What’s the origin story of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians?

Tens of thousands of Cherokee people were marched out of our region in the Trail of Tears. A handful managed to stay.

Plus the local news for May 28, 2026, and Healthcare Hollow looks at the fight for a hospital in Jellico, in East Tennessee.

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

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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional 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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

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

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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional 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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional 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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional 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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional 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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

Additional 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 Radio

Host/producer: Nina Cardona

Editor: LaTonya Turner

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