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Online betting platforms have users betting on nuclear war — and now, apparently, they'll be able to bet on humanity's destruction in person.

Prediction market site Polymarket announced on social media yesterday that its bar The Situation Room will open in Washington, D.C., tomorrow.

Polymarket calls it "the world's first bar dedicated to monitoring the situation," referencing the meme of looking at the news or, for bettors, the market.

In a follow-up post, Polymarket stated, "Imagine a sports bar… but just for situation monitoring — live X feeds, flight radar, Bloomberg terminals, and Polymarket screens." The concept artwork features not just a bar with screens on the walls, as is typical of any sports bar, but also additional screens on columns and what appears to be a globe in the center of the room (it seems to be a screen, like a mini-Vegas Sphere).

As Mashable has reported, online gambling is everywhere now. The wave that began with sports betting has exploded into wagering money on basically everything — including aforementioned nuclear fallout, but also which movie will win Best Picture, how many times Elon Musk will post on X in a given month, and more.

Given the gambling boom, it makes sense that Polymarket is capitalizing on it and turning it into an IRL experience. And it's not the first; in February, Polymarket opened a free grocery store in New York City for five days.

Who wants to bet on how odd that bar will smell?

Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky.

Bryan Betancur, widely referred to online as the Washington, D.C. hair toucher, was recently recorded allegedly harassing a woman at a bar in Washington, D.C., despite being under court-ordered restrictions. The incident, which reportedly took place at the Polymarket bar, involved a visiting journalist and his group of friends. The footage has raised fresh concerns about Betancur’s behavior following his release and the effectiveness of restrictions placed on him.

The video was recorded by GoadGatsby, a journalist who covers Virginia politics, during a visit to the city. He later posted the footage to X, formerly known as Twitter, where it initially drew limited attention before gaining wider traction after being reposted to a Washington, D.C. subreddit. The Reddit upload accumulated several hundred upvotes and dozens of comments, significantly amplifying its reach.

In the video, the Washington D.C. hair toucher is seen approaching the group and accusing them of stalking him. The interaction becomes tense as he continues engaging with them, with particular focus on a female member of the group. The group pushes back, telling him that approaching them, especially given his recent legal situation, is inappropriate. At one point, Betancur says he does not care before eventually disengaging and leaving. The situation does not escalate further.

According to WUSA 9, the Washington D.C. hair toucher previously drew attention after being accused of approaching women on Washington Metro trains, touching their hair without consent, and livestreaming the encounters on X. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and later released with an ankle monitor, along with a court order banning him from all Metro stations. He has stated that he was not in the right state of mind during those incidents and denied intending harm. He was also among those who unlawfully entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and was later pardoned.

Redditors Express Concern Over Washington, D.C. “Hair Toucher”

Online reactions to the video have been largely critical, with many expressing concern that the Washington D.C. hair toucher continues to approach strangers despite the scrutiny surrounding his case. Some users pointed out that although he is banned from the Metro system, he is still able to move around the city, raising questions about how effectively the restrictions are being enforced. Others noted that he appears to be continuing the same behavior even after legal consequences, suggesting he remains undeterred.

Several commenters also warned people to be cautious in public, arguing that similar incidents could still occur outside of livestreamed settings. A number of users highlighted the shift in location, observing that the encounters now seem to be happening in social venues rather than on public transit. One commenter added, “LMAO he was at the polymarket bar. That place should be like a roach motel or hotel california.”

The Washington D.C. hair toucher video is gaining attention because it appears to show behavior similar to prior allegations, now occurring outside the Metro system despite existing restrictions and heightened public scrutiny. While no physical altercation is seen, many Washington, D.C. Reddit users expressed concern and discomfort over the encounter.

Published on March 16, 2026

DiamondRock Hospitality Company has announced that it will publish its financial results for the first quarter of 2026 at the end of April, offering insight into performance trends across its hotel and resort portfolio that largely serves major tourism destinations in the United States.

The company stated that the results will be released after the market closes on 30 April 2026, followed by a conference call scheduled for 1 May 2026. The update is expected to provide an overview of operational performance and travel demand across leisure-focused hotel markets.

The hospitality real estate investment trust operates a geographically diverse collection of hotels and resorts positioned in prominent leisure destinations and major gateway cities that attract domestic and international travellers. These locations continue to play a significant role in supporting tourism activity across the United States.

