• Northern Virginia rescue teams head to Venezuela after major earthquake. Local responders are joining international efforts to help with search and rescue after a devastating quake. Fairfax County's elite team leads the deployment. Full story
• Washington Monument's patriotic light show returns for July 4th week. Organizers brought back the popular nighttime projections for five nights, turning the monument into a massive canvas of American history. Details here
• Scorching heat on the way next week. Temperatures around the region will top 100°, with "RealFeel" readings over 110° leading up to Independence Day. Forecast breakdown

• Beyer slams Trump administration's AI strategy. Rep. Don Beyer called the federal approach "haphazard" after the government abruptly cut access to two advanced Anthropic AI models. He warns the move risks falling behind on tech oversight. Read more
• Fairfax County Board urges calm as e-bikes surge among youth. Officials say the recent boom in e-bike use brings both benefits and dangers. They want drivers and cyclists to show "patience and respect" as the trend grows. Board statement
• Haymarket cracks down on e-bikes and e-scooters. The town council passed new rules restricting where the devices can operate, citing safety concerns. More info

• Man climbs onto car hood in Springfield, demands cash. Fairfax County Police are searching for a suspect who robbed a woman and her child by jumping on their car earlier this month. Investigators released a surveillance photo. Police update

• Il Radicchio returns to Clarendon, replacing Mazaro. The beloved Italian spot is back, taking over the Wilson Blvd space and promising familiar favorites. See what's new
• Pasta di Guy update: Ashburn location coming soon. The pasta chain, with locations in Florida and Indiana, is getting closer to opening its first NoVA outpost. Progress report

• Fairfax student Safaa Haizoun is a finalist in a national cooking competition. Details
• Vienna Woods home at 1114 Ware Street SW hits the market. Listing
• Arlington athletes earn spring all-state honors. Recognition

NoVA is bracing for heat and holiday crowds, but there's a sense of pride as local teams step up for global rescue efforts and new food spots keep the weekend interesting. Summer's here in full force; hydration and patience required.

Have a cool, safe Friday.
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