The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) is investigating after a woman was stabbed to death at the WeGo bus station near the intersection of Harding Place & Antioch Pike.
Read the full storyTag: Freddie O’Connell
Nashville Voters Approve Mayor’s Multi-Billion Dollar Transit Plan
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s multi-billion dollar transit plan was approved by voters on Tuesday, according to unofficial election results published by the Davidson County Election Commission.
Read the full storyTennessee Titans Partner with WeGo to Offer Free Bus Rides on Home Game Days
The Tennessee Titans and WeGo Public Transit have partnered to offer free bus service on days the NFL team plays at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
“We’re excited to expand and enhance our collaboration with WeGo into the full Titans season,” Burke Nihill, Titans president and CEO, said in a statement. “Free bus service is an incredible addition to the many ways to get to Titans home games.”
Read the full storyNashville Considers $6.9 Billion Transit Referendum Despite City Bus Network Just Now Reaching Pre-Pandemic Ridership
WeGo Public Transit in Nashville said on Friday it has now reached the high watermark of riders previously set in 2018, more than a year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that saw the number of Nashvillians using public transit cut in half.
News that Nashville’s bus system has reached its pre-pandemic ridership numbers comes as the city’s voters consider a $3.1 billion transit package, which will be on their November ballot at the request of Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell Says Failed 2018 Transit Referendum Proposal Would Be ‘Pretty Useful’
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Wednesday said the 2018 transit referendum, which was rejected by 64 percent of the city’s voters and supported by just 36 percent, would have been “pretty useful” for Nashville’s residents.
O’Connell spoke about the failed, 2018 referendum in an appearance on The Nashville Scene Podcast, where he compared the long-term benefits of mass transit to planting trees.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell Touts ‘Improved Infrastructure’ in Transit Referendum Despite Legal Concerns from Watchdog
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell raised the infrastructure elements of his transit referendum as evidence that even Nashvillians who do not use the city’s bus system will benefit if it passes. He did not acknowledge the possibility the infrastructure elements are illegal under Tennessee law, as alleged by government watchdog Ben Cunningham.
O’Connell was interviewed about his transit referendum on Thursday by Nashville Scene. When asked about individuals who are only familiar with his proposed improvements to Nashville’s bus system, the mayor turned to the “improved infrastructure” promised in the referendum.
Read the full storyCrom Carmichael: Expansion of WeGo Star Services in Nashville Is a ‘Typical Leftist Idea’
Crom Carmichael, Green Hills resident and original all-star panelist of The Michael Patrick Leahy Show, said the proposed upgrades and expansion plans for the WeGo Star, a commuter rail service which operates between Nashville and Lebanon, are “typical leftist ideas” that would not benefit Nashville taxpayers.
Read the full storyKamala Harris Candidacy Could Boost Nashville Transit Referendum, Suggests Former Jim Cooper Staffer
The decision by President Joe Biden to step down in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris could help Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell pass his WeGo Transportation Referendum in November, according to the longtime chief of staff to former Representative Jim Cooper prior to his retirement in 2022.
Lisa Quigley claimed the key to electoral success for Democrats and their issues in Nashville depends on activating key voting blocs in a statement to Axios, stressing that “younger” and black voters are vital.
Read the full storyBen Cunningham: Nashville Mayor Promoting ‘Lawlessness’ Through Multi-Billion Dollar Transit Plan
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is promoting lawlessness through his transit plan which will be presented to voters on the November 5 general election ballot.
Read the full storyBallot Language for Nashville Mayor’s Multi-Billion Dollar Transit Plan Finalized
The Davidson County Election Commission gave final approval to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s multi-billion dollar transit plan on Thursday, marking the final step before the plan is presented to voters on the November 5 general election ballot.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell Labeled Trump a ‘Threat to Democracy,’ Joked About Securing Area During Bitcoin Conference
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell condemned former President Donald Trump on Saturday as a “threat to democracy,” then humorously asserted the Bitcoin 2024 conference, where the former president spoke, was “secured” and the “threat” gone.
