🍦Pittman addresses cyber incident

sTOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. We can’t wait to see your adorable dogs in Mutt Madness. Best part of our job.a

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

• City Council reviews pay raises

• JOANN Fabric closing

• Murder Mystery at Forward Brewing

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins, & Ryan Sneddon

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THE DIGEST

County Executive Pittman addresses cyber incident

Having a bad week? I guarantee it’s not as bad as Anne Arundel County’s IT team’s. They’ve been dealing with a “cyber incident” since last weekend. County officials haven’t said much about said “cyber incident” which we suspect is a cyberattack, possibly ransomware. NOTE: We haven’t confirmed that.

People have been frustrated about the radio silence so County Executive Steuart Pittman released a statement yesterday and even addressed the silence. We’ll translate the PR speak.

• “We are still working to understand the scope and impact of the incident.”

  • Translation: We can’t tell you exactly what happened because we don’t even know yet. Anyone who’s worked crisis management knows how true that is.

• “We do not want to potentially provide information to the potential threat actors.”

  • Translation: Never let the enemy know what you’re up to.

• “We are working to recover from the incident as quickly as we can.”

  • Translation: IT hasn’t slept in four days and is working as hard as they can. Please cut them and us some slack.

He also shared practical info about county services, paying bills, and what’s open.

Annapolis City Council Reviews Pay Raises 💰

The Annapolis City Council is considering salary increases for future elected officials and the city manager, following the Salary Review Commission’s recommendations based on data from 13 neighboring jurisdictions. The proposal raises the mayor’s salary from $98K to $120K, council members from $18.5K to $32K, and the city manager’s range to $250K–$294K. Some officials support the raise to reflect workload and attract candidates, while others, including mayoral candidate Rhonda Pindell Charles, oppose it. If elected, she’ll accept her current alderwoman’s salary ($18,500) plus $1 for the first two years and use the balance to support the city. Monday’s vote only introduced the resolution — final approval must occur at least three months before the election. A public hearing is set for March 10. ($)

AACPS’ David Kauffman Hits a High Note

David Kauffman, a lifelong musician and senior manager of AACPS’ Apex Arts Magnet Program, is taking a well-deserved bow as the 2025 Maryland Music Educators Association Hall of Fame inductee. With a career spanning 30+ years, he’s orchestrated success as a teacher, band director, fine arts coordinator, and assistant principal. In his current role, he’s refined instructional, performance, and presentation resources since 2018. A jazz aficionado and leader in national music organizations, his influence resonates beyond the classroom. MMEA will formally induct him when he takes center stage on March 8. Bravo David! 👏

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@NAPTOWNSCOOP. We goofed

Earlier this week, we posted this photo and credited it to Terrie Mandley.

That’s our bad because that fantastic photo was actually taken by our friend David Sites this summer. If you don’t already, we recommend following David. He takes the best pictures of our beautiful Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse.

Tag @NaptownScoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

LOCAL BUSINESS

Annapolis Restaurant Week: Duffy’s Picks

Sometimes I feel as if mealtimes are a bit like the game of Ultimate Frisbee: you throw things at me and I try to catch them while running out the door. So dining out is always a challenge. But for Restaurant Week, I’m willing to sit down and use a proper napkin. Here are my picks.

Pearl Annapolis I first met Chef Justin Moore at Vin909 and quickly became a card-carrying member of his cult following. Pearl’s take on Restaurant Week involves an individual starter, a shared plate, and a dessert, which works for me because I always want what you’re having, anyway. Look at the menu but my advice is just to ask your server, “What do you recommend?”

Lighthouse Bistro Anyone who is conscious of how and where they’re spending their money should have Lighthouse Bistro flagged: it’s such a good cause, and the food is crazy delicious. My favorite dish on the menu, the goat and fig flatbread, is part of the Restaurant Week menu, and I will always save room for the half-priced crab dip.

Picante Cocina Mexicana My memoirs will be titled, “Things I Missed Because of Tacos,” and Picante definitely has my favorite little crunchy pillows of joy. Their Mexican Chopped Salad is on the lunch menu as a starter, but I’ll also be heading back in the evening for a skinny marg and the Chimichurri Carne Asada. Did I mention Tres Leches cake? And do I even need to? Go now.

Be sure to check out all the Restaurant Week specials on the Downtown Annapolis Partnership’s website.

HERE. a pop-up shop announces spring dates 🛍

As of today, we’re officially three weeks out from spring and from HERE. a pop-up shop’s spring pop-up. Although El hasn’t announced the address just yet, you can mark your calendar (and save your allowance) for March 20–April 19. The shop will be open 10 AM–6 PM every day. You can even kick off the spring season with the HERE. team at their 12-year anniversary party on March 20, 5–8 PM. Can’t wait three weeks? HERE. a pop-up shop has online shopping 24/7/365.

