie K. 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 General is our city's safety net hospital offering medical lifelines to people with nowhere else to turn. And now it has fallen on hard times. Plus, the local news for March 31, 2025, and diving into Nashville's music scene with local artist Annie DiRusso. 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
Pat Summitt was an incredible college basketball coach, but more than that, her players and fans remember her high standards both on the court and off it. Plus, the local news for March 28, 2025, and tensions flare when gun bills are debated in the statehouse. 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
We mark the second anniversary of the Covenant School shooting by looking back at its aftermath. Plus, the local news for March 27, 2025, and a Kentucky community grieving after the death of a teenager who became the target of online extortion. 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