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Friday, June 26
Happy last Friday of June! (That seems like a crazy sentence to be writing.) Before you know it, summer will be gone, so take a moment to enjoy the warm weather and catch up on the latest in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚇 Merch Haul: Metro is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a pop-up shop full of vintage-style T-shirts, hats, and more.
⛑️ Search & Rescue: Virginia Task Force 1 is heading to Venezuela to assist with rescue efforts following two earthquakes on Thursday.
🦫 Done Deal: Buc-ee’s has officially purchased 35 acres along I-95 in Stafford for $14.8 million.
🏈 Mark Your Calendar: The 2027 NFL Draft will be held in Washington, DC, from April 29 to May 1.
Editor’s Picks
🍻 Cheers: From IPAs to tasty menus and live music, these new and coming soon breweries are expanding NoVA’s craft beer scene. See what’s new.
🎆 Up Late: Rest up! This year’s DC Fourth of July fireworks show is expected to start later than usual. Here’s what we know about the show.
🍷 On the Market: Waterford’s 8 Chains North is the latest Loudoun County winery to hit the market. See what’s included.
5 Most Popular Stories This Week
- 7 Virginia Universities Ranked World Best in 2026-2027 List
- These New Virginia Laws Go Into Effect July 1, 2026
- Head to One of these Trendy Northern Virginia Listening Bars
- 14 Longtime Restaurants in Northern Virginia and DC That Closed in 2026
- Keep an Eye Out for Red Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs in NoVA
Thursday, June 25
These late-night World Cup matches are taking a toll on my early morning wake-up calls. I’ll be lucky to stay up past halftime for U.S. Soccer’s final group match tonight. While I contemplate how I can catch as much action as possible, here’s the latest news in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
📑 New Contract: George Mason University extended the contract of school president Gregory Washington through June 2031.
🥣 Giving Back: World Central Kitchen is distributing meals in Burke after several neighborhoods were affected by Monday’s severe thunderstorm.
🍽️ Summer Whites: Start planning your all-white outfit. Dîner en Blanc is set to return to Washington, DC, on August 29.
Editor’s Picks
🍷 Top Honors: Wine Spectator has awarded more than 20 Northern Virginia-area restaurants for their wine programs. See who made the list.
🚧 Walk It Out: Fairfax County’s Board of Supervisors approved a new plan for Centreville that includes a more defined town center, affordable housing, and increased walkability. Get the details.
Slim Pickings: Remember those late-spring freezes? Unfortunately, NoVA-area pick-your-own farms are reporting damaged crops this summer. Here’s what we know.
🎥 New in Town: The National Geographic Museum of Exploration is hosting its grand opening tomorrow — but we have a sneak peek at DC’s newest museum. Take a look inside.
5 Open Houses in NoVA This Weekend
- 7807 Mulberry Bottom Ln., Springfield
- 11201 Wedge Dr., Reston
- 6501 Commonwealth Ct., Manassas
- 14580 Nina Ct., Waterford
- 2915 Marshall St., Falls Church
Wednesday, June 24
America’s 250th birthday celebrations are in full gear. See the NoVA landmarks you need to visit along with the rest of the local news happening today. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
💼 In the News: Former Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert, who prosecuted Lorena Bobbitt and the Beltway Sniper, died at 88.
🏫 Namesake: The Loudoun County school board voted to name its new high school Thornton Summit High School, honoring a Black family that has lived in Loudoun for generations.
🎡 Fair Festivities: The Great American State Fair kicks off tonight with a rally, musical performances, and statements from President Donald Trump on the main stage.
📊 Poll Results: In Tuesday’s poll, more 78% of voters said they don’t plan on using the new trail along I-495.
Editor’s Picks
📜 Walk the Revolution: Celebrate the country’s birthday by visiting NoVA landmarks that are a big part of the story of our independence. Celebrate America 250 at NoVA’s historic landmarks.
🔴 Squish It: No, that’s not a cute red bug in your yard, it’s a spotted lanternfly nymph. Here’s what you need to know about the invasive insects. Get the details.
🎆 Light it Up: The Washington Monument light show returns to celebrate America’s 250th birthday from July 1 to 5. Here’s how to see the illuminations.
From the Print Issue
🍖 Take a Bite: From Sunday roast to Scotch eggs, find elevated British pub fare at the newly reopened Hunter’s Head in Upperville. See what our critic had to say.
Tuesday, June 23
A rainy day is perfecting for catching up on your summer read, newest binge watch, and the latest news across Northern Virginia and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🏀 On the Clock: The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 pick, their only pick in the first round, in tonight’s NBA Draft.
🚫 NoVA Landmark: The Virginia General Assembly approved a new budget, but it doesn’t include funding to establish President James Monroe’s Oak Hill home as a state park.
🚇 Payment Overhaul: Metro is set to upgrade its fare collection machines after awarding a $38.9 million contract to a Spanish technology firm.
Editor’s Picks
🚴 Explore Outdoors: A new 2.5-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to I-495 is set to open this weekend with a fun run celebration. Get the details.
🍽️ Out of Business: From your go-tos for wings and beer to your favorite weekend breakfast spot, these local restaurants are closing after 10-plus years in business. Check out the latest restaurant closures.
🌎 Coming Soon: The 100,000-square-foot National Geographic Museum of Exploration is officially opening its doors on Friday. Here’s what you can expect.
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Happy second day of summer! What are you looking forward to most this season? For me, this will be a summer full of concerts and blockbuster movies. While you daydream about your plans, catch up on the latest news in NoVA and DC. — Michele Kettner, audience engagement editor
What to Know Today
🚓 Obey the Law: Fairfax County Police officers issued nearly 12,000 traffic citations and warnings during the second wave of the Road Shark program.
🏦 In the News: Former U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan died earlier today at the age of 100 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
⛔ No Entry: The U.S. Coast Guard announced that recreational vessels won’t be allowed on parts of the Potomac River from July 2 to 5 due to America250 celebrations.
Editor’s Picks
🏫 Top of the Class: U.S. News & World Report‘s annual Best Global Universities ranking includes seven Virginia schools, including UVA. See who else made the list.
🏛️Underground Museum: The $69 million Lincoln Memorial Undercroft renovation opens to the public on Thursday. We got a sneak peek of the new museum. Take a look.
🕷️ New Pest: Don’t panic if you see a spider the size of your palm. The Joro spider looks scary, but these new pests are mainly harmless to humans and pets. What you need to know about the invasive spider.
🚌 Hidden History: Did you know that the site of Meadowlark Botanical Gardens played a role in the early fight against Virginia’s Jim Crow laws? This documentary breaks down the story.
5 Events This Week
Family Paint Party
June 22, 6:30–8 p.m.
Manassas
Vinyl Night
June 23, 5 p.m.
Leesburg
Melissa Etheridge and Wynonna Judd
June 24, 7:30 p.m.
Vienna
Movies on the Memorial: Apollo 13
June 25, 8:30–10:30 p.m.
Washington, DC
Great American State Fair
June 25–July 10, times vary
Washington, DC
Feature image of Voodoo Brewing Co. by Dawn Klavon
