Podcasts about wpln

Maintaining and protecting wilderness areas doesn't happen for free. But in Tennessee, some of it does happen without a dedicated funding stream. Plus the local news for September 3, 2026 and the opening of 9 to 5: The Musical that coincided with Dolly's death. 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

56 years ago, a conservative Transportation Secretary said the nation needed to prioritize transit over highways. Now, we're simultaneously expanding transit and the interstate in Nashville. Plus the local news for September 2, 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

Headliner: As extreme heat settles in, WPLN environmental reporter Caroline Eggers explains how an NPR/Boston University investigation finds Tennessee and other states have severely undercounted heat-related deaths.Newsmaker: Metro Council Member Sandra Sepulveda makes her case for banning right turns at red lights, plus she shares a look at her Hispanic-majority district and the newly opened Mariposa Park.Tastemaker: A trailblazer in both cardiology and country music, Dr. Cleveland Francis tells stories from his new memoir, “Do My Heart Good: My Odyssey Through Country Music, Medicine, and History.”

Tennessee played a vital role in securing the massive Meta settlement. Now the state needs to spend that money the way officials promise they will. Plus the local news for September 1, 2026 and Asian carp. 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

Middle Tennessee got a lasting infusion of a different cultural flavor when a devastating storm sent people running here from the Southern coastline. Plus the local news for August 31, 2026 and data center noise.  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

Noise pollution has reached dangerous levels for residents living near the Memphis-Mississippi border. That's the home of Elon Musk's X-AI data center campus that runs Grok, the AI chatbot for the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter. For the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, WPLN's Caroline Eggers reports on what's becoming an emerging model of data center – and unchecked noise pollution.  The post Unchecked Data Center Noise Pollution, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Elm Hill Pike may be an industrial artery in Nashville now, but it was once a main thoroughfare with a rich history. But listener Chad Smith wonders:“Elm Hill Pike is very hilly. Where is the actual elm hill?”The investigation pushes WPLN's Blake Farmer to hop on a bike and ride the length of the road. The journey takes him into some rich city history and to a dead end across the county line — but that doesn't mean the answer is elusive.

Recent raids of illegal mini-casinos spur memories of a notable sting operation from the 1980s. Plus the local news for August 28, 2026 and new music from Alabama Shakes. 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 week is supposed to be about emphasizing the protections in place for workers, but right now we're hearing about dangerous violations of those rules, too. Plus the local news for August 27, 2026 and Margo Price on protest songs. 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

Elm Hill Pike may be an industrial artery now, but it was once a main thoroughfare with a rich history. The road has connections to the very earliest white settlers and one of the most prominent Black businessmen following the Civil War. In this episode, we explore the related stories of Preston Taylor and James Buchanan. But first, we answer a Curious Nashville question asked by listener Chad Smith:"Elm Hill Pike is very hilly. Where is the actual elm hill?"The investigation pushed WPLN's Blake Farmer to hop on a bike and ride the length of the road in search of Elm Hill. The journey takes him to a dead end across the county line — but that doesn't mean the answer is elusive.Submit your Curious Nashville question during the show by calling 615-760-2000.Guests: Edward Robinson, author of "To Pave the Way for His People: A Life of Preston Taylor" Lu Whitworth, Buchanan-Whitworth family historian and spokesperson for Buchanan Log House

Nashville is in mourning for Dolly. We pay tribute after the passing of a beloved entertainer in the  local news for August 26, 2026  and discuss a topic she championed: the importance of young children. 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 the Bat Creek Stone. Plus the local news for August 25, 2026 and Johnny Cash's archives. 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

Headliner: A THC ban and a new tax on Tennessee hemp took effect this year. The result is a tax that's collecting next to nothing in revenue. We bring you what there's to know from WPLN's Marianna Bacallao.Newsmaker: Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett sees big potential in accelerated bachelor's degrees, but he's concerned about how they're being marketed. He talks modernizing higher ed as well as giving a midstream update on the midterm election process.Tastemakers: 48 Hour Film Project screenings begin next week after a wild weekend of writing, shooting and editing this month. Local coordinator Colin Verano and 2025 winners Nichole Lim and Dustin Hyer discuss why a sleepless weekend of work energizes Nashville's film community.

