AGP Executive Report

Baltimore Politics: Maryland Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey pushes back on a possible special session for redistricting, warning Democrats could face another legal fight after prior map challenges. Federal Policy & Food Security: The House advances a bill cutting $200 million from WIC, a move that would sharply reduce fruit-and-vegetable benefits for millions of pregnant women, new moms, and young children. Maryland Public Safety: A Towson student was shot and killed on York Road near Towson Circle, with police saying the search for the suspect continues and urging residents to expect an increased police presence. Immigration & Enforcement: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore faces fresh scrutiny over an immigrant rights task force and related criticism of how the state handles federal enforcement. Maryland Economy & Health Care: Medicaid billing data show rising local spending for “Medicine Services and Procedures” in Gaithersburg, reflecting how public health dollars are shifting in the community. Local Culture & Business: Anne Arundel County breweries roll out America250 limited-edition beers tied to colonial recipes and Revolutionary history. Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Maryland and nearby states, with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain possible. Sports: Ernie Clement powers Toronto past Baltimore 6-4, while the Orioles add catcher Sam Huff after Samuel Basallo’s abdominal injury.

Agriculture & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World Screwworm case in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, and set up a 20 km quarantine as officials say coordinated sterile-fly efforts have delayed the pest’s arrival. Consumer Protection: New York lawmakers passed the “One Fair Price Act,” banning personalized pricing based on personal data and requiring disclosure when prices change via algorithms. Immigration & Due Process: A federal judge blocked Trump administration SNAP funding conditions, while a separate case highlights how ICE actions can upend families—one teen in Maryland is graduating without his deported father. Maryland Politics: Gov. Wes Moore created a 12-month Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to study scams targeting immigrants, but critics call it mostly symbolic. Energy & Cost of Living: Trump’s $700M coal push is in the spotlight again, including claims it could restart a Maryland plant, as Maryland energy advocates warn efficiency cuts could raise long-term costs. Local Watch: Baltimore’s East Eager Street warehouse collapse renewed questions about ownership and safety as the city and courts sort out responsibility. Sports: Orioles routed the Blue Jays 13-3 with Adley Rutschman’s big day.

Immigrant Rights Push: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate state efforts against fraud and exploitation targeting immigrant communities, with the AG and Comptroller among key partners. Public Safety & Courts: Maryland’s full appeals court ruled police can’t stop and search someone based only on suspicion they’re carrying a gun, a decision that could reshape stop-and-search practices statewide. Baltimore-Area Violence: Police are investigating a fatal York Road shooting near Towson Circle, with road closures and a search for the suspect after a driver was killed. Local Politics: Moore endorsed Will Jawando for Montgomery County executive ahead of the June 23 primary. State Budgeting: Allegany County commissioners passed a $159.3 million fiscal 2027 budget. Energy & Economy: Nationally, Trump’s $700M coal support plan using emergency powers is drawing attention for its impact on grids and markets, including a Maryland coal restart angle. Business & Growth: Vireo Growth closed an acquisition tied to Bridgewell and outlined further dispensary moves involving Maryland. Community Spotlight: Maryland’s “100 deadliest days” summer safety campaign kicks off with stepped-up enforcement messaging.

Coal Push Hits Maryland: President Trump announced nearly $700M in Defense Production Act funding to keep coal plants running, including money to restart a shuttered Maryland coal facility and support a California export terminal—part of a broader fight over energy policy and climate rules. Baltimore Public Safety Tech: Baltimore Police launched a voluntary Neurodivergent Individuals Database so residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities can share key safety info with officers via a secure lookup. Sheriff Cracks Down on Smoke Shops: The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office began targeted enforcement against illegal cannabis and tobacco sales, citing recent seizures and undercover buys. Baltimore County Watchdog Costs: A court unsealed details showing a Baltimore County inspector general’s coffee meeting with a former staffer helped trigger a dispute that cost taxpayers $205,000. Voting Rights Pressure: The U.S. Supreme Court limited options for protecting minority voting power in redistricting, raising concerns for states like Maryland and the broader region. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security trust fund insolvency could trigger average benefit cuts of about $500 by 2032, with Maryland among the hardest-hit states.

