The perfect apple to pick is in Maryland? - Thursday, October 12, 2023 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | October 12, 2023 [Web version](   [Have University of Md. researchers made the perfect apple for our region?]( For more than 30 years, Professor Chris Walsh has worked fields at the school's research farm in Keedysville, trying to grow a better apple tree. Better for farmers and better for you. [READ MORE](   [DC residents vote on new name for Dave Thomas Circle in NoMa]( The intersection will now be called “Mamie ‘Peanut' Johnson Plaza,” after the first female pitcher to play in the African American baseball league. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [FedFUTURE: The workforce evolution]( Join Federal News Network for a panel discussion featuring government human capital leaders as we partner with WAEPA for its Annual Members Meeting.   [Things to do in the DC area: Halloween, fall festivals, pumpkin patches … and more!]( There's so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days - and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating. [READ MORE](   [‘Long live' the Eras Tour - Taylor Swift's concert film hits DC-area theaters Thursday]( Taylor Swift's may not have performed in the D.C. region during the first-leg of The Eras Tour, but the concert is coming to a theater near you starting Thursday. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Aon [Navigating climate risk using multiple models and data sets]( Organizations need to take a complete view of the numerous models available to gage risk. Two reasons: One, models vary widely in their assumptions and in the data they use. Two, risk itself varies according to specific location and countless other factors.   [Why DC's Teacher of the Year isn't keeping her prize money]( “They certainly inspire me.” Beth Barkley has taught at Cardozo Education Campus for eight years and is currently a high school teacher at the International Academy, working with many students new to the U.S. [READ MORE](   [‘They feel connected': Loudoun Co. pilots sports at 4 middle schools]( In the first quarter, middle school students at four schools were allowed to join a coed flag football team, and volleyball, soccer and basketball will be offered later this year. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Discover the latest tech and tactics to take control of your multicloud world]( How can your agency deliver cloud services effectively, efficiently and securely? Join the Federal Drive's Tom Temin as he talks with experts from Orca Security, Nutanix, Pluralsight, Commvault, AWS, Kelyn Technologies and Future Tech. | Register now   [How to talk about war with your kids, according to a local pediatrician]( With global attention turned toward the conflict in Israel, many parents might be struggling to answer their kids' questions about war. [READ MORE](   [Advocates say Muslim students face harassment as conflict escalates in the Middle East]( “Many students who we have spoken to have said that they'll think twice before they make decisions like going out for a cup of coffee or going to the library to study.” [READ MORE](   Event - Webinar [Discover the latest tech and tactics to take control of your multicloud world]( How can your agency deliver cloud services effectively, efficiently and securely? Join the Federal Drive's Tom Temin as he talks with experts from Orca Security, Nutanix, Pluralsight, Commvault, AWS, Kelyn Technologies and Future Tech. | Register now   [Montgomery Co. executive seeks additional security grants for nonprofits at risk for hate crimes]( Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is asking for additional funds for "immediate access to some of our religious institutions who are feeling at risk in this moment." [READ MORE](   [When will the House vote on Steve Scalise as speaker?]( Republicans nominated Majority Leader Steve Scalise on Wednesday to become the next House Speaker, as GOP lawmakers seek to end a self-imposed paralysis of Congress. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Why you may want to keep artificial sweeteners around]( Where diabetes and obesity are more common than in other countries, cutting out non-sugar sweeteners could be problematic.   [Months after getting married in the hospital ICU, Va. woman is running Marine Corps Marathon]( An Arlington woman is tackling the 26.2 miles of the Marine Corps Marathon after her now-husband suffered a life-threatening health episode just days before their wedding. [READ MORE](   [Phil Vassar comes home to The Birchmere with his own hits, songs he wrote for other country stars]( Most people don't realize just how many hit songs Phil Vassar has given country music. You can hear them all when Vassar plays The Birchmere in Alexandria on Friday, Oct. 20. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Amentum [Capabilities and applications expand for autonomous and unmanned systems]( The unmanned systems of today will rapidly evolve into multi-function platforms marked by autonomy and the capability of operating in concert with other crewed and non-crewed systems.   PARTNERSHIP [Listen live for news, traffic and weather from WTOP News on our FREE App!]( Download the app today - sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union - to stay up to date on all the latest news in the DMV.   [Check out the latest weather forecast]( [Click here for the latest traffic updates]( [Visit WTOP's Podcast Center]( Download and listen to podcasts created by WTOP and our partners CONNECT WITH WTOP [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( [instagram]( EVERYTHING YOU NEED EVERY TIME YOU LISTEN [DOWNLOAD THE WTOP APP]( [Click here to manage your newsletter preferences.]( This email and the accompanying website are not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. 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