Tony Gonzalez
The Tennessean
Nashville, TN, United States
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Past articles by Tony:
Massive trees toppled in Nashville this spring. Will residents replant?
Thousands of trees have been claimed by winds and tornadoes across Middle Tennessee this spring. → Read More
To Rebuild After Tornadoes, Some Must Start By Completing The Demolition
The scene surrounding Nate Landsperger’s house, on Holly Street in East Nashville, is one of brick homes reduced to rubble. → Read More
Nashville To Raise Property Taxes As Mayor Cites 'Unpleasant Realities'
A three-pronged crisis has put Nashville in its most difficult period ever, Mayor John Cooper said Tuesday in his State of Metro speech. → Read More
6 Insights — And Some Myth Busting — After Tennessee’s Tornadoes
The rash of Super Tuesday tornadoes in Tennessee is already prompting researchers to study just how the twisters formed and how intense they were. In the wake of the outbreak, WPLN News interviewed several weather experts about what happened, the science of tornadoes and some commonly held misconceptions. In addition to a few cameos, our … → Read More
Tornado Volunteer Efforts Slow, But Funds Are Beginning To Reach Survivors And Nonprofits
Volunteerism is trailing off after record-breaking turnout during the initial days of tornado relief in Middle Tennessee. As recovery needs change and coronavirus spreads, volunteer counts have dipped. But emergency money has begun to reach recipients. Alan Murdock has been coordinating volunteer efforts as executive director for Project Connect. He said some groups have backed out due to… → Read More
Strange Times Call For Special Measures As Nashville Metro Council Meets Amid Outbreak
With the coronavirus outbreak casting its pall, Nashville’s Metro Council took precautions Tuesday night while conducting a sharply abbreviated meeting. Opening comments by Vice Mayor Jim Shulman captured how the outbreak — and the “social distancing” measures meant to stem its spread — has altered familiar routines. “We are here tonight under very unique circumstances,” Shulman said. “Council… → Read More
Uncertainty Envelops Metro Finances, But City Says It Has Sufficient Cash For Now
Metro Nashville leaders are bracing for a major economic hit. But during a briefing Monday, Metro Councilmember Bob Mendes, who leads the budget committee, said the city has enough cash to finish the fiscal year and continue its storm recovery efforts. “Metro is going to take care of the things it needs to take care … → Read More
Tornado Relief Groups Take Precautions Amid Concerns of COVID-19
As Nashville continues mobilizing storm relief efforts, organizers are taking extra precautions due to coronavirus. But they’re still vowing to assist storm victims as long as needed. Alan Murdock of Project Connect Nashville says the group has brought out thousands of volunteers and will continue over the weekend. “We give them the safety information as … → Read More
Tornado Relief Explained: Here’s How To Get Help From FEMA And The SBA
Power is back for most, roads are clearing and mountains of debris are being hauled away, but for many Middle Tennesseans the path to recovery from the Super Tuesday tornadoes will be long and confusing. There are donations and insurance claims to sort through — and there’s federal assistance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has set up mobile units in some of the hardest hit areas, and… → Read More
Curious Nashville: Help Us Understand The Tornado Alert System
We want to better understand cellphone alerts, so we're using our Curious Nashville tool to ask for your help. → Read More
Super Tuesday: Middle Tennessee Will Also Make A Smattering Of Local Decisions
The presidential primary is motivating most of the voting turnout across Middle Tennessee this election season, but some communities are making additional local decisions. Nashville voters, for example, are thinking more than usual about the position of Metro Trustee. The trustee is essentially the city’s tax collector, and also oversees tax relief programs. Charlie Cardwell held the post from… → Read More
Nashville’s Rolling Hot Tubs, Party Tractors And Pedal Taverns May See Tighter Rules
Tighter rules could be coming to the party vehicles that slowly circulate through downtown Nashville. Mayor John Cooper announced Thursday that he has teamed up with state Sen. Steve Dickerson, R-Nashville, to try to give cities more regulatory authority. The measure could rein in the city’s menagerie of party buses, rolling hot tubs and kitschy tractors — … → Read More
Nashville Police Take The Next Step On Body Cameras
Nashville police let city officials, residents and reporters got an up-close look at the department’s new body-worn and in-car camera system on Tuesday. A couple dozen officers will begin using the devices next month in what’s being described as another “pilot” testing phase. It will be the third test run in a process that’s seen multiple delays over several years. Police Chief Steve Anderson… → Read More
North Nashville Residents Say They Must See Improvements If City Raises Taxes
Residents weighed in on the possibility of a property tax increase during the first of six community meetings about the Metro budget. → Read More
Nashville's Bus Service Wants To Run Longer Hours, But Needs Funds To Pay For It
WeGo says it needs a 3% budget increase to maintain the status quo and avoid a second straight year of service cuts. → Read More
Nashville Could Raise Several Fees And Permit Costs As Council Hunts For Budget Solutions
With another difficult budget conversation approaching, Nashville’s Metro Council is beginning to check the couch cushions for spare dollars. Several potential fee increases are on the agenda for Tuesday night. In most cases, the fees charged to residents and businesses haven’t changed in years. Already, though, this current council has made a point of revisiting … → Read More
Catch Up With 6 Quick Soccer Stadium And Nashville Fairgrounds Updates
Few days have gone by lately without new information about the future of Nashville’s pro soccer stadium, as well as other changes at the Nashville Fairgrounds. To catch you up on the most recent developments, here are the latest updates on six key storylines going on at the Fairgrounds: 1. A stadium deal has been … → Read More
Nashville Soccer Stadium Will Move Forward, With New Deal Between Mayor And MLS Franchise
A new deal announced Thursday will allow construction to begin on Nashville’s professional soccer stadium and an accompanying mixed-used development at the Nashville Fairgrounds. The deal negotiated by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Nashville SC lead owner John Ingram shifts more of the stadium’s cost to the team and alters how a key piece of … → Read More
Nashville Fairgrounds Officials Urge Mayor To Move Forward With Soccer Stadium
The Nashville officials who oversee the city fairgrounds want the mayor to move ahead with construction of a pro soccer stadium there. Nashville Mayor John Cooper has refused to allow demolition work to begin while renegotiating details with the owners of Nashville SC. But in the Metro Fair Board’s first meeting since the controversy flared up, members … → Read More
6 Reasons Why Nashville City Agencies Are Asking For More Money
Problems with Nashville’s city budget have dominated the first few months in office for Mayor John Cooper, and his decisions are not about to get any easier. Recently filed budget requests show many city departments are desperate for more money after making cuts the past two years, with some saying layoffs are imminent if they … → Read More