AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs Clash: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are forcing Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage collapse and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Transit & Toll Accountability: A new Maryland Transportation Authority performance audit says hundreds of millions in unpaid E-ZPass tolls and penalties weren’t collected, and reciprocity agreements with other states weren’t executed—fueling fresh anger from taxpayers and drivers. Housing Rent-Fixing Fight: Maryland lawmakers are urged to pass a statewide ban on landlord software that pools competitors’ private rent data, after Rockville moved first to block the practice. Immigration Enforcement Lawsuit: A Maryland lawsuit alleges ICE carried out warrantless arrests in Annapolis, with immigrant-rights groups and state officials pushing back on the legality of the tactics. 9/11 Remembered in Maryland: Across the state, first responders and residents marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies and personal accounts, including Baltimore County’s bell-ringing tribute to fallen firefighters and law enforcement. Rugby in Baltimore, Big Money: The Springboks and All Blacks’ rivalry Test in Baltimore is framed as a U.S. growth play—trying to win attention ahead of future Rugby World Cup events. Public Health Watch: CDC reports a 17% rise in human rabies exposures and treatment errors, prompting renewed warnings for Maryland residents. Local School Upgrade: Gunston School in Centreville completed a $150,000 roof project funded through a Maryland bond initiative.

Energy Costs Clash: Maryland electricity bills jumped 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are forcing Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage collapse or rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Immigration Enforcement Fight: Immigrant and legal groups sued the Trump administration in federal court in Baltimore, alleging ICE is conducting “warrantless arrest” sweeps in Maryland and that most arrests since 2025 involved people without criminal convictions. Public Health Update: Maryland issued its own vaccine guidance for the first time under the Vax Act, aiming to reduce confusion as federal recommendations shift. Local Governance: Baltimore City Council advanced a bill that would let police padlock smoke shops that repeatedly sell illegal substances. Election Courtroom: Maryland’s Supreme Court upheld a decision keeping independent candidate Tonya Sweat off the Prince George’s County executive ballot; she plans to run as a write-in. Food Access Funding: Gov. Moore announced the FY 2027 NourishMD grant application round opens Sept. 22, with about $3.67 million to expand fresh-food retail in food deserts.

Endangered Species Act fight: A coalition of 21 states sued the Trump administration over changes to the ESA “harm” definition, arguing the rollback drops protection for critical habitat and could endanger species like orcas and sockeye salmon. Schools and attendance: Maryland’s state superintendent announced a four-year drop in chronic absenteeism to 22.8% for 2025-26, the lowest since the pandemic, as the “Maryland Shows Up” campaign ramps. Workplace and prices: A new AFL-CIO Tech Institute brief warns electronic shelf labels could cost grocery workers $1.6B to $6.9B in lost wages annually and push up prices. Public safety upgrades: MDOT and Howard County celebrated completed US 1 intersection safety improvements, while SHA set a second workshop for pedestrian safety plans along US 40 in Washington County. Local courts and ballot access: Maryland’s Supreme Court upheld the rejection of Prince George’s County executive write-in candidate Moisette “Tonya” Sweat after her signatures fell short. Health system disruption: TidalHealth reported a network outage after construction workers hit a sprinkler pipe, underscoring how hospitals are testing emergency backup plans.

Maryland Politics & Governance: Gov. Wes Moore told residents they have “reason to be concerned” about AI, but didn’t lay out a clear plan for protecting workers if jobs are displaced—just “guardrails” and community input. Courts & Elections: Maryland’s Supreme Court kept the congressional redistricting question on the November ballot, ordering wording changes after finding parts of the original language too unclear. Immigration & Public Safety: A Portuguese man shot by ICE agents in Glen Burnie on Christmas Eve was released after nearly nine months in detention, highlighting ongoing concerns about federal enforcement in Maryland. State Oversight: Baltimore City Community College leaders defended the school after a state audit flagged possible “ghost students,” procurement problems, and missing equipment. Local Development & Housing: A Baltimore Development Corporation tax break for the Harborplace redevelopment was challenged in a complaint alleging secret meetings violated Maryland’s Open Meetings law. Business & Jobs: Northrop Grumman opened a new Propulsion Innovation Center in Elkton, a major Maryland investment tied to advanced rocket motor work. Community & Infrastructure: Greenbelt and Greenbelt Homes, Inc. discussed stormwater pipe costs and a long-term plan to transfer parts of the system to the county. Sports (Maryland): The Orioles beat the Guardians 9-5, powered by an eight-run third inning.

