AGP Executive Report

Maryland Economy: Maryland’s Q3 2025 property tax revenue jumped 167.6% from the prior quarter, according to new state figures. Public Safety & Crime: Police in Aberdeen are searching for a man who allegedly posed as a Walmart employee to steal lost credit cards. Health & Community: HER Cause is hosting its 3rd Annual Wellness in Me Conference on June 27 in Fort Washington, with a new “See. Support. Connect.” model aimed at giving women—especially Black women and women of color—practical mental health support tools. Environment: The Maryland Forest Service completed a 71-acre native tree planting at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County to expand riparian buffers and help protect the Potomac from runoff. Local Interest: Vaughan Cheese in North Beach is highlighted as a must-visit for cheese lovers, tying into National Cheese Day.

Maryland Politics & Courts: Residents are petitioning to overturn approval of the Medical Mile apartments project, challenging a Springfield rezoning that cleared a 182-unit plan near the Medical Mile. Public Safety: Baltimore police are investigating a fatal triple shooting in Park Heights that left one man dead and two others injured. State Finances: Maryland reported $10.6 billion in individual income tax revenue in 2024, up from $9.7 billion the year before. Health & Privacy: RFK Jr. is seeking access to Americans’ medical records for autism and vaccine research, raising concerns about how data would be protected. Historic Discovery: Researchers say they’ve likely identified the lost remains of Maryland’s second colonial governor using genetic methods. Federal Workforce: USDA relocation plans are forcing some Food Safety and Inspection Service employees to choose by June 30 or face separation. Crime & Justice: A Maryland man was killed in a tractor-trailer crash on I-68 after the vehicle went over an embankment and caught fire. Local Life: A Maryland-plate pickup was found submerged in Massachusetts’ Cochituate State Park, with investigators still sorting out how it got there.

Maryland Weather: A hot, humid weekend is easing into Sunday with humidity dropping through the day, but more heat returns early next week. Public Safety & Health: Maryland is rolling out social media guardrails as some school boards opt out, while the state and counties post opioid settlement spending on a new transparency dashboard. Education & Workforce: College of Southern Maryland hosted a regional quantum forum to build training pathways for quantum careers, and Maryland lawmakers are advancing new AI education guidelines for K-12. Local Government & Business: St. Mary’s County set a July 14 public hearing on a proposed Verizon cable franchise, and Annapolis-area breweries are teaming up for America’s 250th with limited-edition “Revolutionary” beers. Community & Culture: Baltimore Pride events kick off this week with a full slate beyond the parade and major festivals.

Severe Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Maryland through 8 p.m., with damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain possible. Local Business: Welcome Home Markets has closed its Annapolis State Circle store after five years, citing needed building repairs and an early lease end; the shop will keep operating in Easton and Chestertown and online. Community & Faith: More than 1,000 people joined the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage procession through downtown Washington, D.C., carrying the Blessed Sacrament. Public Safety: A nitrous oxide cylinder explosion near a race car in Elkton killed a man and sent his wife to treatment for minor injuries; investigators are still looking at what caused the failure. Sports (Maryland ties): The 2026 Annapolis-to-Bermuda Ocean Race is underway, with Time Machine leading the fleet in early tracking. Arts/Local Culture: Anne Arundel breweries are rolling out limited-edition “America’s 250” beers tied to colonial and Chesapeake themes.

Public Safety: A Maryland Marine veteran in Oxon Hill fought off four hooded teens during an attempted carjacking after one allegedly pointed a gun at his face; surveillance footage shows the struggle and a shot that hit his truck, with no injuries reported. Elections: Maryland is nearing its June 23 primary, and local boards still need election judges; the state says it will train even “standby” judges if precincts are short. Weather: Hot weekend conditions are settling over Maryland, with highs in the 90s and only a low risk of severe storms—some showers or thunderstorms are possible Saturday night. Statehouse & Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed the Youth Charging Reform Act, expanding which cases go through juvenile court as youth crime remains a flashpoint. Consumer & Tech: Maryland’s surveillance-pricing law is part of a broader push—New York just passed a similar ban on personalized pricing based on personal data. Health & Justice: A habitual fentanyl dealer was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Outdoors: Maryland state parks are tightening day-use access with advance reservations at popular sites through the summer.

Medicare Enforcement: A federal appeals court ruled HHS can seek Medicare monetary penalties without a jury trial, rejecting a Maryland nursing home operator’s challenge. Cost of Living: A new analysis shows electricity prices jumped fastest in D.C., but Maryland is close behind at about +17% year over year—fueling worries for household budgets. Energy Politics: The Maryland Freedom Caucus praised President Trump’s plan to restart coal power, including expected federal support aimed at reopening the Warrior Run plant near Cumberland. Legal/Health Care: A coalition of nonprofits and federal contractors asked a Maryland judge to pause a contractor DEI restriction order, arguing it would cause irreparable harm. Public Safety: A Hanover man was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for a 2024 sniper ambush near Finksburg. Weather: Hot, dry conditions continue with isolated storms possible around Baltimore this weekend. Food Safety: Clover Hill Dairy recalled soft ricotta/requeson cheese after possible Listeria concerns tied to cases reported in the region.

