What the Flock

The Daily · · 7 min read

Good afternoon, everyone. Today:

  1. TN Congressman Tim Burchett addresses Flock surveillance in new legislation
  2. An interview with East Tennessee's Yodelin' Country Bluesman, Vaden Landers
  3. Nashville Zoo Rejects DC BLOX Data Center MOU

And much more!

Property Tax Calculator

Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)

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Flock around and find out: Burchett takes on surveillance cameras.

Lead story · By Megan Podsiedlik

Last week, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley announced that the company's nationwide audit of its automated license plate reader cameras will begin in Tennessee. The review comes as Flock's technology faces increased scrutiny from lawmakers and privacy advocates over accuracy, data security, and how the cameras are used by law enforcement.

One of the U.S. Representatives leading that criticism is Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett, who has introduced the Protection Against Mass Surveillance Act. The bill would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing, deploying, or accessing Flock Safety cameras and other automated license plate recognition systems, as well as facial recognition and similar mass surveillance technologies. It would also block federal grants from funding any state or local government purchase, operation, or contract for these systems.

Rep. Burchett argues that these tools enable warrantless mass surveillance, raise serious Fourth Amendment concerns, and risk monitoring law-abiding citizens. The bill would not require Tennessee or other local governments to remove existing Flock cameras funded entirely with state or local dollars. Instead, it focuses solely on ending federal participation and financial support, leaving future decisions to state law and local officials.

Mt. Juliet Police Chief Tyler Chandler pushed back against Rep. Burchett’s criticism, rejecting the claim that the technology is inherently unconstitutional. His department has used an ALPR system since 2020, which helped officers arrest 342 wanted individuals in the first half of 2026—88 percent of whom were from outside the city. That said, Chandler supports stronger oversight and clear privacy safeguards while maintaining that the tool is a valuable and constitutional public safety asset.

Like data centers, Flock camera surveillance has become a polarizing issue that draws pushback from both sides of the political aisle. This makes it difficult to predict where party support will ultimately fall. The debate could become particularly relevant for Rep. Burchett, who—despite facing little challenge in his congressional re-election—is reportedly eyeing a Tennessee U.S. Senate seat if Sen. Marsha Blackburn wins this year’s gubernatorial election and vacates her position.

PROPERTY TAX CALCULATOR

Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)

INTERVIEW: VADEN LANDERS

The Yodelin' Country Bluesman

From Camelia Brennan

Vaden Landers is an East Tennessee musician branded the "The Yodelin' Country Bluesman." His music comes across as authentic and suggests a genuine embrace of classic country tradition.

Last Thursday I stopped by to see Vaden play Skinny Dennis Nashville, the second location of the iconic Brooklyn honky tonk bar which opened in Spring of last year. His live show did not disappoint— highlights include a standing bass, an Elvis cover and lots of young couples dancing. Incredibly wholesome and enjoyable.

I talked to Vaden about cigarettes, hog noises and modern life below.

The Pamphleteer: As someone with an appreciation for old-fashioned ways of living, what is your least favorite aspect of modern life?

Vaden Landers: My least favorite thing about modern life would have to be how ugly cars are.

Who are your biggest influences?

VL: I have two major ones. I’m influenced by everything, but I wouldn’t do what I do if it wasn't for Merle Travis and Hank Williams. I think as two innovators of the style, few have curated how important their contributions are to country music.

You have a single called “Goin’ Hog Wild.” My toddler is really into Charles Mingus's "Hog Callin' Blues" lately, so it's important to ask... what instrument do you think sounds the most like a hog?

VL: Hmm…. Never really thought about that. Maybe a bassoon.

What is the best cigarette brand?

VL: Lucky Strike Red.

I was born and raised in North Carolina and went to school in Western North Carolina, and I believe you have spent time in both NC and TN as well. It has been my experience that everyone is remarkably nicer in Tennessee, which I didn't even think was possible. What do you think causes this?

VL: I think in tourist areas people in NC are not as kind is because they aren’t North Carolinians. I’m from East TN. Very close to Western NC. So the people were very similar. In my experience, the further out the city, the nicer the people get.

Listen to Vaden Landers on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.

HEADLINES

  • Nashville Zoo Rejects DC BLOX Data Center MOU.

    The Nashville Zoo's board unanimously rejected a proposed memorandum of understanding from DC BLOX that would have allowed construction of a smaller 69,000-square-foot data center next to the zoo in exchange for canceling a larger expansion and gifting part of the property to the zoo. Zoo officials said they remain unconvinced that a data center so close to the zoo, nearby schools, and surrounding neighborhoods has been proven safe, and chose to stand by their opposition to the project.

    Scene

  • Federal investigation includes two Nashville businessmen.

    Federal investigators executed search warrants for Nashville businessmen Roy Dale and Mack McClung as part of an ongoing investigation. Dale is a well-known local engineer and land planner who served on the Metro Council in the 1990s. McClung is the owner of Vastland Company, a Nashville real estate outfit that has developed properties worth a reported $2.5 billion. Authorities have released few details about the case, and no criminal charges had been announced as of Monday, with the investigation remaining active.

    Banner

  • Mayor O'Connell announces acquisition of 300 acres for Beaman Park.

    Mayor Freddie O'Connell announced Metro's acquisition of roughly 300 acres that will expand Beaman Park, permanently preserving additional forest and natural habitat. The purchase increases public green space in northwest Davidson County and is part of the city's broader conservation and parks strategy.

    Mayor’s Office

DEVELOPMENT

  • Closed Lower Broadway honky-tonk Nashville Underground hits the market again

    NBJ

  • Downtown boutique hotel slated for fall debut

    Post

  • Stalled Germantown project pivots to condos amid complicated market

    Tennessean

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)

THINGS TO DO

Tonight Mon, Jul 27

ShowVenueTimePriceLink
Pavement w/ Nap EyesRyman Auditorium7:30p$151+Info for Pavement w/ Nap Eyes
The Joshua Constantine QuartetRudy's Jazz Room6p$12Info for The Joshua Constantine Quartet
Chris Acker & The Growing BoysSkinny Dennis7pFreeInfo for Chris Acker & The Growing Boys
Bluegrass Mondays with Kyle TuttleDee's Lounge6p$10Info for Bluegrass Mondays with Kyle Tuttle
Classic Country Tonight hosted by Faith GrovesStation Inn8p$20Info for Classic Country Tonight hosted by Faith Groves
Grateful MondayAcme Feed & Seed7pFreeInfo for Grateful Monday
Motown MondayThe 5 Spot9p$5Info for Motown Monday

Today's newsletter is brought to you by Davis Hunt, Megan Podsiedlik, and Camelia Brennan.

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