Expect a hot and humid Fourth of July - Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | July 04, 2024 [Web version](   [Triple threat: DC area hit with heat advisory, poor air quality, storm alert on 4th of July]( Keep an eye on the weather if you're planning any outdoor activities to celebrate the Fourth of July, as the D.C. region is facing a humid day with poor air quality in some places and even some possible thunderstorms. [READ MORE](   [Fourth of July in DC means fun, fireworks and, of course, road closures]( D.C.'s 2024 Independence Day celebration is here. That means events on the National Mall and road closures. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [Heading to the beach this weekend? You'll need this!]( Before you grab your sunscreen and hit the road, be sure to check out WTOP's beach traffic and weather resource for smooth sailing! Brought to you by Maryland Transportation Authority.   [Hitting the water for the Fourth of July? Md.'s Operation Dry Water aims to keep the fun in check]( The Fourth of July is always the busiest boating holiday of the year in Maryland. And the state's Natural Resources Police will be out in force this weekend making sure everyone on the water is enjoying themselves responsibly. [READ MORE](   [Here's what it's like to launch DC's iconic fireworks]( Chris Santore's company, Garden State Fireworks, puts on hundreds of displays every year, but nothing comes close to what happens in D.C. for the Fourth of July. [READ MORE](   Insight by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [New technology could make treating atrial fibrillation safer]( At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, a new technology called pulsed field ablation is now available as a treatment option for AFib and can reduce the risk of compilations.   [Matt About Town: Experience the spectacle of Z-Burger's annual Independence Day Burger Eating Championship]( The competition is in its 15th year and counting, and winners from this year's contest split $6,000 in prize money. But that number isn't the one that will baffle you. [READ MORE](   [DC-area veterinarian's tips for helping dogs frightened by the sound of fireworks]( While many humans will enjoy them on July Fourth, for many dogs fireworks can be stressful if they are within earshot of booms. A D.C.-area veterinarian explains how you can prepare your dog for the upcoming fireworks displays. [READ MORE](   INSIGHT BY RUBRIK [Cloud Exchange: The biggest misconceptions about cloud and how to solve for them]( Agencies need to prepare for the fact that when they go to the cloud, there's still a shared responsibility for protecting the data, explains Rubrik's Travis Rosiek.   [Virginia lawmakers strike deal to repeal restrictions on military tuition program]( After weeks of disagreement, Virginia lawmakers reached a deal to repeal restrictions on a program that offers free tuition at state schools for families of military veterans who were killed or disabled while on active duty. [READ MORE](   [What makes these the 100 deadliest days on the road - and what you can do about it]( “We continue to see about a third of our crashes are tied to impairment,” said Rick Birt, director of the D.C. Office of Highway Safety. “Alcohol, drugs, medication, a lot of things that people don't think impair them behind the wheel.” [READ MORE](   Insight by Palo Alto Networks [Cloud Exchange: Scaling security in the cloud]( Cybersecurity operations in the cloud require agencies to be “a lot more intentional” about scaling their security alongside their cloud operations, explains Eden Tesfay of Palo Alto Networks.   [Supercentenarian! 110-year-old Dollie Berry honored in Culpeper County]( The supercentenarian, who was celebrated by the county in a ceremony Tuesday night, has witnessed the advancement of automobiles and airplanes, the moon landing and more. [READ MORE](   [Community garden brings homegrown organic vegetables to DC's Ward 7]( In D.C.'s Ward 7, where many residents struggle with food insecurity, lies a community garden which is bringing locally-grown, organic vegetables to nearby residents. [READ MORE](   INSIGHT BY RED HAT [Cloud Exchange: Evolving infrastructure based on mission need, speed]( “When we think about the demand cycles that agencies may have … it can make a lot of sense to not own all of that iron inside of your data center,” says Red Hat's Adam Clater. It's why agencies increasingly rely on CSPs to meet infrastructure needs.   [After successful fundraiser, DC softball team heading to Little League World Series regional tournament]( The Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Little League softball team raised over $23,000, including a $2,500 donation from Monumental Sports and Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis. [READ MORE](   [Things to do in the DC area: Fourth of July, dancing … and more!]( There's so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating. 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