Hiding in the Ledger
📝 A look at nonprofits funded in this year's budget · Blackburn named as possible target in UFC attack plot · Fisk president says ‘misinformation’ driving pushback about data center · Much more!
Good afternoon, everyone. Where the budget meets the border debate: a look at nonprofits funded in this year's budget... Blackburn named as possible target in UFC attack plot... Fisk president says ‘misinformation’ driving pushback about proposed data center... And much more!
✹Tonight: The Rise of Spencer Pratt Join us tonight, June 18th, for a conversation with filmmaker Gabriel Mann on his work with Spencer Pratt and what's gone into his wildly successful campaign. (Buy Ticket)
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Where the budget meets the border debate: a look nonprofits funded in this year's budget.
From Megan Podsiedlik
Tens of millions of dollars are dished out to nonprofits in Metro’s budget every year. This time around, the spotlight has been on the $735,000 contribution to the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition. Public scrutiny has grown over whether the money will go toward legal representation or advocacy for illegal aliens. Same goes for the $718,000 that went to Justice for Our Neighbors Tennessee.
When taking a closer look at a few other nonprofits that made it into this year’s $3.8 billion budget, there are a few more funds that could be going toward illegals hiding in the ledger.
Eviction counsel The substitute budget included a $2.475 million grant for the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association—$1.275 million more than the mayor’s budget. The nonprofit primarily provides free legal assistance to low- and middle-income Davidson County residents facing eviction.
“Although the terror of ICE raids have been front and center for many immigrant households, it is important to remember that you as a tenant have the right to live and rent without fear, regardless of citizenship status,” reads a social media post directing people to NHBA.
Domestic Abuse Back in November 2024, an uptick in domestic violence cases across Davidson County sparked a string of special called meetings.
During one of the sessions, Attorney General Glen Funk shared that the immigrant population is overrepresented in certain “roommate violence” cases, while Assistant District Attorney Christina Johnson explained the “tragedy that occurs” when illegal immigrants detained in domestic violence situations are deported once their status is known.
In an effort to apply a “more nuanced” approach to policing domestic violence, an early intervention program was set up through the YWCA to help preemptively divert people from the judicial system.
It’s worth noting that the council increased the mayor’s $275,000 grant for the YWCA to $375,000 in its substitute budget. The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee, which provides civil legal assistance to undocumented immigrants if they are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or are torture survivors among its services, received $2.475 million.
The Mary Parrish Center, which helps survivors of interpersonal violence (domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking) regardless of immigration status, received $2.05 million.
Both allocations were almost double the mayor’s original proposals.
Illegal and vulnerable Mayor Freddie O’Connell would rather Nashville’s illegal population hide out and hope for a change in the tide come the next election cycle than take the Trump administration up on its voluntary self-deportation program.
“Generally know that we're focused, especially after we've seen Imagine Nashville, and knowing that particularly our foreign-born residents have a very measurably higher level of belonging in this city, we would not want to disrupt that,” said O’Connell during a media roundtable last May.
At the time, the Department of Homeland Security was offering undocumented immigrants a $1,000 stipend and a free plane ticket to return to their home countries. Instead of running the risk of permanent deportation, those who choose to voluntarily self-deport are deprioritized for detention and preserve the potential option for legal re-entry in the future.
The program is ongoing, and earlier this year the Trump administration sweetened the deal. Eligible non-criminal individuals illegally present in the U.S. who self-deport get a free flight home, a $2,600 exit stipend, and forgiveness of unpaid civil fines.
Though there’s no guarantee of return or future legal status, the administration maintains that individuals who do not self-deport will face aggressive removal and will lose any future possibility of ever returning legally to the U.S.
✹ THE RISE OF SPENCER PRATT
The Rise of Spencer Pratt Filmmaker Gabriel Mann, a California native who fled to Nashville in 2021 and made his name with the wildfire documentary Hotshots, has been behind the scenes for Spencer Pratt's improbable rise from reality-star-turned-aggrieved-homeowner after the Palisades fire destroyed his home to a competitive candidate in LA's mayoral race.
Mann witnessed Pratt's transformation firsthand, starting in the aftermath of the fires, and has produced every one of the groundbreaking campaign ads that've captured the nation. Join us Thursday, June 18, at Bungalow Studios for the inside story.
This event benefits The Pamphleteer, Nashville and is priced with that in mind. Bard-level subscribers receive free admittance.
✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH
New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)
HEADLINES
- 🚙 TN finds a new lane in auto industry. Tennessee’s automotive sector is evolving as AI and digital tools become increasingly central to dealership operations, workforce skills, and the state’s long-term competitiveness in the industry. The Volunteer State seems committed to becoming a hub for automotive technology, which is highlighted by Knoxville-based Vehlo’s new partnership with Ford. Ford has approved Vehlo’s software platforms—Total Customer Connect and Dealerlogix—for use in its dealer service operations, enabling digital vehicle inspections, text-based customer communication, and contactless payments to improve service efficiency and customer experience. (TN Ledger)
- 🎯 Blackburn named as possible target in UFC attack plot. Senator Marsha Blackburn was allegedly identified as a potential target in a reported attack plot involving UFC-related individuals. According to court documents, investigators uncovered communications describing a plan to use drones carrying explosives to create panic among attendees before shooters targeted what prosecutors described as “high value targets” as crowds evacuated the area. (WKRN)
- 💻 Fisk president says ‘misinformation’ driving pushback about proposed data center. Fisk University President Dr. Agenia Clark says opposition to the campus’ proposed “Quantum Leap” data center is being fueled by misinformation. If they knew what Fisk was doing, Fisk would not be in their conversation,” said Clark. “We’ve got to really target educating our communities on the differences between these dirty data centers and this university’s desire to create an innovation center.” (WPLN)
DEVELOPMENT
- Miami-based investment firm to acquire Nashville data center (Post)
- East Nashville commercial property sells for $8.5M (Post)
- Boring Company buys building at 3301 West End Avenue (Post)
THINGS TO DO
View our calendar for the week here.
📅 Visit our On The Radar list to find upcoming events around Nashville.
🎧 On Spotify: Pamphleteer's Picks, a playlist of our favorite bands in town this week.
👨🏻🌾 Check out our Nashville farmer's market guide.
TONIGHT
🎥 The Rise of Spencer Pratt with Special Guest Gabriel Mann @ Bungalow Studios, 6p, $50, Info
🎻 Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 11a& 6p, $49, Info
🎸 Dee White and Friends Salute to: Patsy Cline @ Dee's Lounge, 6:30p, $10, Info
🎸 The Snares @ The Basement, 9p, $16.19, Info
🎸 Kelley’s Heroes @ Robert’s Western World, 6:30p, Free, Info
🎸 Open Mic @ Fox & Locke, 6:30p, Free, Info
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Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan