Happy Fourth, Northern Virginia. The nation turns 250 this weekend, and the region is leaning in with supersized fireworks, cooling centers, and enough backyard grills to warm a small planet. Here's your short-and-sweet holiday briefing.

• America's 250th brings a supersized fireworks show. And supersized air quality warnings. The National Mall display planned for Saturday will be the largest in memory, but Arlington's air quality could tip into "very unhealthy" territory for people with respiratory issues. Pet owners, plan accordingly. ARLnow on the fireworks fallout
• Extreme heat lands on the Fourth. Fairfax County has opened a 24-hour cooling center ahead of an Extreme Heat Warning covering July 4. Hydrate, check on neighbors, and rethink that noon cookout. FFXnow on the cooling center
• Digital Gateway is dead. Prince William's massive and hotly contested data center corridor collapsed after the final developer withdrew its appeal. A years-long fight ends with a whimper. WTOP has the details

• Dulles is the fastest-growing big airport in America. New federal data shows IAD led all 50 of the nation's largest airports in passenger growth in 2025, clearing 13.8 million enplanements. Expect the TSA lines to reflect that this holiday weekend. FFXnow breaks down the numbers
• An aerial gondola for Arlington? Someone's floating it. A proposal pitches a cable-car system as a fix for NoVA's chronic congestion. File under "ambitious," but the conversation is real. WTOP on the gondola idea
• The 8th District primary just got spicy. A candidate forum turned combustible enough that one challenger is boycotting the next Arlington Democratic gathering over heckling directed at Rep. Don Beyer's rivals. ARLnow has the fireworks

• Federal and local government: Federal offices, Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Loudoun County government offices are closed today for the observed holiday.
• Libraries: Public libraries across Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun are closed Friday.
• Trash and recycling: Most jurisdictions are running on a one-day delay. Check your county or private hauler for specifics.
• Metro and transit: Metrorail runs on a Saturday schedule Friday, with extended service for the fireworks. Expect road closures and station adjustments near the Mall. Fairfax Connector and ART operate on holiday schedules.
• Banks, post offices, and courts: Closed. Most grocery stores and retail: open regular hours.

• Mount Vernon goes big. Two fireworks shows, a daytime display and an evening one, plus the annual naturalization ceremony welcoming new citizens on Washington's estate. It's the most on-brand Fourth celebration in the region. WTOP has the schedule
• Skip the Mall crowds. WTOP rounded up fireworks and festivals across the DMV that don't involve fighting a million people for a patch of grass. Alexandria, Fairfax, and Vienna all have solid alternatives. The full list
• Art with a patriotic bent. The "America at 250" exhibition at the McLean Art Gallery features 45 local artists. Air-conditioned, contemplative, and a good heat-wave dodge. FFXnow on the show
• Weekend beyond the Fourth: Rooftop punk shows, an Afrobeats & Wine Festival, and more if you need Saturday and Sunday plans. WTOP's things-to-do roundup

• Ashburn's newest Sheetz opened Thursday after a five-year wait. The Burn
• The All American Steakhouse in Broadlands has been locked out by its landlord. The Burn
• Fairfax County started installing EV chargers at the government center. FFXnow
• Dot cakes are apparently having a moment in Arlington. Consider yourself informed. Arlington Magazine

Celebratory but sweaty. NoVA is ready to toast 250 years, just as soon as it finds some shade and a cold drink.

Have a safe and happy Fourth. We'll be back Monday.

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