See: A Note About Our July Cover 

Capital Comment Battle of the multimillion-dollar boondoggles . . . Celebs dish about summer pleasures . . . Can this geek save the Post?

Where & When Sunset serenades at the zoo . . . Fringe Festival is back . . . Merce Cunningham dancers at Wolf Trap . . . Hip-hop times two . . . A Mount Vernon Fourth.

Bears in Our Back yards A bear in Bethesda? A cougar in McLean? A biologist says wild animals live much closer to us than you might think. Interview by Cindy Rich.

*&#S@% Dan Snyder! Sports news is no longer controlled by journalists. Bloggers now offer smart analysis—and lots of frat-house humor. By Drew Lindsay.

Inside the Real Smithsonian Its name is in lights on movie marquees. On the Mall, its new leader has been looking over his 137 million props and getting ready for his close-up. By Susan Baer.

Tiger Made Me Do It What made a woman turn her life around? She says, “I just loved the way he hit that ball.” By Leonard Shapiro.

Patriot Games Photos where the red-white-and-blue makes its way into our hearts.

2 Zimms One’s a rookie, one’s a star. Together they let Nationals fans dream of a winning team. By Harry Jaffe.

Dear Mr. President So far, so good—on your dining-out choices. Here are ten other places you should try. By Todd Kliman.

“We Want These Cases Closed” For years, DC police have mishandled evidence that could have put killers behind bars. Now they’re making progress, but how do you solve a ten-year-old murder? By Brendan L. Smith.

“I Couldn’t Give Up on These Guys” Forty soldiers died defending Washington. Finding out who they were became a park ranger’s mission. By Elizabeth H. McGowan.

Best of Washington Looking for summer treats? Here are more than 150 of the best people, places, and things to do. Plus—readers pick their favorites.

Top Therapists Mental illness can take a big toll. Here’s what’s helpful to know about the warning signs and finding good care—including a guide to the area’s most respected therapists. By Dana Scarton.

Stimulus Central Washington companies are poised to benefit from government spending. Plus—2009’s Business Leader of the Year. By Wayne F. Nelson and Ellen S. McLellan.

Deals Savings on stylish attire exclusively for Washingtonian readers. By McLean Robbins.

Summer Beauty Guide Treatments and products to help you pamper your skin, protect your eyes, make feet happy, tame frizzy hair, and more.

Best Bites Great dining deals . . . The bread baron is back . . . Gillian Clark’s new General Store . . . Chicago-style hot dogs in Ashburn . . . Inside the Rasika chef’s fridge.

Dining Out Potenza offers plenty of abbondanza. Plus—Robert Wiedmaier opens a trio in Old Town, Sea Pearl glitters in Falls Church, and Hank’s is a crowd pleaser in Hyattsville. By Todd Kliman, Ann Limpert, Kate Nerenberg, and Rina Rapuano.

Luxury Homes Redskins legend sells in Vienna, car mogul in Georgetown.

Steals on the Shore The beach house you’ve always wanted may now be much more affordable. By Jessica Sidman.

Pets How to cool off your pup when it’s too hot for a walk. By Matt Carr.

Returning to her Roots A gardener sows seeds of opportunity. By Renee Sklarew.

“Let’s Go Eat” He was always up for a dining adventure—and his favorites were places with character and soul. I wouldn’t be who I am without him. By Todd Kliman.