Sam Gauntt

Sam Gauntt

[email protected]

Sam Gauntt is an intern for States Newsroom’s Washington bureau through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. He is a senior journalism major at the University of Maryland and editor in chief of The Diamondback, the university’s independent student newspaper. He has contributed to several enterprise reporting projects through the Capital News Service, a student-run newswire operated through the university, covering everything from youth mental health to climate change to the impact of federal layoffs on Maryland. He previously interned with Maryland Matters, an affiliate of States Newsroom.

People cool off with their dogs at the dog-friendly section of Montrose Beach on June 30, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. High humidity and temperatures in the 90s with heat indices above 100 degrees are expected to remain in the city for the next several days. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
National

A sweaty Fourth of July ahead for the US as extreme heat descends on 20 states

Jul 01, 2026
Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — As outdoor celebrations and events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and the World Cup reach their peak, local officials across the country are urging caution amid a heat wave blanketing many East Coast and Midwestern states. The National...
There were few crowds as attendees explored different exhibits at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/States Newsroom)
National

Come on down to the Great American State Fair — there’s plenty of room

Jun 30, 2026
Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — The Great American State Fair on the National Mall has all the trappings of a classic state fair: food vendors, merchandise, a Ferris wheel and scores of activities. But on Tuesday, just days before the nation’s 250th anniversary...
At left, Patti Gordon, 71, of Atlanta, Georgia, walks with her friend from Texas at the Freedom 250 kick-off event in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)
National

Trump refashions campaign rhetoric for Freedom 250 kickoff

Jun 24, 2026
Ashley Murray Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump kicked off his administration’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary Wednesday night with a rally speech nearly mirroring his days on the 2024 presidential campaign trail to a crowd of loyal supporters waving American flag placards...
Advocates for transgender rights rallied outside the Statehouse in Trenton, New Jersey, on Jan. 5, 2026, to demand lawmakers pass a bill that would protect gender-affirming care in New Jersey. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo / New Jersey Monitor)
National

FTC, 4 states sue trans healthcare nonprofit over gender-affirming treatment

Jun 17, 2026
Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against a transgender healthcare nonprofit Wednesday, accusing it of misleading and coercing parents over gender-affirming treatment for their children. The FTC’s complaint against the World Professional Association of Transgender Health is...
Damaged signpost from Hurricane Ian in North Port, Florida, on Sept. 30, 2022. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)
National

Calmer hurricane season expected in Atlantic as worries over federal response persist

Jun 16, 2026
Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — The Atlantic Ocean is predicted to have a tamer-than-usual hurricane season this year, but experts say it’s necessary to remain vigilant as it can take only one serious storm to cause significant damage. But with many of the...
Weathproof tarp
National

Kennedy Center facade blocked from public view by tarp after Trump’s name removed

Jun 15, 2026
Sam Gauntt
Days after President Donald Trump’s name was removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a large tarp and scaffolding was still blocking the building’s facade from public view Monday afternoon. Construction crews took Trump’s name off...
A closeup of a New World screwworm adult fly. (Photo by USDA)
National

USDA Secretary Rollins blames Biden border policies for screwworm threat

Jun 10, 2026
Sam Gauntt
WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Wednesday blamed the Biden administration’s “open-border policies” for the six confirmed cases of the New World screwworm that have reached the United States, repeating a theme among Republicans. Speaking to members of the...
Moore and Clyburn and quarter-zips, Davis and Wilson and a wig, and the Green Bag, in notes
Maryland

Moore and Clyburn and quarter-zips, Davis and Wilson and a wig, and the Green Bag, in notes

Feb 20, 2026
William J. Ford Josh Kurtz Sam Gauntt
Gov. Wes Moore (D) is a big fan of the quarter-zip sweater — the somewhat sporty, somewhat formal attire that seems on its way to becoming a favorite of some politicians. Moore boasts on Instagram that he’s “governor quarter-zip,” and...
Maryland records most flash flood warnings since 2020. Here’s why.
Maryland

Maryland records most flash flood warnings since 2020. Here’s why.

Aug 01, 2025
Sam Gauntt
Severe thunderstorms across Maryland on Thursday brought torrential rainfall reaching up to 6 inches in some areas, causing thousands to lose power and requiring several water rescues in Harford County after multiple cars were trapped by rising water. Earlier in...
Weeks after his release from prison, Franklin hired back to Prince George’s council job by Hawkins
Maryland

Weeks after his release from prison, Franklin hired back to Prince George’s council job by Hawkins

Jul 30, 2025
Sam Gauntt
At-large Prince George’s County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins II believes in second chances. He’s led a career marked by overcoming past mistakes, and now he hopes to play a role in a “comeback story” for an old colleague: former At-Large Councilmember...
In rush for immigration arrests, a shift by ICE to ‘incredibly aggressive’ tactics, advocates say
Maryland

In rush for immigration arrests, a shift by ICE to ‘incredibly aggressive’ tactics, advocates say

Jul 26, 2025
Sam Gauntt
Throughout his 2024 campaign to return to the White House, President Donald Trump promised to implement the “largest deportation program” in the nation’s history. And since he assumed office on Jan. 20, that promise has not only led to a...
Federal job losses jumped to 12,700 in Maryland, most of any state
Maryland

Federal job losses jumped to 12,700 in Maryland, most of any state

Jul 25, 2025
Sam Gauntt
Maryland has lost 12,700 federal jobs since the beginning of the second Trump administration in January, a top state finance official said Thursday. Ben Seigel, the Maryland deputy comptroller for policy, public works and investment, said the loss is the...