MOORE’S FOURTH OF JULY SPEECH DISTINGUISHES PATRIOTISM FROM NATIONALISM: Governor Wes Moore delivered a notable Fourth of July speech on Saturday at the Maryland State House, entitled The Work of Patriotism. In his address, Moore emphasized that nationalism and patriotism should not be confused as synonymous. He stated, “Patriotism is not merely about pride in America’s past. … it demands that you advocate for values and ideals; nationalism, on the other hand, compels you to support a specific individual or group.” Video/C-SPAN.
COMMENTARY: MOORE’S SPEECH AS A DEMOCRATIC COUNTERPOINT TO TRUMP: On Independence Day, while former President Trump held his “Tribute to America” rally, Governor Wes Moore’s address emerged as an unofficial counterpoint from the Democratic party. Though not formally designated by the DNC, the political implications were clear. At a time when Democrats needed a prominent voice, they looked to Moore, and Maryland residents grasped the significance of this moment. Barry O’Connell/The Maryland Wire.
COLUMN: THE COMPLEX LEGACY OF CHARLES CARROLL: The remains of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who passed away in 1832 at the age of 95, rest in a private Catholic chapel at Doughoregan Manor in Ellicott City. Carroll was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence and notably the only Catholic among them. The chapel was constructed during a period when public masses were illegal, and the law also prohibited Catholics from holding public office. Len Lazarick/Maryland Reporter.
RASKIN APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT FOR PROTECTING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin of Takoma Park expressed his support on Thursday for the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling to uphold birthright citizenship, while labeling other recent court decisions as “deeply concerning.” As the leading Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Raskin advocated for reforms such as enhanced ethics regulations and limitations on the controversial “shadow docket” due to the perceived “legitimacy crisis” facing the nation’s highest court. Ceoli Jacoby/Bethesda Today.
BAY BLUE CRAB POPULATION FACES LONG-TERM DECLINE: A newly published study regarding the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population indicates that the species has suffered significant long-term declines over the last two decades. This alarming trend is raising concerns among fisheries managers and conservationists about the status of this iconic species within the Bay. Evelyn Lucado/Baltimore Fishbowl.
SCHOOLS IN MARYLAND TASKED WITH CREATING AI POLICIES: Maryland schools are facing a crucial assignment this summer: to develop policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. They have at their disposal a guide provided by the Maryland State Department of Education, which has been crafting these guidelines since the fall of 2025, as shared by Richard Kincaid, assistant state superintendent for MSDE’s Division of College and Career Pathways. Mayah Nachman/Maryland Matters.
PARENT IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY SEEKS TO END MATH PILOT PROGRAM: A parent from Anne Arundel County initiated a petition on Wednesday in opposition to a new math pilot program slated to begin in three middle schools next academic year. Jessica Hunt of Lothian expressed concerns about reducing class time in other subjects as well as a lack of transparency with parents. In response, the school district maintains that shortening other classes was necessary to comply with state regulations and asserts they have kept parents informed about the program’s details. Tanisha Bhat/The Capital Gazette.
GOVERNOR WES MOORE IN ‘SURROUNDED’: In a recent segment of Jubilee’s Surrounded, Governor Wes Moore addressed a panel of 20 people who hold differing views, defending his stance on the importance of voting. Watch the full discussion here. JUBILEE/YOUTUBE.
U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY SILENT ON MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY FOR WOMEN: The U.S. Naval Academy, which previously celebrated the 30th and 40th anniversaries of women’s enrollment with grand events, is notably quiet this year on the 50th anniversary of coeducation. This lack of recognition has frustrated some female alumni who believe it reflects ongoing influences from former President Donald Trump within the military. Ellie Wolfe and Matti Gellman/The Baltimore Banner.
MORE ON MARYLAND’S FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS & HISTORICAL REFLECTIONS
NEW CITIZENS CELEBRATED WITH CEREMONIES AND FIREWORKS: There are numerous ways to honor the Fourth of July, especially as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary—from fireworks and barbecues to excursions to the National Mall. This past Friday, approximately 100 individuals gathered in Annapolis for a more profound occasion: a naturalization ceremony officiated for 17 new citizens hailing from 11 different countries. Cody Boteler and Jessica Gallagher/The Baltimore Banner.
BALTIMORE’S SIGNIFICANT REVOLUTIONARY WAR LEGACY: Baltimore, having been founded just 45 years prior with a population of under 10,000, played host to delegates in Philadelphia during the declaration of independence in July 1776. Accordingly, it is easy for the city to remain overlooked in discussions surrounding the nation’s founding and the American Revolutionary War. Darreonna Davis/The Baltimore Banner.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CELEBRATES ITS RICH HISTORY: Over the span of America’s 250-year history, Prince George’s County has evolved from a place with the highest population of enslaved Africans to now being among the wealthiest communities of Black Americans with more than two dozen municipalities. Prince George’s County stands at the crossroads of early colonial history, the painful legacy of slavery, and the emergence of thriving African American communities. Richard Elliott and Tyler Wills/The Washington Informer.
TALBOT HIGHLIGHTS ITS CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE REVOLUTION: The Talbot Historical Society’s latest exhibit sheds light on the pivotal contributions of Talbot County soldiers to America’s founding. “We the People of Talbot County” invites visitors to engage with local revolutionary heroes, artifacts, and lesser-known histories, in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. A listing of Talbot County individuals who served during the Revolutionary War is prominently displayed at the front of the historical society’s premises. Konner Metz/The Easton Star Democrat.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS DISRUPT JULY 4 CELEBRATIONS: A series of intense thunderstorms swept through Maryland on Saturday evening, impacting Fourth of July festivities with incidents of flash flooding, water rescues, widespread power outages, downed trees, significant damage to power lines, a four-alarm fire in Baltimore, and the cancellation of holiday events throughout the state. Sara Ruberg/The Baltimore Banner.
- Despite soaring temperatures reaching 102 degrees, thousands of Maryland residents flocked to Fourth of July parades, festivals, pools, and waterfront areas on Saturday. Crowds gathered along the streets of Towson and Catonsville for annual parades, seeking solace in shaded areas, cooling stations, and chilled beverages as they anticipated evening fireworks displays in Baltimore. Jerry Jackson and Eileen Holliday/The Baltimore Banner.
THE UNIQUE DESIGN OF THE MARYLAND FLAG: The distinctive appearance of the Maryland state flag is derived from the coat of arms of Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. He merged the black and gold from his father’s shield with the red and white colors of his grandmother’s Crossland shield, as noted by Zachary Gardiner, who documented the flag’s history in a paper for the North American Vexillological Association. “It disregards many principles of effective flag design,” Gardiner stated. “However, it is unique, and this distinctiveness contributes to good flag design regardless of whether it follows all the typical conventions.” Elias Katz/The Baltimore Banner.
LEGION POST HONORS AMERICAN FLAGS AT RETIREMENT: In the coming weeks, a multitude of worn and weathered U.S. flags—potentially amounting to 700 or more—will arrive at Adams, Hanna, Moore Memorial American Legion Post 156 in Ellicott City for retirement. This cherished, albeit bittersweet tradition occurs four times each year, when worn flags surrendered by Howard County residents are retired with the honor they deserve. Mike Klingaman/The Baltimore Sun.
