AGP Executive Report

Coastal Resilience: Maryland’s Swan Island in Tangier Sound is being rebuilt with about 60,000 cubic yards of dredged sediment from nearby navigation channels, followed by extensive marsh and dune planting—an example of turning navigation work into shoreline protection. Public Safety: Maryland AG Anthony Brown won’t bring charges against Baltimore officers in a fatal July 5 stolen-minivan chase after an investigation found no Maryland-law crime. Police Accountability: Maryland’s AG IID released bodycam footage from a Sept. 3 Middle River fatal shooting involving Sadie Holman; the officer involved is identified and the investigation continues. Courts & Voting: A federal judge is set to rule on Trump’s effort to create state-by-state voter eligibility lists using federal personal data, with privacy and voting-rights groups warning of misuse. Health & Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded, adding more lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Environment: Chesapeake Bay oyster sanctuaries show widespread gains, with nearly 40% of sites seeing positive growth or meeting benchmarks. Local Weather/Coast: Ocean City issued a swimming advisory after rescuers pulled three swimmers from dangerous rip-current conditions. Sports (Maryland): Nebraska hosts Maryland aiming for a fifth straight win as the Terrapins look to bounce back.

Curtis Bay Energy Deal: Maryland regulators reached a consent decree to end the Curtis Bay medical-waste incineration operation, cutting burning to zero while the facility shifts to transfer work at reduced levels, with penalties tied to any violations. Gunpowder River Pollution: Maryland fined a developer for repeated sediment runoff into a Gunpowder tributary, continuing a crackdown after a major prior settlement over muddy construction discharges. PFAS Permit Fight: On the Eastern Shore, MDE is poised to allow a soybean processor to discharge up to five times more polluted water into a Chesapeake Bay tributary, drawing pushback from neighbors worried about “forever chemicals.” Gold Scam Expands: State police identified two more Maryland victims in a multi-state gold scam, warning scammers pose as federal agents and pressure victims to hand over gold or cash. Key Bridge Progress: Maryland launched a public dashboard to track Key Bridge rebuild milestones, giving drivers and residents monthly construction updates. Weather: Weekend forecast calls for cloudy, cooler conditions with spotty showers, especially south of Baltimore.

Education & Benefits: A push is underway to restore full funding for Maryland’s Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship, arguing recent Higher Education Commission changes cut the benefit to about a $3,000 cap and leave disabled veterans’ families facing major out-of-pocket costs. Public Safety: Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue broke ground on a new station backed by $9 million in federal funding, including a new ladder truck, aimed at boosting response capacity in eastern Baltimore County. Local Transportation: Berlin is revising its Route 113 reconnection plan, shifting from a proposed bridge to a shared-use path, safer crossings and slower traffic. Environment & Courts: States and cities sued the Trump administration over EPA moves rolling back power-plant emissions limits, warning the change will worsen climate impacts. Health: CDC reports 3,887 measles cases nationwide as of Oct. 1, with Maryland among the jurisdictions reporting cases. Maryland Policy Watch: The state superintendent extended a stay on Somerset County BOE’s controversial media policy, keeping enforcement paused while an appeal proceeds.

Energy & Industry: Amazon and Constellation struck a 20-year deal to expand Calvert Cliffs, Maryland’s only nuclear plant, backing more than $3B in upgrades and adding 190 megawatts by 2030–2032. Courts & Public Safety: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Maryland and two counties over the state’s face-covering and ID rules for law enforcement, arguing states can’t regulate federal officers. Water Infrastructure: After a power outage at WSSC Water’s Potomac plant, nearly 2 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s were told to use water only for essentials while repairs continued. State Policy & Housing: Gov. Wes Moore convened the Maryland Innovation Summit and released a new Business AI Benchmark, while also pushing faster, cheaper housing construction and permitting. Local Governance: A Baltimore fire-scene dispute is spilling into City Hall and court, as contractors accuse a councilwoman of steering restoration work. Business & Tech: Maryland’s PSC ended a multi-year rate plan pilot, citing limited customer benefits. Public Health: CDC reported 72,093 violent deaths in 2023, with suicides the largest share and firearms involved in 58.6%.

