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 Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has lifted its recent energy conservation request for East Tennessee as the heat wave persists with temperatures in the 90s. Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) urged customers to limit power use to prevent grid strain during the peak heat. Officials recommend keeping thermostats around 78°F when home and 72°F when sleeping to avoid overworking HVAC systems. Small actions like closing curtains, unplugging devices, and limiting appliance use can significantly reduce energy consumption. Though the conservation request ended, utilities encourage continued energy-saving habits to maintain grid reliability and reduce electricity bills.

Energy officials remind East Tennessee residents to conserve electricity as high temperatures persist.

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SUMMARY: Jill Garcia’s release remains uncertain following a federal detention hearing in Nashville. Judge Barbara Holmes set pretrial release conditions, including monitoring and staying with his brother, but clarified she lacks authority over ICE actions. Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and flown back to face federal charges related to alleged human smuggling after a 2022 traffic stop. The government’s evidence was criticized, and the judge ordered Garcia’s release pending trial—though ICE plans immediate detention due to his immigration status. The DOJ and defense dispute where Garcia would be housed if released. Garcia remains in U.S. Marshals custody awaiting further decisions.

The national debate on immigration has been focused on Garcia after he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

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