You can call W. Kamau Bell a stand-up comedian, a podcast and radio host, an author. He鈥檚 all of those things plus the reigning Celebrity Jeopardy! champ. But what sets Bell apart from most multi-hyphenate entertainers is his social activism. He doesn鈥檛 just joke about how messed up things are right now; he actively tries to make change.

The Emmy and Peabody Award winner will be appearing Friday night at Strathmore Music Center in North Bethesda, Maryland, riffing on current events as part of his 鈥淲ho鈥檚 With Me?鈥� tour.

“I’m terminally online. I’m an information junkie. I keep up with the state of the news,” Bell said. “I’ve been on stage and had my phone go off as news broke, and been like, ‘Did everybody else see this?'”

He said not all his jokes are derived from current events, but it is an essential component of his shows.

“I’ve developed a style and an act and a point of view and a brand that if I don’t talk about the news, people are gonna be like, ‘What happened to Kamau? Did he have a stroke?'”

Bell’s last trip to the D.C.-area was quite memorable.

“The funny thing is, I was in D.C. proper, at a place formerly known as the Kennedy Center last year, the day after Trump announced he was taking it over,” he said. “The new tenants hadn’t moved in yet, but everybody was preparing for it. And so I was, when I was there, the thing that was so interesting about that show is a lot of people were wondering if I was going to cancel it. And I did it because I was on the plane as I found out he was taking it over. And also, as a comedian, we’re in the best position to do the show in the place like that, because we can talk directly to what’s going on.”

This time around, Bell said his performance should be a more joyful occasion.

“I remember the looks on people’s faces as I left, because people were like, they were mourning for what they weren’t going to have with the Kennedy Center going away,” Bell said. “I’m happy to see those people again in a new location where we can have a good time without feeling scared about the state of that specific building.”

Bell gained widespread popularity and critical acclaim for his original series “United Shades of America,” which ran for seven seasons on CNN beginning in 2016. Bell wanted to start the series off with a bang, so he chose to meet with the Ku Klux Klan for his first episode.

“The episode where I hung out with several members of the KKK, which, let’s be clear, we shot that in 2014, it was. Donald Trump had said he was running for president, but nobody took him seriously at that point,” Bell said. “It aired in like, spring of 2016, so the election hadn’t happened yet, and at the time, people were like, ‘Why would you spend so much time talking to the Klan? Like, this is not real?’ And at the time, I was like, ‘No, it’s real.’ And then we find out how real that force is in America through everything that’s going on now.”

Fans can expect Bell鈥檚 鈥渉it songs鈥� and lots of other jokes too.

“It’s either funny or it’s interesting or shocking, or it’s compelling or it’s nothing,鈥� Bell said.

When it comes to his audiences, Bell said he has a certain 鈥渢ype鈥� he prefers.

“Every comedian is different. So you know, Sebastian Maniscalco is going to want a different crowd than I want, and I think that’s fine,” Bell said. “I live in the Bay Area. The Bay Area is very ethnically, racially, socioeconomically mixed. I like crowds like that because then less groupthink develops, right? And people can just sit down and laugh.”

Bell said he knows his role is to make people laugh and think and to allow them to take a break from the world.

“I would invite people who feel that the world is like attacking them from all sides, or feel like the news attacking them from all sides and feel like everybody’s yelling at them,” he said. “This is a good place. I find a lot of times people come there and they laugh, and then afterwards they just sort of hang out in the halls and hang out in the lobby and just talk to each other.”

Tickets for W. Kamau Bell at Strathmore on Friday at 7:30 p.m. are available at and .

Source

Monday night capped a whirlwind few weeks for Kiki Rice and her UCLA teammates.

On April 5, UCLA’s senior-laden team beat South Carolina to win the school’s first ever NCAA Championship. Then on Monday, a record six UCLA players were selected in the first round of the WNBA draft.

Rice was taken by expansion team Toronto Tempo with the sixth overall pick.

“I had a great conversation with (Toronto) before the draft,鈥� Rice told reporters while attending the draft in New York. “I feel like they’ve been able to really appreciate a lot of things I do in my game. I can tell they’ve studied me a lot and they know the player they鈥檙e getting in me and that鈥檚 something that I really appreciate.鈥�

Rice, a 5-foot 11-inch guard from Bethesda, Maryland, ranked second on a very talented UCLA squad in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. She was named a third-team All-American. And in 2022, she was the All-Met player of the year at Sidwell Friends.

“I play both ends, I take pride in my defense, I compete at a high level and I work really hard,鈥� Rice told 91欧美激情.

The highlight of the night was “the moment I go to share with my family, to embrace and hug them when I heard my name being called,” she said.

“It鈥檚 super exciting that Kiki gets to be part of a new WNBA team,” Andrea Rice, Kiki鈥檚 mother, told 91欧美激情. “She鈥檒l have the opportunity to learn from the veterans who were selected in the expansion draft and a great veteran coach (Sandy Brondello).”

The WNBA added Toronto and Portland as expansion teams for the league鈥檚 30th season.

“She will forever be the first college draft pick ever for the Toronto Tempo,鈥� Andrea said.

