AGP Executive Report

Maryland Public Safety & Weather: Multiple rounds of storms are expected to hit Maryland this week, with Monday and Tuesday flagged as First Alert Weather Days for severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and possible flooding that could disrupt commutes and BTS concert plans. Transportation: Maryland completed a $5.2 million Salisbury bridge repair project on US 50 Business and MD 991, and is starting a $451,616 safety upgrade at the US 13/MD 366 intersection in Pocomoke City with a new full traffic signal. Health & Community: Howard County’s crisis hotline operator, Grassroots Crisis Intervention, says it will lay off about a third of staff after losing federal funding tied to the 988 contract, though it will keep answering calls, chats, and texts. Education: St. Mary’s County Public Schools is rolling out redesigned elementary report cards with a new four-point proficiency scale tied to quarterly expectations. Public Health & Environment: NOAA says the contiguous U.S. set a record for hottest month ever in July, driven largely by hotter nights. Crime & Courts: Federal prosecutors announced a cross-country meth-trafficking conspiracy case spanning California and Maryland. Local Culture: Gov. Wes Moore welcomed BTS to Baltimore ahead of their M&T Bank Stadium shows, urging ARMY to “make some noise.”

Public Safety: An 18-month-old was airlifted to Children’s National after a drowning incident in La Plata; officials say the child had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Utilities & Cost of Living: BGE is resuming residential shutoffs in Maryland after a pause, as hundreds of thousands of households remain behind on bills—an analysis cited more than 243,000 households owing an average of $735. Health & Leadership: The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the first Black woman to lead the CDC, as the agency faces major public health pressures. Local Governance & Economy: Amazon says its Calvert Cliffs-area data center withdrawal wasn’t political, pointing to internal infrastructure planning and timing. Environment & Recreation: Maryland’s storm chances ramp up again this week, while state park closures continue after rabid beaver incidents. Community & Culture: The Maryland Lottery posted Aug. 8 Powerball and Pick 3 results; and local anglers report Spanish mackerel and bull redfish moving through Southern Maryland waters.

Fraud Probe: Vice President JD Vance says federal fraud investigations show a “clear pattern” of collaboration tied to certain migrant communities, arguing that gaps in verification let schemes spread. Local Public Safety: Metro Transit police are searching for a man accused of repeatedly punching a Metrobus driver in Montgomery County after a dispute over an open alcoholic beverage. Maryland Crime: A Harford County baseball coach faces felony charges after investigators say he arranged to meet an undercover officer he believed was a 15-year-old. Health & Environment: Maryland officials closed more areas of Cunningham Falls State Park after a second beaver tested positive for rabies, following an earlier bite incident. Weather: Hot, dry weekend conditions are set to give way to storms returning across Maryland starting Monday. Power & Cost: BGE has asked Maryland regulators for a $156 million electric rate increase affecting 1.3 million customers. Sports & Community: Baltimore braces for major BTS concert traffic at M&T Bank Stadium with transit options and parking restrictions highlighted.

Food Safety Watch: CDC-linked recalls and outbreaks have shoppers on edge, with cyclospora tied to iceberg lettuce in 15 states and salmonella warnings tied to jalapeños in 27; Maryland isn’t reporting salmonella cases in the CDC update, but health experts urge careful label checks, avoiding pre-packaged salads, and thorough washing/peeling of lettuce. Immigration & Data Privacy: Washington state joined 23 others plus D.C. in a lawsuit to block federal sharing of TANF recipients’ personal data with other agencies, seeking to pause an Aug. 11 policy change. Maryland Heat Crisis: Maryland health officials report a record-breaking 50 heat-related deaths this summer, urging residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and use cooling centers. Local Politics: Maryland Republicans filed suit to block a redistricting amendment from the November ballot, arguing election deadlines were missed. Public Safety: A serious crash in Waldorf sent a 19-year-old to a trauma center after entrapment and a possible breathing issue. Community & Events: The Maryland Renaissance Festival’s 50th season continues in Crownsville through Oct. 25, with tickets sold online only.