O’Connell made the remarks at the annual Three Star Fundraiser held by the Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP), which the party titled, “For Our Democracy, For Our Freedom.”
Read the full storyDavidson County Chancery Court Rules Law Shrinking Size of Metro Nashville Council Is Unconstitutional
he Davidson County Chancery Court ruled 2-1 on Monday that Tennessee’s law capping the number of elected officials in the Metro Nashville-Davidson County City Council to 20 is unconstitutional.
Governor Bill Lee signed SB87/HB48 into law on March 9, 2023, which requires that the governing body of a municipality or Metropolitan government must “dissolve, combine, or reapportion districts or wards, as necessary, so that the number of members elected to the governing body does not exceed 20 voting members.”
Read the full storyBen Cunningham: Nashville Mayor’s Transit Referendum ‘Purely Illegal’ Under 2017 IMPROVE Act Despite Unanimous Metro Council Support
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, is warning Nashvillians about Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s multi-billion dollar transit plan, which will be presented to voters this November via ballot referendum.
O’Connell’s transit plan, “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” would be funded by a half-cent increase in the city’s sales tax to construct miles of new sidewalks, bus stops, transit centers, parking facilities, and upgraded traffic signals throughout Nashville.
Read the full storyKamala Harris Receives Endorsements from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Disgraced Ex-Mayor Megan Barry
Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday received the endorsement of both Nashville’s current mayor, Freddie O’Connell, as well as former Mayor Megan Barry, who resigned in 2018 after it was revealed she used public funds and resources to facilitate an affair with her bodyguard.
The endorsements came after President Joe Biden on Sunday confirmed he will no longer see the Democratic Party’s nomination, then later endorsed Harris to lead the Democrats against former President Donald Trump in November.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell Declares Transit Referendum ‘Great Opportunity’ After Council Approves November Vote
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Wednesday declared his controversial transit referendum a “great opportunity” for the city after it was unanimously approved by the Metro Council, with every lawmaker present voting to allow Nashvillians to vote in November on whether to fund the $6.93 billion transportation package called illegal by critics.
After the transit referendum was approved by the Metro Nashville City Council with unanimous support from the lawmakers present, O’Connell declared his approval in a statement, noting the final decision will go to Nashville residents in November.
Read the full storyRainbow Crosswalk in East Nashville to be Repainted After Vandalism
The rainbow crosswalk located at the intersection of 14th St and Woodland St in East Nashville will be repainted this weekend after being defaced last week.
Read the full storyMetro Nashville Council Passes Mayor’s Multi-Billion Dollar Transit Plan on First Reading Despite Community Backlash, Safety Concerns
The Metro Nashville Council passed Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s multi billion-dollar transit plan on its first reading during Tuesday’s meeting.
Read the full storyKnown Criminal Arrested, Charged for Exposing Himself and Touching Woman at WeGo Bus Station: Report
A man with a lengthy criminal record was arrested and charged on Sunday for allegedly following, touching, and exposing himself to a woman at a WeGo bus station in Nashville.
Read the full storySuspect in Custody Following Stabbing at WeGo Bus Station: Report
A suspect is in custody for allegedly stabbing a homeless man at the WeGo bus station on Thursday morning in Nashville’s Edgehill community, according to WKRN.
Police were dispatched to the incident around 5:15 a.m. on Thursday about two men fighting at the intersection of 12th Avenue South and Wedgewood Avenue, the outlet reported.
Read the full storyBeacon Center Policy Expert Ron Shultis Warns ‘There’s Really No Way to Know’ Specifics of Nashville Mayor’s Transit Plan
Ron Shultis, the Director of Policy and Research for both the Beacon Center and Beacon Impact, said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit plan is subject to major changes if approved by voters on the November ballot.
Read the full storyLos Angeles’ Troubling Crime Stats Stemming from Public Transit Offers Glimpse into Nashville’s Future with Mayor O’Connell’s Transit Plan
A report out of Los Angeles regarding the city’s crime rates on its public transportation services is being flagged by a local watchdog in Nashville as a glimpse of what Music City’s future may look like if Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s multi-billion-dollar transit plan is implemented.
