More Rain, Tax-Free Shopping, Beltway Lane Open

1. The Weather: Look for the chance of showers and thunderstorms most of today, according to the National Weather Service. Some storms could produce heavy rain, and there could be patchy fog between 7 and 10 a.m. The high will be around 86 degrees.

The chance of rain and thunderstorms will continue through most of the night, when the low is expected to be about 68. 

2. From history.com's This Day in History: "Shortly after midnight on this day in 1961, East German soldiers begin laying down barbed wire and bricks as a barrier between Soviet-controlled East Berlin and the democratic western section of the city."

3. Don't forget to take advantage of Maryland's tax-free shopping week, happening now. Save a few bucks while doing your back-to-school clothes shopping.

4. Both Baltimore Beltway lanes are now open at Rt. 702 in Essex. I for one nearly got rammed several times by cars that ignored the signs telling them the right lane had to exit onto Rt. 702, and veered over into the left lane at the last second to continue on the Beltway. State Highways Administration spokesman Charlie Gischlar tells me the shoulder work will continue for a couple more weeks.

Slow down and drive with care in the area—be mindful of the highway workers on the scene!

5. Take advantage of the few remaining days of summer vacation from school. Take the kids to one of many area waterfront parks (Rocky Point, Miami Beach, Gunpowder Falls State Park) or have lunch at a fun restaurant that provides outdoor seating (Sunset Cove, The Island View Inn).