Good morning, Nashville. Yesterday’s protests by members of Westboro Baptist Church were cut short when counter-protestors showed up by the thousands to shout them down. At each of their early stops – the Islamic Center of Nashville and the Gordon Jewish Community Center – they were met by counter-protestors and, at the Islamic Center, even had their tires slashed, but the real masses came out to Marine Sgt. Kevin Balduf’s funeral in the afternoon. Over 2,000 people waving American flags and revving motorcycle engines drowned out the three members of Westboro Baptist Church, who protested for about 10 minutes before being escorted to their vehicle by police.
- School in July? A new 2012-2013 Metro school year proposal would have kids heading back to school the last week of July, providing three more days of instruction, 10 teacher training days and two weeks for under-performing students to catch up. The problem? The proposed program would cost an extra $20 million that Metro schools doesn’t have. The three other 2012-2013 school year proposals on the table have start dates in early August and do not build in the extra 10 days for teacher training and as much additional time for underperforming students.
- Sorry, guys. Stand up comedian and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan will return to Nashville next week with GLAAD and the Tennessee Equality Project to apologize for offensive statements he made toward homosexuals during his appearance at the Ryman a few weeks ago. Some reports also say that Morgan will participate in a press conference speaking out against “Don’t Say Gay” while he’s in Tennessee.
- Don’t h8. Local attorney Abby Rubenfeld filed a lawsuit yesterday to block HB600, the state law that overturned Metro’s nondiscrimination ordinance last month. The suit claims that HB600 is unconstitutional and doesn’t allow gay and transgender people protection from discrimination.
- Bits & pieces. A second Bonnaroo death has been confirmed … Sixty to eighty crime cameras will be installed at major downtown intersections by the end of the year … Local nonprofit Thistle Farms is celebrating their 10th year helping women … We’re 1/3 of the way there with the Music City Center, which still means construction downtown for another 2 years … Young Buck and Kenny Britt, when will y’all learn? … We’ll see cooler temperatures and scattered storms late today and tomorrow.
Photo by Jeni Richard.