NYT: ‘At 5 p.m., in an airless swelter, long lines snaked around the outskirts of the National Mall for tonight’s “Salute to America” party. Aside from the intermittent cloud cover or breeze, it was mostly miserable for people like David Messinger, a 23-year-old nonprofit professional. He had met friends at a bar before hopping into line — for the air conditioning, of course. “I’m from Dallas, Texas,” he said, wiping sweat from his brow, “and this is, like, a lot for me.”’ And: ‘The Washington Monument Grounds remain empty, with crowds for the “Salute to America” party just starting to trickle in after the event was delayed due to heat.’

Also: ‘Closer to ground, however, an informal religious revival appeared to have begun. Two men could be overheard closely debating the meaning of a passage of scripture.’

The Holy Land and its scribes.

(a sf 2172)