Storms Hit Nashville, Police Search for Shooter, and Locals Rally in Wake of Tragedy

Good morning, this is Nashville Local Pulse for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

We wake up this morning with storm clouds still hanging over much of the city after last night’s severe weather. Heavy rainfall and strong winds caused some overnight street flooding and downed limbs, especially near Centennial Park and around Germantown. Crews are working to clear the roads, but do watch out for wet conditions if you’re heading out early. The forecast calls for lingering showers through midday, with things brightening up by late afternoon. Temperatures should stay mild in the low seventies. Some outdoor events may see delays, so double-check before heading out.

In breaking news, Metro Police are still searching for the suspect involved in yesterday’s shooting at the Antioch Walmart. Two people are recovering after being shot in the parking lot. Officers have released surveillance images and are urging anyone who recognizes the suspect to come forward. Meanwhile, police have closed the investigation into last week’s stabbing and shooting near Brentwood, with no further arrests expected. And a hit-and-run in La Vergne has left a community grieving—a search continues for the driver responsible.

Turning to city hall, Mayor Freddie O’Connell delivered his State of Metro address Thursday at the downtown library, unveiling budget priorities focused on affordable housing and public safety. A property tax increase is on the table this year, prompted by rising property values and cuts in federal funding. Many homeowners could see a higher bill even as the tax rate drops, so we’ll be following that debate closely.

If you’re out and about today, you’ll notice a flurry of community action downtown as the annual May Day March and Rally makes its way down Broadway this afternoon. Organizers invite everyone to join for a peaceful show of solidarity on issues ranging from labor rights to housing justice. And over in East Nashville, the Tennessee Spring Craft Fair has kicked off at Centennial Park, featuring dozens of local artists and one-of-a-kind finds.

Today is also Wildfire Community Preparedness Day here in Tennessee. Fire departments and local leaders are promoting ways to protect homes and neighborhoods from the increasing threat of wildfires. If you live near wooded areas, now is a great time to clear those brush piles and review your fire plan.

In local business news, a few new faces are joining the Five Points food scene with two cafes opening this weekend, while a long-time music shop on Music Row quietly closed its doors after fifty years of business. On the job front, Nashville’s unemployment rate is holding steady at around 4 percent, with steady demand in tech, hospitality, and film production as summer approaches.

Sports fans, congratulations are in order for the Hillsboro High School girls’ soccer team, who clinched a spot in the regional finals last night. The Nashville Sounds were set to host the BNA 5K at First Horizon Park, but organizers moved quickly to cancel the event due to this morning’s weather warnings.

Let’s close with a feel-good story: In Bellevue, neighbors rallied to organize a pop-up food pantry after a fire forced several families from their apartments last week. Volunteers served hot meals and helped kids with homework, a reminder of the heart that keeps Music City strong.

This has been Nashville Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.