AGP Executive Report

COVID Records Case in Federal Court: Former NIAID adviser David Morens pleaded guilty in Greenbelt to conspiring to evade public records laws and conceal documents tied to COVID-19 grant research; he faces up to five years. Health Access in Western Maryland: The Healthy Together program, backed by a $4.5 million grant, is helping residents in Allegany and Garrett counties connect to essential services. Maryland Digital Ad Tax Fallout: Maryland’s court fight over the Digital Advertising Tax continues to ripple, with rulings striking down the tax and ordering refunds. Public Safety—Rabid Beaver Alert: Wildlife officials are investigating a beaver attack on a 10-year-old at Seneca Creek State Park, the third in weeks, prompting closures while the animal is searched for. Local Law Enforcement Update: A Bel Air officer identified in a fatal Aug. 15 traffic-stop shooting is under investigation by Maryland’s Office of the Attorney General’s IID. Community & Culture: The Nanticoke Indian Dance Troupe performed at Frontier Town in Berlin, highlighting Maryland’s local heritage.

Meta Trial Watch: A coalition of 29 states is set to press its case against Meta in federal court in California, seeking more than $200 billion and major changes to Facebook and Instagram over alleged addictive design aimed at kids and teens. Maryland Courts: Maryland’s first-in-the-nation digital ad tax has been struck down again in Tax Court rulings, with refunds ordered for Apple, Google and Peacock. FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to move the FBI headquarters to a Washington, D.C. office building, clearing the way for the Greenbelt, Maryland plan. Immigration Enforcement vs. Faith: The 4th Circuit upheld limits on federal immigration enforcement near certain houses of worship, saying the policy could interfere with religious activities. Local Business: YOTEL Washington DC named James Thomas as general manager as it prepares to integrate into Hilton systems. Public Safety: Ocean City police arrested a man tied to an armed motel robbery shortly after his release from custody. Health Alert: FDA recalled “Cocoa Crunch” Protein Cereal kits in 10 states due to undeclared soy allergens. Weather: CBS Baltimore says humidity and storms ease midweek, with better conditions for Orioles-Yankees games.

FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from shifting the FBI HQ plan away from Greenbelt, ruling the change violated federal law and clearing the path for Maryland’s site. Local Safety: A mother and child were hit by a car in Rockville, and both were taken to a trauma center. Energy Costs: Maryland consumer and environmental groups are urging regulators to reject Baltimore Gas and Electric’s rate hike after the utility reported record profits. Public Health: U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates dipped again, with exemptions hitting a new high—another sign of growing nonmedical opt-outs. Wildlife Watch: Maryland’s third beaver attack this summer is different, with officials still unable to capture a live animal for rabies testing at Seneca Creek State Park. Crime: Thieves used an excavator to smash a Wells Fargo ATM in Baltimore, and police had made no arrests as of the next day. Weather/Beach: Jellyfish are keeping some beachgoers out of the water along Maryland’s coast.

Maryland Courts & Policy: A federal court struck down Maryland’s digital advertising tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Public Safety: Baltimore joined a lead-paint lawsuit over the “TV Hill” broadcast tower repainting, alleging lead chips spread during 2022 work; the AG secured a $2.2M settlement and seeks cleanup. Health & Consumer Alerts: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,000+ Walmart tomato soup kits in 29 states, including Maryland, over possible listeria contamination; and Oma’s Pride recalled frozen dog food sold in Maryland due to possible salmonella. Local Government: Takoma Park’s new stop-sign cameras are active, with warnings for 30 days before fines begin Sept. 16. Energy & Infrastructure: PJM proposed a reliability framework for big new electricity users like data centers, with potential curtailments for uncovered demand. Weather/Everyday Life: Gas prices in Baltimore fell 11.3 cents to about $3.89/gal, per GasBuddy.

