🍦Monster Trucks at The Fairgrounds

Timber Pizza in Edgewater, 100th Police Academy Graduates, St. John's College is downsizing...

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. This is your captain speaking. We know you have many choices when it comes to how you waste time on the Internet so we’re flattered you chose this one. Please fasten your attention span, ensure your sarcasm tray is in the fully upright and locked position, and prepare to learn what’s happening around Annapolis.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

  • Timber Pizza in Edgewater

  • 100th Police Academy Graduates

  • St. John’s College is downsizing

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Dinner. Movie. Midweek Magic.

Who said dinner and a movie were just for weekends?

Every Wednesday, Annapolis Mall serves up some midweek movie magic. All you have to do is show a same-day AMC movie ticket at participating restaurants to get exclusive deals. It’s perfect for date nights, special treat nights, and the classic “we didn’t feel like cooking (or cleaning)” kind of nights.

Think buy one, get one at California Pizza Kitchen and free desserts at Rodizio Grill. Oh, and I forgot the best part. . . 

The movie tickets are 50% off. Lights, camera, action.

Wednesdays just got a whole lot better. See what’s playing and grab your tickets now.

THE DIGEST

The biggest stories we covered this week

🪶 A letter Thomas Jefferson wrote in Annapolis sold to an anonymous collector who allegedly lives near Annapolis for $90,000.

🏫 St. Mary’s Parish bought a 9-acre piece of property on Bestgate Road from Annapolis Area Christian School who has operated there for the last 30 years.

Most clicked stories of the week 🏆

100th Class Graduates from AA County Police Academy

On Wednesday night, the Anne Arundel County Police Academy celebrated its 100th graduating class. The 19 servicemen and women are the newest members to the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office, the Annapolis Police Department, the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seat Pleasant Police Department in Prince George’s County. The Police Academy holds 2–3 ceremonies annually, producing what AACo. Police Chief Amal Awad calls “guardians of the community.” Congratulations to all new recruits! ($)

Environmental Issues Reported at City Dock Spill

Previously we reported that local business owners had certain concerns when a flooding event left sediment-filled water at the City Dock construction site. While the water was cleaned by vacuum trucks within two hours, an investigation by the Maryland Department of the Environment has now found that the cleanup did not comply with approved sediment and erosion control plans, failed to implement pollution prevention requirements, and did not properly dispose of construction waste.

The City of Annapolis and Whiting-Turner, the company responsible for the construction, were also found to be lacking in the appropriate state stormwater permits. The MDE noted that the water did not contaminate Spa Creek, however, because it was contained in the storm sewers. The City and Whiting-Turner are both implementing appropriate measures and will be re-inspected in 30 days for compliance. ($)

DNR announces Waterfowl Photo Contest winner 📸

Photo by Josh Montgomery

Josh Montgomery seems to have quacked the code on what makes a good photo — his shot (no pun intended) of a canvasback duck carried by his hunting companion, a retriever named River, was just selected by Maryland DNR as the winner of its inaugural Waterfowl Photo Contest. The picture of dog and duck will now be printed on collectable limited-edition card licenses for Maryland hunters and fishers obtained through Maryland Outdoors. It will also be included in the 2026 DNR calendar, with copies going on sale this fall.

🔎 Worth noting: The Waterfowl Photo Contest is separate from the annual DNR Photo Contest, which is still open through August 1. The winner of that contest doesn’t just get their picture in the calendar. It will grace the cover.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

LOCAL BUSINESS

Timber Pizza Edgewater opening soon 🍕

If you’re an Edgewater resident, or are friends with one, then you know this news already: Edgewater is getting its own Timber Pizza. If you weren’t on the list for the soft opening invite, come to the grand opening on July 15 in South River Colony. Everyone will be there. And if you can’t make the first night, be sure to check out the West Street location. Or if you’re lucky enough to be flying to Nantucket this weekend, DCA has a Timber, too.

St. John’s is downsizing 🏫

St. John’s College has been around for a while — it started as King William’s School way back in 1696. For context, Isaac Newton was in charge of England’s mint at the time. So it’s no surprise that the institution sees some ups and downs over the years. With declining enrollment in recent years (more students are attending large universities instead of small private colleges), St. John’s plans to cut its staff by 5%.

That doesn’t mean St. John’s is in a bad financial situation. The endowment currently sits around $500 million. Even so, newly appointed president Suzy Paalman is being cautious. ($)

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.

We’re halfway through summer—make every moment count at Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen, your go-to destination on the Chesapeake! No traffic jams here - just smooth sailing. Dock & Dine with us and enjoy waterfront views, coastal-inspired dishes, toast-worthy cocktails, and breathtaking sunsets. With boat slips, indoor and outdoor dining, and Below Deck, Libbey’s is the perfect place to gather with friends and soak up those long summer days. It's just a short trip from Annapolis. Learn more.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

This week’s featured event. . .

Three drummers. One groove. Zero chill. PRS Eightlock hits Rams Head On Stage July 16 at 8 PM with a wall of sound rooted in Baltimore funk, DC go-go, and New Orleans swing. Guitar legend Paul Reed Smith leads a stacked lineup — and Mia Samone’s voice? 🔥 Absolute must-hear. This show’s gonna thump.

