AGP Executive Report

Coal Revival in the Spotlight: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using the Defense Production Act—drawing praise from supporters and criticism from opponents who call it an unnecessary subsidy. Maryland Primary Season, Up Close: Patch profiles multiple Baltimore County and Anne Arundel County Democratic primary candidates, including 7th District Council hopeful Caridad “Cari” Santiago and County Executive contender Nick Stewart, as voters head toward the June 23 contests. Gun Policy Fight in Montgomery: Montgomery County is weighing a revised 100-yard firearms restriction after a Maryland Supreme Court ruling struck down the earlier version; gun-rights advocates say it still infringes on permit holders. Election Integrity Pressure: DOJ election integrity efforts include requests for voter data from states and D.C., with Maryland cited as resisting in litigation. Baltimore Consumer Protection Lawsuit: Baltimore City sued Agora Companies over alleged deceptive marketing and “entrap and retain” tactics aimed at consumers, including seniors. Local Governance & Public Safety: A Towson-area safety walk followed a fatal shooting, with officials and community leaders pushing partnerships to reduce crime. Data Center Backlash in Frederick: Residents fear “data center alley” growth in Frederick County and are pushing for a referendum to give voters a veto.

Energy & Industry: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new plants, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority—pushing “energy dominance” while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy. Maryland Politics & Governance: Maryland’s Wes Moore is again in the spotlight after Trump claimed Moore halted Joint Base Andrews golf course work; Maryland officials say they’re cooperating on permitting. Consumer Protection: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council sued Agora Companies over alleged predatory online marketing that targets seniors. Public Safety & Courts: A Maryland man was charged with impersonating a police officer after using emergency lights and a siren in Charles County. Health & Law: New York AG Letitia James secured $36.5 million from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling. Maryland Culture & Education: Morgan State received a $235,000 Getty Foundation grant to preserve and digitize Black fine arts archives. Elections 2026: Anne Arundel Delegate candidate Joan Barone Cole submitted a voter commentary ahead of the June 23 primary.

Online Harassment Guidance: Maryland AG issued a new statewide guide on responding to online hate, harassment, and cyberbullying, including safety steps and how to report. Election Administration: The Maryland State Board of Elections will hold an emergency meeting to set rules for counting mail-in ballots after a printer error sent some voters replacement ballots. Baltimore Violence Intervention: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott defended the city’s Safe Streets “violence intervention” program after a nonprofit worker was arrested in a shooting, calling it an isolated incident. H-1B Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a major win for employers and skilled workers, including Nigerians, while the administration signals an appeal. Gun Policy Court Ruling: Maryland courts ruled police can’t stop people based only on gun possession. Housing Pressure in Montgomery: County Council candidates in Patch interviews put housing and affordability front and center, with calls for expanded affordable production and rezoning. Public Safety & Crime: Prince George’s County indicted a man in the April death of his stepfather, and neighbors in Southwest Baltimore renewed pressure on city officials over a long-vacant property they say fuels rats and crime. Agriculture Watch: New World screwworm cases in Texas are prompting extra precautions for livestock owners, even as Canada says it won’t face a major outbreak.

Fair Housing Overhaul: Gov. Wes Moore signed HB 573 adding a “discriminatory effect” standard to Maryland’s fair housing law, expanding enforcement beyond intent and empowering the state to affirmatively further fair housing. Public Safety in Baltimore: Mayor Brandon Scott condemned the arrest of a Safe Streets worker, Antoine Burton, tied to a Park Heights shooting, while Baltimore County reported an officer in critical but stable condition after an exchange of gunfire in Pikesville. State Innovation Funding: Moore announced nearly $7M in “Build Our Future” grants for 11 projects aimed at innovation infrastructure across sectors like AI, cybersecurity, biotech, and quantum. Health & Policy Pressure: A new report says Maryland suicide deaths rose 4% from 2023 to 2024 even as national suicides fell, underscoring ongoing prevention challenges. Legal/Immigration Fallout: A federal judge rejected Trump’s $100,000 H-1B application fee, calling it an unlawful tax and a hit to sectors including education and healthcare. Federal Enforcement: DOJ moved to denaturalize and deport 17 people, including a former Harford County priest accused of lying on naturalization forms.