Defense & Diplomacy: President Trump says he’s unhappy with U.S. participation in South Korea drills and has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the scope of Ulchi Freedom Shield, citing a “very good relationship” with Kim Jong Un. Public Safety: Maryland braces for heavy rain and storms Sunday, with a severe thunderstorm watch covering multiple Maryland counties and a flood watch into early Monday; officials also report thousands without power in the region. Courts & Crime: Federal and state prosecutors announced indictments tied to a multi-state organized retail-theft ring that allegedly hit Prince George’s County and others, including charges in federal court for interstate transportation of stolen goods. Local Government & the Bay: A new report finds help for Bay cleanup is uneven, with many technical assistance programs sprouting but gaps in where services exist and what they provide. Health & Policy: Maryland Department of Health rescheduled free car seat checks for Aug. 18 in Salisbury, with additional dates set for Berlin, Princess Anne, and Salisbury again. Business & Consumer Costs: A new study finds car insurance prices rising in 2026, with Maryland among the states where costs are projected to keep climbing.

Severe Weather: Maryland is under a First Alert Weather Day as rounds of heavy rain move through today into tonight, with localized flooding risk and possible late-day thunderstorms bringing gusty winds. Public Safety: The Maryland AG’s Independent Investigations Division is probing a deadly Bel Air traffic-stop shooting from Saturday night, where an officer fired during an altercation; the driver died and the officer was injured. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine LLC is recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in multiple states, including Maryland, due to possible listeria contamination. Consumer Fraud Watch: Edgewood landed in a 70-way tie for 75th among Maryland cities in July scam reports, based on BBB Scam Tracker submissions. Sports Betting: Maryland bettors can find new NFL preseason promos from BetMGM and DraftKings Predictions, with bonus-bet offers tied to preseason action. Boating Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard is launching a 2026 recreational boating safety survey and is asking Montgomery County residents to participate.

USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore urged sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln to “take care of one another” amid reports of deteriorating conditions during a nine-month deployment, after President Trump dismissed concerns as “not nearly long enough.” Power and Heat: After seven blackouts in two months, Maryland residents say heat is forcing them out of their homes as outages disrupt daily life. Bel Air Shooting Update: Bel Air police confirmed an incident on Franklin Street; a possible officer-involved shooting is under review, with locals reporting heavy police presence and fears in the area. Immigration Fear in Maryland: With ICE concerns rising, a Maryland community is going into hiding, while U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen calls for release of UM pharmacy professor Berhanu Kibret from ICE custody. Local Economy/Grants: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland announced nearly $20M in FY27 local impact grants for Anne Arundel County public safety, schools, and nonprofits. Public Health Recalls: Walmart recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits over possible listeria; separate dog food recall warnings also include Maryland. Sports (Maryland ties): MPSSAA will move girls flag football to three-flag belts in 2027; Loyola Maryland hosts Arkansas in a key matchup.

Court & Public Safety: Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty in federal court Friday in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with prosecutors seeking a life sentence at sentencing set for Dec. 18. State Policy: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax and ordered refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Environment & Health: DNR is investigating a third beaver attack this summer at Seneca Creek State Park; a 10-year-old girl was bitten and a nearby area is closed while officials search for the animal. Aviation & Safety: The FAA has set a “No Drone Zone” around the Maryland State Fairgrounds from Aug. 27 through Sept. 13, with steep penalties for violations. Local Economy: Montgomery County reports its lowest premium gas price of the week ending Aug. 8 at $4.39, while the county average remains higher. Business & Community: A new elective ultrasound studio, Precious Baby Sono, is opening Sept. 1 in Prince Frederick. Consumer Watch: A congressional inquiry is demanding answers from major airlines about whether AI and consumer data influence the fares people see. Weather: CBS Baltimore warns Sunday could bring heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms, with a possible First Alert day.

