🌭 The best hot dogs in town

🚣 Why Small Business Owners Struggle in Metro Parks

On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re heading to the water — not to cool off, but to hear from two small business owners who recently sold their paddling companies after struggling to work in Metro Parks. A quick note: The episode includes discussions of safety concerns that may be difficult to hear, so please take care while listening. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

📚 37th Annual Southern Festival of Books Returns

Thanks to a partnership with Vanderbilt University and donations from over 1,000 individuals, the Southern Festival of Books will return in October, despite federal funding cuts by the Trump administration. The festival will be held at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. [Nashville Banner]

• It’s one of the oldest literary festivals in the nation. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏛️ Nashville Now Lacks Congressional Representation

Rep. Mark Green (TN-07) has officially resigned from Congress after voting in favor of Pres. Trump’s tax and spending bill, which passed both the House and Senate and has now been signed into law. [Nashville Scene via the Nashville Post]

• Green is retiring early to pursue “an opportunity in the private sector.” [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🎆 Weekend Blaze Destroys North Nashville Business

Over the weekend, Minerva Avenue, a popular nightclub on Buchanan Street, burned down. No one was injured, and early reports suggest fireworks led to the fire. [The Tennessean]