Federal workforce shake-up: Trump’s order creates a new “Schedule Policy/Career” category that strips civil service protections for thousands of senior federal jobs, raising alarms about politicized firings. Energy and grid pressure: Trump announced nearly $700M for “clean, beautiful coal,” including upgrades to 13 plants, new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia, and restarting a shuttered Maryland plant—while new data centers strain PJM and fuel calls to reform or even break up the grid operator. Baltimore enforcement: City officials say a June 1 crackdown netted 73 pounds of illegal cannabis and 18,000 tobacco products, with arrests tied to alleged violations and concerns about products targeting children. Maryland politics: Maryland’s GOP gubernatorial primary field is crowded, with eight candidates seeking to challenge Gov. Wes Moore in November. Courts and classified docs: Ex-national security adviser John Bolton is set to plead guilty in a Maryland federal case over mishandling classified information, with a fine and possible capped prison time. Health equity: Advocates say Black and Latina women face higher misdiagnosis rates and pay more in medical debt when errors spiral. Social Security warning: A new analysis projects benefits could be cut by about $500 a month on average by 2032 if Congress doesn’t act.

Montgomery County Schools: Councilmember Evan Glass says MCPS’s $3.7B budget process is “broken,” arguing state budget categories limit transparency and could still mean 400+ position cuts. Health & Tech in Maryland: WellSpan Health and Philips announced a seven-year research and innovation alliance to expand advanced imaging and diagnostics across Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Energy & Power Planning: A White House official says Trump plans to invoke the Cold War-era Defense Production Act for nearly $700M in coal support, including upgrades and a West Coast export terminal. Public Safety & Corrections: Maryland-based TextBehind says its inmate mail management service will prevent contraband from entering jails via non-privileged mail, with a “go live” date of June 1. Water Watch: The regional drought watch is back for D.C., Northern Virginia, and southern Maryland as dry conditions persist despite recent rain. Medicaid Changes: Maryland is launching a Medicaid Check-In Campaign to help residents prepare for upcoming eligibility changes under new federal law.

Immigration & Courts: Howard County councilwoman Liz Walsh says county leaders must fight harder in a federal case over a proposed ICE facility in Elkridge, calling a recent filing a “shocking concession” after the county argued its detention-center ban wouldn’t apply under the lease. Education & Health: Prince George’s County schools kicked off a “Countdown to Summer Meals” program with partners including the Washington Mystics and the American Dairy Association, offering free breakfast and lunch at schools, churches, and libraries. Elections & Trust: Maryland election officials are scrambling after a mail-in ballot mix-up that could have affected 447,000 voters, sending replacement ballots and launching a major notification effort to restore confidence. State Politics & Economy: Maryland candidates are weighing Gov. Wes Moore’s biotech and quantum push amid questions about whether federal funding cuts and DECADE-style plans will reach the sector. Healthcare Leadership: Kaiser Permanente named Emily Holliman president of its Mid-Atlantic region, overseeing care for more than 750,000 members across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Energy & Community: SMECO awarded 2026 scholarships to four local students, continuing its long-running support for education in its service area.

Immigration & the economy: Gov. Wes Moore met with Maryland business leaders in Annapolis to press Congress for immigration reform, saying the current system is “broken” and noting immigrants make up about 30% of key Maryland workforces. Courts & public health: The Supreme Court is set to deliver major rulings this month that could reshape Trump-era priorities, including fights over immigration, mail ballots, and vaccine mandates. Schools & phones: New state bans on cellphone use in schools are spreading, but fresh research finds limited proof that the policies deliver the benefits supporters claim. Maryland justice: A Maryland man was sentenced to 25 years for a sextortion scheme targeting girls as young as 9. Public safety & immigration enforcement: Maryland sheriffs are suing over the state’s “Community Trust” sanctuary-style limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Energy costs: A new look at electric bills points to supply-side price spikes as summer demand rises. Local business: Greenbelt announced its first Business Expo for June 24, with free registration.

