The urgent reporting challenge of 2025 has been keeping track of federal policy and funding changes under the new administration of President Donald Trump. This has demanded the urgent and sustained attention of the entire WPLN newsroom.
Rapid developments prompted timely work across all of our platforms, including radio newscasts, web, email newsletters, morning podcast, and midday show This Is Nashville. The expertise of our beat reporters — including politics, health, and environment — led to explanatory and accountability journalism.
This submission captures a curated snapshot of that effort, with 10 articles linked below, and this audio compilation of excerpts:
Who’s at risk of deportation? A guide to the U.S. immigration system, and what it means for Tennesseans | Jan. 24, 2025
This Nashville asylum seeker faced prison for a tweet. Trump’s executive order jeopardizes his future. | Feb. 4, 20025
Tennessee’s medical research is in limbo while the Trump administration considers illegal budget cuts | Feb. 11, 2025
A budget crisis worried Tennessee domestic violence and sexual assault centers. Then came the federal funding chaos. | Feb. 27, 2025
NashVillager Podcast: DEI in the crosshairs (opening essay before the newscast) | March 19, 2025
ICE made 196 arrests in Nashville. The mayor is questioning their legality. | May 13, 2025
Tennessee has seen 100+ ‘billion-dollar disasters’ since 1980. NOAA will no longer document them. | May 13, 2025
As Tennessee pastors and politicians clash over Trump’s immigration agenda, their congregations are divided | May 30, 2025
Appalachian forests fall under Trump’s logging plans. In Tennessee, 500,000+ acres are at risk. | July 2, 2025
Tennessee soybean farmers predict Trump’s $12B aid package won’t be enough | Dec. 19, 2025
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