Good morning, Washington. Nature stole the show this morning with her superb lighting and inspired acoustics. Meteorologists break the news that intermittent storms will continue throughout the day, and in an attempt to mollify us insist we “could really use some rain.”
The storm has already knocked out power for a number of people. Pepco says they have extra crew and contractors to work throughout the weekend.
>> We’re one-third down. Despite the rain, we have two days left to drink to our liberty, to avoid thinking too hard about the “invisible” security, and to try to find some charm in the prodigious crowds. Fortunately, the Weekend Picks include a handful of indoor activities.
>> Depending on the weather, you may consider taking in the full rehearsal of “A Capitol Fourth” on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Listen to the National Symphony Orchestra play and see stars perform in advance of the predicted bedlam Monday. You can show up today at 3:00 pm. Rehearsal starts at 8:00 p.m.
>> WAMU reports that when special forces raided Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, they found documents that indicated al-Qaida considered attacking the U.S. on the Fourth of July. The District isn’t taking any chances. “The greatest amount of security is that which you will not see,” Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers said.
>> Fireworks! We know where to buy them, we know where not to use them, and we know what neighborhoods have fallen prey to their explosive merrymaking.
>> Leslie Johnson pled guilty in federal court last week to conspiracy to commit evidence and witness tampering, but Johnson gave no indication that she planned to step down from her seat on the council. To date, four members of the Prince George’s County Council have called for her resignation.
>> In sports, the Washington Capitals sign Tomas Vokoun; D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union draw; the Washington Nationals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3; and Petra Kvitova, the 24-year-old Czech, beat Maria Sharapova, the one-time Wimbledon champion, to win her first ever Grand Slam title.
>> On Saturday, a two-seat plane was escorted to the ground by an F-15 fighter after straying into a restricted zone around Camp David. Obama is spending most of the Fourth of July weekend there with his family.
>> Another one jumps into the ring with Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., announcing his bid for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. Also making news is GOP candidate and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, whose home-state budget crisis has thrust him into the national spotlight. In other candidate news, the Washington Post reports that GOP candidate Jon Huntsman backs D.C. voting rights.
>> Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania receives one precious lock.
