Good morning, Nashville. Taking a look at some of the before and after photos of Earth Hour Nashville, we’d say that our city had a whole lot to be proud of this weekend, even if Nashville Gifts decided to be a stick in the mud and Al Gore couldn’t manage to turn off his giant flood lights. But speaking of less-than-flattering environmental things, the TVA is taking some time out to hold a community open house today to answer folks’ questions about the Kingston cleanup efforts which we feel confident will attract every protester within a 200-mile radius. Oi.

• For me and you from the MTA. Thank you, Nashville MTA, for using some of that economic stimulus money to make riding the bus even… less covenient than it already is? As of yesterday, they’re no longer accepting credit and debit cards as payment for bus fares. They’ve also made changes to a few different routes, so check those out here.
• Feeling stimulated. We had almost forgotten about Governor Phil’s promise to take away our springtime Tax Free Weekend, and by the looks of our state’s current level brokeness, we feel like it’s probably for the best. Have no fear, though–we’ll still get to shop tax-free in August.
• Bits & pieces. The state Senate votes today on whether or not we can cart booze across the Tennessee border … “Nashville Jews find kosher foods in area supermarkets” … Another day, another controversial reproduction-related bill in the Tennessee legislature … At least one of your Nashvillest editors is supremely excited about the new addition to Vanderbilt’s Rites of Spring.

Photos courtesy of Will Wilson/McNeely, Piggot & Fox, made flashy by us.