SUMMARY: Big Freedia, known for her inclusive, bass-heavy bounce music, will headline Nashville Pride with a new twist: a gospel album titled *Pressing Onward*. Collaborating with singer-songwriter Parson James and producer Tony Esterly, she blends traditional gospel themes with her signature energy, creating welcoming, spiritually direct music that embraces all identities. James, who struggled with alienation from church due to his queer identity, found working with Freedia a safe and healing exploration back to gospel roots. Their song “Take My Hand” explicitly invites everyone to join, reflecting Freedia’s vision of an inclusive, joyous spiritual experience. She’ll showcase both bounce and gospel at Pride.

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SUMMARY: The ACLU of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit on behalf of seven Metro Council members against a new state law making it a felony for elected officials to vote in favor of sanctuary city policies. The complaint argues the law violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments and the Speech and Debate Clause, which protects legislators’ official actions. Legal experts and some lawmakers express concerns about free speech and democratic principles. Republicans defending the bill say it enforces existing bans on sanctuary policies. Key provisions of the law will take effect July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The Attorney General’s office is reviewing the lawsuit.

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SUMMARY: Kilmer Garcia, 29, mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador, was flown back to Nashville to face smuggling charges linked to a 2022 Putnam County traffic stop. A federal judge ruled the government cannot keep him in custody, denying the prosecution’s detention request due to insufficient evidence that Garcia poses a community danger or flight risk. Today, a Nashville hearing will determine the exact conditions of his release. Despite this, Garcia is expected to be handed over to ICE, increasing the chance of deportation. Heavy security and media presence mark the ongoing, high-profile federal courtroom proceedings.

Hearing to determine conditions of Garcia release

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