Good morning, this is Nashville Local Pulse for Saturday, June 21, 2025.

We’re waking up to the first big heat wave of the summer. The sun is out, and forecasters expect the mercury to hit the mid-90s. With the heat index pushing up to one hundred and five, we all need to take extra care if we’re spending time outside, especially with a busy weekend ahead and plenty of outdoor events around the city. Make sure to drink plenty of water and check on neighbors who might need a little extra help today.

Breaking news from city hall this week: Mayor Freddie O’Connell has officially signed the new city budget, which comes with a moderate property tax increase—the first in five years. The mayor says this move is about keeping up with rising costs and making sure we see real improvements across city services in every neighborhood. We’re all eager to see how these investments play out, especially with infrastructure and schools expected to benefit soon from these changes. Meanwhile, the state welcomed thirty-three new Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, a boost for safety on our highways and roads as the summer travel season ramps up.

If you’re heading out near the airport this evening, keep in mind there’s a traffic shift on I-40. Starting tonight at 8 p.m., westbound lanes by BNA will close for overnight improvements, reopening by Sunday morning. Plan ahead if your route takes you through Donelson or if you’re picking up friends or family at the airport.

In real estate news, the local market remains hot, but some families are feeling the squeeze. We’re seeing homes in East Nashville and along Charlotte Pike closing above asking price, and apartment rents in the city core are still climbing. On the job front, it’s a mixed picture: Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced they’re cutting about six hundred fifty jobs as part of a major budget reduction. Those searching for work in healthcare or education may want to keep an eye on upcoming job fairs and new postings downtown.

Turning to crime and public safety, Metro Police concluded their review of the infamous Civil Rights-era bombings. While there are now more resources gathered in one place, detectives say these cases remain unsolved without a direct confession. In more recent incidents, police investigated a deadly nightclub shooting earlier this week, and a convicted sex offender was arrested in Sumner County for failing to register. Authorities remind us to remain vigilant and secure valuables in vehicles, after a spike in gun thefts from parked cars.

On a brighter note, Nashville’s music scene continues to thrive. The Country Music Hall of Fame is set to open a new exhibition dedicated to Lainey Wilson, drawing visitors from around the country. Meanwhile, Bonnaroo has responded to festivalgoer concerns by now offering full refunds after weather disruptions affected last weekend’s shows.

In local sports, the Predators made headlines acquiring veteran forward Erik Haula, building out their roster for the new season. And a shoutout to local teens from Middle Tennessee heading to New York City to perform at the prestigious Jimmy Awards—a big accomplishment for our young stars.

We’ll leave you with a feel-good story perfect for Father’s Day weekend. A longtime breakfast tradition continues near Bicentennial Mall where a local mentor and his mentee, matched years ago through Big Brothers Big Sisters, still meet every Saturday, showing us all the power of chosen family and friendship in shaping our lives.

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

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