Beautiful Day, Medicare Born, Birds Back in Action, Take a Swim

Here are some tidbits of information to get your day in Essex started:

1. The Weather: Today is expected to be sunny, with a high of about 83 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Tonight should be mostly clear, with a low of about 68.

2. From history.com's This Day in History: "On this day in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signs Medicare, a health insurance program for elderly Americans, into law. At the bill-signing ceremony, which took place at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, former President Harry S. Truman was enrolled as Medicare's first beneficiary and received the first Medicare card. Johnson wanted to recognize Truman, who, in 1945, had become the first president to propose national health insurance, an initiative that was opposed at the time by Congress."

3. The Orioles had a day off yesterday to lick their wounds after losing five of their past six games. They return to action tonight at home against the Houston Astros. Here's to starting another win streak!

4. Have you been following the news of the Essex home invasion, during which the victim, after being shot several times, managed to grab a blunt object and strike the intruder in the head, killing him? Catch up here.

5. Essex-Middle River is home to several waterfront parks which offer respite on the hot and hazy days of summer. Pack a picnic lunch, gather the kids and head to Rocky Point Park or Gunpowder State Park for some swimming, or to smaller parks such as Cox's Point in Essex and Miami Beach in Bowleys Quarters for some peaceful exploring and sunbathing.