Photo by Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie.

Good morning, Washington. Happy Fourth of July! Whether you’re spending your day at a picnic, down on the Mall or at one of the many parades around the city, here’s hoping you have a relaxing Independence Day. (If you are heading out, don’t forget to check the Metro and traffic details before you go.) Your DCist staff will similarly be busying ourselves with cookouts and celebrations today, but here’s a quick roundup of the stories making the rounds this morning to fill your local news fix.

Storm Causes Power Disruptions: Yet another wild storm whipped through the District and the surrounding area yesterday, forcing some rather widespread power outages, a disruption to the rehearsal for today’s “Capitol Fourth” festivities and damage. One man was even killed during the storm, when he was struck by a falling tree while riding his bike in Montgomery County.

Gray Calls For Independence: As it’s Independence Day, Mayor Vince Gray took the chance to call for greater autonomy for the District. “The 4th of July is a time for all Americans to come together and celebrate their shared history,” wrote Gray in a statement. “The 600,000 residents of the District of Columbia are celebrating with fellow citizens and hope that someday soon all Americans will join us in celebrating our full independence.” No better day than today to inform someone about our second-class status, right?

Briefly Noted: Three killed in car crash at 13th Street and Mississippi Avenue SE over the weekend…Bryce Harper promoted to Double-A league…The Gray Lady covers WMATA escalators…Man shot and killed on 600 block of 46th Place SE…Metro board set for minor shake-up thanks to new Virginia law…New air traffic control system could face delays.