Maryland Politics & Elections: With General Assembly primaries looming, candidates are framing the race as a fight over affordability and how hard to push back on Trump, while Democrats and Republicans spar over ballot trust and redistricting fallout. Public Safety: A Maryland man was federally indicted after a BWI checkpoint “meltdown,” and separate reporting highlights a Marine veteran in Prince George’s County who says he fought off four armed teens attempting a carjacking. Health & Community: A University of Maryland School of Medicine study finds five minutes of in-person prayer may ease pain and anxiety for primary-care patients alongside standard treatment. Environment & Weather: Hot, hazy conditions are driving Code Orange air quality alerts across parts of Maryland, with weekend storms possible. Energy & Industry: Senator Mike McKay says reopening the AES Warrior Run plant is key for Appalachia as federal support for coal power continues to draw attention. Local Culture: Museum Week returns June 12-21 across Allegany County, timed to the area’s 250th birthday.

Local Crime: A manhunt is underway for two women accused of first-degree murder after a 67-year-old woman was found dead inside a Silver Spring senior living community, with investigators saying the victim’s daughter and her girlfriend are at large. Self-Defense/Robbery: In Oxon Hill, a former Marine says he fought off armed teen robbers during an attempted car robbery—surveillance captured a handgun pointed at his head. Public Safety/Environment: Curtis Bay residents are reacting with anger after a fuel oil spill left a strong chemical odor in the community for hours, with complaints that no warning was issued. State Politics & Public Works: Gov. Wes Moore continued his “Delivering for Maryland” tour in Wicomico County, touting investments tied to a new state park, Salisbury University upgrades, and improvements at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Health & Community: Ocean City’s blood drives hit a major milestone, topping 15,000 donations across summer and winter events. Weather: Hotter, more humid conditions are building across the Baltimore area this weekend, with storms possible Saturday.

Classified Documents Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty in federal court in Maryland to illegal retention of sensitive national security documents, with a fine reported at more than $2 million and possible jail time capped at five years. Local Public Safety: A fatal boating crash in South Carolina killed a Bethesda man after a vessel rated for four carried seven; investigators say the operator missed a floating dock in time. Workforce & Training: Maryland is pushing “all-in” on apprenticeships, aiming to close the gap between employers’ hiring filters and real on-the-job potential. Community Development: The Pikesville Armory Foundation is driving a major $100 million redevelopment into a multiuse community hub, with phased construction targeting completion in 2031. Politics Watch: Sen. Chris Van Hollen warns voters in Maryland’s competitive 5th Congressional District race about outside special-interest money backing Del. Adrian Boafo. Legal System: The 4th Circuit revived parts of a wrongful-conviction lawsuit tied to alleged fabrication of evidence involving a Baltimore murder conspiracy. Health & Environment: A flesh-eating screwworm fly has been detected in Texas, prompting quarantine steps to protect the cattle industry. Energy Costs: Maryland’s gas tax is set to rise July 1, adding about six-tenths of a penny per gallon.

UMD Job Cuts: The University of Maryland, College Park laid off 84 state-funded employees, citing “financial challenges” tied to federal funding drops and rising energy costs, with a union calling the move “unacceptable.” Fatal Crash in Worcester County: Maryland State Police are investigating a deadly Route 50 crash in Worcester County where a 79-year-old Ocean City man failed to stop at a stop sign and hit a pickup; the pickup driver refused treatment. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security could trigger an average $500-a-month benefit cut for retirees if lawmakers don’t act before the program runs out of reserves in 2032—Maryland is listed among the hardest-hit states. Cancer Breakthrough at UMD: UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center is the first in the region to offer an FDA-approved T-cell therapy for advanced synovial sarcoma. Screwworm Scare: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in south Texas and activated quarantines and sterile-fly efforts to protect U.S. cattle. Local Safety & Schools: Wicomico County arrested two teens after a stolen gun was brought to Wicomico Middle School, and a Talbot County house fire displaced four residents after ashes from a burn barrel sparked the blaze.

Maryland Education Watch: NORC at the University of Chicago is asking residents to weigh in on how the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is playing out, with a short statewide survey aimed at teachers, parents, students, and education partners. State Politics: Maryland Senate GOP leader Steve Hershey pushed back on former Howard County Executive Allen Kittleman’s move to leave the party, calling it disingenuous. Local Schools Funding: Worcester County commissioners voted 4-3 to cut the Board of Education’s FY27 budget request by nearly $2.8 million, raising concerns about student and program impacts. Housing & Home Loans: Maryland received $952.6 million in VA interest-rate refinance loans in Q1, according to the VA Home Loans Index. Crime & Courts: A Bladensburg man with a long record was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme. Health & Science: A new report highlights the promise and hurdles of xenotransplantation, including Maryland’s role in the first successful pig-heart transplant into a human. Community & Summer: Maryland’s Best launched its “Eat Well. Buy Local.” campaign with an updated logo to spotlight local farms and seafood.

