Today we’re highlighting five times WPLN stayed with complex and evolving stories to create better understanding within our community.
Tony Gonzalez, Editor
Tony Gonzalez oversees WPLN’s special projects, produces the Curious Nashville podcast, and edits freelance contributions. Since arriving in Nashville in 2011, he’s covered major breaking news, tapped into data and public records for civics stories, and featured inspiring people and unusual tales. He lives in East Nashville with his wife and daughter and dabbles in hobbies like juggling, gardening, and birdwatching.
Our top 5 in 2025: Stories of joy and local culture
Music history, adventurous bus rides, mysterious foods and the niche world of kustom kulture cars made for some of the most joyful WPLN reporting in 2025.
How WPLN told Tennessee’s stories to the nation in 2025
Thanks to a close partnership with NPR, WPLN told the nation about major news in Tennessee more than 100 times in 2025.
Metro employee tied to civic projects indicted over misappropriations
A former Metro employee with ties to several civic projects is facing criminal charges after a state comptroller investigation.
NashVillager Podcast: A hankering for turkey and unity
When national holidays were rare, what did it take for Thanksgiving to make the cut? Plus the local news for Nov. 26 and a round-up of events in What Where When-sday.
NashVillager Podcast: A Civil War turning point
How did a battle in Chattanooga change the trajectory of the Civil War? Plus the local news for Nov. 25, and a profile of Henry J. Star.
Curious Nashville: Hope for the Tennessee Fox Trot Carousel
The beloved but mothballed Fox Trot Carousel may get its comeback. The Tennessee State Museum is asking for proposals from partners to restore and operate the artistic merry-go-round.
Curious Nashville: Why do we have Chicago-style gyro restaurants?
How a simple question about gyros in Nashville led to epic revelations about how regional food styles come into existence — and the role of one entrepreneur in changing gyros forever.
Explosion updates: The latest from AES in Hickman County
Painful and painstaking work continues in the Bucksnort community, where a munitions explosion on Friday left 16 workers unaccounted for and feared dead. The disaster has commanded vast investigative resources from all levels of government and triggered strong emotions.
UPDATE: Blast at Tennessee explosives plant leaves multiple people dead and missing
An explosion at a Tennessee military munitions plant left multiple people dead and missing on Friday, a county sheriff said, as first responders said secondary blasts forced rescuers to keep their distance from the burning site.
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