AGP Executive Report

Birthright Citizenship Fight: A federal judge in Maryland issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Trump’s latest executive order limiting birthright citizenship, saying the government can’t interfere with or deny citizenship for the affected class while the case proceeds. Maryland Elections: The Maryland Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on a redistricting ballot measure (“Question Three”), a high-stakes fight over how congressional district lines can be drawn for the November ballot. Baltimore Governance: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott defended the city’s stance in its legal battle with Inspector General Isabel Cumming over access to city records, arguing the OIG’s requests are overly broad and turning routine disclosure into a media dispute. Immigration Custody: A new legal push is underway to challenge how the federal government is detaining unaccompanied children in immigration custody, with attorneys seeking faster court review of whether the detentions are lawful. Public Health & Measles: Reuters reports U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the CDC to remove references to two Pennsylvania measles deaths from the agency’s online tally, reigniting controversy over how the outbreak is being handled. Local Safety: Maryland Transportation Authority police highlighted wrong-way driving dangers and urged drivers to stay off phones and react fast if headlights appear in the wrong direction.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: A federal judge in Maryland blocked President Trump’s latest executive order narrowing birthright citizenship, calling it “almost certainly unconstitutional” and pointing to the Supreme Court’s June ruling that babies born in the U.S. are citizens at birth. BWI Airport & Travel: Southwest is rolling out its first passenger lounge network, with BWI among the initial four sites, and lounges expected to open in late 2027. Maryland Transportation Authority Accountability: An audit says out-of-state drivers owe Maryland nearly $820M in unpaid tolls and fees, and the MDTA didn’t take available steps to collect, including possible reciprocity agreements. Healthcare Cybersecurity: Luminis Health says two hospitals in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties were hit by a cybersecurity attack, with some systems unavailable and ambulances rerouted for noncritical patients. Public Safety & Local Government: A Baltimore mother faces child neglect charges after six children were found alone in unsafe conditions; separately, a Maryland sheriff is suing over sanctuary policies, arguing they undermine public safety and cooperation with ICE. Higher Ed Labor: The University System of Maryland agreed to pay AFSCME wage increases after a lawsuit was withdrawn. Sports & Community: Ravens GM Eric DeCosta says the team is still waiting on the NFL investigation into Rashod Bateman’s arrest.

Paid Leave Rollout: Maryland’s long-awaited family leave program is set to launch, offering up to 12 weeks of paid leave for major life events—relief for families, but a new cost and staffing question for employers and local governments. Local Control vs. Data Centers: Gov. Wes Moore’s stance on the data center boom is shifting toward local authority, while Baltimore County lawmakers push to extend a data center moratorium as the promised regulatory report still isn’t finalized. Transportation Accountability: A new audit says the Maryland Transportation Authority failed to collect more than $818 million in tolls and fees owed by out-of-state drivers. Federal Funding Fight: The U.S. House passed a stopgap funding bill to avert a shutdown, extending funding through Dec. 11 while delaying broader budget fights. Violence Prevention Input: Baltimore residents weighed in on the city’s next comprehensive violence prevention plan, with strong calls to start earlier with youth. Election Law Clash: Maryland AG Nick Brown co-led a lawsuit challenging USPS mail-voting rules tied to Trump’s voter eligibility push. Public Safety Staffing: Montgomery County police defended dissolving a DUI unit due to staffing shortages, shifting enforcement back to patrol. Courts & Redistricting: Maryland’s redistricting ballot question faces renewed legal setbacks as judges block it and the state heads toward the Supreme Court. ADU Zoning Update: Chesapeake Beach is considering zoning changes to comply with Maryland’s ADU requirements, including new size and parking rules. Threat Case: A Maryland man faces federal charges after Facebook posts allegedly threatened to kill President Trump.

Maryland Gerrymandering Fight: Gov. Wes Moore’s push to change Maryland’s congressional map protections hit a major legal snag as an Anne Arundel County Circuit Court ruled the constitutional amendment can’t go forward to the ballot, with another Dorchester County ruling also landing against Moore. Governor’s Debate: Moore and Dan Cox are set for a televised governor’s debate on Maryland Public Television ahead of Election Day. Paid Leave Rollout: Maryland opened employer registration for the new FAMLI paid family and medical leave program, with benefits slated to begin in 2028 and up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave. Immigration Clash in Congress: Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler testified that Maryland’s limits on ICE cooperation leave local law enforcement unable to police effectively, while lawmakers pressed back on the forum’s tone. Election Mail Uncertainty: State election officials say they’re still waiting on guidance on Trump’s mail-voting order, raising concerns about last-minute chaos. Public Safety Back to School: Maryland DOT urged drivers to stop for school buses with flashing lights and reminded parents about pedestrian and bus stop safety. Local Government Watch: Prince George’s County Council will consider up to $215 million in bonds for the National Harbor “mini Sphere” project. Federal Court Threat Case: A Maryland man made his initial appearance facing charges tied to Facebook threats against President Trump and the Secret Service.

