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Volume 47, Number 1
Cover Story
Fall Arts Preview
The season’s hottest tickets in theater, music, art, and dance. Plus—people to watch, good places to eat, new things to see, how to save on tickets, and more.
By Sophie Gilbert
Cover set design by Vault49
Features
A Cardinal’s Call
The Vatican’s representative in Washington is a key link between US Catholics and the pope. Donald Wuerl prefers to work quietly, but he hasn’t always been able to avoid confrontation. By Jennifer Skalka Tulumello
The 100 Most Powerful Women
Three are on the Supreme Court, one has been elected Episcopal bishop of Washington, and a female Secretary of State has better poll numbers than her boss. Here are the 100 women on top in Washington. By Leslie Milk
Above the Chesapeake
For his new book, photographer Cameron Davidson covered the Chesapeake Bay watershed by air.
Free John Hinckley
Thirty years ago, he shot President Ronald Reagan. A jury found him not guilty by reason of insanity, and he has lived at DC’s St. Elizabeths Hospital ever since. Now the law says it’s time to let him go. By Harry Jaffe
Am I Good Enough Now?
The pressure at top private schools is burning some kids out. Should there be more focus on health and happiness and less on getting into an Ivy? By Judy Holland
Searching for the Right Private School
With so many good choices, there’s a fit for every student. Here are schools that experts say truly stand out—and why. Plus, a list of the area’s private high schools. By Mollie Reilly
Departments
Capital Comment
Political-trivia quiz: Who gets confirmed by the Senate? . . . Worst-named restaurant dishes . . . Comparing DC’s intellectual heavyweights . . . Good Washington reads . . . Sizing up this year’s high-court clerks . . . New “In the Loop” . . . Covering Rick Perry . . . National Geo’s Amazon explorer.
Where & When
White House treasures at the Renwick . . . Suzanne Farrell Ballet celebrates Balanchine . . . Cyndi Lauper at the 9:30 . . . Sonny Rollins at the KenCen . . . Aida at George Mason . . . Silent Othello at Synetic . . . Early Sondheim at Signature . . . Ballet Hispanico at Strathmore.
A Lucky Man
As a boy, he lost family in the Holocaust. Now a lawyer dedicated to reconciliation, he says the US could do better in helping protect human rights. Interview by Michael Abramowitz
Best of Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant
Good dining, nightlife, and hidden gems in two vibrant, up-and-coming DC neighborhoods.
Romantic Weekends
Five getaways where you can enjoy falling leaves and prices—plus winetastings, spa treatments, and a walk in the woods. By Andrea C. Poe
Very Nice Neck Lines
Put your best face forward by wearing something eye-catching around your neck, from bold necklaces to colorful scarves to handsome ties. By Sarah Zlotnick
Put Down the Tissue
Washington can be a tough place for allergy and asthma sufferers. Here’s how our region rates—plus doctors to see for relief. By Paul Quinlan
Dining Out
Mike Isabella opens a DC hot spot as loud and energetic as his Jersey Mike persona on TV’s Top Chef but much more likable. Plus—two big-name chefs falter with new restaurants, and a good quick-lunch place opens in Clarendon.
Best Bites
Where the chefs eat after hours . . . The pupusa rage . . . Superlative Manhattans . . . Where to go for Chinese . . . Picks in College Park.
Create a Great Kitchen
Five new kitchens—from traditional to very modern—that are as practical as they are stylish. Plus, two married chefs test appliances, what’s new in countertops and backsplashes, designers who can help, good stores, and more.
Benefits
Good times for good causes in October. By Katharine Ragsdale
Renter’s Paradise
In a fickle real-estate market, new luxury rentals are not a bad place to be. By Kimberly Palmer
Luxury Homes
Former George Mason basketball coach Jim Larranaga sells for $1.3 million.
Trick or Treat
Some pets get into the spirit of Halloween. By Gwendolyn Purdom
Whose Heart Do I Have?
When she was four, she got a heart transplant. Then one day a letter arrived in the mail. By Allison Sklarew