Biden Health Update: Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has metastasized “into his bones and further,” adding to the uncertainty around the former president’s condition. Congressional War Powers: Sen. John Hickenlooper and Senate Democrats introduced a resolution to force an end to unauthorized U.S. military involvement against Iran, with Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen among the co-sponsors. Maryland Courts & Politics: Maryland Republicans filed suit to block a redistricting ballot question, arguing Democrats missed deadlines and used confusing wording; the fight is headed for court. Local Economy: Storm Brothers Ice Cream says City Dock construction is worsening flooding and cutting access, threatening whether the long-running Dock Street business can survive until the project is finished. Public Safety & Weather: Maryland braces for another Impact Day with hot, humid conditions and thunderstorms that could trigger flash flooding, especially in Harford County. Health Watch: Louisiana reports at least five deaths from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus, a reminder to avoid seawater exposure with open wounds. Crime & Justice: Maryland AG investigators released dashcam video from a Harford County pursuit crash that killed a suspected drug dealer.

SNAP-to-work Tool: Maryland launched a mobile-friendly online tool to help SNAP recipients find local employment and training providers, expanding the network with 46 partners and up to $30 million in support. Heat Watch: The state set a new record for heat-related deaths as hot, humid conditions keep rolling through the region. Public Safety—Rabies Risk: After a second beaver tested positive for rabies at Cunningham Falls State Park, officials closed more areas and stepped up monitoring. Police Accountability: Maryland released body-camera video from a fatal Gaithersburg bus-stop shooting, showing officers confronting an armed man in July. Courts & Money: A federal judge ordered the government to pay $65 million to legal service providers for unaccompanied migrant children, including work tied to Maryland. Local Crime: Police are investigating a shooting in the parking lot of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Pikesville, with shell casings and a damaged vehicle reported. Sports (Maryland): The Ravens signed linebacker Jamon Johnson to bolster camp depth.

Redistricting Fight: Maryland Republicans sued to block voters from weighing in this November on Democrats’ congressional redistricting amendment, arguing it missed a July 1 ballot-question deadline; Democrats say the change “clarifies” rules, while GOP leaders warn it could wipe out the state’s last Republican House seat. Eastern Shore Pressure: Opinion pieces and local voices keep spotlighting affordability and immigration anxiety on the Shore, including claims that federal policy choices are hurting Haitian families and local employers. Preakness & Racing: Maryland Jockey Club officials defended moving the Preakness to a new 2027 date, saying the shift better fits modern training and keeps the race central to the Triple Crown. Health Access: TidalHealth rolled out a mobile mammography unit in Sussex County and parts of Maryland, offering no-referral screenings and support for people without insurance. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect across Maryland Friday as heat and humidity push storm chances into the afternoon and evening. Local Notes: Annapolis-area youth soccer scholarships were awarded to seven Green Hornets players, and a Route 50 construction update drew calls for a pause after Labor Day.

Redistricting Court Fight: A conservative watchdog group, Oversight Project, sued to block Maryland Democrats’ redistricting amendment from reaching the November ballot, arguing the measure missed the state’s ballot-question deadline—setting up another legal showdown over how congressional maps get drawn. Preakness Stakes Shake-Up: Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club announced the Preakness will move to Sunday, May 23, 2027, with the Black-Eyed Susan shifting to Saturday to reshape the race-weekend schedule and boost top-horse participation. Chesapeake Bay Fishing: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission advanced a proposal that could cut Chesapeake Bay menhaden harvest by up to 50%, with public comment expected before any final vote later this year. Public Safety & Health: Maryland confirmed a second beaver bite case testing positive for rabies, prompting more closures at Cunningham Falls State Park; and a new University of Maryland study links wildfire smoke to worse prenatal health outcomes. Local Roads: MDOT SHA will resurface Snow Hill Road starting Aug. 9, with daytime single-lane closures through November.

