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| |  | BNA operates at least 11 Flock Safety license plate readers. (Marie Cecile Anderson / City Cast Nashville) |
| 📹 ICE Accesses BNA’s Surveillance Data | A News 2 investigation has revealed that Nashville International Airport’s Flock license plate readers have been accessed 416 times on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. While ICE doesn’t have a Flock contract, the surveillance company’s software allows other authorities with contracts to search on ICE’s behalf. Because Flock allows these authorities to search without disclosing reasons, the number of ICE-related searches could be higher. [WKRN] | - BNA’s Flock database was searched approximately 3,591 times for immigration-related reasons through July 7, though not all of those searches were made on behalf of ICE.
- Surveillance technologies like Flock, Fusus, and Skydio are designed to work together to provide law enforcement agencies with “real-time crime centers.” [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
- While Nashville’s Metro Council approved the use of license plate readers in 2023, a citywide program has yet to be implemented, largely due to public pushback. [🎧 Your City Could Be Better]
| | 🗳️ Midterm Candidates on Surveillance Technology | In response to public opinion on surveillance technology, most midterm election candidates are advocating for privacy protections and guardrails. While Republican gubernatorial candidate U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn once publicly supported surveillance technology, she’s now shifting her stance and says she wants to make certain “we never, ever end up with a surveillance state like you have in China.” [Nashville Banner] | - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jerri Green says she would prohibit ICE from accessing local surveillance data, a similar stance to Independent Lauren Pinkston. Independent David Hatley calls for an outright ban on all surveillance tech.
- Some candidates are advocating for broadening the use of surveillance tech. In Nashville’s House District 60 race, Republican challenger Eva Romero supports LPR deployment and would try to prevent local officials from denying departments access to surveillance data.
- Early voting ends on Oct. 29! You can vote early at one of these 15 locations. Here’s our election guide. [📰 City Cast Nashville]
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| What Nashville's Talking About |
| | 💰 Enjoying Nashville on a Budget | Woof, things are expensive these days! If you’re feeling the financial crunch, tune in to today’s episode, where we challenge each other to plan the perfect day in different Nashville neighborhoods for $50 or less. We've got cheap eats, free activities, and budget-friendly finds all over town. But who will earn the ultimate title of Cheaper McCheaperson? [🎧 City Cast Nashville] | | 🚢 Fair Winds, General Jackson | After more than 40 years, the General Jackson Showboat is closing. Opry Entertainment Group cites ongoing maintenance issues as the reason for retiring the showboat. The General Jackson first launched on April 20, 1985, as an Opryland USA attraction. It remained in service even after the amusement park shut down in 1997. [Nashville Scene] | - The General Jackson will continue cruising down the Cumberland until Dec. 15. Nab tickets for one last hurrah. [General Jackson]
- Do you have memories of the General Jackson? Send emails or voice notes; we’d love to share them.
| | 📮 Troubles at a Nashville Post Office | A surprise federal audit of Church Street Station found that nearly 73% of packages at the post office had been incorrectly scanned as delivered, even though they were still awaiting delivery at the facility. The inspection also found systemic manipulation of real-time tracking data, a lack of management oversight, and operational breakdowns. The Tennessee District Manager has outlined steps to correct the issues. [WKRN] | | 🧑⚖️ Local Nonprofit Sues the State | Nashville CARES is suing the Tennessee Department of Health over a new policy denying federal funds to low-income HIV patients unless they prove citizenship. A federal law prohibits immigration checks in programs that treat communicable disease. [Tennessee Lookout] | | 🛣️ Did TDOT Give This Bidder Preferential Treatment? | A losing bidder in Tennessee’s toll lane project is suing the state, alleging that the Tennessee Department of Transportation gave DriveTN, the winning competitor, an edge by allowing it to change the terms after bidding had closed. The Choice Lanes project will run from Murfreesboro to Nashville. [Tennessee Lookout] | |
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