🚕 Will Waymos be driving on our interstates?

🥵 It’s Too Darn Hot

Nashville’s extreme heat warning continues until 8 p.m. tomorrow, with temperatures reaching near 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a heat index of 110 degrees or more. While potential pop-up showers on Thursday will alleviate some of the heat, it’s still going to be a sweltering Fourth of July weekend. [Nashville Severe Weather]

• Metro Social Services has activated its Severe Weather Response, which includes emergency meal boxes, senior wellness calls, and home visits. Please check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbors. [Nashville.gov]
• Metro’s Office of Homeless Services is partnering with local organizations to conduct heat patrols and provide resources like water and sunscreen to those who need them. Also check out this list of cooling shelters. [Nashville Banner; Nashville.gov]
• The Nashville Office of Emergency Management is urging employers and outdoor workers to take frequent breaks and adjust workloads to prevent heat-related illnesses. [Nashville.gov]
• Here are the signs of heat-related illnesses. Make sure to keep hydrated, and stay indoors during the hottest part of the day if you can. If you’ve got bored kids at home, here are some free indoor playgrounds they’ll enjoy. And don’t forget to take care of your pets. [National Weather Service; 📰 City Cast Nashville]
• You might’ve noticed that Nashville is hotter than surrounding areas. That’s because we’re an urban heat island. [📰 City Cast Nashville]
• If you can believe it, we’re likely not going to break any heat records this week. The hottest day on record in Nashville was June 29, 2012, with a high of 109 degrees. [WKRN]

☀️ The Best Things To Do in July

It’s July in Nashville, and while it might be hot, there’s plenty of fun to be had. On today’s podcast, we’re talking about the best things to do in Nashville this month, from where to get your burger fix to art festivals and pinball tournaments. Plus, we’re chatting about our favorite Fourth of July celebrations. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• Keep an eye out: My July monthly newsletter guide with even more ideas will be coming to your inbox this afternoon.

🏫 Fisk President Defends Data Center Proposal

Fisk President Dr. Agenia Clark recently spoke at a North Nashville town hall defending the university’s proposed data center. She told the crowd that internet service is spotty on campus and the university is “woefully underresourced.” Fisk has yet to enter into a contract for construction of the data center, and Clark supports zoning regulations currently being considered by the Metro Council. Skeptics in the crowd questioned Clark’s lack of specifics, and worried about environmental hazards. [Nashville Banner]

🏘️ Battle Against Apartment Complex Continues

A controversial 417-unit Ariza apartment complex in Bellevue has hit another stumbling block in its construction. The agreement with the Texas real estate developer includes connecting two portions of the Harpeth River greenway. But to do so, the city would need to take private property owned by the Harpeth Crest Homeowners’ Association. The HOA’s president, Devin Schultz, is suing. [Nashville Scene]

• Opposition to the development has been ongoing for years, with residents citing flooding concerns. [WPLN]

🚗 Will Waymos Be Driving on Our Interstates?

Waymo is in conversation with the Tennessee Department of Transportation about launching a pilot program for the company’s self-driving vehicles on local interstates. TDOT commissioner Will Reid says that while they’re always open to innovation, “We just want to make sure safety’s the top priority.” Waymo is also testing its vehicles at the Nashville International Airport. [🔐 Nashville Business Journal]

• Anyone in Nashville can now request a Waymo, though they are limited to city streets. [Waymo]
• Several cities where Waymo has launched have had safety issues with the autonomous vehicles. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
• Check out the latest video of a Waymo gone rogue in Nashville. “You can’t park there, bud.” [Instagram]

It’s time for a shoutout from a City Cast Nashville member!

Easy-E recommends “the Nashville After-Zone Alliance and all their wonderful nonprofit partners for providing free after-school and summer programming across Nashville.”

I’ve got to second this one; I love NAZA!

If you’d like a chance to shout out your favorite local businesses and nonprofits, while supporting local journalism, become a member! It’s only $10 a month, and comes with lots of perks.