Start your weekday mornings with us! We’ll give you a dose of local news, analysis, history lessons, important conversations and more from the WPLN News, Nashville Public Radio.
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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Paige Pfleger filling in for Miriam KramerPaige Pfleger Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP
Brent Arledge is the most prolific piano tuner in Nashville, and possibly the world. He tunes the Ryman, the Schermerhorn and the Grand Ole Opry. He services dozens of studios and is trusted in the homes of countless Nashville musicians. Arledge’s craft can be heard on every song coming out of Music Row that features piano. But elite piano tuning is grueling work. It’s taxing on the body, it strains relationships, and it never leads to fame or glory. Arledge is the subject of episode 3 of WNXP's...
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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP
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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional 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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
Before they went out west, Frank and Jesse James tried to reform their criminal ways and live the straight life in Nashville. Plus, it’s our one-year anniversary, the local news for March 26, 2025, and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day . Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
For generations, public schooling in Tennessee has operated on the premise that we all benefit if everyone gets a solid education. Politics seem to be turning that through-line on its head. Plus, the local news for March 25, 2025, and our region feels the impact of increased tariffs. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and ...
The Scopes Monkey trial opened a new chapter for the ongoing conversation about what should, and shouldn’t, be taught in public schools. We’re entering a new era in that journey because of Trump administration policies now. Plus, the local news for March 24, 2025, and a look at the Sewanee Review. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staf...
The once-clear lines between the company that runs the massive landfill near Murfreesboro and local leaders who want it to close may be getting a little bit fuzzy. Plus, the local news for March 21, 2025, and Nashvillians keeping a close eye on Gaza. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
Performing rights may not be the sexiest part of the music industry, but they are a major backbone of Nashville’s Music Row. Plus, the local news for March 20, 2025, and the fight over fluoride. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP
Vanderbilt and other schools are changing the way they talk about and approach diversity, equity and inclusion in light of the Trump administration’s focus on ending the practice. Plus, the local news for March 19, 2025, and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day . Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
The transit referendum passed, the new sales tax is being collected, now it’s time for the city to get started in earnest on improving public transportation. Plus, the local news for March 18, 2025, and making music and finding joy despite online harassment. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
A new tool could help to preserve native languages far into the future. Plus, the local news for March 17, 2025, and introducing Niche to Meet You. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP
State Natural Areas in Tennessee are set aside for conservation to protect it from development. But that doesn’t always mean the state owns the land. Plus, the local news for March 14, 2025, and a look at the late-night cafe scene in Nashville. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
Nashville’s Black neighborhoods have a long history, and they tell a complex story about our city. Plus, the local news for March 13, 2025, and a conversation about the aftermath of TVA’s coal ash spill in Kingston. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
On this episode, we take a look at the latest news about the state of kids in Tennessee’s judicial system. Plus, the local news for March 12, 2025 and this week’s edition of What, Where, Whens-day . Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: Miriam Kramer Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP...