CDC Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the CDC’s permanent director, ending months of turmoil as the agency faces a major measles resurgence and other public health pressures. Public Safety Labor: Baltimore city security officers for municipal buildings and public housing units are set to strike Thursday, citing heat-safety failures and wage theft allegations. Gun Policy Fight: The DOJ sued Montgomery County over a firearms carry ordinance that bans guns in many public places and creates 100-yard exclusion zones. Preakness Update: Maryland’s Jockey Club and partners announced new Preakness dates and format changes starting in 2027, including a Sunday race and expanded national broadcast plans. Local Business Growth: Roggenart European Bakery plans a new Columbia commissary and headquarters to support rapid expansion. Community & Health: Maryland’s opioid settlement town halls kicked off as the state begins deciding how to spend hundreds of millions over 15 years, with residents pushing for practical supports like transportation and care access. Heritage Funding: Garrett County’s Heritage Area mini-grant program is accepting applications for FY 2027, with more money available for local history and tourism projects.

Redistricting Fight: Maryland lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment clarifying how congressional districts are drawn, sending it to voters this November as Republicans warn it’s aimed at the state’s only GOP-held seat and Eastern Shore secession talk was rejected. Preakness Calendar: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club announced major Preakness weekend changes, including a move to a Sunday in 2027 and a broader reshaping of the Triple Crown schedule. Aviation Safety: Federal aviation officials are investigating a reported “loss of separation” after Marine One flew close to a commercial jet near Washington, with the White House saying Trump was never in danger. Local Utilities: Dundalk residents and businesses are dealing with another water main break, the third in months, disrupting daily life and forcing closures. Sports Business: Stefon Diggs is set to sign with the Washington Commanders, adding a proven receiver to help Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Health & Weather: Maryland faces more heat and storms this week, while Johns Hopkins research highlights nerve-blocking therapy that may improve growth plate repair after injuries.

Redistricting Vote: Maryland lawmakers sent a constitutional amendment to voters that would set new rules for drawing congressional districts, clearing the House 96-38 and Senate 32-13 and teeing up a 2028 map fight. Gun Rights Clash: The U.S. Justice Department sued Montgomery County over a new gun-carry law, arguing it creates broad “exclusion zones” that make legal carrying nearly impossible even for permit holders. Baltimore Accountability: A judge rejected Baltimore’s public-nuisance case against Coke, Pepsi and Frito-Lay over single-use plastic bottles. Eastern Shore Immigration Fallout: After TPS ended for Haitians, a Salisbury church serving the Haitian community says attendance and programs have dropped sharply. Courts & Safety: A Baltimore jury awarded more than $1M to a formerly incarcerated man injured in a state van ride, alleging the vehicle lacked seats and seatbelts. Preakness Shake-Up: Maryland announced the 2027 Preakness will move to Sunday, May 23, and NBC/Peacock coverage runs through 2032. Weather: A flood watch remains in effect for parts of Maryland’s counties as heat and storms continue.

Redistricting Update: Maryland lawmakers wrapped a special session by passing a constitutional amendment that would let voters decide whether to loosen rules on how congressional districts are drawn, setting up a November ballot and potentially new maps for 2028; Gov. Wes Moore praised the move while Republicans warned it could disenfranchise voters and shift power. Data Centers in Calvert County: Amazon Web Services is abandoning plans for data centers at the Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant after local voter backlash helped unseat commissioners who opposed a pause, a win for residents worried about growth and impacts. Public Safety & Community: Baltimore held National Night Out events with Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott urging neighborhood collaboration as violence remains a concern. Health Watch: Maryland confirmed a 13th measles case in 2026 after exposure concerns tied to Elkton. Local Business/Tech: Amazon Business rolled out dedicated, branded delivery trucks in Maryland and 12 other states for business-to-business deliveries. Sports: Former Maryland standouts Nick Dunn and Hunter Parsons reunited on the York Revolution.