School Board Access: Maryland education officials are considering a rule that would require every local school board to hold at least one in-person meeting each month and include a formal public comment opportunity. Trans Name Policy: Anne Arundel County schools would have to use transgender students’ preferred names and pronouns only if parents agree, after internal guidance reviewed by The Banner followed conservative legal pressure. Data Center Fight: An Anne Arundel lawmaker is pushing to bar new data centers in county zoning, arguing it would protect energy infrastructure and ratepayers—while opponents warn national security needs tied to Fort Meade complicate the effort. Public Safety—Dorchester: Maryland State Police charged three people in the Linkwood-area shooting that killed a 5-year-old girl, with additional arrests tied to related violence. Health Care Strain: Developmental disability providers say they’re “stuck holding the bag” after months of Medicaid disenrollments and delayed reinstatement leave them unpaid and at risk of cutting services. Consumer Protection: A federal judge declined to certify a class in a Prince George’s landlord case tied to alleged mold, rodents, and heat failures, after the state secured an $11M+ settlement. Federal/Defense: The Navy awarded Textron Systems a $15.47M contract to expand sea-based unmanned aircraft intelligence missions, with management at Patuxent River. Immigration Courts: A judge ordered steps to return a cartel witness deported multiple times to Mexico, citing serious risk to his safety.

Racist Rhetoric Sparks Maryland Response: Trump ally Laura Loomer is facing fresh backlash after racist comments targeting Black Democratic leaders, including Florida Rep. Angie Nixon and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; Maryland Gov. Wes Moore condemned the remarks as “peddling racism.” Fort Meade Recall Fight: Fort Meade City Commissioner Matthew Taylor says a recall drive is based on false pretenses tied to the hiring of a new city law firm, with the dispute emerging amid controversy over a major data center development. Data Center Pressure in the Region: Gov. Matt Meyer joined a bipartisan governors’ task force to shape immigration policy for Washington, while separate coverage highlights mounting state-level fights over data center costs and permitting—an issue Maryland communities have been watching closely. Amazon Hit With New Lawsuit: The FTC and 22 states, including Washington, sued Amazon over alleged “hidden surcharges” and misleading ad pricing practices that plaintiffs say cost advertisers billions. Public Safety and Justice: Maryland authorities charged four people, including the father, in the Linkwood death of 5-year-old Na’Ryah Adams, with the case tied to another shooting the night before. Overdose Awareness: Gov. Wes Moore declared Aug. 31 International Overdose Awareness Day in Maryland, pointing to progress while urging continued investment in treatment and prevention. Cyclospora Research Scaling Back: Federal cyclospora research projects in Maryland are being shut down or relocated as cases surge, raising concerns about future outbreak tracking. Local Governance/Development: Baltimore’s Harborplace redevelopment is set for a major tax break under a Downtown RISE PILOT, potentially cutting property taxes dramatically for years.

Maryland Redistricting Fight: A Dorchester County judge blocked a proposed congressional redistricting ballot question, adding a second lower-court setback after an Anne Arundel ruling; the Supreme Court of Maryland is set to hear the appeal, keeping the November map question in legal limbo. Maryland Elections Guide: A new explainer lays out what voters should know for the Nov. 3 gubernatorial rematch between Wes Moore and Dan Cox, plus other statewide questions and key congressional races. ICE Crackdown Fallout in Maryland: In Springfield, advocates and faith leaders rallied to “Unshackle Springfield” amid fears for Haitian families as federal enforcement intensifies, with organizers drawing support from across the region including Maryland. Baltimore-Region Data Centers: Baltimore County is holding hearings on data centers, including whether to extend a moratorium through 2027, while residents push back over impacts on water, electricity, and neighborhoods. Local Housing Policy: Takoma Park’s rent stabilization is under review as consultants and officials weigh whether tenant protections are helping preserve diversity or worsening availability and rental quality. Healthcare Watch (340B): A Maryland-focused look at 340B program reform argues for stronger transparency and accountability over whether savings reach low-income patients. State Government & Courts: Maryland’s mail-voting rules and related federal court fights continue to shape how elections are run heading into November. Business/Community: Charles County library workers ratified their first-ever union contract with a 90% yes vote, a rare win in local labor organizing. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest Prince George’s County premium gas price at $4.39 for the week ending Aug. 22.