Maryland Politics & Public Safety: A Baltimore County officer and a bystander were shot during an armed suspect encounter in Pikesville; the officer was taken to Shock Trauma in critical-but-stable condition, and police say the suspect is also expected to recover. Maryland Law & Ethics: Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) is pressing for stronger ethics and illicit-finance guardrails before the CLARITY Act can move forward, even after voting to advance it from the Senate Banking Committee. Maryland Economy & Government: Maryland reported $10.6B in 2024 individual income tax collections, up from $9.7B the year before, according to Census Bureau data. Maryland Courts & Institutions: The Archdiocese of Baltimore bankruptcy judge is set to review competing settlement proposals for clergy sex-abuse claims, with a key hearing scheduled. Maryland Environment & Communities: Homeowners in Columbia say HOA enforcement against native plants is pushing them toward pollinator-friendly landscaping disputes, highlighting how local rules can affect biodiversity.

D.C. Council Candidate Q&As: WTOP published verbatim questionnaires for at-large candidates Elissa Silverman, Oye Owolewa, Greg Jackson, and Dyana Forester, giving voters a closer look at their backgrounds and priorities ahead of June’s special election. D.C. Mayoral Race: WTOP also ran candidate Q&As for mayoral contenders Kenyan McDuffie, Ernest Johnson, and Janeese Lewis George, spotlighting competing plans for housing, public safety, and city services. SNAP Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked New Jersey and other Democratic-led states’ lawsuit from being dismissed, halting enforcement of USDA conditions on billions in federal food aid tied to gender ideology and other policy demands. Baltimore County Police Shooting: Police said an officer, an armed suspect, and a bystander were struck during an exchange of gunfire in Pikesville, with the officer taken to Shock Trauma and expected to recover. Maryland Opioid Settlement Dashboard: Maryland and local governments’ opioid settlement tracking got more public-facing, with officials touting transparency as funds flow to treatment and prevention programs. Maryland Quantum Workforce: College of Southern Maryland hosted a regional quantum forum to build training pathways and partnerships for the emerging quantum economy.

SNAP Fight in Federal Court: A judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump positions on gender and immigration to keep billions in food aid flowing, a direct hit to the administration’s SNAP restrictions. Maryland Food Relief on the Ground: Prince George’s County is installing a free grocery store inside the Fairmount Heights Library to help families hit by SNAP cuts and rising costs. Maryland Politics & Redistricting: Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey warned Democrats against a redistricting move he says could trigger another legal fight, arguing it would carve a district across water. Trump vs. Moore: Trump escalated attacks on Gov. Wes Moore over delays tied to Joint Base Andrews golf course renovations for military and veterans. Public Safety: Police reported a Towson University student shot and killed on York Road near Towson Circle, while a Marine veteran in Oxon Hill disarmed an armed teen during an alleged robbery. Weather Disruptions: Thunderstorms caused ground stops at major airports nationwide and left thousands without power, including in Maryland. Defense Tech Safety: Reuters reports Shield AI’s V-BAT drone has crashed repeatedly and a Romanian official was injured again in a propeller incident.

Local Law Enforcement: St. Mary’s County police investigated a carjacking involving a Ford Bronco; suspects crashed near Hanover Drive, fled on foot into woods, and a deputy suffered a crash while responding—no K9 injuries reported. Maryland Politics & Elections: With the June 23 primary nearing, Maryland election officials say local boards still need election judges and will train standby judges; early voting runs June 11-18. Redistricting Fight: State Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey warns a new redistricting push could backfire legally, citing past challenges over crossing major waterways. Public Health & Food Security: The House advanced a bill cutting $200M from WIC, a hit critics say would slash fruit and vegetable benefits for millions of pregnant women and children. Crime & Safety: Towson police reported a student shot and killed on York Road near Towson Circle; separate coverage highlights a Marine veteran stopping an armed teen during an attempted robbery in Oxon Hill. Statehouse/Policy: Gov. Wes Moore endorsed Will Jawando for Montgomery County executive and made additional endorsement moves in other contested races. Health Policy: A new maternal-fetal medicine guidance reaffirms Tylenol (acetaminophen) as first-line for pain and fever during pregnancy.

