A sailboat explosion in Shady Side, rising SAT scores in Anne Arundel, sinking blue crab numbers in the Bay, and a red-carpet fashion show for the Hospice of the Chesapeake -- tune in to today's Daily News Brief to get the full scoop on what's happening around the region.
The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms-All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW)
NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis
The former Annapolis Seafood Market was crashed into yesterday, and the overhanging roof collapsed. I wonder if that will speed up the redevelopment? Anyhow, here's your OMG fact for today. Oh this is pretty cool -- when you crack a whip, the sound you hear is not the leather hitting itself, but the whip itself breaking the sound barrier. OK, let's get to the news, shall we?
A man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after an explosion aboard a sailboat in Shady Side on Tuesday morning. Anne Arundel County Fire officials say the boat was docked in the 4800 block of Woods Wharf Road along Parish Creek when the incident occurred. The sailboat remained afloat and there was no active fire upon arrival. The victim was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to the Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Fire investigators are still working to determine the cause, but officials say there is no threat to the environment.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools students saw a 14-point jump in average SAT scores this year, reaching 978 out of a possible 1520. That puts the district above Maryland's state average, as well as national and global benchmarks. Superintendent Mark Bedell credits the district's investment in free PSAT and SAT testing, calling it a "pipeline of preparation" that opens doors for students. In fact, Anne Arundel students make up a huge portion of Maryland's PSAT test-takers. While other districts in the state don't release these kinds of scores, Anne Arundel voluntarily published their 2025 data as part of a transparency initiative.
Blue crab numbers in the Chesapeake Bay have dipped again -- this year hitting their second-lowest level since 1990. Blame it on a brutal winter, changing water temperatures, and perhaps a blue catfish with an appetite. The total crab population dropped from 317 million in 2024 to 238 million in 2025, with adult male crabs hitting a record low. State officials say it's not an immediate crisis, but they're definitely keeping their fingers crossed. A full stock assessment is expected next spring to help determine how best to manage the species going forward, and whether male crabs need more protection than previously thought. In the meantime, Maryland is sticking with bushel limits and watching the Bay closely.
Annapolis is ready to turn up the glamor with the return of Fashion for a Cause, happening Thursday, June 5, at the Naval Academy's Fluegel Alumni Center. The red-carpet event benefits Hospice of the Chesapeake and will feature couture designs by Craig Coates, along with looks from dozens of local boutiques. The fashion show will include more than 30 community models, surprise performances by magician Chris Dugdale, and emcee Bryan Nehman from WBAL. Guests can also enjoy high-end food and drink from some of the region's best chefs and food trucks. If you like fashion, philanthropy, or food (or all three), this one's for you. Tickets and info at HospiceChesapeake.org
This Saturday on the Local Business Spotlight, we visit Vintage Vibe Finds and Artfully Acquired -- a co-located business that was so much fun. Allison, Matt, and I laughed -- a lot! That will drop at noon on Saturday!
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All right, let's put this puppy to bed with a quick thank you to you. We also thank our sponsors for this Daily News Brief- Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Hospice of the Chesapeake, and Mac Medics!
So now you need to hang tight; we have your Eye On Annapolis local Weather coming up. And, Bridgett, also known as Beepr Buzz, is here with Annapolis After Dark! All that is coming up in just a bit, so stick around!