June 30: 5 Things You Need To Know Today

Good morning, Little Neck. It's rumored (by the Weather Channel) to be a lovely day today, so try to spend as much time as you can outdoors.

1. You don't have to wait until Monday to celebrate Independence Day. In Astoria, the party begins today! Read this week's Great Escape for more.

2. The Natural Resources Defense Council found that two local beaches contain high levels of bacteria, making the water unfit for swimming. If you thought you'd take a dip in Douglas Manor Beach or Whitestone Beach, perhaps think again.

3. In Long Island, however, beaches are reportedly slightly cleaner than they were last year.

4. At a loss for how to spend the upcoming weekend? We'll have our weekly roundup of the best things going on around town posted later today.

5. Alternate side parking rules are in effect today.