July Fourth brings more oppressive heat, severe storm potential

WTOP News 7/4 2:21A Tracy Johnke

Stay with WTOP for coverage of America s semiquincentennial Fourth of July, including fireworks , A Capital Fourth concert , and other celebrations. Tune in to 103.5 FM on air, online or via the WTOP app . D.C. area residents and July Fourth...

Mubadala DC Open ‘about 97% sold out’ as player field announced, Ein says

WTOP News 7/3 10:48P Jose Umana

The Mubadala DC Open is set to sell out once again before a tennis ball is served. Mark Ein, chairman of the annual tennis tournament, told WTOP that tickets are getting very scarce with the event already about 97% sold out. The DC Open is set to...

Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates 250 with full slate of free July Fourth events

WTOP News 7/3 10:33P Thomas Robertson

Stay with WTOP for coverage of America’s semiquincentennial Fourth of July, including  fireworks ,  ‘A Capital Fourth’ concert , and other celebrations. Tune in to 103.5 FM on air,  online  or via the  WTOP app . The Smithsonian Folklife Festival...

Smoke from fireworks adds a July Fourth health challenge for these groups

WTOP News 7/3 10:14P Tracy Johnke

Stay with WTOP for coverage of America s semiquincentennial Fourth of July, including fireworks , A Capital Fourth concert , and other celebrations. Tune in to 103.5 FM on air, online or via the WTOP app . Where there are fireworks, there s smoke...

Blistering heat postpones Great American State Fair, attendees cleared from National Mall

WTOP News 7/3 7:44A Thomas Robertson

Visitors react to the heat while attending the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard) Visitors react to the heat while...

‘It has nothing to do with our culture’: Native American families on 250th

WTOP News 7/3 6:30A Jimmy Alexander

This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker. In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker. Hundreds gather at rally to say July 4 'has nothing to do with (Native American) culture' Flags, fireworks and...

What’s that noise? What you need to know about DC flyovers Friday and Saturday

WTOP News 7/3 4:04A Matt Small

File photo of the Air Force Thunderbirds flying in formation. (Courtesy U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Richard Rose Jr)(Courtesy Staff Sgt Richard Rose Jr) File photo of the Air Force Thunderbirds...

How some paint helps Metro keep the trains running during this heat wave

WTOP News 7/2 11:24P John Domen

The extreme heat has been causing delays for rail systems up and down the east coast this week, and Metro isn’t totally immune, but the transit system is doing everything it can to mitigate issues. One bright spot is the reduction in the number...

DC’s World Central Kitchen helps feed Venezuelans after earthquake

WTOP News 7/2 3:50A Alan Etter

Hours after back-to-back earthquakes hit northern Venezuela , volunteers with World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by chef José Andrés in D.C., mobilized to help distribute food to people who are in a desperate situation. As work continued...

Bookmark this: Where to find DC-area cooling centers

WTOP News 7/1 10:08P WTOP Staff

As extreme heat grips the region, here is where to find cooling centers in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. DC D.C. cooling center map Maryland Anne Arundel County  cooling centers Charles County  cooling centers Howard County  says residents needing...

USAF Thunderbirds prepare for spectacular sky show ahead of America’s big birthday

WTOP News 7/1 4:26A Liz Anderson

Washington is gearing up for America’s big birthday. The celebrations include flyover demonstrations to honor the nation’s military on the Fourth of July. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are part of the mix. Related stories What’s open and what’s...

What’s open and what’s closed in the DC area for Fourth of July 2026

WTOP News 7/1 12:20A Jessica Kronzer

There will be a ton of closures and modified schedules around the D.C. region this weekend as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary of independence on July Fourth. Take a look at what s open and closed this Fourth of July. Public transit...

New laws go into effect in Virginia, Maryland and DC on July 1

WTOP News 6/29 11:21P Jessica Kronzer

Some of the laws that hit the books July 1, 2026, will affect law enforcement in Virginia, racehorses in Maryland and minimum wage workers in D.C. Related stories Virginia to appeal judge s ruling blocking assault weapons ban Montgomery Co....

20 Fourth of July DC-area celebrations away from the National Mall

WTOP News 6/29 6:47A Michelle Goldchain

You don’t have to brave the crowds on the National Mall to find Fourth of July fireworks, parades and patriotic fun in the D.C. area. Across the region, there are a variety of events worth attending to celebrate Independence Day, with everything...

Under the tarp: Kennedy Center honors Bill Maher with Mark Twain Prize

WTOP News 6/29 5:33A Jimmy Alexander

This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker. In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker. Kennedy Center honors Bill Maher with Mark Twain Prize On Sunday night, Bill Maher became the 26th comedian to...