Maryland Politics & Courts: A federal judge’s latest redistricting ruling keeps the focus on map-making fights that could shape Maryland’s next election cycle. Voting Rights & Federal Power: A major “Defend the Vote” march at the Lincoln Memorial drew thousands as civil rights groups push back after the Voting Rights Act was weakened and warn about election access ahead of midterms. Public Health & Medicaid Watch: New data show sharp local spikes in Medicaid billing categories across Maryland, including big jumps in Crownsville (Evaluation & Management), Abingdon (Surgery), and multiple other communities seeing rising Procedure/Professional Services and Pathology/Lab work. Food Safety & USDA Research: The Trump administration is reportedly shutting down two cyclospora research projects and disrupting scientists’ plans, as the parasite outbreak continues to strain public health. Community & Human Stories: Baltimore-area residents gathered to remember Jada Sellers, 17, whose death after a July shooting sparked renewed calls for safety and support. National Security & Governance: A new push on presidential power and independent oversight argues the courts have accelerated executive expansion, raising stakes for how agencies and checks operate.

Federal Voting Fight: A federal judge temporarily blocked a new USPS vote-by-mail rule that would have forced states to get federal approval for ballot and return-envelope designs and upload voter data to a new portal—ruling compliance before the Nov. 3 midterms was “practically impossible” and posed a disenfranchisement risk. Maryland Redistricting: Maryland courts dealt another blow to Democrats’ redistricting push, with judges blocking the redistricting ballot question and setting up further appeals. Medicaid Dollars in Maryland: New data show local Medicaid spending spikes in multiple Maryland communities, including Elkridge (Evaluation & Management), Crofton (dental), Odenton (radiology), and Pasadena (orthotics). Public Health Watch: Maryland reported measles outbreaks in three counties as measles cases and deaths continue to surface nationally. Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. expanded a deportation list to 134 Nigerians, publishing names and photos, including people arrested in places like Baltimore. Tech & Policy Backlash: A new wave of public pushback against Big Tech and AI is forming a rare bipartisan coalition, with lawmakers responding to mounting concerns about how these systems affect everyday life.

Maryland Energy & Foreign Policy: Sen. Chris Van Hollen blasted President Trump’s announcement of a deal to give the U.S. majority control of Venezuela oil, calling it “this isn’t a win” and warning it risks service members for private profit. Public Safety & Health: The FDA posted two nationwide IV saline recalls—B. Braun over zinc-oxide particulate and Baxter over possible fiberglass contamination—both tied to potential serious complications for patients. Immigration & Community Impact: A Baltimore-based tour company says all 47 travelers from its Himalayan Glacier Adventure group are missing after flash floods hit the Nepal-China border region; families are pleading for updates and rescue help. Local Governance & Crime: Selma’s police chief candidates faced public interviews on rebuilding, violent crime reduction, and restoring trust, with finalists laying out sharply different management and enforcement approaches. Sports & Maryland Ties: The Ravens traded defensive tackle C.J. Okoye to the Giants in a Harbaugh reunion; Maryland’s connection also shows up in the broader sports churn and roster moves around the league. Community & Culture: Delmarva Warriors brought a “healing through hockey” message to a veterans tournament on the Eastern Shore, using the sport to connect and support military veterans.

Redistricting Fight in Maryland: A second judge has blocked Maryland Democrats’ redistricting ballot question, with the State Board of Elections’ printing deadline now tangled in appeals to the Maryland Supreme Court. Medicaid Accountability: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued UnitedHealth and Optum over a defective Medicaid behavioral health computer system that crashed on day one in 2020 and cost taxpayers tens of millions. Voting Rights Pressure in D.C.: Civil rights groups rallied on the National Mall for “Defend the Vote,” warning that recent voting-law and redistricting changes could undermine Black representation ahead of midterms. Immigration and TPS Uncertainty: Trump’s push to restrict noncitizen voting claims is fueling legal challenges, while Salvadorans face a looming TPS deadline that could upend lives built in the U.S. Public Safety & Courts: Baltimore continues to see major criminal cases, including a charged officer rape allegation and ongoing legal fights tied to elections and enforcement. Tech in Government: Maryland and other cities are looking at AI to speed housing permitting, aiming to cut delays from incomplete applications.