Endangered Species Act Fight: New York and a coalition of attorneys general sued to block Trump-era rules that weaken protections for threatened and endangered species, arguing the changes open the door to habitat destruction. Local Accountability & Records: In Baltimore, the city’s waste and fraud watchdog is pressing a lawsuit over records access, with a report describing staff trying to block her from emails and documents. Immigration Courtroom Win: A federal judge ordered DHS to pay nearly $165,000 after a wrongful deportation of a Venezuelan man to a notorious El Salvador prison, saying the government acted without due process. Chesapeake Bay Economy: USDA announced another $6 million to expand processing capacity for invasive blue catfish, with Maryland Rep. Andy Harris highlighting the plan’s impact on watermen and local seafood processors. Road Safety Push: Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and DOT Secretary Katie Thomson launched the Safer Maryland Coalition aimed at cutting roadway fatalities as Maryland targets zero deaths by 2030. Local Government Pay: Anne Arundel County Council voted to raise council salaries by 30% over four years. Infrastructure Update: Crews responded to a water main break in Cockeysville affecting hydrants and nearby businesses. Business & Education: UMD will debut an accelerated one-year MBA in summer 2027, and the Moore-Miller administration announced a new grain transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore.

Chesapeake Bay Recovery: Maryland DNR reports underwater grass expanded nearly 13% in 2025, adding habitat and cleaner water as SAV beds hit their best numbers since 2018. Baltimore County Regulation: The county council passed major smoke shop zoning rules, including a new 1,000-foot distance requirement from schools and health clinics, plus a grandfather clause for existing businesses. Immigration Enforcement Fight: Prince George’s County protesters urged officials to rescind a permit allowing ICE to expand its Hyattsville office, arguing the agency can’t be trusted locally. School Meals Access: A national report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meal performance in 2026, with Maryland among states pushing to reach more students. Business & Trade: Wine & Beer Supply, based in Ashland, acquired Maryland hops supplier Havoc Brew Supply, signaling more ingredient competition for local breweries. Courts & Rights: Colorado AG Phil Weiser filed an amicus brief backing limits on ICE warrantless arrests, urging federal courts to uphold safeguards. Local Courts/Health: A Maryland ruling backed a workers’ compensation claim against the Washington Commanders for a player injured at the team’s Virginia training facility. Public Safety: A Joppa woman was bitten by a loose pit bull and required rabies shots after the dog lacked registration; authorities cited the owner.

Maryland Politics: The Maryland Supreme Court kept the redistricting amendment (Question 3) on the November ballot, but ordered rewritten language—prompting fresh criticism from opponents who say the ballot still doesn’t clearly explain what voters are changing. Public Safety: Anne Arundel County police responded to multiple Honda airbag thefts across Glen Burnie, Odenton, and Crofton, urging residents to lock vehicles, avoid leaving valuables, and save camera footage. Defense & Business: AEVEX closed its acquisition of Baltimore’s BlackSea Technologies in a deal valued up to $650 million, expanding maritime autonomous systems and adding manufacturing capacity in Baltimore. Higher Education & Tech: Morgan State won a $10 million federal grant to build the Institute for Trusted Autonomous Networks (TITAN), aiming to strengthen trusted AI research and doctoral training. Local Economy: Founding Farmers moved its headquarters from D.C. to District Heights, Md., with state backing tied to more than 90 jobs expected by 2027. Transportation & Travel: Southwest announced its first airport lounges, including at BWI, with openings expected starting late 2027. Courts & Contracts: Silver Diner says it will sue the BWI concessions manager, alleging a contract dispute over a demanded $8M–$10M gut-and-rebuild.

BWI Workers’ Pay Boost: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced an immediate $18 minimum wage for direct Maryland Aviation Administration contract workers at BWI, plus plans for emergency legislation to raise wages for indirect contract workers under the Secure Maryland Wage Act. Local Housing Enforcement: Charles County commissioners moved forward on a rental licensing bill after a year of internal work, aiming to replace complaint-only code enforcement with consistent registration, licensing, and inspections. Baltimore Public Safety: Baltimore is ending Fells Point ID checkpoints after Labor Day, saying the policy helped deter some violence and underage bar access during Sail250. Crime Alarm in Maryland: Community and business leaders are pushing for urgent, coordinated action after rising burglary and armed robbery concerns, warning unresolved cases could erode public confidence and hurt commerce. Labor Day Travel/Infrastructure: Overnight repairs are set to begin on the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge after an Aug. 25 crash damaged fencing, with lane closures and traffic impacts expected for about two weeks. Community Spotlight: Families say Western Star Cemetery in Catonsville has been neglected and are urging action to restore access and upkeep.