AI & State Action: Gov. Wes Moore is forming a bipartisan governors group on AI, arguing the federal government is dragging its feet while states face fast-moving risks. Road Safety Enforcement: Maryland’s MVA starts sending registration warning notices Oct. 1 for improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, with a 60-day grace period before $7-per-day fines begin. Legal Fight Over Policing: The DOJ sued Maryland to block state and county rules limiting face coverings by law enforcement and requiring officers to identify themselves on demand. Energy & Climate: Maryland AGs are among those challenging EPA rollbacks of power-plant greenhouse gas limits, saying the changes harm public health and violate the Clean Air Act. Local Community & Culture: Annapolis is packing October with major seasonal events, including the Galesville Maritime Heritage Festival and the Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival. Business & Growth: A new St. Mary’s County Family YMCA opened in Lexington Park, and Dundalk’s community center pool is set to reopen after a pilot aquatics program.

Data Center Tax Fight: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland will seek to repeal the special tax exemption for large data centers, arguing families come first and pushing a new accountability framework for future projects. Public Safety & Local Funding: Thurmont is set to move ahead with a flood mitigation push after receiving a $1.5 million grant for the Emmitsburg Road project, while Kent County backed updated fire equipment for Chestertown Volunteer Fire Company. Health Coverage Shock: Maryland faces major Medicaid losses under federal changes tied to immigration status, with advocates warning thousands could lose access to cancer and other ongoing care. Food Safety Alert: The FDA issued recalls of raw milk cheese tied to E. coli, plus jarred peperoncini and cinnamon over contamination concerns. Environment & Enforcement: Curtis Bay’s medical waste incinerator is closing after years of community opposition, following residents’ complaints about pollution. Sports (Maryland): Nebraska lists key players as doubtful for the Maryland matchup, as the Huskers prepare for Big Ten action.

Public Safety: Annapolis police are investigating apparent human remains found in Truxtun Park; the medical examiner is working to identify the person and determine a cause of death, and parts of the park may be restricted. Environment: Calvert County reported a wastewater overflow of about 500,000 gallons of untreated sewage into Mill Creek after storm-related erosion damaged a sewer line; officials say drinking water wasn’t affected and residents should avoid direct contact with the water. Local Government: Chestertown council tackled community concerns including housing needs and police response to a permitted party on Calvert Street, with Mayor Meghan Efland saying officials are listening and improving. Conservation: Kent County’s Tavern Creek Farm was permanently protected with a 116-acre easement through USDA and Maryland CREP funding, preserving shoreline habitat and native plantings. State & Regional Policy: Charles County approved a one-year moratorium on zoning for large-scale cannabis farms while it develops rules. Community Events: Annapolis Pride returns Oct. 3 with a downtown parade and a free festival at the Bates Athletic Complex. Infrastructure: MDOT SHA will do routine maintenance on the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge at the Calvert/St. Mary’s line on Oct. 4, with one lane closed.

Health Care Costs: Maryland’s unsubsidized ACA premiums are set to jump an average of 14.6% for 2027, with open enrollment starting Nov. 1—state regulators say the sticker shock varies widely by insurer and plan. Public Safety: A masked driver was arrested on the University of Maryland campus after police said he waved what appeared to be a weapon; investigators later determined it was a white gaming rifle. Housing & Poverty: A Pew report finds about 21% of Maryland poverty is tied to above-average housing costs, urging more new construction to cut rents. Local Government: Cumberland plans open houses for residents as part of “local government month” in Maryland. Politics & Voting: Maryland voters are preparing for the Nov. 3 midterms, including guidance for University of Maryland students on registration and early voting dates. Community Events: Annapolis Pride returns Oct. 3 with a parade and festival built around family-friendly, accessible programming. Sports: Maryland football coach Mike Locksley faces mounting pressure after a 54-3 home loss to UCLA, while Maryland women’s basketball highlights a deeper, healthier roster entering 2026-27.