Sew Long, Joann! 🪡

Joann is calling it quilts — er, quits. The fabric and crafting retailer recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it will be closing all of its locations, including the Annapolis shop at 150 Jennifer Road. There’s no word yet on when the Annapolis location’s last day will be, but per a statement from the company, there will be a going-out-of-business sale. So if you’re looking for cut prices before Joann cuts out for good, now is the time to stock up on fabric and other craft supplies.

P.S. If you want a locally-owned alternative, allow us to recommend Art Things, Knits & Pieces, and The Crabby Quilter.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

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WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Weekend Preview

22. That’s how many days until the first official day of spring. While we wait . . .

Friday

📚 Family Storytime: Kick off the weekend with stories, songs, rhymes, and movement activities all while building early literacy skills for little ones. 10:15–11 AM, Annapolis Library

Saturday

🐶 Pet Adoption Days: If cuddling a 10-week-old puppy gives you all the feels head to Homestead Gardens' Severna Park location (522 Ritchie Hwy) from 10 AM to noon. You might just leave with your new best friend.

Sunday

🔍🍺 1920s Speak Easy Murder Mystery: Live out your Clue dreams from 4–6 PM at Forward Brewing (418 Fourth St)! Attendees are interactive characters working to solve a “whodunnit”. Tickets include entry + your first beer! Ages 21 and up.

🧘‍♀️🌿 Yoga in the Greenhouse: This Sunday at 9 AM, come get your zen on at Homestead Gardens Davidsonville with an hour-long gentle flow yoga sesh amid lush greenery. All yoga levels welcome — just BYO yoga mat. Grab tickets before they’re gone! This is a weekly event running through April 20.

Have you entered Mutt Madness yet? 🐾

We know one of our readers has the most fetching fur baby in all of Annapolis. And it might be you. So, if your little tail-wagger has the most swagger, you’ve gotta enter them in our Mutt Madness contest. Less than 20 spots remain so don’t drag your paws.

This 6-round community competition puts the most fur-rociously good-looking dog up for a vote from our readers. All you have to do is submit a $25 entry fee, fill out a form, and submit a pic, then encourage everyone you know to cast their vote. Enter now.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

🎉 Get Your Tickets Now for the Bosom Buddies Charities’ Annual Ball

Don’t miss the Bosom Buddies Ball: Living in the Moment on March 29th! Enjoy a magical evening of entertainment, inspiring stories, and supporting a great cause. Every ticket sold funds vital programs that make a real difference. Whether you're attending in person or supporting from afar, your participation matters. Can’t join us? Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win an unforgettable Turks and Caicos getaway! 🎟 Get your tickets now and be part of something special!*

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WEATHER

Thursday

60 🌡️ 40 | ☁️ | 17% | SW 12 mph (10 knots)

Friday

51 🌡️ 44 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 W 13 mph (11 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 40ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Thursday

49 West | Luke Borchelt, Nathan Bess & Gage Rhodes | 7:30–10:30 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 6:30–9:30 PM
Killarney House | Andrew Janosek & Friends| 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Linda Ronstadt Experience | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM

Friday

49 West | Luke Borchelt, Nathan Bess & Gage Rhodes | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Moran Tripp Band | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Timmie Metz Band | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Nate and Jim | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Hunter Rich | 8 PM
Galway Bay | The Hyland Brothers | 7–10 PM
Killarney House | Peter James | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Levi Stephens | 8–11 PM
Market House | Local Songwriters Showcase | 8–11:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | 3 Of A Kind | 6–9 PM
Old Stein | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Peter, Brendan & Jim Mayer | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Boroy | 8 PM
Reynolds Tavern | TBA | 7 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Crush | 7 PM

NAVY SPORTS

🎙️ Anchors Aweigh Spotlights Navy Women's Tennis

We put the spotlight on Navy women's tennis by interviewing head coach Keith Puryear, who recently recorded his 300th career victory with the program. The Midshipmen are seeking a second straight Patriot League Tournament title and automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. We also talk Navy men's and women's lacrosse and have audio clips from this week's Zoom pressers with coaches Joe Amplo and Cindy Timchal. Listen.

Past results

Women's Basketball (17-10)
2/26 vs. American | W 88–60

Men's Basketball (12-18)
2/26 @ American | W 68–60

Women's Lacrosse (4-1)
2/26 @ Virginia | W 14–12

Upcoming games

Baseball (2-5)
2/28 vs. Sacred Heart | 4 PM

Men's Soccer (4-8-4)
2/28 vs. Delaware | 7 PM

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THANKS!

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