Digital Tax Ruling: Maryland’s first-in-the-nation digital advertising tax was struck down by the state Tax Court, which ordered refunds for companies including Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Public Safety & Crime: In Baltimore, loved ones are mourning 17-year-old Jada Sellers, gunned down in Southwest Baltimore; police have not announced suspects. Courts & Accountability: A Baltimore judge denied the city’s bid to block the inspector general from accessing records, ordering the city to respond to OIG subpoenas. Health Care & Justice: Towson native Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges tied to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with sentencing set for Dec. 18. Weather: Forecasts point to a nice Saturday, then a stormier Sunday with potential strong to severe weather. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers should check recall notices: tomato bisque soup kits sold in multiple states, including Maryland, were recalled over possible listeria contamination. Local Schools: Wicomico County Public Schools will enforce “Bell to Bell, No Cell” starting Sept. 1, banning most personal devices during the school day.

Food Safety: A Maryland company recalled 3,240 packs of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states, including Maryland, after a presumptive Listeria finding; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are told not to eat the product and to return it for a refund. Public Safety: A beaver attack at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County left a 10-year-old with three leg lacerations; about a mile of trail is closed while wildlife officials search for the animal after earlier rabies-positive beaver incidents. Health & Community: Partners In Care Mid-Shore plans to close its Easton-area branch by Aug. 31, with volunteers and older residents warning about gaps in transportation and support for adults aging in place. Local Government: Maryland county leaders are bracing for tighter budgets, warning that state aid cuts and shifting costs could force tough local tax and spending decisions. Courts & Crime: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, admitting “I shot Mr. Thompson and he died,” with sentencing set for Dec. 18.

Local Justice: Ocean City murderer Benjamin Sifrit asked for a reduced sentence under Maryland’s Second Look Act after a 2022 parole denial, following his 2002 conviction in the killing and dismemberment of Joshua Ford and Martha Crutchley. Public Safety: A Maryland grandmother, Lorraine Marie O’Neill, was convicted of child neglect after her 7-year-old grandson fell from a car window and was struck and killed on I-97; sentencing is set for Oct. 2. Crime Update: Baltimore County police say two teens are charged as adults in the Aug. 10 Essex killing of 17-year-old Roman Wright, with a video call and alleged robbery plot at the center of charging documents. Statehouse/Transparency: Some Maryland agencies have stopped answering routine questions from four news outlets, citing legal review tied to a private defamation lawsuit involving Gov. Wes Moore. Energy & Utilities: Baltimore County residents delivered cease-and-desist letters to BGE contractors over additional power-line work tied to the Brandon Shores project. Food Recalls: Lidl recalled a Vitasia Asian wok spice mix after Salmonella was found in a routine sample; no illnesses reported. Community & Education: A STEM center opened at a Boys & Girls Club facility, expanding hands-on science and career exposure for local youth. Immigration Enforcement: We Are CASA says ICE activity is increasing across the Baltimore area and urges people to use its hotline to report incidents.

Transportation Update: The Conococheague Creek bridge on U.S. 40 is set to reopen to traffic by midday Friday after a two-year rehab that’s kept it closed since late June 2025. Utility & Cost of Living: Consumer Reports is urging the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject Baltimore Gas and Electric’s proposed $156 million rate hike, warning it could add nearly $100 a year to typical bills while hundreds of thousands of customers already fall behind. Public Safety: The FBI announced “Operation Summer Heat 2.0,” a fugitive sweep that led to 109 arrests across Maryland and Delaware, including cases tied to Annapolis and child sex abuse allegations. Health & Community: Dorchester County plans aerial mosquito spraying Aug. 13, and officials say it’s not necessary to leave the area during treatment. Local Government & Firefighters: Annapolis-area officials—Anne Arundel State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and Annapolis Alderman Rob Savidge—were formally censured by IAFF delegates. Business Watch: Kroger is shutting down underperforming stores as part of a broader cleanup of its footprint.

