Coming back to the District Wharf this Sunday, May 15 is the Running of Chihuahuas! Tommy's hosting the high energy afternoon. The highlight of the afternoon, the races features over 90 Chihuahuas racing in groups of eight on a sixty foot “race track.” All the action is captured on a huge video wall and the winners take home pet-friendly gifts, prizes, and more! ALL race proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue – a non-profit organization dedicated to pulling dogs from high-kill rural shelters.

Ride with Alto ride share to the event. ridealto.com/download

Washington Capitals fell to the Panthers in overtime during Game 4, tying the series 2-2. They head back to Florida before at least one more game in DC. Nats players cheered on the team, Juan Soto and Davey Martinez spotted taking photos with fans in the arena. In other baseball news "Baby Shark" to stay in DC, he has retired from being a player to now working as Mike Rizzo’s special assistant.

Jon Stewart Honored for Comedy and Service. The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is given to someone who shapes our culture through comedy. Jon Stewart was honored for not just his legendary run on the Daily Show but his commitment to causes like 9/11 Responders and supporting service members. Celebs in town included Bruce Springsteen, Dave Chappelle, Samantha Bee, Pete Davidson and more.

What's the sound in Del Ray. Over the last week, chimes were heard throughout the Alexandria area. The DCist got to the bottom of it “We were actually testing our Giant Voice System on Monday evening,” says Anastazia Clouting, a spokesperson for Anacostia-Bolling. Next question is what is a Giant Voice System.

Tis the Mystics Season. Home opener is set for April 27, and we talked about Alysha Clark, Forward for the Mystics. Clark was a guest on Tommy’s podcast “Walk A Mile.”

Helix is Happening. Amazon got the sign-off for the construction of their HQ Helix from Arlington County last week. Construction to start soon with completion by 2025.

World Cup in DC but Baltimore. DC and Baltimore are teaming up for a bid to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two cities would merge their bids to hold games at the MT Bank Stadium in Baltimore and a Fan Fest on the National Mall in DC.

Our first show since the legendary Wendy Rieger passed away. We shared some thoughts on her life, favorite interview memories and how she might have unstuck that freight ship in the Chesapeake.

Thank A Teacher with Virginia Lottery. Every year the Virginia Lottery rolls out their “Thank A Teacher” campaign around teacher appreciation week in May. We’ve got a look at the winning art and how you can send a teacher a thank you. Also how you can help that teacher win a vacation and supplies for their school.

Visit Paris in Downtown DC. Notre Dame de Paris, a one of a kind exhibit that’s in DC and not to be missed. Tommy had the very first look inside with NBC4’s SCENE

Jon Stewart Gets Mark Twain Prize. Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize honors Stewart and his friends will be there too. Keep an eye out for Samantha Bee, Steve Carell, Dave Chappelle, Stephen Colbert, Pete Davidson, Jimmy Kimmel, Olivia Munn,  and Trevor Noah around DC this weekend

DC The Home Of Throne. Have you seen the solar powered, cellphone operated, water sustainable public restroom of the future?  Throne is a DC start up that’s trying to revolutionize potty time. A story you saw first on NBC4’s The SCENE, Tommy has more of the scoop on the future of public restrooms

Capitals 8 Consecutive Playoff Runs. The Capitals’ run of eight consecutive playoff appearances – the second-longest in franchise history behind a stretch of 14 straight from 1983 to 1996 – includes a Stanley Cup win in 2018 and is the second-longest active stretch behind the rival Penguins (16, including 2022). Ovi ties Gretzky and Bossy’s record of 9 seasons of 50 or more goals.

Wendy Rieger was our guest the first week of our reboot. This conversation is something we've quoted ever since. We're sharing the full, unedited, interview to honor our dear friend Wendy Rieger. She brought the light and energy of the sun into Kelly's basement studio that cold February morning.

We learned this week Rieger has entered hospice care after an almost year-long battle with brain cancer. Wendy's life is one of no regrets. She openly shared details with us about her view of living, dating, her love for nature, and her 30+ career as a TV journalist in DC. Always with an amazing sense of humor and great advice, Tommy and Kelly agree that this is their favorite interview they have done in their 12 years of broadcasting.

DISCLAIMER: In this interview, she was very single. She is now married to her beloved Dan and in the podcast links below you can hear her talk about their love story.

We ask that you send some love and good thoughts to beloved Wendy Rieger.

Links:

Podcast: In her own words, Wendy shared her story on open-heart surgery:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tommy-and-kelly-show/id1452501900?i=1000510332358

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zSm7KZyeNPLKTv6wVv1Tt

Podcast: In her own words, Wendy returns to work after brain surgery and "chasing life."