What we’re up to this weekend

It’s a packed weekend, and we’re hoping for a break in the rain to get in everything we have on our calendar. Got kids? Look for the 🚸

FRIDAY

Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Co Carnival đźš¸ Summer carnivals hold some of our best memories. Head out to Severna Park to catch this one happening 6–11 PM every night through July 19.

Food Truck Friday đźš¸ When no one can decide on one restaurant, Food Truck Friday offers 10 spots for the drive time of one. Great offerings to please the whole family. 4–8 PM at 275 Harry S. Truman Parkway.

Renegade Monster Trucks at the fairgrounds đźš¸ You don’t have to be a little kid to get excited about a monster truck rally. Three shows on Friday and Saturday at the county fairgrounds in Crownsville. $10.

SATURDAY

Summer Field Market at Wildberry Get there early for the best crafters, artisans, brewers, bakers, and more. 9 AM–noon in Crownsville.

Bastille Day at Clock Tower Place Clock Tower Plaza becomes the Place de la Concorde (in our heads). Great vendors, delicious food, and much more. Saturday and Sunday, opens at 9 AM.

Movie under the stars at ATC đźš¸ Bring the whole family out for Sing, one of the best musical cartoons in recent history. 7:30–9:30 PM on the green near Tatte.

Annapolis Blues game đźš¸ The final home match of 2025 kicks off at 7:30 PM, giving us extra time to tailgate. Grab your tickets here.

Speak Your Truth SYT encourages conversations about mental health. Listen to artists, creatives, professionals, and other everyday people discuss their mental health and how challenges can lead to opportunities. 6–10 PM at ArtFarm. Livestream options available.

SUNDAY

Cars and Coffee đźš¸ Come down to City Dock to kick some tires and talk shop. 7 AM to noon. In case of major flooding, the show goes on the road to the Annapolis Town Center.

Pick your own berries at Honey’s Harvest Farm đźš¸ If you haven’t noticed, it’s raspberry season and Honey’s Harvest Farm has some delicious fruit up for the picking. 11 AM and 12 PM time slots are still available.

BloomHaven The front lawn of Maryland Hall transforms into a gorgeous concert venue with Dominique Bianco performing. Show starts at 6 PM, bring a chair. $10.

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.

CIVIL NEWS

City Council Meeting ⚖️

At the City Council’s meeting on Monday at 6 PM in City Council Chambers (160 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis 21401), the council will discuss updating the process for setting their compensation (because yes, their salary is public business); potentially limiting the number of short-term rentals in the city (down to 10% of residences in a blockface); and regulating walking tours in the historic district. See the full agenda. To provide testimony on agenda items, sign up to testify in person or submit your testimony online.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

NAPTOWN SCOOP WEATHER IS POWERED BY. . .

Friday

86 🌡️ 75 | ⛅ | 24% | 💨 E 7 mph (6 knots)

Saturday

86 🌡️ 74 | ⛅ | 15% | 💨 ESE 8 mph (7 knots)

Sunday

84 🌡️ 75 | 🌤️ | 24% | 💨 SE 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 83ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

NAPTOWN SCOOP LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN IS POWERED BY. . .

Friday

49 West | Jeff Muller & Friends | 7:30–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Mixed Business | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan and Bryan | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kevin Koa | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Mook Jones | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Hoss | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Mike Miller | 5–8 PM
The Lodge | Grayson Moon | 8–11 PM
Market House | Faith and the Faithful | 8–11 PM
Market Space | Hurricane Kevin | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | The Devaney Bros | 8 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | North Mississippi Allstars | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Suzy & Shaun | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Brett Buehler | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shatners | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Peter James | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Rickshaw Lizard | 9:45 PM

Saturday

49 West | David Augustus and Meagan Griffith | 8–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Local Souls | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Lauren and Rusty | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Tim Atkinson | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Mark Desrochers| 2–5 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Sugar Jack | 9 PM
Dark Horse | Honey Sol | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Madisun Bailey | 1:30–4:30 PM
Great Frogs | Josee Molavi | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | The Hyland Brothers | 7:30–10:30 PM
Market Space | Kevin Buttry | 2–6 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Management | 8 PM
Pirates Cove | Brandon & Thordis | 2–5 PM
Pirates Cove | Frank Raines | 6:30–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Bob Polding Band | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Mike Miller | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Hall Williams Band | 6 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Fast Times | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Left of Center | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Ben Heemstra | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Moon Cherry | 9:45 PM
Watermark Annapolis Sunset Cruise | Top Dead Center | 7:30 PM | Ticket

Sunday

49 West | Journos | 7–9 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Steel Drums | 2–5 PM
Dark Horse | Priddy Music Academy Showcase | 12:30 PM
Galway Bay | O'McPub Band | 4–8 PM
Market House | Meg Murray | 5–8 PM
Market Space | Adam Forbes | 2–6 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Kevin Koa | Noon
Pirates Cove | Doug Segree | 2–5 PM
Pirates Cove | Dust on the Bottle | 6–9 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Double Vision | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | The Freebyrds | 1 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Michael K | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Bloody’s & Blues Jam | 1 PM

THANKS!

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