🤼 Argument breaks out on council floor

😆 The Rise of Country Music Comedy

Country music has always had a funny side, but lately, comedy is taking center stage. On today’s podcast, Nashville Public Radio senior music writer Jewly Hight explores the history of humor in country music, why it's making a comeback, and which local comics are leading the charge. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏛️ Near Fisticuffs on the Council Floor

More than a hundred Nashville residents spoke at Tuesday’s Metro Council meeting about what they’d like to see included in the city’s budget. Many encouraged the council to provide more funding for affordable housing and childcare initiatives, as well as to increase city employee pay. [Nashville Banner]

• In a tense vote, the council rejected the annual budget for the Central Business Improvement District, as the Nashville Downtown Partnership — the company that manages the CBID — faces criticism for hiring off-duty law enforcement officers and failing to submit its budget for 22 years. The vote sparked a near fight between two councilmembers. [Nashville Banner]
• Watch the strained moment between councilmembers at Tuesday’s meeting. [YouTube]

🚗 Neighbor-Led Traffic Calming Works

A neighbor-led approach to traffic calming on a one-mile stretch of Antioch Pike is being extended after a year of positive results. Glencliff neighbors — in collaboration with the Civic Design Center, NDOT, and Bridgestone — have been using old tires to narrow a busy residential area from four lanes to two. Since the change, more than 90% of drivers have been following the speed limit. [NewsChannel 5]

• This type of tactical urbanism has become increasingly popular in Nashville to address community needs swiftly. Recently, we spoke with Pastor Robin L. Owen about guerrilla bench building at local bus stops. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏳️‍🌈 TN at the Bottom of LGBTQ+ Study

According to Out Leadership’s Business Climate Index, Tennessee is one of the worst states for LGBTQ+ people, ranking 49 out of 50. Tennessee received low marks in all categories, including legal protections, support for youth and families, and access to healthcare and safety. About 6.3% of Tennesseans identify as LGBTQ+, representing an estimated $14.4 billion in personal income. [🔐 The Tennessean]

• State lawmakers proposed dozens of anti-LGBTQ+ bills during this year’s legislative session. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

While Tennessee might be doubling down on anti-LGBTQ+ policies, Nashville has a long history of supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ folks. Here’s some ways to celebrate Pride Month in Nashville.

🌈 How To Celebrate Pride in Nashville

• March with the City Cast Nashville team at the Nashville Pride Parade on June 27! The parade begins at 10 a.m., and we’ll be lining up at 9:15. Look for the yellow City Cast Nashville banner. Email us if you’d like to join! 💛
• The Nashville Pride Festival is after the parade, and runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Performers include Fancy Hagood, Molly Grace, Saaneah, Gay Ole Opry, and more. There’s also a kids’ section, and heaps of vendors.
• Celebrate all month by attending nearby Pride festivals in Franklin on June 6, Mt. Juliet on June 6 and 13, and Rutherford County on June 13.
• Say goodbye to queer-owned Margot Café & Bar on June 6.
• The Lipstick Lounge has events throughout the month.
• On June 6, STRUT takes over Rosemary & Beauty Queen’s backyard for a Pride kickoff.
• Nashville Roller Derby’s Heated Rivalry: PRIDE Doubleheader is on June 13.
• Grab some veg at the Gay Farmers Market in East Nashville on June 14 and 28.
• Get your laugh on with James Holiday at Zanies on June 17.
• Volunteer at the Fruity Farm on June 20 as they prepare for hosting the Sumner County Pride Festival in September.
• Take a dip at White Limozeen’s Femme Fatale Pride Pool Party on June 22.
• Watch a Nashville Sounds game on Pride Night, June 25.
• Support queer-owned businesses, like Novelette Booksellers, D’Andrews Bakery and Cafe, Tribe Nashville, N.B. Goods, Chapstick, and Wonder Gift & Garden.