Happy Fourth of July, Washington. As you might imagine, we’re all looking forward to celebrating American independence by eating charred food, kicking back with a cold beer near a pool, and, of course, watching things blow up. Due to the incredible effort involved in participating in such strenuous activities, DCist will be operating on a slightly reduced schedule today.

Remember: festivities on the Mall — if you dare to brave the crowds — begin at 10 a.m., including the Independence Day parade on Independence Avenue at noon, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival all day, lots of music starting at 6, and of course, fireworks around 9:30. (Check out our suggestions for alternate firework viewing locations.) Those crazy enough to be driving anywhere near there will want to take note of the extensive road closures which will make getting anywhere via car a nightmare. And, of course, enjoy in moderation and stay safe out there — as usual, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program will be offering free cab rides throughout the region this evening.

If, though, for reasons passing understanding, you’re stuck in front of a monitor on this absolutely glorious Independence Day, here’s a few items of interest to start your day:

>> In the Post, Lena Sun examines the possible answers to six important questions about last week’s Metro crash.

>> Yesterday, a jury convicted Melvin Jackson Jr. in the 1983 rape and murder of a French woman who was visiting her daughter in Glover Park. The case was solved after DNA evidence collected from the scene — which had been simply sitting in a box in a police warehouse until 2004 — was matched to Jackson’s DNA profile with the FBI.

>> The Takoma Park Metro station will be open all day today after closing early last night to allow continued investigative work at the Metro crash site. The station will also close early tomorrow night.