Good morning, Nashville. That new downtown parking program for hybrids, electric cars and vehicles with really good gas mileage begins on July 1, meaning that if you drive one of those cars, you can pay $10 for a permit to park in any metered space for free downtown. Applications are available only at the main Davidson County Clerk’s office at the Howard Office Building, and you can check out this list ahead of time to find out whether or not your car made the cut. Last we heard, another bill had been passed to extend this program to the rest of us by allowing us to buy carbon credits to offset whatever car we drive and access the free parking, though we’re not sure when it goes into effect. So hang in there if you don’t see your car on the list!

• Don’t jump. The US National Park Service and the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network have worked together to install signs along the Natchez Trace bridge displaying the message “There is hope. Call anytime,” along with a phone number for the suicide prevention line in hopes of curbing the amount of suicides on the bridge. If that doesn’t work, they’ll look at installing physical barriers on the structure, which could get costly.
• What the hail. So how about that hail yesterday? At the height of all those crazy storms, some parts of Nashville saw hail 2-3″ in diameter. Several houses were struck by lightning and widespread power outages left thousands of folks without electricity. Is storm season over yet?
• Bits & pieces. Metro is cracking down on illegal signs, again … Six buildings have gone up in flames in the last 48 hours, and Metro suspects arson … Vice President Biden is headed back to town … Titans quarterback Kerry Collins did a little song and dance for the crowds at CMA Fest, minus the dance part … The folks at Nashville Pride have invited Tracy Morgan to attend the festival this weekend, though he hasn’t responded yet … Our little Yazoo is growing up, and we couldn’t be happier.

Photo by Denise Mattox.