I-95 Crash Fallout: A bus driver tied to a deadly I-95 crash in Virginia pleaded guilty in Anne Arundel County to a prior speeding citation; the driver, Jing Sheng Dong, is linked to the March crash that killed five and left dozens injured, with more charges pending. Public Safety & Accountability: A judge denied Baltimore’s bid to seal inspector general records tied to alleged fraudulent bills in a youth crime-fighting program, keeping pressure on city transparency. Housing & Local Services: Baltimore County executive candidate Pat Young says the county should “build up, not out,” pushing mixed-use redevelopment in commercial corridors. Child Care Crunch: Frederick County released a childcare study showing “resource deserts” and high costs, with some areas having far more children than available slots. Tech, Policy & Cyber: The Pentagon’s CIO says a $9.7B Dell deal is only the start of more enterprise tech agreements, while Maryland schools move to new AI guidance and training under a new law. Energy & Environment: Howard County approved a temporary moratorium on new data centers to study impacts, and Maryland lawmakers face ongoing fights over climate science and ocean monitoring. Business Moves: Authority Brands plans to move its headquarters from Maryland to Cobb County, promising hundreds of jobs. Sports & Community: Ravens OTAs wrapped up with coordinator takeaways as minicamp approaches, and Baltimore remembers Colts legend Raymond Berry.

Consumer Protection: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown charged MV Realty with deceptive trade practices, alleging homeowners were steered into “Homeowner Benefit Agreements” that lock up listing rights for decades and trigger large buyout payments. Courts & Public Safety: A judge delayed the civil trial tied to the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse, letting a related criminal case move first as legal questions could affect shipowner liability. Education Policy: Maryland’s new A.I. Ready Schools Act took effect June 1, requiring state guidance and local A.I. coordinators for K-12. Local Governance & Immigration Enforcement: Seventeen Maryland sheriffs sued to block the Community Trust Act, arguing it limits their ability to honor ICE detention requests. Housing & Politics: A debate is heating up over whether Maryland should opt into a federal school voucher tax credit program, with critics warning of corruption and funding disruption. Business & Defense: ACMI broke ground on a $250M Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub near Indian Head to expand advanced munitions and propulsion work. Environment: Chesapeake Bay baby blue crabs surged 121% in a winter survey, a rare bright spot after years of decline. Sports: Silver Spring native Josh Hart is headed to the NBA Finals with the Knicks.

Public Safety: A Prince George’s County firefighter-paramedic, Demair Lloyd, died after a medical emergency shortly after a 24-hour shift; Maryland flags were ordered lowered to half-staff. Crash & Charges: A bus driver charged after a deadly I-95 crash in Stafford that killed five and injured dozens remains in custody while facing additional involuntary manslaughter counts. Baltimore Crime: Police arrested a suspect after an armed bank robbery and pursuit ended on I-895 in Baltimore. Courts & Consumer Safety: Maryland’s appellate court revived a Salisbury CVS crash lawsuit, saying the incident may have been foreseeable and parking-lot control issues need a trial. State Politics: Gov. Wes Moore vetoed five bills, including one tied to Medicaid hospice room-and-board reimbursement studies. Education & Tech: Maryland’s AI Ready School Act took effect, requiring statewide guidance and district policies for AI use. Housing & Economy: Maryland DHCD announced $73.3M in FY2027 revitalization awards for 247 local projects. Elections: A push is underway to get non-affiliated voters to temporarily switch parties for Maryland’s closed primary.

NRA vs. Maryland Gun Law: The NRA is suing Maryland over the state’s Glock ban, arguing the law is unconstitutional and limits self-defense options. Retail Pricing Watch: Maryland’s new ban on surveillance pricing for grocery stores and food delivery is drawing national attention as lawmakers and businesses debate whether personalized pricing is unfair or just normal commerce. Education & Access: A national debate is heating up over how colleges and universities handle credit pathways and student retention, with critics warning traditional structures can trap learners in costly transfer and time-loss cycles. Baltimore Business & Community: A Baltimore man launched an income-sharing club after federal job cuts, redistributing more than $20,000 so far among members. Public Health & Costs: Stories nationwide highlight how patients can get hit with confusing medical bills and lawsuits, even after insurers say costs are capped. Local Civic Life: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is set for Harbor Splash in a new pop-up format, and the city’s business community is gearing up for its “State of Baltimore” summit. Agriculture: A cover crop incentive program is reopening with higher annual payments as USDA-backed efforts aim to boost soil health.

