🌱 EMT Shortage + Records Abeyance, Covenant Shooting + MS-13 Arrests

Morning, everybody. I'm back with your new copy of the Nashville Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Nice with clouds and sun. High: 73 Low: 52.

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Here are the top three stories in Nashville today:

1. Acadian Ambulance Service in Nashville is offering a 10-day emergency medical responder course for new employees without experience. The employee-owned ambulance service covers the 10-week EMT training while paying the new employee, who will primarily do non-emergency transports. This comes amid a shortage of EMTs, with nearly one-third quitting in 2021, according to CBS News. (News Channel 5 Nashville)
2. Three members of the MS-13 gang, including two Nashville residents and one from Honduras, have been convicted of RICO conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, and destruction of evidence. Their charges stem from a decade-long investigation, during which they were found responsible for five Nashville murders. Each individual is facing a minimum life sentence and will be sentenced in the near future. (WKRN News 2)
3. The release of records related to the March shooting at The Covenant School has been suspended due to litigation filed by the Tennessee Firearms Association. The association's lawsuit requests that Metro turn over certain records. The records relate to the discovery of written materials by Audrey Hale, found in a car left in the school parking lot, detailing her plans to commit mass murder. (WKRN News 2)

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Today in Nashville:

• Free Music City Walk At Riverfront Park (12:30 PM)
• Swim Fashion Show At W Nashville (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Check out the series of celebrations happening in Nashville, including Parking Lot Fiesta at Rosepepper Cantina, Cinco De Mayo Karaoke at Cross-Eyed Critters, and more. (Nashville Tennessee via Instagram)
• In honor of Star Wars Day today (May 4), Nashville Humane Association is highlighting three two-month-old dogs up for adoption. Meet C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8! (Nashville Humane Association via Facebook)
• News 2 Gives Back honored the Metro school bus drivers who responded to The Covenant School shooting by taking lunch to the bus garage in South Nashville. Listen to what the drivers had to say at the link. (WKRN News 2)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Legendary Swimmer and EverWalk Founder Diana Nyad to Lead Free Music City Walk (May 4)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 6)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at The John P. Holt Brentwood Library (May 8)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (May 9)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.