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Wednesday, July 1
It’s a sports-filled day for me: Alex Ovechkin is hitting the NHL free agency market, Team USA’s World Cup match is tonight, and there’s a Nationals game in between. As I try to keep up with the latest action, here’s what’s happening in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🛝 Indoor Fun: The Playground, a new immersive exhibit at the National Building Museum, opens this Friday, July 3.
🚀 Blast Off: Stay up late to see the Atlas V rocket launch as it travels northeast from Florida before orbiting the Earth.
🚁 Construction Zone: A new permanent helipad is the latest project underway at the White House. No projected cost has been announced yet.
📊 Poll Results: In Tuesday’s poll, nearly 63% of voters said they are changing their Fourth of July plans because of the heat.
Editor’s Picks
🍽️ New Eats: Take a fresh bite at one of these new area restaurants, serving up everything from coffee and pastries to international-inspired cuisines. See what’s new in NoVA.
🎆 Firework Festivities: Skip the trip into DC and watch the record-breaking fireworks from NoVA. 5 NoVA parks for fireworks views.
🫠 Weather Watch: The temps are climbing, with a heat advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. And it doesn’t look like we’re cooling off any time soon. Here’s the latest forecast.
From the Print Issue
🧊 Stay Cool: With 100-degree-plus days in the forecast, we’ve rounded up stylish accessories to help you beat the heat. Find 6 summer essentials.
Tuesday, June 30
I’m prepared to spend as little time as possible outdoors or else the first major heat wave of the summer might take me out. As you try to stay cool, catch up on the latest news in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🏛️Finally Passed: After being added as an amendment to the state budget, Loudoun County’s Oak Hill is now officially a state park.
🍔 Grand Opening: Duke’s Burgers, the first fast-casual concept from Duke’s Grocery, is set to open its National Landing location on July 1.
📑 Under Contract: The Fairfax County School Board voted to extend superintendent Michelle Reid’s contract through 2030 — with an annual salary of nearly $470K.
Editor’s Picks
🚫 DC Gridlock: The nation’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show means road closures around DC and NoVA — and special Metro operation hours. Here’s the latest traffic update.
🛍️ New in Town: NoVA’s retail scene has expanded, with new home stores and trendy clothing boutiques. Here are nine new spots to shop.
🥵 Hot in Here: Dangerously hot weather is on the way, with top heat index values forecasted between 106 and 112 degrees. Here’s what you can expect, plus tips to stay safe.
Poll
Create your own user feedback surveyMonday, June 29
How was your weekend? Did you stay cool by the pool, catch an early fireworks show, or start packing for an upcoming vacation? I was doing my favorite activity — catching up on the latest summer movies. As you get back into the swing of things, here’s the latest NoVA and DC news. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🍺 Drink Up: On July 4, all fans 21 and older at the Washington Nationals game will receive a free tallboy.
🚗 Traffic Delays: AAA says more than 72 million Americans plan to travel over the Fourth. Plan to leave early to avoid peak congestion, projected for July 3 at 12:45 p.m.
🍽️ Final Meal: Ashburn’s Farm & Fork Kitchen, a former 50 Best Restaurant, closed its doors for good this weekend after nearly four years in business.
Editor’s Picks
🏘️ Money, Money, Money: Three Fairfax County suburbs have just been named among the top 50 wealthiest in the country. See who made this list.
🏰 Light It Up: The Washington Monument isn’t the only historic backdrop getting a special light show. The Smithsonian Castle will be illuminated on July 17 and 18. Get the details.
💪 Summer Gains: Take your daily workout outside with free fitness classes that focus on yoga, HIIT, and more. See what’s on the schedule.
5 Events This Week
Capitals Development Camp
June 30–July 3, times vary
Arlington
National Air and Space Museum Exhibit Openings
July 1, 10 a.m.
Washington, DC
BBMak
July 1, 7:30 p.m.
Vienna
Washington Monument Illumination
July 1–5, 9 p.m.–12:20 a.m.
Washington, DC
Summer at the Museum
July 2–5, times vary
Triangle
Feature image of Cielo by Rey Lopez