The Tempo’s inaugural regular season game will be played May 8 in Toronto against the Washington Mystics, which drafted two of Rice鈥檚 UCLA teammates 鈥� center Lauren Betts and forward Angela Dugali膰.

The Tempo will face the Mystics in D.C. on June 12 and August 19.

Rice was one of two D.C.-area natives selected in the first round of Monday鈥檚 WNBA draft.

Azzi Fudd of Arlington, Virginia, became the first player from the region to be selected first overall. The UConn guard is going to the Dallas Wings.

Fudd, Rice and the other 2026 WNBA draft picks will be the beneficiaries of the new collective bargaining agreement 鈥� unanimously ratified last month 鈥� which will greatly increase rookie salaries. Fudd is getting a $500,000 paycheck.

Source

In the shelter, Patty was completely shut down: quiet, withdrawn, easy to overlook.聽But that wasn鈥檛 the full picture of who she is. The moment she stepped into a foster home, everything changed.

Now? Patty is a tiny, sun-loving queen with opinions, personality and a soft spot for her people.

This terrier mix has found her groove: lounging in warm patches of sunlight, enjoying calm companionship and occasionally breaking out into joyful little zoomies.

She鈥檚 low energy, dog-friendly and not much of a barker (unless meals are delayed 鈥� she has standards).

While she may take a moment to warm up, once she trusts you, she鈥檚 loyal, sweet and serves just the right amount of sass.

Patty is the perfect reminder that some dogs just need a little time and the right environment to show you who they truly are.

Want to meet her? Email her foster caregiver.

Because sometimes the dog you almost walk past just needs a couch, a home and a chance.

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for more information.

Source

This 1-year-old sweetheart is the kind of dog who seems to fit just about anywhere. She鈥檚 gentle, affectionate and wonderfully social 鈥� always happy to be near her people and check in with a soft, loving presence.

Despite her young age, she鈥檚 not mouthy and has a calm, easygoing demeanor that makes her especially lovely to be around.

Doodle Bug walks beautifully on leash, staying close and connected. She brings just the right amount of energy to her day.

She enjoys playtime and interaction, but she鈥檚 equally content soaking up pets and attention from her favorite humans. She鈥檚 the kind of dog staff and volunteers can鈥檛 stop talking about 鈥� sweet, adaptable and truly a joy to spend time with.

Whether you鈥檙e heading out for a walk or settling in at home, Doodle Bug is ready to be right there with you.

She鈥檚 a total catch, and we know the moment you meet her, you鈥檒l understand why.

Come meet Doodle Bug. Your “very good girl” is waiting.

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for more information.

Source

In 2026, the United States commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. During this Semiquincentennial year, discover two and a half centuries of the American experience as you traverse the Historic National Road in the , through portions of Maryland’s Carroll, Frederick and Washington counties. Follow in the footsteps of early settlers while learning about the history of the region and enjoying modern culture in National Pike towns.

With construction beginning in 1811, the Historic National Road was the first major U.S. highway built by the federal government. Start your journey on this iconic pathway in . A town that flourished in proximity to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Mount Airy is rich with history and small town charm.

While in Mount Airy, make sure to visit the located on Main Street in the historic train station. In celebration of the nation鈥檚 250th, the Historical Society of Mount Airy has created a special exhibit detailing the town鈥檚 role in the Civil War. Learn about the history of Maryland鈥檚 divided past and the people who called Mount Airy home.

After exploring Mount Airy, continue your road trip west to . Nestled in the sweeping Middletown Valley and located near Frederick, Middletown is the perfect place to refuel during your travels. Stop by the town鈥檚 to familiarize yourself with the area and learn about the nearby restaurants favored by the locals.

Secure your tickets for the , offering exclusive access to unique properties in Middletown, Frederick, and New Market, on June 13, 2026. Loosely following the National Road through Frederick County, this allows visitors to explore historic homes and gardens that reflect the region’s agricultural prosperity, industrial, and Civil War legacy.

From Middletown, head further west to to explore the . Experience the museum鈥檚 engaging exhibits and learn more about the road you have traveled so far. While in the area, take a short hike on the Appalachian Trail to see the first completed monument to the memory of George Washington at the .

Located near , , Boonsboro is a must-visit for all Civil War enthusiasts. On April 30, 2026, visit the located in Boonsboro for 鈥淗istory Distilled: Alcohol and the Civil War Era.鈥� During this storytelling event, treat yourself to a signature Pathfinder cocktail while three local historians explore the fascinating connections between alcohol and the American Civil War.

With exciting happening every month across the three counties, a warm welcome awaits visitors sojourning along the Historic National Road in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area.

Source

It was a dramatic grand finale to a 10-day mission that revealed not only swaths of the lunar far side never seen before by human eyes, but a total solar eclipse and a parade of planets, most notably our own shimmering Earth against the endless black void of space.

With their flight now complete, the four astronauts have set NASA up for a moon landing by another crew in just two years and a full-blown moon base within the decade.

The triumphant moon-farers 鈥� commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada鈥檚 Jeremy Hansen 鈥� emerged from their bobbing capsule into the sunlight off the coast of San Diego.

