5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 5

The daily 5 has the weather forecast, gas prices, and some suggestions on how to spend your day.

1. The weather

The National Weather Service predicts today will be mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95 degrees. Thursday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 73 degrees.

2. Emergency Blood Drive

A blood drive will be held at the from 1-7 p.m. July 5 to help collect donations for the American Red Cross. Blood due to an increased need during the summer months.

3. Sounds & Sights on Thursday Night

Downtown Chelsea’s popular summer music series, Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights will be held tonight from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The 2012 music lineup features musical acts from across Michigan performing a variety of music from Zydeco, to Celtic, to Blue Grass, and classic rock. For more information, visit http://chelseafestivals.com/soundsights/.

4. Gas prices

MichiganGasPrices.com reports the following gasoline prices in the Dexter area as of Wednesday night:

• $3.48 a gallon (regular), $3.64 (diesel), BP, 200 Baker Rd.
• $3.59 a gallon (regular), $3.76 (diesel), , 2940 Baker Rd.
• $3.49 a gallon (regular), $3.63 (diesel), , 195 Baker Rd.
• $3.49 a gallon (regular), $3.63 (diesel), , 750 Baker Rd.
• $3.55 a gallon (regular), $3.51 (diesel) BP, 8135 Main St.
• $3.59 a gallon (regular), $4.19 (diesel), Mobil, 7177 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd.

5. This day in history

July 5, 1865: In the East End of London, revivalist preacher William Booth and his wife Catherine established the Christian Mission, later known as the Salvation Army. Determined to wage war against poverty and religious indifference with military efficiency, Booth modeled his Methodist sect after the British army, labeling uniformed ministers as "officers" and new members as "recruits." For more historic dates, visit www.history.com.