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Presto’s Picks: JMU and Maryland play in prime time, fair food steals show from Texas vs. Oklahoma – WTOP News

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Presto’s Picks: JMU and Maryland play in prime time, fair food steals show from Texas vs. Oklahoma – WTOP News


This week Navy and Virginia Tech are off while Maryland and James Madison play weekday games, giving us a sparsely populated local College Football Saturday.

College football’s calendar in 2024 delivers 14 weeks instead of 13 between the Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekends, meaning schools will have two bye weeks instead of one.

This week Navy and Virginia Tech — who takes its bye before a Thursday night game like NFL teams should — are off while Maryland and James Madison play weekday night games, giving us a sparsely populated local Saturday. And that’s a good thing because there are more than enough major matchups that warrant our complete attention.

While the best showdown technically might be the evening affair between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon, the biggest game, as is often the case on the second Saturday of October, is Texas vs. Oklahoma. The top-ranked Longhorns face the one-loss Sooners under the SEC banner for the first time, but the intense rivalry has survived multiple conference changes for both schools. And once again this game will have conference as well as national implications.

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The Dominican Fritura Dog at the Texas State Fair.

But for many, this showdown will be merely a side dish as the Texas State Fair is in full swing, and as a public service to our readers we touch upon the award-winning foods once again this fall. All descriptions are courtesy of the State Fair of Texas’ Big Tex Choice Awards, and once again it’s kind of understood that each of these items is fried, deep fried or double-deep fried.

As the team with the higher ranking that has lost five times over the last 11 years, we recognize that “every dog has its day.” So, we kick off with the Dominican Fritura Dog. “This savory dish brings an explosion of flavor that starts with fritura cheese and Dominican salami. Split open and topped with garlic plantain chips, top-secret Dominican sauce, and cilantro.”

For those looking for a “lighter salad-like item” there’s The Drowning Taquitos.

The Drowning Taquitos at the Texas State Fair.

“Served in a cup, these fresh, hand-rolled corn tortillas are stuffed with tender shredded chicken and then deep-fried to perfection. To further encapsulate the savory flavor, the taquitos are then ‘drowned’ with a tangy cream sauce, jalapeño, guacamole salsa, shredded lettuce, avocado, tomatillo, pico, and Cotija cheese.” See, I told you there was lettuce in the equation!

Finally, for those looking for something appropriate for breakfast, lunch or dinner there’s the Hot Chick-in Pancake Poppers. “Authentic Nashville hot chicken and pimento cheese are rolled into a ball, dunked into pancake batter, and fried to a golden brown, then topped with a drizzle of Sriracha honey and a sprinkle of Nashville hot powdered sugar.”

The Hot Chick-in Pancake Poppers at the Texas State Fair.

What else do you need? Outside of TUMS …

Thursday’s Game

James Madison (4-1, 0-1 Sun Belt) vs Coastal Carolina (4-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m., ESPN2

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There’s a saying you can’t let a team beat you two weeks in a row, and JMU must put the sting of its two-point defeat at UL Monroe out of its system two days earlier than normal with a Thursday night game. These two teams have previously played in late November, and the games haven’t been close with the Dukes winning 47-7 in 2022 and 56-14 last year.

But the Chanticleers have the hot hand in quarterback Ethan Vasko, who’s coming off a career-high 367 yards passing in a win over Old Dominion. But he’s no Alonza Barnett III, who hasn’t thrown an interception since August. The key matchup pits the JMU pass rush (third in the SBC with 13 sacks) against a Coastal offensive line that’s allowed three sacks (fewest in the conference).

Presto’s Pick: Dukes rebound with a 31-17 win.

Friday’s Game

Maryland (3-2, 0-2 Big Ten) vs Northwestern (2-3, 0-2), 8 p.m., FOX

Both teams enter this game off losses to unbeaten Indiana after being close at the half, with the Terps having to spend their bye week stewing in their defeat at the Hoosiers. The Wildcats have won three of four games in this series, and for a dose of déjà vu they upset Maryland last season when the Terps were coming off their bye week. Offensively they’ve yet to hit their stride, ranking 17th in the Big Ten in scoring thanks to the balance of the 15th best ground game and 15th best passing attack.

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Northwestern’s defense allows over 250 yards passing per game, but Maryland wide receivers Kaden Prather and Tai Felton are question marks for the contest. Coach Mike Locksley mentioned this week that they’ve had issues in the “middle eight,” in effect the final possessions of the first half and opening possession of the third quarter. He also cites the big play differential — the lack of explosive plays for the offense and too many allowed by the defense — as what’s holding this team back.

Can the Terps begin the “middle eight” of their schedule with a strong showing?

Presto’s Pick: TGIF stands for “Terrapins Get in Focus” as they win 31-17.

Saturday’s Game: Virginia (4-1, 2-0 ACC) vs Louisville (3-2, 1-1), 3:30 p.m., ACCN

The Cavaliers aren’t holding parades in Charlottesville, but they’ve already won more games this fall than they did in the two previous years under head coach Tony Elliott. The Cardinals have lost two straight after being ranked as high as No. 15, but they still boast the best defense in the ACC on third down (allowing 27% conversions) while U.Va.’s 33.8% offensive efficiency ranks 15th in the conference.

