Hey neighbors!

I got back from the Delaware shore earlier this week, sun-kissed and salty-haired after a few days of bike rides through Cape Henlopen State Park (recommend) and jumping in the waves (highly recommend).

My only regret is that I didn't time it better to avoid this heat wave and the massive crowds attending President Trump's state fair (oh, wait...).

This week we've got a deep dive into how the Metro became cool again, a staggering comeback for public transit that once had such unrelenting reliability issues that someone built a website to check “Is the Red Line on fire today?”

We also have a profile of two Venezuelan restaurants' efforts to aid their home country following the devastating earth quakes, an Ask A D.C. Native sure to get the city talking (are we Southerners??), plans for your weekend that don't involve very belated fireworks or a murky reflecting pool, and ways to get politically engaged (including some America 250 counter-programming). Plus, a plug for our election coverage that was made possible with your support.

Stay cool out there, D.C. is literally about to be more sweltering than 99% of the planet.

—Abigail

How Metro got its groove back

Ten years ago, WMATA was in dismal shape. Now, people are lining up to rep the transit system with pride.

D.C. restaurants unite following Venezuela's devastating earthquakes

DC Al Toque and Arepazone transformed into donation centers to support their community back home.

Do you consider D.C. the North or South?

It's both. Here's why.

24 things to do over July 4th weekend that aren’t sponsored by Trump

With so much going on around D.C., you’ll have no idea what’s happening on the National Mall.

9 ways to volunteer around D.C. this week

Lend your thoughts on the RFK development, march against America 250, and more ways to stand up.

What brings you outside despite D.C.'s heat?

Summer is here — and so is D.C.'s infamous heat. As the region enters a sweltering, humid heat dome, we want to know: What's fun enough that you'll leave the comforts of air-conditioning to do it? What outdoor activities in the city keep you cool as temperatures shoot up?

The impact of The 51st's election coverage

Over 50,000 of you used our voter guide.

Here are some stories you may have missed this week:

• Sometimes D.C. residents are dramatic about the heat, but we are about to be hotter than 99% of the world. [The Post]
• The DC Housing Authority was hit by a cyberattack this week, with an alleged ransom message popping up on the agency's computers claiming the attackers had obtained "sensitive information." [WCP]
• It's here: the most detailed look yet at the city's plans for the $3.7 billion Washington Commanders stadium on a site replete with bike lanes, thousands of new homes, and potential for a new Metro Gold Line. [Axios]
• Team Algae are wearing frog costumes and holding protest signs (think: ANTIFA scum grows like algae) to celebrate the murky green pall cast over Trump's multimillion-dollar attempt to beautify the reflecting pool. [The Post]
• This year's Fourth of July celebration on the Mall is a national security event, expect TSA-style screening if you're thinking of attending. [City Cast]
• America's 250th birthday will come and go, but the Piscataway will continue the fight for their ancestral lands. [WCP]
• Takoma Park's Dave Zirin, who has long defined what it means to be political sports writer, has a new book on Howard Zinn. [WCP]

Stay cool,

Abigail