Maryland Politics & Elections: Maryland lawmakers are racing against a tight early-August special session schedule that could shape a November statewide referendum on congressional redistricting language. Public Financing: Public funding hit a milestone in county executive primaries, with Montgomery’s Will Jawando winning after opting into the county’s public election fund. Party Tensions: A Baltimore Democratic state central committee member faces calls for removal after an alleged altercation with a volunteer in the District 41 state Senate primary. Cost of Living & Utilities: More Marylanders had gas and electricity shut off for nonpayment last year—nearly 115,000 times—highlighting affordability pressure on families. Housing & Civil Rights: Greystar, the nation’s largest apartment owner, is accused of widespread fair housing violations tied to refusing Housing Choice Vouchers in multiple states, including Maryland. Local Governance & Immigration: Montgomery County council is considering barring former ICE/Border Patrol officers from certain county jobs. Courts & Security: Supreme Court justices testified on Capitol Hill about surging threats to judges, including personal security impacts. Data Centers: Prince George’s County and others are moving toward moratoriums as residents push back on noise, pollution, and rising power bills from data center growth. Community Watch: Prince George’s police say a suspect tried to use a stolen kitten as an “accessory” during an attempted bank robbery in Beltsville.