It's time for officials to get into the weeds of how surveillance technology is used and regulated. Plus the local news for August 24, and the secrecy surrounding data centers. 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 law that requires kids to be cared for as kids, wherever they come from, a look at ways officials are trying to change that. Plus the local news for August 21, 2026 and how Houston Kendrick bounced back with a little help from friends. 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 nearly year-and-a-half difference between the date we learned in history class and the day President Andrew Johnson declared the Civil War over. And Tennessee's most prominent figures had end dates of their own. Plus the local news for August 20, 2026 and more from WPLN and ProPublica's latest investigation into youth detention facilities in Tennessee. 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

Mary Anderson made it possible for all of us to drive in bad weather, but she was ahead of her time. Plus the local news for August 19, 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 headliner: WPLN's senior criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger on her latest investigation with ProPublica about abuse in Tennessee's privately-run juvenile prisons.The newsmaker: Jayla Thomas, GOP candidate for state House District 55, one of the few contested seats in Nashville on the November ballot.The tastemaker: Melanie Sutton, managing artistic director of the Tennessee Theater Fellowship, producing a play about Fred Rogers, and an unlikely friendship, called “I'm Proud of You.” It's opening at Studio 615 Thursday night, August 20.

Conservation groups often sue for better enforcement of federal environmental laws. Two Tennessee cases are at the vanguard of a push to end the practice. Plus the local news for August 11, 2026 and black lung rates back on the rise. 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 new hemp ban has been in effect since July 1, bringing big changes to the industry and forcing farmers and other businesses to adapt. WPLN power and equity reporter Marianna Bacallao sits down with host Rachel Iacovone to talk about how the ban is changing what you'll see on the shelves of smoke shops, liquor stores, and bars, and the impact it could have on our economy.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 10th episode: Hoffmann Brothers VOTE FOR US in the Nashville Scene's Best of Nashville 2026 Awards! Election Day is Thursday, Aug. 6! Here's everything you need to know to go vote. Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our City Cast Nashville newsletter.  Follow us @citycastnashville You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

A remarkably well-preserved shoe helps us picture the ancient people who used to live here. Plus the local news for August 10, 2026 and school security.  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 results of yesterday's primary elections and a look back at the 2000 election that painted Tennessee red. Plus the local news for August 7, 2026 and remembering Martha Ingram. 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

Dinah Shore grew up in an immigrant home in Middle Tennessee. She ended up a fixture in homes all across the United States. Plus the local news for August 6, 2026 and the line dancing resurgence. 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 all have a general sense that tourists pay more in Music City; here's a look at just how we tax them. Plus the local news for August 5, 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

Breaking down what a Nuclear Lifecycle Campus could be in Tennessee. Plus the local news for August 4, 2026 and an exception to the datacenter boom. 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 headlines: WPLN's Marianna Bacallao and Chloe Akers of The Best of Tennessee talk about the governor's rase, surprisingly high turnout and the overlooked importance of voting in Tennessee primaries.The newsmaker: Assistant federal defender Kit Thomas discusses the scheduled execution of Darrell Hines August 13 and how a botched lethal injection from May has informed the legal strategy for his last days.The tastemaker: Restaurateur Chen Chen explains how his Asian-inspired Nashville Hot Chicken took off in Toronto and then made its way back to his hometown.

As long as there have been elections, there have been efforts to limit who can vote. Plus the local news for August 3, 2026 and Shakespeare in prison 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 has had two tracks of action after Charlie Kirk's death. One limits free speech, the other has ended in legal settlements for limiting people's free speech. Plus the local news for July 31, 2026 and hellbenders 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 electric grid was built on a renewable power, but poor efficiency and increased reliance on fossil fuels are at the center of the current landscape. Plus the local news for July 30, 2026 and Curious Nashville finds out what happened to a statue that used to sit at the top of the city's skyline. 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

Middle Tennessee is now home to half of Tennessee's law schools, but the first one decamped to Alabama decades ago. Plus the local news for July 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

Now that license plate readers are in place over much of Tennessee, there's a bill to limit future rollout. Plus the local news for July 28, 2026 and the MTSU tie to Supergirl. 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

Twice in Nashville history, allegations of financial wrongdoing reached such a fever pitch that the state took over the purse strings and the mayors were pushed out of office. Plus the local news for July 27, 2026 and how AI datasets impact musicians. 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

If you know where to look, there's a god frolicking amid Nashville's skyline. It's the mythological messenger Mercury, gleaming at the top of the Union Station clock tower. But he's had his share of ups and downs, and once fell in 1952.WPLN listener Christina called to ask:"We have a very primitive replica up there. But the original, I'm wondering where it could be!?"Curious Nashville chases down what happened next, some interesting ties to local history and landmarks, and even an infamous storm.