The Cardinals also bring a competent quarterback in sixth-year senior Tyler Shough, who has shown off his arm for two other schools (Oregon and Texas Tech) before landing in the Bluegrass State. Can U.Va. deliver a repeat showing of its defensive gem pitched against Boston College last weekend?

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Kippy and Buffy have a long-standing rule not to repeat wine choices during the tailgate season, while also understanding that, despite the movie “Sideways,” a good merlot can go a long way. That’s why they’re going with a bottle of 2021 Decoy Merlot.

“Beautifully lush and expressive, this alluring Merlot draws you in with aromas of black currant, black cherry, boysenberry and sweet baking spices,” the winery website reads. “On the palate, it is plush and polished, with silky tannins carrying the luxurious dark berry, creamy mocha and bittersweet chocolate flavors to a long, supple finish.”

Presto’s Pick: Cavaliers are spun sideways in 28-21 loss.

Last Week: 3-4. The late-season frost arrives early. Season: 34-18.

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Governor Moore Continues “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in Allegany and Garrett Counties One Year after Historic Floods, Highlighting Infrastructure and Recover

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Governor Moore Continues “Delivering for Maryland” Tour in Allegany and Garrett Counties One Year after Historic Floods, Highlighting Infrastructure and Recover


Updated:

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today concluded a two-day “Delivering for Maryland” tour through Allegany and Garrett counties. The tour highlighted the Moore-Miller Administration’s investments in rural infrastructure and long-term recovery following last year’s devastating floods. Throughout the tour, Governor Moore emphasized the administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind when crisis strikes.

“When our people need help, political parties do not matter; what matters is that we are all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “This tour is a testament to what we can achieve when local and state leaders come together to rebuild, and support our neighbors in need. We are committed to delivering for Western Maryland because leaving no one behind isn’t just a slogan—it is the guiding principle of how we govern.”

Indoor group photo with Governor Moore

The governor began the day touring the City of Frostburg’s Water Treatment Plant. Governor Moore highlighted the city’s use of $400,000 from the Fiscal Year 2027 capital grants investment to address water infrastructure upgrades and their water resiliency project. State funding will target critical infrastructure upgrades and repairs to the plant, which serves 9,500 local customers and faces increased demand as it regularly supports the broader George’s Creek Valley water system.  As climate variability and regional reliance place growing strain on the City of Frostburg’s existing infrastructure, the project is a critical investment in public health, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

“The City of Frostburg is incredibly grateful to Governor Moore and the General Assembly for prioritizing Western Maryland’s needs, and for helping us to ensure the availability of safe, clean water to our citizens, and others throughout Allegany County,” said Frostburg Mayor Todd Logsdon. “The Frostburg Water Sustainability Project is a great example of how leaders can come together to put our citizens first and ensure that the people of Frostburg and all of Western Maryland have a better quality of life.”

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Governor Moore then visited the Town of Midland, making history as the first sitting governor to visit the municipality in its recorded history. Alongside Mayor John Monahan, the governor toured the construction site of the new Midland Town Hall, supported by a $50,000 state legislative bond initiative. The former town hall is the oldest operating town hall in Maryland. The governor’s flood recovery investments through the FY 2027 budget include $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration, which will directly mitigate sediment build-up along the riverbanks, prevent future breaches, and protect local homes and public parks in Midland.

“We want to thank the Governor for joining us in Midland today during his time in Mountain Maryland, and for being the first governor to visit us in our town’s recorded history,” said Midland Mayor John Monahan. “It was a great opportunity to show him how state investment contributed to our new town hall, and to show him the baseball fields and playground that were proudly rebuilt by our community following last year’s floods. And I’m thankful for the Governor’s flood investments into the region. As I’ve said, I didn’t want a politician, I wanted our town to have a friend. In Governor Moore, we have a friend.”

Mayor Hamilton and Governor Moore in elementary school

The governor then traveled to Westernport, where he toured the newly renovated first floor of Westernport Elementary School. One year ago, rising floodwaters forced emergency swiftwater rescue teams to evacuate approximately 150 students and 50 adults from the school. Working in lockstep with the state, the school system leveraged $5 million in insurance funding to complete repairs ahead of schedule, officially reopening the first floor earlier this month.

“We are so happy that the governor is here to celebrate the resiliency of our community,” said Allegany County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano. “It really matters a lot to our community overall that he is here acknowledging the hard work and dedication about carrying it out.”

Governor Moore speaking at lectern

The governor then visited the temporary space of the Westernport Library—the heart of the Westernport community—and walked to the Potomac Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 Firehouse to address families, volunteers, and local leaders from Westernport, Lonaconing, Midland, Cumberland, and Frostburg.