O’Connell’s transit plan, “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” would be funded by a half-cent increase in the city’s sales tax to construct miles of new sidewalks, bus stops, transit centers, parking facilities, and upgraded traffic signals around Nashville.
Read the full storyBen Cunningham Points Out Major Concerns with Nashville Mayor’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Transit Plan
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, is speaking out about multiple concerns with Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s multi billion-dollar transit plan unveiled last month.
O’Connell unveiled his billion transit plan, “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” last month.
Read the full storyOne Month After Announcing Transportation Plan Focused on More Busses, Nashville Mayor Requests Full Safety Review of City’s Public Bus Service Following Shooting
One month after announcing a transportation plan focused on more busses, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell reportedly requested a full safety review of the city’s public transportation service, WeGo, after a man was shot six times on the steps of the bus station located at Rep John Lewis Way & MLK Jr Blvd, according to WSMV.
On Thursday, the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) announced that a 31-year-old convicted felon was arrested for the shooting of an 18-year-old at the bus stop earlier in the day.
Read the full storyBen Cunningham Says Nashville’s Proposed Transit Plan Is an ‘Absolute Ripoff of the Taxpayer’
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, said the Nashville Mayor’s $3.1 billion transit referendum is a “ripoff” of the taxpayers who are not given a proper voice in the media to express opposition to the transportation plan.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell unveiled his $3.1 billion transit plan, “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” last month.
Read the full storyNashville’s Legally Dubious $3.1 Billion Transportation Plan Sparks Debate over Future Tax Burden
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, said not only does Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $3.1 billion transit referendum, which is expected to be presented to Davidson County voters on the November ballot, appear illegal under the 2017 IMPROVE Act, but its implementation would inevitably raise property taxes for residents.
O’Connell unveiled his transit plan, “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” last month.
Read the full storyLegal Battle Brews over Nashville Mayor’s $3.1 Billion Transportation Plan
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, continues to scrutinize the legality of the Nashville mayor’s $3.1 billion transit referendum expected to be presented in front of Davidson County voters on the November ballot.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell unveiled his $3.1 billion transit plan, “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” last month. The plan would be funded through a half-cent increase in the city’s sales tax to construct miles of new sidewalks, bus stops, transit centers, parking facilities, and upgraded traffic signals.
Read the full storyAmericans for Prosperity – Tennessee Urges Nashville Mayor to Cut City Budget, Protect Residents from Property Tax Hikes Amid $3.1 Billion Transit Plan
Americans for Prosperity – Tennessee (AFP-TN) released a statement Thursday in response to Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s proposed $3.1 billion transit referendum that will be presented to Davidson County voters on the November ballot.
AFP-TN State Director Tori Venable, noting how Nashville voters rejected then-Mayor Megan Barry’s $9 billion transit plan six years ago, acknowledged the dramatic cost difference in O’Connell’s plan while also pointing out the half-cent increase in the city’s sales tax that will be used to fund the plan.
Read the full storyBen Cunningham Calls Nashville Mayor’s $3.1 Billion Transit Referendum ‘Absurd’
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, said not only does Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit referendum appear to be illegal under the IMPROVE Act, but the transit plan’s overall vision of commuters suddenly switching over to public transport is “absurd.”
O’Connell unveiled his $3.1 billion transit plan, called “Choose How You Move: An All-Access Pass to Sidewalks, Signals, Service, and Safety,” last week, which would be funded through a half-cent increase in the city’s sales tax.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell Announces $3.1 Billion Transit Plan
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell released the details of his transit referendum that is expected to go before voters in November, revealing his plans will cost $3.1 billion and be partially financed through a half-cent sales tax increase.
In a statement, O’Connell called his transit referendum “the best opportunity we’ve ever had to build out our priority sidewalks, to synchronize signals so you’re spending less time at red lights, and to connect neighborhoods via a better transit system that doesn’t have to come downtown just to go somewhere else.”