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tommy-and-kelly-show/id1452501900?i=1000531707538

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6AQO22K2wPqdpkQPNvwARH

NBC4 Update On Wendy Rieger

https://www.nbcwashington.com/on-nbc4/about-us/an-update-on-wendy-rieger/3026183/

Big Congrats to Capital Food Fight Champion Chef Benjamin Lambert of The Point in SW DC.  Celebrity judges included Andrew Zimmermrn, Spike Mendelsohn, Maneet Chauhan, Tom Colicchio, Kristen Kish, Ryan Zimmerman, Alysha Clark of the Washington Mystics and Rocco Dispirito. 100% of the proceeds from this event go toward DC Central Kitchen’s work to combat hunger and create opportunity in Washington, DC.

Juan Good Things About Opening Day. Nationals Fans came in full force for a rainy and cold opening day, losing to the Mets 5-1, the only run, a home run by the new face of the team, Juan Soto. Kelly shared the scoop on new attractions at Nats Park.

Chef Jose Andres Gets The NatGeo Documentary Treatment. We Feed People, starring chef Jose Andrés and the work of his team at World Central Kitchen drops on Disney+ on May 27, 2022.

Restaurant Association Metro Washington #Rammy Noms. Industry professionals and their fans gathered this evening as Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced finalists for the 2022 RAMMY Awards, the winners of which will be named on Sunday, July 24, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The 40th Annual RAMMYS return to honor excellence in long-standing and pandemic-era categories that range from individual professional honors to accolades celebrating culinary concepts and service.

Airplane Bean Bag Toss For Ukraine. People around the world have found ways to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes in Russia's war on the country.

Sunday afternoon at the Warrenton Airport you can pay to drop bean bags from a moving airplane with the money benefitting World Central Kitchen. Air Drop For Ukraine is organized by Aviation Adventures. Owner Bob Hepp shared the details.

Earthling! Falls Church Man Breaks Space Record

Falls Church native Mark Vande Hei is back on Earth after a record breaking 355 days at the International Space Station. He hitched a ride back with two Russian Cosmonauts. Wonder want that convo on the ride back was like?

Bayou Bakery Chef Guas In Poland Helping Refugees

As humanitarian efforts from around the world are sending money and support to refugees fleeing Ukraine Arlington’s Chef David Guas hopped on a plane to prepare meals just miles from the border in Poland. 

If you’re married you’ll totally relate to how he ended up in Europe.

Baseball, Blossoms and Horses Nationals Park

Nationals Park hosted a launch party for fans to view and purchase the highly anticipated cherry blossom-themed City Connect line on Wednesday. 

WIN DC Central Kitchen #CapFoodFight Tickets

We’e one week away from the DC Central Kitchen Capital Food Fight.  You can wine a pair of tickets and $100 in Alto rideshare credit on Tommy’s Instagram and Kelly’s Instagram.

Awarding RBG and Bono

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s children donated items of her life and career to the Smithsonian American History Museum

The Museum also presented RBG (posthumously) with the “Great American Medal” past recipients include  Madeleine Albright, Gen. Colin Powell, Tom Brokaw, Cal Ripken Jr., Billie Jean King, Paul Simon and Dr. Fauci. 

Bono of U2, ONE, RED, and all the other things Fame is in DC too. Yesterday he roamed the halls of the Capitol making a point to stop and chat with Capitol Police.  Tonight he’ll receive the William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding because well, he’s Bono and does all kinds of good things for the world.

University of Maryland Women’s basketball team is in the Sweet Sixteen, playing against number 1 seed Stanford on Friday night.

There is a petition for Mayor Bowser to get the Potomac River to be deemed safe for swimming.

DC is getting ready for the annual Cherry Blossom kite festival, Tommy does deep dive on the history of kite flying - it used to be illegal in DC?

Jose Andres is going to space! He has developed a paella in collaboration with NASA that will travel to the International Space Station.

Join us at Freedom Plaza on March 27, 2022 to run or walk the DC ScopeItOut 5K. Register today, fundraise and build your team, and get ready to run during colorectal cancer awareness month.

Tix On Sale for DC Central Kitchen #CapFoodFight

Tom Colicchio, Andrew Zimmern, Spike Mendelsohn will be at The Anthem on April 7 for the annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen. Four of DC’s best chefs battle head-to-head on stage while you enjoy food and drinks from dozens of your favorite restaurants! Tickets are now on sale.

The National Gallery of Art will open its West Building after-hours from 6 to 9 p.m. for “National Gallery Nights”, kicking off April 14th. Registration required and limited capacity.