Carjacking Sentences: Two Baltimore men—Jerritt Barron and Jeremy Matheny—were sentenced for multiple armed carjackings, including one that ended in a shooting death. Public Safety & Courts: Baltimore’s inspector general fight took another hit as Judge Pamela White denied the city’s bid to seal parts of the IG dispute. DNA Backlog Funding: Maryland crime labs are set to receive $1.3M to speed DNA testing and reduce case backlogs. Local Health Response: Dorchester County accepted a state grant to bring whole blood to ambulances, moving beyond helicopter-only transport. Crime & Violence: A man was critically injured in an Annapolis-area garage explosion; investigators say the cause isn’t yet known. Weather Watch: Warming is underway across Maryland, with highs climbing toward the 90s by the weekend. Tech & Policy: Howard County is moving toward a data center moratorium, pausing new construction and applications. Federal Oversight: The Trump administration is arguing a NASA workers’ union local can’t join a lawsuit tied to a library shutdown. Business & Community: Anne Arundel Community College awarded $75,000 to eight student-run business pitches. Public Health: Maryland is also seeing renewed attention on childhood vaccine-preventable illnesses nationwide.

Maryland Elections: GOP lawmakers are pressing the State Board of Elections for clarity after thousands of voters reportedly received incorrect mail-in ballots in the 2026 primary, asking how officials will handle ballots returned before replacements arrive. ICE & Immigration: A Maryland woman held by ICE for 25 days despite citizenship proof has been issued a U.S. passport, and her lawyers say removal proceedings were halted “without prejudice,” meaning they could restart. Environment & Health: USDA plans to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, putting the nation’s bee disease diagnostic work at risk as beekeepers face ongoing losses from varroa mites and viruses. Local Land Use: Charles County residents packed a planning commission hearing to oppose zoning changes that would allow large data centers, citing noise, environmental impacts, and equity concerns. State Economy: Maryland’s gas tax rises slightly July 1 to 46.6 cents per gallon. Community & Nature: DNR is accepting applications for the FY 2028 Greenspace Equity Program, with proposals due Sept. 1.

Education Leadership: Prince George’s County Public Schools named Dr. Shawn Joseph as its permanent superintendent, ending his interim run and setting a focus on boosting literacy and math, improving special education outcomes, and strengthening community trust. Public Safety: Montgomery County police say Silver Spring is seeing a surge in coordinated vehicle break-ins, targeting high-value parts like catalytic converters and airbags, with arrests already made. Transportation/Justice: A bus driver tied to a deadly I-95 crash in Virginia was indicted on additional involuntary manslaughter charges; court records also show a prior speeding case in Maryland. Local Government/Facilities: The Suitland Federal Center in Maryland—home to major federal statistical agencies—closed again due to an unspecified water issue, with staff told to telework or take leave. Health & Safety: Tick activity is rising across Maryland and the region, with ER visits for tick bites hitting high levels for this time of year; experts urge prevention and quick tick removal. Business & Community: Peter Chang Kitchen & Bar in College Park closed after under a year, citing rising costs. Elections/Policy: Maryland election officials began reviewing mail-in ballots after a printing error, with replacement ballots sent out.

Key Bridge Trial: A federal judge rejected another bid to delay the civil trial tied to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, setting the case to move forward in June over whether Dali owners can cap damages. Energy Costs: A new map shows Maryland’s residential electricity prices jumped 89% year over year—the biggest increase in the U.S.—as grid and demand pressures rise. Utility Bills: PECO customers in Maryland will see higher electric and gas bills starting June 1 as wholesale power costs climb. Health Coverage: Marylanders are feeling the pinch after enhanced ACA subsidies expired, with some exchange enrollees facing steep premium increases. Agriculture Relief: Gov. Wes Moore ordered emergency help after an April freeze devastated crops, while the state seeks federal disaster aid. Elections & Voting: Maryland begins counting mail-in ballots for the 2026 gubernatorial primary and is also dealing with a printing error that triggered replacement ballots. Public Safety: Police charged two Waldorf residents after a stolen Ford F-150 was found at a 7-Eleven.

Key Bridge Civil Trial: A civil trial over the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is set to begin Monday in downtown Baltimore, moving forward after a judge denied delays tied to new federal criminal charges; some victim families have already reached undisclosed settlements, and Maryland previously agreed to a $2.25 billion resolution with the ship’s owner and operator. Ocean City Aviation Incident: A SeaRey amphibious plane made an emergency landing in Assawoman Bay behind Seacrets after a stabilizing float detached; officials say no one was hurt and the Maryland Natural Resources Police and Coast Guard are handling the response. Local Safety Watch: A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Hawthorne Road collision near Quailwood Parkway, and a sedan crash into a Waldorf building left one driver injured and prompted a structural safety check. Education & Policy: Maryland school districts are requiring teachers to help with potty training as pre-K expands, and 14 Maryland students were named U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalists. Sports & Community: UCLA’s No. 1 baseball run ended with a regional loss to Saint Mary’s; Anne Arundel libraries announced Pride Month programming, and Montgomery County students showcased inventions at Bethesda’s KID Museum.