Public Safety & Courts: A North Carolina man, Jayson Reed, was arrested after Baltimore police say he urinated on concertgoers during a Morgan Wallen show at M&T Bank Stadium; he faces assault and public urination charges and is awaiting extradition. Violence in Maryland: A 5-year-old girl, Na’Ryah Adams, was killed in a Linkwood-area shooting; her father was also shot and flown to shock trauma, as investigators continue the case. Health & Food Safety: Lidl US recalled a lot of Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella contamination, including distribution in Maryland. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Maryland transportation officials are increasingly using faster-updating crash and traffic data to re-rank road fixes, meaning problem stretches can move up sooner. Community & History: The Maryland National Guard and the Maryland Center for Military History are asking the public to help identify Civil War soldiers in 150-year-old tintype photos from a Chestertown company. Sports: Maryland football took an early hit with reports that sophomore linebacker Zahir Mathis is out for the season after an injury in practice.

Calvert County Data Center Fight: Calvert commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed six-month moratorium on site-plan approvals for data center projects, after Amazon shelved a Calvert Cliffs-area plan and local politics shifted post-primary. Local Sports: The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders meet in a joint practice Wednesday ahead of their Aug. 14 preseason opener in Landover, with Malik Willis and Caleb Douglas among the key names to watch. Animal Welfare: An Annapolis-area Change.org petition asks Maryland to ban retail pet-store sales of parrots, arguing they’re hard to care for and often end up needing rehoming. Public Health: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns that “flesh-eating” vibrio vulnificus cases are rising as warming waters increase risk for people with cuts and for undercooked seafood. Community & Food: St. Mary’s County’s Farmers Feeding St. Mary’s returns with free produce distributions Thursday in Lexington Park and again Sept. 12. Business Growth: Cloudforce says it will expand at National Harbor, adding 250 AI jobs over five years. Money News: A Salisbury man bought two identical Pick 5 tickets for one drawing and won $50,000 on each, totaling $100,000.

Redistricting Court Fight: Maryland Republicans sued to block a constitutional amendment that would change congressional redistricting rules, arguing lawmakers dodged required public comment and violated election-law deadlines; a hearing is set for Aug. 25, just days before ballot finalization. Homelessness Funding Protected: A multistate coalition won an order blocking HUD from capping permanent housing funds tied to homelessness services, keeping Housing First support intact. North Korea Cyber Probe: The FBI says it found a North Korean remote IT worker working for a U.S. federal agency, underscoring the overseas IT scheme’s reach. Violence in Essex: Two juveniles were arrested after a 17-year-old was killed in Essex; police also reported a separate double shooting nearby that left two 19-year-olds dead. BGE Rate Pressure: Hearings begin on BGE’s proposed $156 million rate increase as Baltimore officials and advocates push back over higher utility costs. Powerball Nears $1B: No jackpot winner; Wednesday’s estimated prize is $975 million, with Maryland tickets winning Match 5. Storms for BTS at M&T: Weather officials say severe storms could return Tuesday, with stadium doors adjusted to 6 p.m. for the BTS show.

Powerball Watch: The jackpot keeps climbing after no one matched all six numbers Monday; Wednesday’s prize is estimated at $975 million (cash value $422.3 million), with Maryland selling two Match 5 tickets worth $1 million each. Public Safety: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal early-morning shooting in Dorchester County that killed a 5-year-old girl and sent a 30-year-old man to a trauma center. Health Access: Maryland’s free vaccine program is expanding to 10 additional federally qualified health centers, bringing more no-cost recommended shots to uninsured adults. Local Government & Costs: A Baltimore Sun analysis says last week’s Maryland redistricting special session could cost taxpayers up to $50,680 in meal and hotel reimbursements. Mental Health Funding: Howard County is sending $260,000 in emergency money to help a crisis center absorb federal cuts to its 988 backup contract. Weather & Risk: Storms continue to threaten parts of Maryland and the region, with officials urging residents to stay alert for damaging winds and flooding.