LINKS:

Illegal to Fly A Kite: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/until-1970-it-was-illegal-to-fly-a-kite-in-washington-hippies-got-the-law-changed/2020/04/04/b339f68a-750d-11ea-a9bd-9f8b593300d0_story.html

https://www.nps.gov/nama/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm

Petition To Swim in the Potomac https://www.change.org/p/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-lift-ban-on-swimming-in-dc?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_32701729_en-US%3A3recruiter=1254444865utm_source=share_petitionutm_medium=copylinkutm_campaign=share_petition

Jose Andres Goes to Space: https://www.fastcompany.com/90730272/from-ukrainians-to-astronauts-on-the-iss-jose-andres-is-feeding-anyone-in-need-and-well

The National Gallery of Art https://www.nga.gov/calendar/community-events/nights.html

Scope It Out Race: https://impact.ccalliance.org/event/2022-dc-scopeitout-5k/e364416

Food Fight tickets and info: www.capitalfoodfight.org

The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a one-year contract with left-handed pitcher Sean Doolittle and announced their promotion calendar for the season.

Women’s March Madness has a few local teams Howard, U of MD, and American University.

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, the Kennedy Center will present the 23rd annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor to Jon Stewart. Widely considered to be the nation’s highest recognition for humorists, the Prize honors an artist each year who has unquestionably shaped the world of comedy.

For the full schedule of National Park Service cherry blossom events, including the Anacostia River Festival to be held in Anacostia Park, as well as a history of the cherry blossoms, and the bloom watch countdown, go to www.nps.gov/cherry.

The Friends Experience opens up in downtown DC and runs through June.

Join us at Freedom Plaza on March 27, 2022 to run or walk the DC ScopeItOut 5K. Register today, fundraise and build your team, and get ready to run during colorectal cancer awareness month.

Tix On Sale for DC Central Kitchen #CapFoodFight

Tom Colicchio, Andrew Zimmern, Spike Mendelsohn will be at The Anthem on April 7 for the annual fundraiser for DC Central Kitchen. Four of DC’s best chefs battle head-to-head on stage while you enjoy food and drinks from dozens of your favorite restaurants! Tickets are now on sale.

New Walk A Mile podcast alert - Tommy interviews Alysha Clark the upbeat, positive, dog-loving, coffee enthusiast, foodie who's ready to light it up for the Washington Mystics. The WNBA star is exploring DC after an injury, pandemic, and interrupted a few years. We stepped out to Walk A Mile in Northeast at Union Market. SPOILER: You're about to hear them become best friends.

Scope It Out Race: https://impact.ccalliance.org/event/2022-dc-scopeitout-5k/e364416

Food Fight tickets and info: www.capitalfoodfight.org

Mark Twain at Kennedy Center:

https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/comedy/2021-2022/marktwain-stewart/

Walk A Mile Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kAJ372eN3RTR7Lk4d3TX6?si=fWe9r44cSKSObfbhT5v0WA

Tickets for Friends Experience https://www.friendstheexperience.com

RG3's Tell All Not Happening

RG3 is having second thoughts about spilling the tea on Dan Synder and his former team.

Happening in Tysons Corner Center, VA

New Restaurant Opening in Capital One Center, Long Shot Hospitality, which operates Salt Line and Dauphine’s will open an 11,000-square-foot Tex-Mex restaurant. Cirque de Soliel returns to Tysons Corner in July.

Zelensky Way In Front Russian Embassy and Yo-Yo Ma Plays In Protest

Protesters continue in front of the Russian Embassy including a world-famous cellist making a stop to perform before his appearance at the Kennedy Center. Ovi still has a Putin selfie on his IG?

Lady Gaga's Coming To Town

Lady Gaga: The Chromatica Ball first US stop is at Nats Park on August 8.

People Are Less Angry Than Twitter

Axios is reporting:

75% of people in the U.S. never tweet. On an average weeknight in January, just 1% of U.S. adults watched primetime Fox News (2.2 million). 0.5% tuned into MSNBC (1.15 million). Nearly three times more Americans (56%) donated to charities during the pandemic than typically give money to politicians and parties (21%).

DC Chefs Celebrate #InternationalWomensDay

Regarding Her [RE:Her] DC is amplifying the voices of women-identifying food and drink entrepreneurs across the Washington, DC region with exciting culinary collaborations and a celebratory dinner as a part of the 14 Days RE:Her DC Festival [March 14-27, 2022.

Websites:

Lady Gaga Tour https://www.ladygaga.com

Regarding Her Food Fetival https://www.regardingherfooddc.org

Report on People Are Nice: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/?utm_source=newsletterutm_medium=emailutm_campaign=newsletter_axiosfinishlinestream=top

Yo Yo Ma In Front of Russian Embassy https://www.popville.com/2022/03/yo-yo-ma-cello-front-of-russian-embassy/