National Zoo To Return, Divide On School Reopening: Patch PM

Here are the share-worthy stories from Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia Patches to talk about tonight:

Smithsonian's National Zoo Reopens Friday, Face Masks Required

The Smithsonian's National Zoo will reopen Friday with numerous safeguards put in place during the coronavirus pandemic. The zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Face coverings are required for all guests ages six and older. Face coverings are recommended for guests ages two to five. All employees will wearing face masks. The zoo also will be limiting the number of guests in the park to 5,000 per time and will use timed entry passes.

Robert E. Lee Boyhood Home Is Sold In Old Town Alexandria

The historic Robert E. Lee boyhood home in Old Town Alexandria is no longer on the market.

Dr. Fauci To Throw Out First Pitch For Nationals On Opening Day

Dr. Anthony Fauci will throw out the first pitch Thursday when Major League Baseball begins an abbreviated season, with the World Series champions Washington Nationals hosting the New York Yankees. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a diehard Nationals fan, has emerged as the nation's leading voice on the coronavirus since the pandemic began.

Hour-By-Hour Climb To A 108-Degree Heat Index In NoVA, DC

As miserably hot and sticky as Sunday felt across northern Virginia, Monday will be even worse, say weather forecasters. A heat advisory will go into effect for much of the state from noon until 8 p.m., the National Weather Service said.

Virginia Coronavirus Death Average Falls Amid July Case Increases

The average of new coronavirus cases remains on the upward trend in Virginia as an additional 945 cases were reported Monday. The same trend hasn't been observed in the number of deaths, with just four reported statewide and none in Northern Virginia since Sunday. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the latest cumulative totals in Virginia are 78,375 cases, 7,201 hospitalizations, and 2,031 deaths.

What Fairfax County Families Chose For School Reopening

Fairfax County Public Schools has released data on families' choices for returning to school in the new academic year. The school district also surveyed teachers and support staff, but the teachers union is urging FCPS to consider in-person instruction at a later time.

Haymarket Women's Group Rallies Community To Assist Food Pantry

A Haymarket charitable group has collected more than $42,000 and 1 ton of food to help a local food pantry meet the needs of families since the start of the coronavirus crisis. Over the past three months, the group, the Regency Women's Club, rallied its more than 200 members to find ways to support the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry in Gainesville.

Also Worth a Look Today

• 2 Prince George's County Men Charged In Arlington Fatal Shooting
• Mask Ordered At VA, DC Walmart, CVS, Harris Teeter, Target Stores
• Arlington Board Accepts COVID-19 Funding For Housing
• Comet Neowise: How, When To See It In NoVA, DC
• Fredericksburg Transit Provides Free Mobile App To Track Buses
• Flames From Propane Grill On Deck Lead To Chantilly House Fire
• Loudoun Home Burns After Service Line Ignites Mulch: Fire Marshal
• Fredericksburg Cancels Meeting To Discuss Protesting At Homes
• Loudoun Patch Pet Of The Week: Bring Sweet Lucky Into Your Life
• Adorable Adoptable Pets Of The Week From Humane Rescue Alliance
• Navy Service Member Wins Award For Volunteering At Capital Caring
• Marine Corps Marathon Goes Virtual Due To Coronavirus Concerns
• Fatal Crash Reported At Telegraph Road Intersection: Police
• Virtual Meetings Planned On Fairfax County Parkway Study
• Italian Restaurant Piece Out Opens In Del Ray
• D.C. Man Arrested In Silver Spring For Drugs, Gun: Police Report

Across America

• New Stimulus Talks Begin; Trump Aims To Cut Funds For Testing
• LA 'On The Brink' Of New Shutdown Orders As Coronavirus Surges
• Suspect In Fatal Shooting Of Judge's Son In NJ Is Dead: Feds
• Cuomo Threatens To Close Restaurants, Bars If Violations Persist
• NJ To Offer Remote-Learning Option For Schools Amid Coronavirus