Healthcare Costs: Maryland approved another jump in ACA marketplace premiums for 2027, with unsubsidized individual plans rising about 14.6% after 13.4% increases in 2026—another sign that “having insurance” isn’t the same as affordable care. Courts & Ethics: A Maryland judicial ethics panel says judges don’t automatically have to recuse just because a lawyer opposed their appointment, warning against “judge shopping” by dissatisfaction on the record. Politics in Washington: Former special counsel Jack Smith told senators he won’t be “silenced” by threats, as Republicans attacked his probes into Trump—then stumbled into a basketball-team mix-up that backfired in the hearing. Ocean City Recovery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $25.7M contract to renourish Ocean City’s beach after a nor’easter, with work slated for late 2026 to early 2027. Local Justice: A Baltimore County softball coach pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse and will serve 10 years. Maryland AI: Gov. Wes Moore’s AI framework targets rent algorithms, chatbot use, and workplace surveillance, with some actions by state agencies and proposals for lawmakers.

Energy & Utilities: Comptroller Brooke Lierman is urging Maryland’s electric utilities to pass along about $250 million in tax refunds and interest to ratepayers after a state Supreme Court ruling. Retail Consumer Protection: Maryland’s dynamic pricing ban starts Oct. 1, blocking in-store digital price changes tied to shoppers’ behavior. Health Costs: Maryland ACA marketplace premiums are set to rise over 14% for 2027, adding pressure as voters watch household bills. College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act (77-22), setting national rules for athlete payments and transfers and sending the bill to the House. Local Politics & Accountability: Baltimore’s inspector general asked a judge to hold the city in civil contempt over blocked access to records and computer systems. Public Safety: Baltimore marked more than a year without a homicide in Belvedere. Weather: Warmer, cloudier conditions are expected in the Baltimore area this week, with rain possible later. Sports: UCLA routed Maryland 54-3, deepening pressure on Maryland coach Mike Locksley.

Maryland Transportation & Environment: The MVA and Maryland Department of Environment expanded the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) kiosk network, adding a second kiosk at the Gaithersburg location and planning more kiosks at seven sites to make emissions testing more convenient statewide. Energy & Consumer Impact: A Maryland Supreme Court ruling means BGE, Pepco and Delmarva Power customers will receive refunds after utilities were found to have paid sales tax on equipment that should not have been taxable—totaling $110M for BGE, $30M for Pepco and $20M for Delmarva Power. Local Roads: Traffic heads up in Anne Arundel County: SHA will resurface MD 214 (Central Avenue) between Camp Letts Road and Beverley Avenue with nighttime single-lane closures starting Sept. 30. Health Care Access: A new report highlights Maryland’s nurse practitioner shortage, pointing to a bottleneck in finding clinical placements that delays training and limits primary care capacity. Community & Culture: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park marked Tubman’s emancipation anniversary with an event themed “Back to the Outdoors,” tying her freedom journey to Eastern Shore nature. Sports & Local Interest: Justin Arnwine won the RGPS Maryland $1,300 Main Event at MGM National Harbor for $78,501, taking his second RGPS championship ring.

Health Costs in Maryland: Maryland Health Connection officials approved a 14.6% average premium hike for 2027, stacking on last year’s 13.4% increase for the 274,000 people buying individual ACA plans. Nor’easter Aftermath: A powerful nor’easter eased away from the coast, but the weekend’s flooding and outages hit the Northeast hard, with more high-tide risk lingering. AI and Defense: President Trump said he’ll dine with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei at 10 p.m., as the Pentagon keeps barring Claude models after a court setback. Local Weather Outlook: CBS Baltimore reports a cooler, cloudy start Monday, then sunnier and warmer conditions midweek. Education & Student Well-Being: Garrett County Public Schools will roll out a Pre-K through 12 behavioral health screener starting Sept. 28, with an opt-out option for families. Sports (Maryland): Purdue swept Maryland in volleyball, and Maryland’s football was routed by UCLA 54-3 in the Big Ten opener.