As much housing as we've built in recent years, our city still doesn't have enough places for people to live. But population trends suggest that we shouldn't assume this growth will last forever. Plus the local news for July 24, 2026 and playing baseball by ear. 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 may attempt to stop a data center project by using eminent domain, Rutherford County is considering it for obtaining the land for a public safety campus, but how does the process work in Tennessee? Plus the local news for July 23, 2026 and Nashville's booming boot business. 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

Normally, the identities of people who carry out an execution are kept firmly secret. That private detail has been made public. Plus the local news for July 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

As he does each month, Mayor Freddie O'Connell is here to take your questions and to hear your comments.It's been a busy summer. Today we jump in with the latest on data center regulation, police surveillance tech, Cheekwood tension and the Boring tunnel. There are points of tension we will ask about. But so much flies under the radar. This is your moment to make Nashville's leader aware of what's going on. Or get a question answered.Plus, This is Curious Nashville takes up a question about the ubiquitous kudzu — an aggressive, invasive vine that grows so prominently in our region. WUOT reporter and host Jacqui Sieber and WPLN editor and Curious Nashville host Tony Gonzalez answer, hoe did kudzu first get introduced to the area? Guests: Freddie O'Connell, mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

From a political fight (that compared Nashville to Sodom) to an untimely death and unusual grave, the story behind Tennessee's physical seat of government has more twists than you might expect. Plus the local news for July 21, 2026 and reclaiming the American flag. 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 officials have made some attempt to lure a major motion picture studio to relocate here. That raises questions about what a move might actually bring. Plus the local news for July 20, 2026 and IMAX. 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 date was a deadly one in Tennessee eleven years ago, with some parallels to another shooting in 2025. Plus the local news for July 16, 2026 and the importance of DJs to Nashville 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

A review by the non-profit Nashville Police and Public Safety Alliance reveals nine of Nashville's geographic, demographic, and economic peer cities –– including Austin, Denver, and Charlotte –– are using policing technologies far more extensively than we are.Even cities in our surrounding counties, such as Mt. Juliet, have adopted technologies like license plate readers, drones and real-time video and data integration platforms. Today we look at how law, policy and rural-urban divide shape the adoption of this technology. How do we balance the adoption of this new and emerging tech while protecting the right to privacy and due process?We also have phones and livestream open as well. Give us a call at 615-760-2000 or watch and chime in on YouTube.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini & Emily West.Guests: Emily Benedict, Metro Councilmember, District 7 Greg Blair, Deputy Chief, MNPD Matthew Guariglia, senior policy analyst, Electronic Frontier Foundation Emily West, Criminal Justice Reporter, WPLN

There once was a time when an American could swear allegiance to another nation and still become president. Plus the local news for July 15, 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 one end of the state, a historic landmark celebrating the important legacy of Alex Haley and the family story he told in Roots. On the other end, a school district's decisions that made Haley's book the poster child for the book banning debates. Plus the local news for July 14, 2026 and the contracting of access to TennCare. 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 debate over datacenter regulation rages in local government meetings, a large firm has hired some heavy-hitters to clear the way for more facilities. Plus the local news for July 13, 2026 and musician Tray Wellington 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 science and religion went head-to-head in a small-town Tennessee courtroom, the entire nation watched. Plus the local news for July 10, 2026 and hamburger influencing. 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 now requires county sheriffs to coordinate with federal immigration agencies. Metro's sheriff says he's the one exception. Plus the local news for July 9, 2026 and a Curious Nashville investigation of a microscopic typo. 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

Hosting this year's World's Cup seems to have driven a new level of American interest in soccer. Major League Soccer teams like Nashville's are poised to take advantage when their season resumes. Plus the local news for July 8, 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

When there's a miscarriage of justice, fixing the problem is a hard task. Plus the local news for July 7, 2026 and bats role as a signal species. 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

After the legislative session and around the start of July comes the next phase in the annual cycle of lawmaking: court cases seeking to stop or alter new laws. Plus the local news for July 6, 2026 and echoes between the new Nashville Congressional districts and an old North Nashville wound 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

250 years of American independence doesn't exactly mean 250 years of 4th of July celebrations. A look at how Nashville has marked the day through the years. Plus the local news for July 2, 2026 and Tennessee communities find their own ways to celebrate the nation's milestone.   Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: LaTonya TurnerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP