The Morning Buzz

Photo by Flickr user Savannah Grandfather

We've been contest-happy around here at Washingtonian.com lately. Feeling lucky? Enter our photo contest (details are here) and you could get published in the September issue of the magazine. If you're a foodie type, try out Todd Kliman's new contest, You Be a Critic, where he asks you to submit in a 75-word review of a dish you've enjoyed lately. The winner gets a gift certificate to Hooked.

A sign of the economy—Starbucks is closing 600 stores. No word if any of the approximately 3 billion Starbucks in Washington will be affected.

Beautiful weather lately got you feeling like a picnic? The Post gives you tips on how to create a great one.

If you're out and about late on July Fourth (remember, you can get our fireworks guide here), worry not—the Metro will be staying open until 3 AM.