BWI Workers’ Pay: Gov. Wes Moore announced a minimum wage increase to $18 an hour for direct Maryland Aviation Administration contract workers at BWI, and says emergency legislation in 2027 could extend wage hikes to indirect workers by reforming the Secure Maryland Wage Act. Redistricting Fight: Maryland’s Supreme Court cleared the way for the congressional redistricting amendment (Question 3) to stay on the November ballot, but with revised ballot language after the court ordered changes. Transit Update: Metro’s Red Line reopened three stations—Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda—after a nine-week partial summer shutdown, with riders praising the end of bus shuttles. Lottery Results: Maryland Lottery Pick 3 and Pick 4 numbers for Sept. 6 were released, along with other game results. Community & Culture: Thousands turned out for Kensington’s 59th Labor Day Parade and Festival, with local groups and families filling the route. Sports Spotlight: Ravens head coach Jesse Minter addressed early-season questions as Baltimore eyes Super Bowl expectations. Local Business/Branding: Maryland University is locked in a logo dispute with a cannabis dispensary brand using a similar “Terps” design.

Maryland Politics & Courts: Maryland voters will decide in November how congressional districts are drawn, but they won’t vote on online gaming expansion again—another referendum is required for any change, keeping the state’s gambling map split from neighboring options. Elections & Voting Access: Attorney General Aaron Ford secured a court order blocking USPS mail-voting rule changes while the case proceeds, a fight over how states run vote-by-mail. State Government & Tech: Gov. Wes Moore rolled out an expanded AI tool, Maryland Community Compass, meant to help local businesses and entrepreneurs find grants, loans, and zoning-related data. Local Governance & Public Safety: The Maryland Department of Transportation will repair fencing on the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge starting Sept. 8, with overnight lane closures and flaggers. Community & Education: UMD’s SGA is operating without a fully seated legislature, relying on a continuity committee until a special election fills vacant seats. Business: McKesson agreed to buy Bethesda-based Precision Medicine Group for about $2.25 billion, boosting its oncology and clinical research services. Sports: The Orioles were swept by the Red Sox at Camden Yards, while Aroldis Chapman notched his 400th career save.

Maryland Politics: Gov. Wes Moore is celebrating a Maryland Supreme Court win that clears the way for Question 3 to appear on the November ballot, a move Democrats say protects voting power while Republicans warn it’s a bid to erase their sole congressional district. Election Law: Across the country, the Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to immediately revive mail-ballot restrictions ahead of the midterms, after a federal judge blocked the plan. Public Safety: Howard County police are investigating a fatal crash after a hit-and-run involving a police cruiser in Jessup; the Maryland AG’s Independent Investigations Division is taking over. Local Crime & Community: Police are investigating a stabbing near the Towson library, with details still limited. Health & Media: A Cal State LA professor won a regional Emmy for editing a documentary about the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles are trying to snap out of a rough stretch after consecutive shutout losses to the Red Sox, while tensions with Boston spilled over again after benches cleared.

Maryland Housing & Cost Pressures: New data shows home prices are cooling in major metros, with Baltimore among the biggest year-over-year listing price per square foot declines (-3.2%), as higher mortgage rates and rising inventory keep pressure on sellers. Maryland Public Safety & Utilities: Pepco reported major storm-related outages across Maryland and D.C., restoring power to nearly all but about 7,600 customers by Saturday morning, with crews working through equipment and pole damage. Local Transportation Disruptions: Baltimore-area roadworks are set to cause delays from Sept. 7 to Sept. 13, with multiple projects and temporary traffic impacts flagged for drivers. State Housing Support for Workers: Gov. Wes Moore unveiled a $50M “First Homes for First Responders and Teachers” loan program, pairing a discounted mortgage rate with a deferred second loan to cover upfront costs. Baltimore Tech in Policing: Baltimore County Police used its Drone as First Responder program to capture and arrest a Towson vandal after graffiti was sprayed on a donation bin. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles were shut out again, falling 5-0 to the Red Sox as Sonny Gray earned his 17th win; Boston took a commanding series lead. College Football (Maryland): Maryland opened with a 62-0 rout of Hampton, shutting out the Pirates and piling up 646 total yards.

