Maryland
Coastal Conservation Association Maryland’s Great Chesapeake Invasive Count Is On!
Coastal Conservation Association(CCA) Maryland has announced the launch of The Great Chesapeake Invasive Count Tournament, an initiative to track and manage invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay. Running now through March 31, 2025, this event invites participants to support science and have a good time throughout the Bay watershed while competing for monthly prizes.
“We’re excited to expand the Great Chesapeake Invasives Count into a 12-month effort, providing more opportunities for anglers to take advantage of fishing opportunities for northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish throughout the watershed.” said David Sikorski, executive director of CCA Maryland.
With the user-friendly iAngler Tournament app, anglers can actively contribute to science-based management efforts by reporting invasive species sightings and logging their catches. This app enables participants to record the length, weight, and even stomach contents of the fish they catch, along with a picture to allow a positive identification of the species. By providing this information, anglers offer valuable data that supports the broader understanding of the geographical distribution of these fish and the impact they may be having. Additionally, each time participants upload a picture of one of those invasives or the stomach contents, their names will be entered into a monthly prize drawing; the more entries accumulated, the greater the chance of winning.
“Using smartphone technology, the Great Chesapeake Invasives Count allows anglers to report what they’re finding on the water while simultaneously enjoying the camaraderie of friendly competition,” said Sikorski. “It is truly a win-win for all!”
And don’t forget about Fish & Hunt Maryland’s new Maryland’s Catfish Trail, a fresh initiative aimed at spotlighting the state’s diverse catfishing opportunities. This trail promises anglers of all skill levels expert guidance on fishing techniques and prime locations, spanning tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac River, Upper Bay, and Sassafras Rivers, each offering unparalleled catfishing experiences. With easily accessible public points, charters, and guides, the trail simplifies the exhilarating journey of fishing for these remarkable species. Thanks to Maryland’s Best Seafood, the trail also provides a selection of responsibly sourced blue catfish dishes from restaurants and chefs statewide, thereby supporting local watermen and promoting responsible sourcing from the Bay.
“Through collaboration with Fish & Hunt Maryland, Maryland DNR, Maryland’s Best Seafood, and other partners, we are empowering individuals to make a tangible difference in the fight against invasive species,” said Sikorski. “Together, we can safeguard the ecological integrity of the Chesapeake Bay for future generations.”
For more information on The Great Chesapeake Invasive Count Tournament or to register, visit ccamd.org/count.
Related
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.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
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.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
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.
Related
-
World5 minutes agoChina rebukes UK over nationalisation of British Steel
-
News35 minutes agoFlood sirens blare in South Central Texas as rivers reach perilous heights
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoArrest made in deadly shooting at 4th of July gathering in Compton; search for 2nd suspect continues
-
Detroit, MI3 hours agoDetroit crime hits decades-low as Michigan governor candidates debate how to keep progress going
-
San Francisco, CA3 hours agoOperator of boat that capsized near Alcatraz mourns brother as search continues
-
Dallas, TX3 hours agoMavericks vs Thunder Game Preview and Injury Update
-
Miami, FL3 hours agoMiami Dolphins Fans Vs. The Media
-
Boston, MA3 hours agoMan who allegedly shot at Boston Police officers arrested after foot chase in Dorchester
