Maryland
Students learn about climate change and wild life at the Maryland Zoo
BALTIMORE — Maryland Zoo welcomes thousands of students every year, but Wednesday their visit was extra special and a little WILD.
WJZ’s entire team of First Alert Meteorologists tapped into their “wild side” as they taught hundreds of students about how the weather/climate change can impact wildlife right here in Maryland and across the world.
Wednesday afternoon, Vera, Vivienne, Grace, and Josie went on a little adventure.
“I think it’s fun because you can see stuff that you haven’t seen before,” Vera and Vivienne told WJZ.
“We got to see the giraffes and elephants. And the flamingo. And then that little machine — we tried not to scream when it blows air,” Grace and Josie explained with laughter.
“You get to see cool animals that you’ve never seen before and you get no homework,” said Vivienne and Vera.
Vera and Vivienne are visiting the zo with their classmates and hundreds of other students from across the Baltimore region to learn the science behind the animals and their exhibits.
“They learn a little bit about their role as stewards of our planet,” said Mike Evitts, director of communications at the Maryland Zoo.
Mike Evitts works at the Maryland Zoo and told WJZ a ton of lessons can happen outside of the classroom, and it gets kids excited about learning about the world around them.
“That’s the entry point right— that excitement we want to channel that and help them learn more about the species, about the threats they face in the wild and about how we care for them here at an accredited facility,” said Evitts.
WJZ’s First Alert Meteorologist stepped outside of the weather center and got up- close and personal with the animals to help teach meteorology and other sciences in a new way.
Marty Bass ‘battled’ with the bears and gave a lesson about their exhibit alongside experts at the zoo.
“Anytime you compare our experts and station experts to break down a really complicated subject like meteorology, like climate change or like animal biology—- that’s a really important lesson for these young kids and it’s gonna shape who they develop as they grow,” said Evitts.
WJZ’s Steve Sosna paraded with the penguins alongside Derek Beasley.
“We’re talking about what’s happening here in Maryland, not just at the North Pole, but if we can explain to the kids how these changes are happening here, they’re more likely to understand how all these various changes are happening all around the world,” explained WJZ’s First Alert Meteorologist Steve Sosna.
WJZ’s Meg McNamara and Tim Williams also took a ‘trip’ to Africa to visit elephants and an okapi.
“There’s so many different stories to tell,” Evitts told WJZ. “And there’s so many interesting elements to draw out of the meteorology of biology that you know, we could do this every year for infinity and still have more to say.”
Watch out for WJZ’s School at the Zoo special for an even closer look at all the fun.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region.
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
(Courtesy Washington Nationals)
Courtesy Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals’ first-round draft pick Chris Hacopian inked his first professional contract Wednesday, a moment made sweeter by the fact it was just a 30-minute drive from home to get to Nationals Park and put pen to paper.
The 21-year-old second baseman and 11th overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft has deep ties to the D.C. region. He’s from Potomac, Maryland, and played his high school ball at Winston Churchill, where he was named the 2022 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and a 2022 Washington Post All-Met selection.
According to MLB.com, Hacopian grew up a Nationals fan, admiring the likes of Ian Desmond, Danny Espinosa and others. He also played his first two collegiate seasons at the University of Maryland, where his father Derek played before him, before transferring to Texas A&M for his junior season.
With the Aggies, Hacopian hit .319 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI across 42 games en route to being named First-Team All-Southeastern Conference and a Third-Team All-American by Baseball America, the Nationals said in a news release.
After inking his contract Wednesday, Hacopian donned his new jersey and ball cap and stepped onto D.C.’s beloved diamond as a part of the Nationals organization for the first time.
“That was so cool, oh my gosh. I’ve been in the stands like, 100 times, but being on the field is so different,” he said.
Hacopian was ranked 14th among MLB Draft prospects by MLB.com. The 6-foot-1-inch, 210-pound second baseman boasted one of the best bats in college baseball, according to MLB.com, with excellent control over the strike zone and feel for the barrel, along with solid pop.
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The state said the five recently traveled together to “a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak.”
Maryland health officials confirmed five more measles cases, all in Carroll County.
“These individuals recently traveled together to a location in the U.S. experiencing an active measles outbreak,” the state Department of Health said in a release.
The agency said others may have been exposed on the afternoon of July 13 in the emergency department waiting room at Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster.
Another measles case recently prompted warnings from health officials in Maryland, Virginia and the District. On June 17, a Maryland resident traveled through Dulles International Airport and visited a D.C. urgent care clinic.
Measles is highly contagious. It can spread through the air through coughs, breathing, and sneezes. Early symptoms can include fevers of over 101 degrees, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and face or body rashes.
It can take up to 21 days after exposure for the first symptoms to appear, and those who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles are especially vulnerable.
The five new measles cases in Maryland bring the state’s year-to-date total to nine. The state health department confirmed three cases in 2025, and one in each of the previous two years.
“All Marylanders should review potential exposure times, watch for symptoms, and confirm they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations,” the health department said.
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Baltimore may be under an extreme heat alert, but residents can dream about autumn, as tickets are now on sale for the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show returning to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in October.
This three-day celebration of home and garden takes place from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Expect hundreds of exhibitors, local makers, home improvement experts, family-friendly experiences and celebrity guests. The show offers everyone the chance to explore the very latest in home improvement, landscaping, outdoor living and decor, the chance to take part in hands-on experiences, and do some holiday shopping all under one roof.
This year’s show will have more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 100 crafters from around Maryland in the Makers Market. There will be unique exhibits, stage presentations and a special appearance by Chase Morrill, Ashley Morrill-Eldridge and Ryan Eldridge from Magnolia Network’s hit series “Maine Cabin Masters.” The three will have two Main Stage appearances, one on Friday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. and the second on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.
“As temperatures start to drop and the holiday season comes into view, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show is a place to gather ideas, meet local experts and get inspired before the busy season begins,” said Dave Paul, show manager, in a statement. “Whether attendees are planning a home project, looking for outdoor living ideas or getting a head start on holiday shopping, the show brings together resources and experiences for every kind of homeowner, maker and DIY enthusiast.”
In addition to the Makers Market and stars of “Maine Cabin Masters”, the Maryland Fall Home & Garden + Craft Show will have a petting zoo, a Kids Market where attendees can shop from local children, and much more.
Tickets are available online and at the door. Prices are as follows:
Online:
- Adults: $8
- Senior Citizens (60+): $6
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- 4-Pack Online: $30 for four tickets, valid for one admission each and one day only
At the door:
- Adults: $10
- Senior Citizens (60+): $8
- Children (ages 6-12): $4
- Friday & Saturday: $4 after 4 p.m. at the door only
Special Offers:
- Active and retired military personnel, veterans, firefighters and police officers receive free admission all weekend, along with one guest, with valid ID at the box office.
- Attendees who show a CharmPass app, Light RailLink ticket or eligible transit pass at the box office receive free admission any day of the show. One admission is available per pass.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is located at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.
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