Good morning, Washington. Finally, we’re liberated. The holiday weekend has arrived, and the District is boasting a slew of activities to promote patriotism and inebriation. But first, new research on how childhood Fourth of July celebrations affect adult political behavior: Not every child in America has the opportunity to attend Independence Day celebrations, and it turns out that those who do grow up to be more politically engaged – and Republican. The paper, written by Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa-Drott and Bocconi University Assistant Professor Andreas Madestam, claims that, “Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation’s political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party.”
>> Mind metro’s track work (even on a holiday weekend, they’re relentless), and, for your planning pleasure, be sure to check out Elisabeth Grant’s Weekend Picks.
>> A fire in the 900 block of Decatur Street NW damaged four houses Friday. Fire officials say the damage is major. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for firefighters and businesses in and around the District.
>> Cathedral Pharmacy lost its last minute bid for a temporary injunction to stop CVS Caremark Corp. from terminating its contract. The pharmacy has been in the neighborhood for over 80 years, and the owner says the business won’t survive without CVS Caremark.
>> Z-Burger had its third-annual burger eating contest Friday and things got heated between the top two finalists. WTOP reports that a cup of water and some burger chunks catalyzed the argument.
>> Last night was a preview of this year’s Capital Fringe Festival. It’s unclear if the tomfoolery that ensued was funnier to the group who attended or to those of us who marveled in confusion from our couches.
>> In sports, the Colorado Avalanche acquired goalie Semyon Varlamov from the Washington Capitals, and the Washington Nationals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night, giving Davey Johnson his first Nats win.
>> Dominique Strauss-Kahn was released from house arrest on Friday as the case against him moved closer to dismissal. GOOD magazine’s Amanda Hess put together a timeline of the media response to the DSK case. Hess weaves together pontifications, musings and absurdities, and concludes with an incisive warning.
>> Holiday weekends are predicated on gluttony. Indulge, my friends.
>> Pinball fanatics rejoice.
>> Cyberdyne Systems Model 101: Terminated