Ballot Access: Maryland election officials certified a handful of third-party candidates for the Nov. 3 ballot, including Green Party contender Sam Husseini for Maryland’s 4th District—an uphill climb without the “machinery” major parties rely on. Housing & Public Safety: Gov. Wes Moore announced a $50M mortgage help program for teachers and first responders, cutting interest rates and offering down-payment/closing-cost support to make first-home purchases more realistic. School Meals: Maryland raised income limits for free and reduced-price meals for the 2026-27 school year, potentially expanding eligibility for families of four and more. City Governance: Baltimore’s Question F would change charter language and could shift control over key contract and spending approvals away from the Board of Estimates toward the mayor and departments—or potentially toward the City Council first. Public Safety in Tourism: Fells Point’s summer ID checkpoint rules are set to end after Labor Day weekend, with business owners saying the policy has deterred some visitors. Air Travel Incident: An American Airlines flight diverted to BWI after a disruptive passenger allegedly used racial slurs and was restrained with duct tape and zip ties; authorities arrested him after landing.

Housing & Public Safety: Gov. Wes Moore announced a new Maryland Mortgage Program product, “First Homes for First Responders and Teachers,” with a lower rate plus 5% down-payment and closing-cost help; applications opened Friday. Local Government & Transit: Metro showed off work 150 feet below Bethesda ahead of the Red Line reopening, including platform upgrades and a new mezzanine meant to connect riders to the Purple Line. Immigration & Courts: DHS widened a pathway for certain US-born children of foreign government employees to register for lawful permanent residency, while noting a federal court injunction in Maryland limits implementation. Elections & Voting Access: AG Brown and a coalition won a new court order blocking USPS from moving ahead with an “illegal” mail-voting disruption plan. Public Safety & Community Life: Baltimore’s Fells Point ID checkpoints are set to end after Labor Day weekend, with business owners saying the policy helped curb late-night teen crowds but also hurt foot traffic. Health & Data: CDC’s latest measles update again omitted two Pennsylvania deaths, underscoring a fresh fight over how outbreak impacts are reported. Sports & Maryland: Maryland freshman Josiah Teasley remains on the Terps roster after an assault conviction, though he won’t play until the matter is resolved.

Maryland Politics: The Maryland Supreme Court cleared the way for the redistricting Question 3 to stay on the November ballot, but ordered the wording rewritten after finding the original language misleading—setting up another high-stakes fight between Democrats and Republicans. Federal Courts/Immigration: A U.S. judge temporarily blocked Trump measures targeting “birth tourism,” calling the approach “almost certainly unconstitutional” as the legal battle over birthright citizenship continues. Transgender Healthcare: Maryland AG Anthony Brown joined a lawsuit challenging a new federal rule that would cut Medicaid and CHIP reimbursement for gender dysphoria care for many youth, arguing it would cause “serious harm.” Local Accountability: A Montgomery County teacher abuse case was revived with both a lawsuit and criminal charges, alleging the district kept a teacher in classrooms for years despite repeated complaints. Environment & Public Safety: Maryland AG announced criminal charges after an employee of a Wicomico County septic company allegedly dumped sewage into a wooded area. Community & Services: Maryland’s venison donation grant program is open for 2026, offering $25,000 to help nonprofits and local governments cover deer butchering and processing costs. Business/Tech: Baltimore County held a public hearing on data centers as residents pressed for limits and regulators weigh impacts. Sports & Culture: Charm City Live returns Saturday with major downtown road closures and parking changes.

Courts & Voting Rights: Maryland’s Supreme Court cleared the way for the state’s redistricting amendment (Question 3) to appear on the November ballot, but ordered the ballot wording rewritten after finding parts of the summary misleading—Gov. Wes Moore called it a win for voters. Local Governance: Baltimore County residents packed a planning board hearing to oppose data centers, warning about power, water use, pollution, and noise as the county weighs how to regulate the projects. Education & Safety: A lawsuit alleges the Montgomery County Board of Education failed to protect a former student from teacher Daniel J. Picca despite years of complaints. Public Services & Costs: Prince George’s County school families reported persistent bus routing problems after the district’s new system rollout, with the superintendent apologizing for an “unacceptable” first week. State Watch: Maryland approved about $23 million for water and wastewater upgrades, including ongoing wastewater plant operations and water main replacements in Prince George’s County. Sports (Baltimore): Adley Rutschman returned to Camden Yards and homered twice as the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-5.