Hotel Portfolio Reflects Leisure Travel Demand

DiamondRock Hospitality owns a portfolio of 35 hotels and resorts comprising roughly 9,600 rooms. Many of these properties are located in areas known for high tourism activity, including beach destinations, urban tourism hubs and popular holiday markets.

Tourism-related accommodation is a major component of the US travel economy. According to the US Travel Association, leisure travel continues to account for a substantial portion of hotel demand across the country, particularly in destinations that combine attractions, entertainment and accessibility.

Hotels located in leisure-focused markets tend to benefit from seasonal tourism flows, large-scale events and domestic travel trends. Such properties often experience increased occupancy levels during peak travel periods when travellers visit coastal resorts, city landmarks and national attractions.

Strategic Focus on Tourism Destinations

DiamondRock Hospitality’s strategy centres on investing in hotels located in prominent tourism markets rather than primarily business-driven locations. Many of its properties are affiliated with globally recognised hospitality brands or operate as independent lifestyle hotels designed to appeal to modern travellers seeking experiential stays.

This approach reflects broader trends within the hospitality sector. Data from the US Department of Commerce highlights the importance of leisure tourism to the national economy, with millions of international and domestic visitors contributing to accommodation demand every year.

Hotels positioned in top gateway markets also benefit from international tourism arrivals. Major U.S. cities continue to attract visitors for cultural attractions, shopping districts, museums and entertainment venues, all of which support the hotel sector.

Digital Access to Earnings Update

Investors and industry observers will be able to follow the upcoming earnings conference call through both telephone access and online webcast services. Registration for the call is available through the company’s investor relations website, where participants can obtain dial-in information and technical instructions.

The webcast format reflects the increasing use of digital platforms within the hospitality and tourism sector for investor communication and industry transparency. Such updates allow analysts and stakeholders to monitor trends in occupancy rates, travel demand and hotel performance in real time.

A replay of the conference call will also be made available on the company’s website shortly after the event, ensuring continued access for those unable to attend the live session.

The performance of hospitality companies such as DiamondRock Hospitality often mirrors broader tourism trends. According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, the United States continues to experience steady travel demand driven by both domestic tourism and returning international visitors.

Leisure-focused hotel portfolios are particularly influenced by holiday travel, regional tourism campaigns and destination marketing initiatives. As travellers increasingly prioritise experiences and leisure activities, hotels located in scenic and culturally significant destinations are expected to remain central to tourism growth.

With a portfolio spanning multiple tourism regions, DiamondRock Hospitality’s upcoming earnings release is likely to provide a snapshot of how travel demand has influenced the performance of hotels across the country during the early months of 2026.

A tornado watch is in effect for the D.C. region.

4 things to know about the weather:

Monday is a StormTeam4 Weather Alert day. There is a significant threat for severe thunderstorms, and possibly even tornadoes, in our area later Monday afternoon and early Monday evening.

The main threat window is 3 p.m. through 9 p.m. Spend a few minutes Monday morning giving thought to where you’re likely to be during that time and consider where would be a safe place to seek shelter if needed.

This is one of the most elevated severe weather risk days in several years. Anything you can do to be prepared could make a difference.

Expect severe storms Monday afternoon and evening

There will be periods of rain throughout the day but our risk of severe storms is mainly focused on the 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. time frame. A strong cold front will come through the area Monday evening. The severe weather threat will end as the front clears your area. The front should reach the I-81 corridor around 6 p.m., I-95 between 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Southern Maryland by 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

All of the rain will be ending by around midnight as strong northwest winds deliver another round of freezing cold weather. From low 70s Monday afternoon to below freezing by Tuesday morning.

When at home, the lowest level and interior room is safest. First floor hall closets and bathrooms are good shelters. A home cellar is even better. Your work and school locations should already have plans in place.

Several school districts are either closed Monday or dismissing students early. Check here for more information about school closures and dismissals.

Find out what that safe place plan is when you get there Monday. Know before you get on the road whether severe storms are imminent and delay travel if needed. There are far worse things than arriving late.

Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to check the weather radar on the go.

What to expect during evening commute

Since much of this threat will occur during the afternoon and evening commute, know what to do if severe weather threatens when you're in your car. Don’t ever stop under an overpass or in a travel lane. Blocking the flow of traffic is especially dangerous. If storms are ahead of you, take the next available exit and find a place with a foundation and a roof, such as a gas station, fast food, etc. If on city streets, get into the nearest shopping center or store. Just about anywhere is safer than being in your car.