Read the full storyNashville Electric Service Installs More than 6,000 LED Streetlights in Davidson County
Nashville Electric Service (NES) has installed more than 6,000 LED streetlights throughout Music City this year as a result of a contract between the utility company and the city.
Read the full storyBen Cunningham: Nashville Mayor’s Transit Plan Appears to be Illegal
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit plan, which is expected to be on the November ballot, is likely illegal under the IMPROVE Act, which passed the Tennessee General Assembly in 2017.
The 2017 IMPROVE Act, signed by former Governor Bill Haslam, permits local governments to seek a dedicated funding source via surcharge to support mass transportation projects through local referendum.
Read the full storyMetro Nashville Councilman Jeff Eslick Says Smart Lights Are the Only Part of Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Transit Plan, So Far, That Will Improve Traffic Flow
Metro Nashville Council Member Jeff Eslick explained how one aspect of Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit plan, which will be on the November ballot, would help control the flow of traffic for drivers in Music City.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s ‘Greendoggle’ Transit Plan Will Lead to Increased Property Taxes, Watchdog Predicts
Ben Cunningham, founder of the Nashville Tea Party, said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s transit plan, which will be on the November ballot, will inevitably lead to property tax increases.
Last month, O’Connell officially announced that his long-awaited transit plan will be on the November 5 ballot, however, he did not release any information regarding what the plan entails.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor Reportedly Committed to Funding Transportation Plans with Sales Tax Increase
A report released on Wednesday claims Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell is committed to funding his proposed transportation initiative with an increase to the city’s sales tax.
O’Connell and his administration are reportedly “leaning toward a half cent sales tax” as the primary funding source of the transit referendum he plans to take before voters in November, a News Channel 5 report claims.
Read the full storyPoll Claiming Nashville Wants Public Transit Admits Oversampling Black, Hispanic Citizens for ‘Greater Insight’
A poll touted by Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Wednesday, which claims the majority of the city’s residents want greater investments into public transits, admittedly over sampled black and Hispanic citizens in a bid to achieve “greater insight” into city’s mood.
The Imagine Nashville survey claimed that 74 percent of Nashville residents strongly agree with the city spending additional money on public transportation. The pollsters further claimed that 33 percent of respondents cited a lack of public transportation as an issue where the city needs to improve.
Read the full storyNashville Mayor O’Connell Announces November Transportation Referendum but Offers No Plan Details
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell officially announced Thursday that there will be a public transit referendum on the November 5 ballot, however, did not reveal any specifics to his awaited transportation plan.
“After getting the green light on both legal and financial aspects of the process, the administration is putting a referendum in front of the voters on November 5,” O’Connell’s office said in a press release.
Read the full storyMetro Councilman Jeff Eslick Says He Expects Nashville Mayor O’Connell’s Multimodal Plan to Be ‘Bus Intensive’
Metro Nashville Council Member Jeff Eslick joined Thursday’s edition of The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy to discuss what may be included in Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s anticipated multimodal transportation plan.
O’Connell, who was elected mayor in last year’s runoff election, vowed during his campaign to address Nashville’s “infrastructure and transit concerns” and is expected to release a multimodal plan in the near future.
Read the full storyBen Cunningham Says Light Rail from Downtown Nashville to the Airport May be Included in Mayor O’Connell’s Transit Plan
All-star panelist Ben Cunningham joined Friday’s edition of The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy where he discussed what may be included in Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s anticipated transit plan.
O’Connell, who was elected mayor in last year’s runoff election, vowed during his campaign to address Nashville’s “infrastructure and transit concerns.”
Read the full storyBen Cunningham Says Transportation Preference of Nashvillians is Individual Transportation, Not Mass Transit
All-star panelist Ben Cunningham joined Friday’s edition of The Tennessee Star Report with Michael Patrick Leahy to discuss Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s anticipated transit plan and how it may clash with the overall preference among Nashvillians when it comes to transportation.