Source

It was a dramatic聽grand finale to a mission聽that revealed not only swaths of the lunar far side never seen before by human eyes, but a total solar eclipse and a parade of planets, most notably our own shimmering Earth against the endless black void of space.

With their flight now complete, the four astronauts have set NASA up for a moon landing by another crew in just two years and a full-blown moon base within the decade.

The triumphant moon-farers 鈥� commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada鈥檚 Jeremy Hansen 鈥� emerged from their bobbing capsule into the sunlight off the coast of San Diego.

Launched from Florida on April 1, the astronauts racked up one win after another on a 10-day mission as they navigated NASA鈥檚 long-awaited lunar comeback, marking the first major step in establishing a sustainable moon base.

NASA has planned out a carefully timed reentry process the crew will undergo before landing, with a targeted splashdown time of 8:07 p.m., according to 91欧美激情’s Greg Redfern.

“They go through the time frame in which the plasma cloud that surrounds them, the spacecraft will be out of radio communication,” Redfern said. “And we wait for that reentry and then the call to integrity. And hopefully we see those beautiful mains that pop out and recovery crew ready to get them.”

A livestream of the Artemis II finale is below:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source

This sweet, waggy little guy is full-grown and a great size for apartment living, making him an easy fit for many homes. Marvin is attentive, affectionate and loves connecting with people.

He’s also deaf, and the Humane Rescue Alliance is ready to provide resources and guidance for any prospective adopters interested in making him part of their family.

He鈥檒l benefit from adopters who can use patient, positive training 鈥� like hand signals and consistency 鈥� to help him continue building confidence and communication.

Marvin is currently being treated for heartworm, which means he鈥檒l need a calm environment and crate rest while he heals. The good news is that the Humane Rescue Alliance will cover the cost of his treatment at no charge to his adopter.

With a cozy place to relax, gentle routines, and lots of care, he鈥檒l be on the path to feeling his best.

This 2-year-old, 27-pound pup enjoys sniffing around the yard, soaking up pets, and spending time with his people.

Marvin is a truly special dog who will thrive in a supportive, loving home.

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for more information.

Source

He was previously adopted, but returned when his adopter realized they were looking for a higher-energy dog. Boomer, on the other hand, is more of a laid-back companion who enjoys a slower pace.

This big, fluffy guy is as sweet as they come! He loves attention, pets, and plenty of snuggles (and would happily claim a spot on your couch!). With his beautiful coat, Boomer will need regular brushing to keep him looking and feeling his best, and he enjoys the one-on-one time that comes with it.

Boomer is easygoing and content with relaxed walks, plenty of sniffing time and hanging out with his people. He already knows cues like 鈥渟it鈥� and 鈥減aw,鈥� and will happily show off his adorable little dance for treats.

On a recent outing, a volunteer shared that Boomer was calm, friendly, and happy to greet everyone he met. He walked nicely on leash, settled easily and showed just how wonderful a companion he can be.

If you鈥檙e looking for a low-key, affectionate dog with a big, fluffy presence, Boomer may be the perfect match.

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for more information.

Source

Rice and her UCLA Bruins face South Carolina in the NCAA Women鈥檚 National Championship game Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Eastern in Phoenix. UCLA enters the matchup with a 36-1 record, while South Carolina is 36-3.

The 5-foot-11 senior guard grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, in a highly athletic family. Her brother, Teo, and father, John, both played basketball at Yale, while her mother, Andrea, played tennis there. Rice was the All-Met Player of the Year at Sidwell Friends and the No. 2 recruit in the country coming out of high school.

鈥淐oming out of high school, Kiki had her choice of colleges. Many thought she鈥檇 choose one of the perennial national champions, but she was drawn to UCLA for the opportunity to build something special. She wanted to help bring the program to places it hadn鈥檛 been before. She has absolutely done that 鈥� along with her amazing teammates,鈥� Andrea Rice told 91欧美激情.

Win or lose on Sunday, this season is already the best in UCLA women鈥檚 basketball history. The Bruins went undefeated in Big Ten regular-season play at 22-0, won the Big Ten tournament for the second straight year, recorded the most wins in school history and earned their first-ever No. 1 national ranking. Now, they are one win away from the program鈥檚 first national championship.

Last year, UCLA reached the Final Four for the first time and lost to eventual champion UConn, a defeat that Rice said became a valuable learning experience.

鈥淭he experience that we got from last year鈥檚 Final Four and everything we went through last year I think it prepared us for what to expect coming into this Final Four so we knew there was a lot of outside distractions that are pulling us in different ways but just to stay focused, control what you can control and make the most of an opportunity,鈥� Rice said after UCLA鈥檚 semifinal win over Texas.

Rice finished that game with 11 points and five rebounds, sealing a 51-44 win over the Longhorns, who handed UCLA its only loss of the season back in November.

Since then, the Bruins have won 30 straight games, led by All-American center Lauren Betts and Rice, who ranks second on the team in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. Rice was named a third-team AP All-American.

鈥淲e are so proud of Kiki,鈥� Rice said. 鈥淪he bet on herself, and what could be better as a parent than seeing your child work hard on a dream and watching it come true?鈥�

Source