The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
Hot, Hot Weekend Expected
On Saturday July 24, extreme heat mixed with high humidity will reach record-breaking levels. AccuWeather estimates that for several hours on Saturday, temperatures will escalate to 101 degrees, making it feel like 115 degrees with humidity. Other factors, the website says, like sunshine intensity and low wind grades will help fuel the "Super Saturday Scorcher." (Loudoun Independent)
Peanut Butter Prank
It may have started as a prank, but local parents are concerned about a nutty situation at a playground. The Loudoun County's Sheriff's Department is investigating peanut butter-covered playground equipment at a park in the Broadlands section of Ashburn. Swings chains were slathered with Jif, according to neighbors who discovered a lid nearby. (WTOP)
Man Cited for Leaving Dog in Hot Car
A Quebec man was given a $60 citation for leaving a Yorkie in his vehicle while he shopped at Riverview Plaza, according to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. Deputy Marcus Smith found the dog in the vehicle with the windows cracked open, said Cpl. Jennifer Bailey, sheriff's office spokeswoman. A thermometer used by authorities determined the car's interior reached a temperature of 107 degrees. Serge Lonval, who is in his late 60s, was cited as the owner of the vehicle, she said. (Frederick News Post)
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Police Nab Hundreds in HOV sting
Local and state police in Maryland and Virginia cited hundreds of drivers for violating HOV rules on Wednesday, authorities said. The effort was part of the region's second "Capitol Region HOV Awareness Day." The campaign yielded resulted in 713 citations for HOV violations. (Washington Post)
National Zoo to Breed Giant Salamanders
The National Zoo is opening a breeding center for Japanese giant salamanders as part of an effort to save amphibians from a deadly fungus that's quickly spreading. The zoo's long-term breeding program opening Thursday will be the first time the species that grows up to 5 feet long has been bred outside of Japan in more than 100 years. (Washington Examiner)