Immigration & Local Enforcement: Gov. Wes Moore created a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to study scams targeting immigrants, but analysts call it mostly symbolic; separately, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman signed an order limiting ICE use of county facilities and directing police oversight and de-escalation. Energy & Jobs: President Trump used Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority to push $700M for coal power nationwide, including potential support tied to restarting Maryland’s Warrior Run plant; Maryland Gov. Moore also signed a new energy affordability bill, with advocates praising grid upgrades while warning efficiency cuts could raise long-term costs. Courts & ICE Facilities: A federal judge threw out part of a lawsuit over Howard County’s Elkridge ICE facility, finding the challenge moot after county filings clarified the ban wouldn’t apply to the leased building. Military & Politics: Trump blasted Moore over a judge halting renovations at Joint Base Andrews golf courses, framing it as an attack on the Air Force. Public Safety: A Hanover man was sentenced to life in prison for a 2024 sniper ambush; in Oxon Hill, a Marine veteran says training helped him fight off teens during an attempted carjacking. Good Government: A coalition asked a Maryland federal court to halt a contractor DEI restriction order, arguing it will cause irreparable harm.

Immigrant Rights: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate state action against fraud, exploitation, and discrimination targeting immigrant communities. Local Infrastructure: Baltimore-area suburbs got relief as a sewer moratorium was lifted after wastewater capacity concerns eased, clearing the way for some new development. Public Safety & Courts: A federal jury convicted an Annapolis man in a $15 million private aviation wire fraud scheme, while Maryland also saw a major child trafficking and exploitation sentencing in Harford County. Business & Law: The U.S. International Trade Commission opened a patent probe into imported pickleball paddles tied to a Maryland manufacturer’s claims. Economy & Budget: Maryland’s individual income tax collections fell sharply in Q3 2025, down 36.2% from the prior quarter. Energy & Agriculture: Texas confirmed a New World screwworm case, prompting quarantine and eradication steps—an issue with real stakes for livestock and prices. Education & Community: A surprise Michelle Obama video message boosted Maryland graduates, and Anne Arundel Women Giving Together awarded $262,913 in grants to local nonprofits.

Coal & Jobs in Maryland: President Trump announced nearly $700M in coal support using the Defense Production Act, including plans to restart a shuttered Maryland coal plant and back a long-delayed Oakland export terminal, framing it as grid reliability and job creation. Classified Docs Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton agreed to plead guilty to retaining classified information under a deal that could cap prison time at five years and includes a $2.25M fine. Public Health Threat: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas, raising alarms for the U.S. cattle industry after decades without cases. Maryland Law & Privacy: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. is pursuing access to Americans’ identifiable medical records via state data systems, as critics warn it could undermine privacy and vaccination policy. Energy Policy: Maryland and Virginia are rolling out laws letting residents use plug-in balcony solar to cut power bills. Local Enforcement: Baltimore City launched a crackdown on illegal smoke shops, seizing cannabis and untaxed tobacco. Crime: Police say a manhunt is underway in Silver Spring for two women charged with first-degree murder. Public Safety: Maryland troopers honored a student at graduation after her father died in the line of duty.

Classified Documents Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty in federal court over mishandling classified documents, with a deal reportedly including a $2.25 million fine and a possible prison cap. Energy & Industry Push: Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in Defense Production Act-backed support for coal—upgrading plants, restarting a Maryland facility, and backing a long-delayed export terminal. Local Water Worries: A Drought Watch is in effect for nearly six million people across D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia, with officials urging voluntary conservation. Data Center Backlash: Queen Anne’s County approved a 12-month moratorium on data center approvals to study impacts on utilities, land use, and the environment. Public Safety & Accountability: Worcester County released details from an investigation into a school bus driver accused of drinking before a student route, saying prosecutors declined charges after issues with admissible proof and testing. Community Infrastructure: Annapolis highlighted new infiltration cells in the Severn River watershed to reduce polluted stormwater runoff. Maryland Courts & Business: Maryland Live! Casino faces a trademark lawsuit from Louis Vuitton alleging promotional campaigns used copied branding.