Read the full storyU.S. Reps. John Rose and Mark Green Survey Tornado Damage Across Middle Tennessee
Tennessee U.S. Representatives John Rose (R-TN-06) and Mark Green (R-TN-07) met with community members and surveyed some of the damage left behind after a series of tornadoes tore through Middle Tennessee over the weekend.
Read the full storyConservative Commentator Steven Crowder Pushes Back Against Legacy Media Criticism About Bombshell Release of Covenant Killer Documents
While much of the legacy media attacks the messenger, conservative commentator Steven Crowder wants to know why major news outlets haven’t been more diligent in going after Covenant School Killer Audrey Elizabeth Hale’s manifesto.
The host of the Louder with Crowder podcast this week published photos of three pages from Hale’s prolific writings, which the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have blocked from public release.
Read the full storyNashville PD Chief Issues Statement as His Son is Wanted for Shooting Two La Vergne Police Officers
Nashville Police Chief John Drake issued a statement Saturday evening after his son, John Drake Jr., was confirmed as the suspect wanted for shooting two La Vergne police officers.
Read the full storyNashville Attorney Accuses Metro Nashville Legal Director Wally Dietz and His Office of ‘Relentless Malfeasance’
A nationally recognized Nashville constitutional law attorney is urging newly installed Mayor Freddie O’Connell to fire Metro Nashville’s controversial legal Director Wally Dietz on allegations of “relentless malfeasance in the Department of Law.”
Based on Daniel Horowitz’s email to Metro Council members, it appears at least some city leaders may agree with the attorney.
Read the full storyLeftist Metro Nashville Leaders Silent on Socialists Anti-Israel Rally for Palestine
Metro Nashville Councilman Sean Parker is a founding member of the Democratic Socialists of America-Middle Tennessee Chapter, which has scheduled a rally for Palestine on Saturday afternoon in downtown Nashville.
The “Emergency Rally for Gaza,” scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Estes Kefauver Federal Building on Broadway, will be held exactly one week after the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip and raped, tortured and systematically murdered 1,300 Israelis, most of them innocent civilians.
Read the full storyFreddie O’Connell Announces First Appointments to His Staff
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell announced on Tuesday updates to his staff one day after being sworn into office during a private ceremony.
Marjorie Pomeroy-Wallace, who ran O’Connell’s campaign as campaign manager, will serve as his chief of staff. Alex Apple, who served as O’Connell’s communications director during the campaign, was also hired to serve as deputy communications director and press secretary in the mayor’s office.
Read the full storyFreddie O’Connell Sworn in as Nashville’s 10th Mayor
Freddie O’Connell was sworn in as Nashville’s 10th mayor on Monday at a private ceremony, officially succeeding John Cooper.
Read the full storyOutgoing Nashville Mayor John Cooper Issues Farewell Message
Outgoing Nashville Mayor John Cooper posted a farewell message to his constituents Friday on social media to wrap up the last few hours of his term.
Read the full storyFreddie O’Connell Elected in Nashville Mayoral Race, Defeating Alice Rolli
Freddie O’Connell won the Nashville Mayoral runoff election on Thursday, defeating his Republican opponent Alice Rolli.
Read the full storyO’Connell Picks Up Endorsement from Metro Council Member, Former Mayoral Candidate Ahead of Thursday Election
A Nashville mayoral candidate Tuesday touted an endorsement from a colleague on the Metro Nashville Council.
“16 years ago, [Council member Sharon Hurt] welcomed me to Jefferson Street, where her leadership produced business success and a stronger workforce. As we joined Metro Council together, I witnessed her steadfast commitment to building a more equitable city. I’m honored to have her support,” said Freddie O’Connell, attaching a video endorsement from Hurt.
Read the full storyDavidson County Election Commission Releases Early Voting Data for Metro Nashville Runoff Election
The Davidson County Election Commission has revealed how many votes were cast during early voting for the 2023 Metro Nashville Runoff Election.
Read the full story