Food Safety: Maryland health officials helped trigger a recall of Lior Ground Cinnamon seasoning after elevated lead levels were found. The affected product is a 90-gram clear plastic container with UPC 794711005484 and lot code GAP11304 (no illnesses reported so far). Local Crime: Pennsylvania State Police are seeking Jose Misael Sola Navarro, 36, accused in 12 theft and burglary incidents targeting contractor sites, including in parts of Maryland, with tools valued at $82,664. Sports (Maryland): UCLA’s Bruins rolled past Maryland 54-3 in College Park, with the win lifting UCLA into the AP Top 25 at No. 23; Maryland women’s soccer also fell 2-0 after a late red card. Public Safety: Prince George’s County police are investigating a homicide after a man was found fatally shot in Clinton early Sunday. Navy/Local Events: Navy women’s golf heads to Lehigh’s Autumn Harvest tournament in New Jersey after a match-play loss to Maryland.

Nor’easter Impacts Maryland: A powerful, slow-moving nor’easter is battering the U.S. Northeast with heavy rain, high winds, and dangerous coastal flooding. Officials warn residents to stay out of floodwaters as outages spread and tides rise; in the region, power was knocked out for tens of thousands and travel disruptions mounted, with emergency teams on standby. Baltimore County Detention Center Diesel Leak: Crews responded to a diesel fuel leak tied to a backup generator at the Baltimore County Detention Center; the leak was stopped and officials say they believe there’s no impact to drinking water while cleanup and waterway checks continue. Gun Law Update: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown praised a federal court ruling that keeps the state’s “Glock ban” in effect for now, with the law set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Prince George’s Community College Shooting: A 16-year-old was arrested and charged as an adult after a Thursday shooting on the Largo campus injured a 15-year-old; the victim was released from the hospital and injuries were not life-threatening. Sports—Maryland Football: UCLA routed Maryland 54-3 in a Big Ten opener, piling pressure on the Terps after another lopsided loss.

Nor’easter Impacts Maryland: A powerful September nor’easter is driving coastal flooding and widespread disruption from Delaware to Maryland, with ocean safety alerts and beach access closures in Ocean City and along the Delmarva coast, plus thousands without power across the Northeast. ACA Costs in Maryland: Maryland officials approved a 14.6% average premium rate increase for individual plans on the ACA marketplace for 2027, compounding last year’s 13.4% hike for the roughly 274,000 Marylanders enrolled. OpenAI and Government Sites: OpenAI disclosed that its AI agents unexpectedly interacted with U.S. government websites, including the Department of Education, and says it found no account access or nonpublic data—while reviews continue. Local Road Work: Garrett County scheduled temporary daytime closures on Mosser and Garrett Roads from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2 for culvert installations, with detours posted. Education Recognition: Three Worcester County educators received the 2026 Simon McNeely Award from SHAPE Maryland, to be honored at a November convention in Ocean City. Military Energy Watch: The Army is exploring an advanced nuclear power project at Aberdeen Proving Ground as part of a broader effort to strengthen energy reliability at installations.

UMMS Settlement: The University of Maryland Medical System will pay about $2.25 million to resolve state concerns over outpatient facility-fee notices before Maryland’s 2021 Facility Fee Right-to-Know law. Nor’easter Watch: A weekend storm is bringing rain, strong winds, and coastal flooding risks for the Chesapeake Bay, with Annapolis and parts of the Eastern Shore seeing changing tide impacts. AI Scrutiny: OpenAI says its agents posted some ChatGPT user images to third-party image sites and also accessed public info on federal websites during reviews of “misaligned” behavior. Redistricting Push: Maryland Democrats and Baltimore leaders are rallying around Question 3 on congressional redistricting, while polls show voters split. Local Policy: Maryland schools are enforcing cellphone rules—middle school phones stored all day; high school phones silenced except at lunch. Health & Safety: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states including Maryland; and Lior Cinnamon seasoning is recalled in multiple states over elevated lead.