If you can work from home - take advantage of that option Monday. If you can leave work and get home before 4 p.m., that’s a good idea as well. The main goal is to be inside somewhere safe.

Almost our entire area will be below freezing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Daytime highs will struggle to reach 40° on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Highs in the 50s will return from Thursday on through the upcoming weekend. And, after Monday’s storms, the remainder of the week looks to stay dry.

QuickCast

MONDAY:Cloudy, Warm, Humid & WindyStrong/Severe Storms 3-9PMSignificant Severe Weather ThreatWind: South 20-30 mph, Gusts 50+ mphChance of Rain: 90%HIGHS: 68° to 73°

MONDAY NIGHT:Heavy Rain, Storms EarlyClearing After MidnightWindy, Much ColderWind: Northwest 15-30mphChance Of Rain: 90%LOWS: 25° to 30°

TUESDAY:Periods Of Clouds & SunBlustery And ColdDaytime Chills Near 30°Wind: Northwest 15-25 mphChance of Rain: 0%HIGHS: 36° to 42°

WEDNESDAY:Cold, Sunny MorningIncreasing CloudsLight BreezeWind: Variable 5 mphChance of Rain: 0%HIGHS: 36° to 42°

THURSDAY:Partly CloudyAnother AM FreezeA Bit Milder AfternoonWind: South 5-10 mphChance of Rain: 0%HIGHS: 46° to 52°

Sunrise: 7:18 Sunset: 7:16Average High: 56° Average Low: 39°

Stay with Storm Team4 for the latest forecast. Download the NBC Washington app on iOS and Android to get severe weather alerts on your phone.

MIDLAND, VA / ACCESS Newswire / March 10, 2026 / Smith-Midland Corporation (NASDAQ:SMID), a leading producer of innovative precast concrete products for infrastructure, transportation, and building construction, announced it will manufacture and supply $1.6M of its proprietary SlenderWall^® architectural precast cladding system for a new luxury residential redevelopment project located in Washington D.C.

The project incorporates Smith-Midland's SlenderWall^® system, a lightweight architectural precast panel system with integrated steel studs designed to reduce structural loads, while delivering durability and architectural versatility. The panels will be manufactured at Smith-Midland's Virginia plant, with production scheduled to begin in May 2026 and on-site erection expected to start in September 2026. The project is owned by Morningstar Community Development and constructed by Orion Habitats Company.

"SlenderWall continues to be an ideal solution for urban redevelopment projects where structural efficiency and architectural design must work together," said Matthew Smith, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Smith-Midland Corporation. "This project presented unique design considerations, including multiple building shape changes from the ground floor to the roofline, and SlenderWall's design flexibility allows us to accommodate those transitions while maintaining the project's architectural vision."

The facade design incorporates a ribbed form liner pattern, adding visual texture and depth to the building's exterior. The panel layout required careful coordination to address the building's changing geometry as the structure rises, highlighting the versatility of the SlenderWall system in complex architectural applications, adding to Smith-Midland's growing portfolio of SlenderWall installations across the Mid-Atlantic region, where the system is increasingly used for multi-family, mixed-use, and urban developments.

About Smith-Midland Corporation

Smith-Midland develops, manufactures, licenses, rents, and sells a broad array of precast concrete products for use primarily in the construction, transportation, and utility industries.

Smith-Midland Corporation has three manufacturing facilities in: Midland, VA, Reidsville, NC, and Columbia, SC, and a J-J Hooks^® Safety Barrier rental firm, Concrete Safety Systems. Easi-Set Worldwide, a wholly owned subsidiary of Smith-Midland Corporation, licenses the production and sale of Easi-Set products, including J-J Hooks and SlenderWall^®, and provides diversification opportunities to the precast industry worldwide. For more information, please call (540) 439-3266 or visit www.smithmidland.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ significantly from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, product demand, the impact of competitive products and pricing, capacity and supply constraints or difficulties, the uncertainties arising from the policies of the United States Government, the risk of less government spending on infrastructure than anticipated, inflationary factors including potential recession, our material weaknesses in internal controls, cyber security risks, general business and economic conditions, our debt exposure, our high level of accounts receivables, the effect of the Company's accounting policies and other risks detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investor Relations:Steven Hooser or John BeislerThree Part Advisors, LLC(214) 872-2710

SOURCE: Smith-Midland