During his remarks, the governor detailed his $12 million flood recovery operating investment included in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The investment includes $5.5 million for George’s Creek riverbed restoration to mitigate future flood risks; $5.5 million for repairs to infrastructure, including sewers, waterlines, roads, and bridges; and $1 million to restore the foundation and structural stability of the Westernport Library. These investments follow the nearly $1.5 million in immediate relief provided through the State Disaster Recovery Fund​ and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support impacted families last year. The governor also presented a Governor’s Citation to Mayor Judy Hamilton, honoring her dedicated public service as her tenure concludes at the end of the month.

“Today is about more than the reopening of a library — it’s a testament to the resilience of Mountain Maryland,” said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney. “I remember well just a year ago trudging through the deep mud and witnessing the overturned bookshelves alongside Governor Moore and local leaders. Moreover, I came away with a deep respect for the kind neighbors who quickly arrived with shovels in hand. At a time when the Trump Administration repeatedly denied well-deserved FEMA emergency funding, our Governor stepped up with aid because he believes that no Marylander should ever be left behind. I was proud to work with Team Maryland on recovery efforts and to witness our Governor’s $12 million investment in these communities so they have the necessary resources to rebuild and recover.”

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“The Westernport Library has always been the heart of our town, a safe gathering space where our community connects, learns, and grows,” said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. “Governor Moore’s $12 million flood recovery investment, including his $1 million investment to rebuild our library, ensures that the heart of Westernport will beat stronger than ever. We are profoundly grateful for the governor’s recognition of what this space means to our residents, and for his standing by us as we rebuild our beloved community.”

“Disaster recovery takes partnership and collaboration at every level. We authorized the first-ever use of the State Disaster Recovery Fund for Allegany County residents which is still supporting recovery efforts today, and the placement of a Maryland Mesonet weather station in Westernport will enhance warnings for residents in future storms,” said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “We will continue to support Mountain Maryland in their recovery efforts.”

Governor Moore in group photo in front of house

Governor Moore concluded his visit to Allegany and Garrett counties alongside Mayor Don Sincell at the newly relocated and restored Bethel AME Church in Mountain Lake Park. Originally established in Oakland in 1872, the church is the first historic African American house of worship in Garrett County. The structure was salvaged, relocated, and rededicated as a cultural center to share the overlooked history of Black railroad, farm, and service workers who helped build the Western Maryland region. The restoration project was made possible through a strong partnership with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the Maryland Historical Trust.

“Bethel AME Church is a cornerstone of our community’s history, and preserving it means preserving the soul of Mountain Lake Park and Garrett County,” said Mountain Lake Park Mayor Don Sincell. “We are incredibly grateful for the state funding that has made this relocation and restoration a reality. Having Governor Moore here to witness this milestone shows his genuine commitment to protecting the heritage and future of every Maryland town, no matter how small.”

Governor Moore with Mayor Coburn

The governor’s engagements in Allegany and Garrett counties began yesterday at Frostburg University, where he delivered the commencement address to the Frostburg State University (FSU) Class of 2026. The governor celebrated the exceptional service and action demonstrated by Class of 2026 and recognized the university’s vital civic role during the 2025 flood crisis. Later that afternoon, the governor joined bluegrass music legend and National Heritage Fellow Del McCoury at the 18th annual DelFest at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Before a crowd of thousands, Governor Moore declared Thursday, May 21, 2026, as “Del McCoury Day” in Maryland, celebrating Del’s legacy in traditional bluegrass and Appalachian culture.

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Maryland leaders deflect as residents leave over costs

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Maryland leaders deflect as residents leave over costs


As Maryland continues to bleed population to lower-cost states, the families and business owners packing their bags are highlighting a disconnect between the lived reality of residents and the narrative offered by the state’s political l…



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Maryland SHA to assess Fallston intersection where teen died in dirt bike crash

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Maryland SHA to assess Fallston intersection where teen died in dirt bike crash


The Maryland State Highway Administration will be assessing the Fallston intersection where 16-year-old Tyler Benton was killed in a dirt bike crash earlier this month, Harford County Councilmember Alison Imhoff announced Thursday.

On May 5 around 2:30 p.m., troopers with the Maryland State Police Bel Air Barrack were called to the intersection of Fallston Road (MD-152) and Pleasantville Road for a crash involving a car and electric dirt bike.

ALSO READ | Fallston High School student killed after deadly crash in Harford County

The preliminary investigation found a Honda CR-V was traveling southbound on MD-152 and tried to make a left turn onto Pleasantville Rd. and that’s when an electric dirt bike traveling northbound on MD-152 hit the Honda on the passenger side, officials said.

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Maryland State Police Aviation Command flew the teen, who attended Fallston High School, to a local trauma center where he was pronounced dead.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation.

Once completed, the investigation will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Harford County to determine if charges will be filed.

SHA’s review should be done in the next 90 days, Councilmember Imhoff said.

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As the traffic flow and safety of the intersection are assessed, anyone with concerns or questions is asked to contact Councilmember Imhoff by emailing Abimhoff@harfordcountycouncil.com.



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