Redistricting Aftermath: Republicans won the partisan redistricting battle, and the GOP could gain about 10 House seats in November if new maps perform as intended—though Democrats still have a path to take control. Baltimore Crime Results: A new NBER paper says Baltimore’s targeted, community-driven violence strategy helped drive major drops in shootings and homicides from 2022-2025, outpacing broader national trends. Drought Watch: The regional drought watch is back for D.C., Northern Virginia, and southern Maryland as dry conditions persist despite recent rain, with officials urging voluntary water cuts. AI Data Center Backlash: Erin Brockovich launched a platform tracking data center growth and the conflicts around it, spotlighting water and energy strain. Montgomery Nursing Home Ranking: CMS data ranks Wilson Health Care Center No. 2 in Montgomery County for Q1 2026 by bed count, with a top overall rating. Immigration Courtroom Moment: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Sen. Chris Van Hollen he’d send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica if he’s willing, amid competing deportation plans. Maryland Education Access: A new Maryland law extends the Community College Promise Scholarship to Maryland residents graduating from Delmar High School, clearing a Delaware-border eligibility snag. Social Security Warning: A new analysis warns benefit cuts could exceed $500 a month in many states if the trust fund runs out by 2032. Maryland Retail Labor Impact: Apple confirmed the June 20 closure of three stores, including Towson Town Center in Maryland, affecting the unionized location. Gun Policy & Courts: Maryland’s Glock-style handgun ban continues to face legal fights as national gun-control and gun-rights groups press competing lawsuits.

Stop Super Speeders Law: Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s “Stop Super Speeders” bill, requiring certain high-risk drivers to use Intelligent Speed Assistance technology and limiting their driving privileges; the law takes effect Oct. 1 with a pilot rollout. Education & Federal Policy: Moore says the Trump administration is holding back Maryland schools, while leaving the door open to opting into a national school voucher program—if federal rules are clear. AI in K-12: Maryland’s A.I. Ready Schools Act kicks in, pushing state guidance, teacher training, and AI literacy for students by June 2027. Immigration Enforcement Limits: The Community Trust Act takes effect June 1, restricting how Maryland jails and hospitals handle federal immigration requests. Baltimore Antitrust: Baltimore filed an antitrust lawsuit targeting fire truck manufacturers, alleging price-fixing and supply restrictions. Social Security Warning: A new analysis projects average benefit cuts of about $500 a month in 2032, with Maryland among the hardest-hit states. Public Safety Update: A Baltimore officer was injured after being struck from behind by a dirt bike during an arrest, as the city targets dangerous riding. National Politics Watch: Redistricting gains could reshape the 2026 House race, with Republicans positioned to add seats depending on how new maps perform.

Federal Retirement Rules Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 24-state coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would steer retirement plans toward riskier assets like crypto and private credit, arguing it would expose millions to avoidable losses. Maryland Public Safety & Justice: Maryland lawmakers and U.S. officials announced $1.3M for state crime labs to cut DNA testing backlogs and speed evidence processing. Baltimore Government Transparency: A Baltimore judge denied the city’s bid to seal parts of the inspector general dispute, a fresh setback for Mayor Brandon Scott’s efforts to limit IG oversight. Child Safety in Courts: A Greenbelt man was sentenced to 25 years for a federal sextortion scheme targeting girls as young as 9 and producing CSAM. Health & Kids: Doctors report rising cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses in children, underscoring ongoing immunization gaps. Local Tech Policy: Howard County moved toward a data-center moratorium, pausing new construction while zoning rules get rewritten.

Federal Intelligence Shake-Up: President Trump tapped Bill Pulte—an FHFA housing official with no intelligence background—as acting director of national intelligence, drawing sharp pushback from Sen. Mark Warner over politicizing the spy system. Baltimore County Politics: At a county executive forum, candidates faced questions tied to the Jewish community and Israel-related concerns, with some raising their hands on ending support for the Maryland Israel Development Center. Elections & Voting Administration: Maryland election officials continued sorting out mail-in ballot problems, including how incorrect ballots were sent and what happens if replacement ballots aren’t returned. Courts & Legal Accountability: A federal judge dismissed a bid to hold a former Pennsylvania attorney general liable for malpractice tied to failed election lawsuits, while the U.S. Supreme Court issued another rebuke of lower-court overreach. Consumer & Business Law: Louis Vuitton sued Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in federal court over allegedly copycat promotional bags. State Policy Watch: Maryland’s gas tax is set to rise July 1, and DNR announced three license-free fishing days for 2026. Public Safety & Health: A Baltimore County man accused of killing his wife could still inherit her assets, with a June 3 hearing set to decide the legal question. Cybersecurity: DoD’s CIO urged contractors to prioritize “foundational cybersecurity,” warning that small supplier failures can endanger warfighters.