Baltimore Orioles-Blue Jays: A young fan was ejected at Camden Yards after throwing a ball that hit Toronto outfielder Jesús Sánchez in the wrist. Sánchez left in the sixth inning; X-rays were negative for a fracture and he said it was a misunderstanding. Maryland Education & Youth Recognition: Fourteen Maryland high school students were named semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program, spanning multiple counties and including one private-school student. Cheltenham Deaths Reckoning: A new analysis says the House of Reformation for Colored Boys at Cheltenham recorded deaths far higher than the white-only House of Refuge/Hickey school, prompting renewed state scrutiny and a planned special commission. Public Health & Policy: Maryland’s medical marijuana rescheduling is expected to bring some federal tax and research benefits, but the federal-state divide still leaves businesses navigating uncertainty. Consumer Watchdog: Maryland’s ban on “surveillance pricing” is part of a broader national push as states consider limits on data-driven price changes. Baltimore Bridge Fallout: Families of victims of the Dali Key Bridge collapse reached settlements, while other lawsuits still move toward trial. Invasive Species Push: Maryland is encouraging anglers to target invasive snakehead and catfish with a bounty-style program tied to reporting.

Immigration & Courts: Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler blasted Maryland’s Community Trust Act as a conflict with federal immigration law, saying it blocks cooperation with ICE and honoring detainers. State Environment & Planning: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources opened public comment on its draft Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, setting priorities for conserving 30% of land by 2030 and 40% by 2040, with comments due June 28. Public Safety & Guns: Maryland’s Glock ban is drawing legal pushback as gun-rights groups rush to court, arguing the law targets firearms rather than criminals. Local Sports & Community: Lamar Jackson joked about not being an “Unc” yet as the Ravens shift into a new era under first-year playcaller Declan Doyle. Maryland Events: The inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals kicked off at Maryland International Raceway in Budds Creek, putting Southern Maryland on the national motorsports map. Health Research: A pediatric COVID-19 follow-up study (PECOS) reports long-term symptom burdens for children and teens after confirmed infection. Business & Growth: Maryland’s housing push continues as new laws expand housing production and youth charging reforms roll out statewide.

Gun policy and courts: Maryland’s new Glock ban law is already drawing fresh legal heat, with the NRA and allies challenging it as unconstitutional while lawmakers argue it targets firearm dealers and conversion pathways—not criminals. Local governance and media: Gov. Wes Moore vetoed SB 459, a bill meant to steer state advertising toward local news outlets, and critics say it misses how modern local media actually operates. Elections and trust: Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller pushed back hard on Trump’s corruption claims tied to a mail-in ballot error, saying election mistakes happen in “almost every election” and the state board runs independently. Public safety and health: The 4th Circuit agreed to rehear challenges to state 340B contract pharmacy rules, a fight that could reshape how clinics and pharmacies handle drug pricing. Agriculture after the freeze: Moore ordered state aid for farmers hit by April’s catastrophic cold snap, including waivers for some winery sourcing rules and help routing federal disaster funds. Baltimore infrastructure: Families of Key Bridge collapse victims reached settlements with the Dali owner and operator ahead of the civil trial. Sports business: The Ravens’ $500M stadium overhaul is nearing completion, with new fan spaces and Lamar Jackson’s next contract talks looming. International stakes with Maryland ties: Trump deferred a final Iran deal decision as U.S.-Iran talks continue, with Maryland-based experts warning uncertainty could persist.

Maternal Health Law: Gov. Wes Moore signed HB 1118, requiring insurers and Medicaid to cover standardized screenings for perinatal behavioral health conditions during pregnancy and a child’s first year, with screening starting July 1 and coverage following in January 2027. Agriculture Freeze Response: Moore issued a directive to state agriculture and environment agencies to coordinate an urgent response to April’s statewide freeze, after officials sought federal disaster aid and emergency loans for crop losses. Gun Safety & Courts: Maryland’s new Glock ban is facing fresh legal pressure as the NRA and allies challenge it, adding to the state’s ongoing fight over firearm rules. Housing & Local Government: Baltimore leaders unveiled a charter amendment to create a standalone city agency to oversee the regional water system, with a potential vote in 2026. Labor & Education: CCBC faculty won a tentative first union contract, including 12.6% salary increases over three fiscal years and improved working conditions. Community Services: Catholic Charities opened the Carolyn E. Fugett Intergenerational Center in West Baltimore, aiming to connect children, families, and older adults to education, workforce pathways, and support services. Business Watch: CommuniCare’s 18 Maryland nursing homes reportedly changed hands in a $500M deal, and ConnectM Technology Solutions reported a narrowed loss while selling off operating businesses. Sports & Local Life: Orioles fans at Camden Yards made headlines after one supporter caught two foul balls, while NHRA’s Potomac Nationals brought a fan fest to Southern Maryland.