Good morning, Washington. The National Air and Space Museum closed Saturday and at least one person was pepper-sprayed after hundreds of anti-war demonstrators tried to enter the museum to protest a drone exhibit. The group was carrying signs that are forbidden inside, and some individuals reportedly began shoving guards when asked to leave the signage at the door. more ›

Good morning, Washington. If you were hoping for a brighter weekend, you’ll be sorely disappointed. A thick fog at dawn gives way to a sticky, damp Saturday. While rain isn't certain, prepare for another couple of gray days. more ›

We just got word from the NoMa Business Improvement District that the long-awaited Harris Teeter located at 1201 First Street NE will be officially opening for business tonight. Between 5:30 and 8 p.m., the store will host a ribbon cutting event and a soft opening with a bunch of free samples and wine; at 8, the store will open for your shopping pleasure. The store will open at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning and will begin regular operating hours (7 a.m.-midnight daily) on Thursday. The Harris Teeter -- which at 50,000-square-feet, is the chain's largest store in the District -- serves as the anchor for the huge mixed-use Constitution Square development. Based on this editor's Twitter feed, which has been laced with "if only the Harris Teeter was open" from hungry Northeast residents for some time, there should be some very happy grocery shoppers in D.C. today. more ›

In the NoMa BID's ongoing quest to spruce up their neighborhood, they now have a $50,000 matching grant awarded by the D.C. Commission on Arts and Humanities for the installation of public art. They intend to use it for artwork along First Street NE, an area currently zoned for mixed-use development. The cash is through the Public Art Building Communities grant program, "which offers funds to eligible artists and nonprofit organizations for the creation and installation of permanent public art projects in the District, including sculptures, mosaics, murals, special paving, custom benches, artistic gates, and more." Local artists, take note: the NoMa BID is putting out a call for artists very soon (keep your eye on their web site), with hopes to have the work completed by fall of 2009. more ›

Despite eight full floors filled with the work of over 800 visual artists, a slew of stages prepared for musical, dance, theatric, and 200 other performing artists, it's good to remember that Artomatic, which opens today, is about a lot more than "art." more ›

This morning Artomatic announced that they'll be holding court with their massive art fair in North Capitol Hill from May 9 to June 15 this year. Originally a biennial deal, Artomatic suffered from lack of a venue in 2006, causing a three year gap. But this will now be their second show in two years, after their success in Crystal City last spring. more ›