Redistricting Fight in Annapolis: Maryland House lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment that would set the rules for how congressional maps are drawn, clearing a major hurdle for a special session aimed at shaping the 2028 map. Eastern Shore Secession Bid: A proposal to ask voters whether the Eastern Shore should secede failed during the marathon debate, with Democrats arguing it’s a political stunt. Gun Rights in Montgomery: The U.S. Justice Department sued Montgomery County over a new gun ban around synagogues, arguing the “exclusion zone” makes everyday movement with a firearm effectively impossible. Health Care Clash: Wisconsin DOJ joined a lawsuit targeting federal changes that would expand “catastrophic” health plans and could leave millions paying more. Hemp Reform Push: Maryland AGs joined a coalition urging Congress to keep 2025 hemp reforms in place and block any return of intoxicating hemp loopholes. Local Crime: A Baltimore man was charged with second-degree murder after police say he pushed another man into the Inner Harbor. Business: Home Depot is set to open its first Southern Maryland store at Lexington Exchange near the Port of Baltimore.

Tariff Court Fight: Maryland is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over sweeping new import tariffs, arguing the forced-labor rationale is a pretext and asking a federal trade court to halt the duties and order refunds. Redistricting Clash in Annapolis: Lawmakers opened a special session to change Maryland’s constitutional rules for drawing congressional districts, with Democrats pushing a ballot referendum and Republicans warning it’s a partisan power grab. Key Bridge Aftermath: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by the Dali’s owner against the shipbuilder over the 2024 Key Bridge collapse, dealing another blow to claims tied to alleged electrical design defects. Local Housing Disruption: Glen Burnie tenants trapped in an unsafe Empire Towers parking garage are promised $3,000 payments for transportation after unpermitted work caused ceilings to sag and exposed rebar. Health Watch: Maryland reported nearly 150 cyclosporiasis cases as a nationwide outbreak continues, with officials urging caution around contaminated produce and water. Sports & Racing: Preakness Stakes is left out of a new 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series, while a 3-year-old colt died at Laurel Park the day before Preakness. Weather: Steamy, stormy conditions are easing into more typical summer days, with showers possible midweek.

Maryland Politics: The Maryland General Assembly is set for a rare special session on congressional redistricting, with Democrats pushing to change rules to avoid another court fight and Republicans warning about the process. Courts & Public Safety: A Princess Anne man was arrested on multiple felony child sexual abuse charges after investigators say he abused a juvenile and left Maryland during the probe. Health & Immigration: ICE detained a University of Maryland pharmacy instructor at Dallas-Fort Worth despite work authorization, according to UMD and DHS. Environment & Food: Researchers say Chesapeake Bay blue crab numbers are down 50% since 2010, with scientists still searching for what’s driving the long decline. Weather: Muggy conditions with scattered storms continue through the week, with Wednesday flagged for heavier rain and possible localized flooding. Sports: The Orioles traded outfielder Taylor Ward to the Mariners for three pitchers. Business: FedEx is expanding autonomous trailer-loading robots at its Hagerstown hub.

Redistricting Fight in Annapolis: Maryland lawmakers kick off a special session Monday to consider a constitutional amendment that would give Democrats more room to redraw congressional maps—aimed at potentially gaining a U.S. House seat by 2028—after a prior court-blocked effort was struck down as “extremely gerrymandered.” Election Interference Worry: Gov. Wes Moore says he’s “very concerned” Trump could use federal power to disrupt midterms, including actions affecting voting by mail and polling access. Road Safety Push: Maryland transportation officials are urging drivers to slow down after five fatal crashes in a week, with speed flagged as a major factor. Storm Aftermath in Bethesda: A lightning-struck tree brought down wires on Avalon Drive, knocking out power for about 40 customers. Public Works Disruption: SGN gas main replacement will temporarily close roads in the Turlin Road area from Aug. 17–28, with emergency access maintained. Health Update: Maryland reported its first human West Nile virus case of 2026, prompting renewed caution.