Why Nashville families are self-deporting

🗳️ Kamala Harris in Nashville

Former Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance at a Tennessee Democratic Party rally on Tuesday — what does that mean for the TN-07 Congressional race? On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re talking about it with Nashville Banner journalist Steven Hale. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• As of Nov. 19, 8,550 people in Nashville have cast their ballots, out of 125,127 eligible voters. [Nashville.gov]
• Find out if you’re in TN-07 and can vote. [TN Map]
• Your guide to the election. [📰 Hey Nashville]

👮 The Nashvillians Who Are Self-Deporting

Some immigrant families who fled from their home countries to Nashville are being forced to return as Tennessee lawmakers embrace increased immigration enforcement. After Felipe Mendez lost his wife and toddler in the 2023 tornado, he was detained by ICE in May. Officers told him the government would take away his surviving children unless he agreed to return to Guatemala. [Tennessee Lookout]

• A local advocate has been raising money to help support Nashville immigrants who are self-deporting. [Nashville Banner]

💻 Nashville ‘Emerging Market’ for Data Centers

The Nashville area currently has 27 data centers, which house computing machines for managing vast amounts of digital data, often for AI companies. These facilities consume a massive amount of energy, raising concerns over higher electricity prices, water use, and pollution. [WPLN]

• Software giant Oracle's forthcoming River North campus is turning Nashville into a tech hub. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🎭 TPAC Announces Move to the East Bank

Metro has reached an agreement with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for the nonprofit’s relocation to the East Bank. The deal includes the state paying $500 million toward the new building’s construction, TPAC funding infrastructure improvements, and nominal rent. [Nashville Banner]

• More East Bank developments. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

Sunday, Nov. 23, is the last day to complete the survey on school start and end times. MNPS has the earliest high school start time in the nation — 7:05 a.m. What do you think: Should high school start later, or remain the same? I’ll share the results next week!

⏰ What time should MNPS high schools start?

Here’s a recommendation from a City Cast Nashville Neighbor!

Katrina G. says “I love using the nonprofit Pathways Kitchen for Thanksgiving side dishes and pies!”

This place looks amazing. Thanks for the rec, Katrina!

And thanks to new member Campbell H. for supporting the newsletter and podcast!

For $10 a month, City Cast Nashville Neighbors receive weekly event roundups, and access to members-only hangouts. Find out more!

Four-year-old labrador retriever Frankie and Peggi the cat not only match perfectly, but are also BFFs! Peggi just turned one. Happiest of birthdays! 🎂

Do you have adorable pets like these? Email me a pic to share with other readers!