June 2, 2026: The Backstory

June 2, 2026: The Backstory

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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: LaTonya Turner Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

June 1, 2025: Happy 230th, Tennessee!

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 Radio Host/producer: Nina Cardona Editor: LaTonya Turner Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

May 29, 2026: Legislature, rule thyself

Who gets to decide what lawmakers can and can’t do on the House or Senate floor?  With some Tennessee legislators facing sanctions for their actions during the recent special session [https://wpln.org/special-session-2026/], a look at how the rules apply to the people who make the laws. Plus the local news for May 29, 2026, and Billy Hudson’s healing journey [https://wpln.org/post/episodes/biochemist-billy-hudson-on-his-awards-his-aspirnauts-and-his-own-self-care/].

May 28, 2026: Cherokee survival

What’s the origin story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians [https://wpln.org/tag/eastern-band-of-cherokee-indians/]? Tens of thousands of Cherokee people were marched out of our region in the Trail of Tears [https://wpln.org/tag/trail-of-tears/]. A handful managed to stay. Plus the local news for May 28, 2026, and Healthcare Hollow [https://wpln.org/healthcare-hollow/] looks at the fight for a hospital in Jellico, in East Tennessee.

May 27, 2026: Thrilling failures

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 Cardona Editor: Tony Gonzalez Additional support: Mack Linebaugh, LaTonya Turner, Megan Jones and the staff of WPLN and WNXP