Latest news with #5thDistrict
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The 5th District deserves better than Andy Ogles. Here's why.
When I heard that U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles held a press conference at the State Capitol on Memorial Day, my first reaction was, "I guess he does know where Nashville is." Now in his second term, the 5th District Congressman has been scarce in the northernmost part of his district. Usually, you'll find him in Washington, at a Republican Party event in Williamson or Maury Counties, or on the other end of a telephone town hall where he can control the narrative and screen the questions. When he did make the trip to Nashville, he was in a locked building, holding constituents outside, while he accused Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell of obstructing justice. Ogles' accusation stems from the action taken by ICE and the Tennessee Highway Patrol in May that resulted in 468 traffic stops and the arrest of 196 people. According to Ogles, Mayor Freddie O'Connell has "weaponized his office to dox and surveil federal agents trying to stop violent criminals." For his part, Mayor Freddie O'Connell appears to take seriously his role to look out for all the residents of Nashville, while acknowledging that immigration enforcement can and will be carried out by federal authorities. Letters: Rep. Andy Ogles' telephone town hall meeting stifled dialogue with constituents "The trauma inflicted on families is long-lasting, and I'm doing everything in my power consistent with applicable law to protect anyone who calls Nashville home," O'Connell said. 'So yes, I continue to be concerned about the mechanism for these actions," he added, "and I think what they've demonstrated is that they can occur at times and locations of their choosing without our involvement.' Unfortunately, Ogles' reaction to ask two House committees to open an investigation into the mayor isn't a surprise. After all, he's known more for attention-grabbing stunts – like proposing a constitutional amendment to give President Trump a third term days into his second term – than he is for solving problems. When the state legislature gerrymandered the House districts, splitting Nashville into three, we were told this would give the city a greater voice in Washington. While most people saw through that thinly veiled argument, it's no less devastating to have representatives who are openly hostile to their constituents. I wonder how many times Andy Ogles has communicated with the mayor's office before this. What steps has he taken to understand the issues of not only his district, but the biggest, most dynamic city in the state? More: National Democrats to target US Rep. Andy Ogles as 'vulnerable Republican' in 2026 While the average citizen may struggle to get in touch with him, does he provide access to other elected officials to better understand their concerns, even if they hold differing political views? Immigration is a complex and challenging issue. There is a broad spectrum of people caught in the outdated and neglected laws of the United States – from known criminals to Dreamers brought to the country as babies. I believe elected officials, including O'Connell, are right to address these concerns with nuance and respect for human dignity. It would be great if Nashville had a partner in Washington with whom it could collaborate in navigating these issues, even when policy recommendations differ. I have no faith that Andy Ogles is that person. I encourage both the Democratic and Republican parties to begin recruiting an alternative for the 2026 election now. I believe in the will of the voters of the 5th District, even if their choice differs from mine. However, the entire district deserves a representative who will be accessible, listen respectfully, and seek solutions rather than engage in ideological grandstanding. Bob Faricy has lived in Nashville for 25 years, working in marketing leadership roles for various media organizations, including The Tennessean. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN Rep. Andy Ogles is known more for stunts than policy | Opinion
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Chicago honors slain Officer Aréanah Preston two years after her death
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief Officer Aréanah Preston was killed in May 2023 during a robbery attempt. Her family and the CPD honored her memory at a 5th District memorial event on Tuesday. A foundation and university endowment now continue her legacy. CHICAGO - Family members, CPD top brass and dozens of others stood outside the 5th District remembering a goal-setter and shining star, Officer Aréanah Preston. The backstory Preston was killed outside her Avalon Park home in May 2023 during a robbery attempt. She had just ended her work shift. The 24-year-old had worked for the department for two and a half years and would soon graduate with her law degree with a goal of working for the FBI one day. "I often wake up hoping it's a bad dream and thinking how could this happen to my sweet baby," said Dionne Mhoon, Preston's mother. Now, Preston's legacy lives on through the "Peace for Preston Foundation" — established by her mother. Throughout the year, various events are held to give back to young people, provide mental health consultations and promote careers in law enforcement. Earlier this year, Loyola University announced a $100,000 endowment honoring Preston. Several Gold Star families were present at Tuesday's memorial roll call as Preston's loved ones donated two benches — one engraved with "God's forever sunflower." Four men are charged with murder in Preston's death. The Source FOX 32's Nate Rodgers reported on this story.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Koleszar announces run for Michigan Senate
Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) discusses his legislation, HB 5803, that would reduce school district contributions toward teacher retirement and use the excess money to supplement classroom needs. June 25, 2024. Photo by Jon King. State Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth Twp). announced Wednesday that he is running for state Senate. Koleszar is running in the 5th District, which was redrawn for the 2026 elections after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan ruled in 2023 that the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by drawing 13 state legislative boundaries predominantly on the basis of race. No incumbent senators reside within the new district boundaries, which encompass Canton, Garden City, Inkster, Plymouth, Plymouth Township and Westland, Koleszar's campaign said. Koleszar is a former teacher and was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2019. He chaired the House Education Committee in 2023 and 2024 when Democrats held the majority. 'Teachers are some of the hardest working professionals I know, and every single day as an educator turned legislator, I have taken that work ethic to Lansing,' Koleszar said. Under Michigan's updated term-limit laws, Koleszar would be eligible to serve four more years in the Michigan Legislature – one full Senate term – once his current House term expires. Among the signature achievements cited by Koleszar was his sponsorship of the state's hands-free driving legislation, which was signed into law in 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Let's Talk Tuesday returns
ELKHART — The City of Elkhart has announced the 2025 community meeting dates for Let's Talk Tuesday sessions. The program, now in its fourth year, aims to foster connections and conversations among residents, providing a platform for open dialogue and engagement for community building, organizers said. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas and concerns with Mayor Rod Roberson, their City Council representatives and department heads. Let's Talk Tuesday will take place on select Tuesday evenings at various locations throughout Elkhart in each council district, offering residents the opportunity to come together, share ideas and discuss issues that matter most to residents. City department representatives will be on hand to provide information and answer questions related to their expertise. 'Let's Talk Tuesday is one of my favorite events to connect with residents,' Mayor Rod Roberson said. 'My administration looks forward to our fourth season of this important series of events.' All meetings will begin at 6:30 pm. Dates are: April 15: 5th District with Councilman Brent Curry, Pierre Moran Pavillon, 119 W. Wolf St. May 27: 3rd District with Councilman David Henke, Pinewood Elementary School, 3420 E. Bristol St. June 24: 1st District with Councilman Aaron Mishler, High Dive Pavillon, 500 E. Beardsley Ave. July 22: 6th District with Councilwoman LaTonya King, McNaughton Pavillon, 701 Arcade Ave. Aug. 26: 4th District with Councilman Dwight Fish, Studebaker Pavillon, 1020 McDonald St. Sept. 23: 2nd District with Councilman Chad Crabtree, Willowdale Pavillon, 1320 Olive St. In addition, at-Large council members Arvis Dawson, Alex Holtz and Tonda Hines will be in attendance. The public is invited to all events and no reservations are required. More information about Let's Talk Tuesday and upcoming events are available on the City of Elkhart app, MyElkhart311; on the city website, or on social media, @CityofElkhart.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Pilot program letting CPD officers file felony gun charges without review is expanding
CHICAGO — A controversial pilot program that allows Chicago police officers to file low level felony gun charges without review is expanding to more police districts. The Felony Review Bypass Pilot Program is now expanding to the 5th District after launching in the 7th District in January. CPD Supt. Larry Snelling and the Cook County State's Attorney say the program is working and allows officers to spend more time solving crimes. On Thursday morning, 5th District officers participated in a training led by the felony review unit supervisor for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The bypass program allows 5th and 7th District officers to file charges and bypass felony review by a Cook County State's Attorney prosecutor for low level felony gun cases. Those include unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. Pilot program allows 7th District CPD officers to file gun charges without felony review process After an officer files the charges, they have to be reviewed by a CPD Watch Operation Lieutenant. Although felony review is bypassed, prosecutorial review is not. After the defendant goes to first appearance court, the case is sent to either a preliminary hearing or a grand jury. Supt. Snelling says allowing officers to bypass felony review in certain cases puts them back to work on the streets faster. 'If an officer came in we're looking at six to eight hours wait time, sometimes even longer, to get those charges approved. That takes an officer off the street for an entire tour of duty. So if that arrest is made at the beginning of that officer's tour, that car is down the rest of the day. This helps us to get our officers back on the street,' Snelling said. Eileen o' neill burke, cook county state's attorney 'Every single one of the bypass cases out of the 7th District has made it through preliminary hearing, which means they are solid cases, which means that is what we would expect from this program,' said Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke. The pilot program will officially launch in the 5th District on the Far South Side Friday. State's Attorney O'Neill Burke says her office also plans to slowly expand the program to suburban police departments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