Baltimore Police Accountability: Harford County charged Baltimore officer Daniel Oxendine with rape after DNA linked him to an Edgewood victim, raising fresh questions about trust in law enforcement. Baltimore Public Safety: BPD released body-cam video of an Aug. 22 shooting near Lexington Market, describing a tense traffic stop that escalated when the suspect tried to drive off. Voting Rights & Election Law: Thousands rallied in Washington for voting rights as legal fights over mail-in ballots and USPS rules continue; Maryland election officials say the state’s process is still operating normally while courts weigh the dispute. Maryland Courts & Tax Policy: Maryland Tax Court decisions struck down the Digital Advertising Gross Revenues Tax, ordering refunds with interest and citing federal and constitutional limits. State-Federal Health Policy: AG Aaron Ford announced a lawsuit challenging Title X family-planning funding conditions, arguing the federal policy unlawfully pressures states and providers. Public Health Research: UMSOM stroke specialists helped develop new guidelines for precision, biomarker-based stroke rehabilitation studies.

Mail-in Voting Fight: Maryland election officials are moving ahead with mail-ballot preparations even as a new federal rule raises turnout and procedure concerns, with the state election administrator warning the Postal Service shouldn’t be tasked with checking eligibility. Immigration Enforcement Pressure: A Maryland Haitian community in Salisbury is bracing for ICE raids after the Trump administration ended TPS for 13 countries, leaving hundreds of thousands more vulnerable to detention and deportation. Redistricting Court Fallout: A judge blocked Maryland’s redistricting ballot question, dealing Democrats another legal setback and setting up further appeals. AGs vs. Federal Funding Conditions: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Title X restrictions, a fight that echoes Maryland’s broader pushback on federal limits tied to family planning and preventive care. Local Government Watch: Hyattsville’s audit found the general fund balance dropped 71% year over year, reigniting calls for leadership changes and tighter financial transparency. Public Safety & Courts: A Charles County man faces assault charges after an ATV chase that deputies say ended with a lieutenant being struck.

Title X Fight: Gov. Josh Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions on federal family planning grants, arguing the rules target “lifesaving reproductive care” like cancer screenings and STI testing. Mail Voting Clash: Democrats and voting groups re-filed lawsuits to block a USPS rule tightening mail-ballot delivery and ballot eligibility checks after a Supreme Court procedural win kept the policy alive. Redistricting Fallout (MD): A Dorchester County judge is set to issue an opinion by Friday noon on a GOP challenge to Maryland’s redistricting ballot question, following earlier injunctions and an appeal to the state Supreme Court. Eastern Shore Special Education: Chimes International unveiled plans for a specialized education school in Salisbury aimed at serving students from eight counties starting in 2027. Public Safety & Courts: A Baltimore officer was arrested and charged with rape after allegedly driving a victim home in Harford County, while a Linkwood murder case added charges implicating a former Dorchester prosecutor’s office employee. Healthcare Recall: Baxter recalled multiple injectable drugs after potential fiberglass/metal contamination raised risks including clots and organ injury, with distribution including Maryland. Data Center Backlash: National reporting highlights growing opposition to data centers, with Maryland communities weighing impacts and policy guardrails.

Maryland Redistricting Fight: A Maryland judge blocked Democrats’ redistricting ballot question, saying lawmakers missed key deadlines for adding the measure—setting up an appeal to the Maryland Supreme Court and keeping the state’s congressional map fight in court. Gubernatorial Cash Race: Gov. Wes Moore reported nearly $6.5 million cash on hand versus Dan Cox’s about $136,000, a roughly 48-to-1 advantage as they head toward a rematch. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a landmark multistate Meta deal requiring new Instagram/Facebook safeguards for teens, with Maryland included among the states affected. Baltimore Transit Troubles: Baltimore’s subway delays are rising even as new Metro trains roll in, with on-time performance dropping after the mixed-fleet rollout. Public Safety: Maryland State Police arrested three after reports of unconscious occupants at a Great Mills Sheetz, while police also warned residents about a growing key-fob cloning auto-theft trend. International/Defense: CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Russian intelligence officials in Moscow, with Russia calling it routine and dismissing claims of a NATO attack warning.

Redistricting Fight in Maryland: An Anne Arundel County judge blocked a November ballot question tied to a constitutional redistricting amendment, saying the General Assembly’s special-session process was legally deficient and the ballot language misleading—setting up an appeal to the Maryland Supreme Court. Voting-by-Mail Legal Pressure: Democrats and voting rights groups re-filed lawsuits to stop a Trump-backed USPS rule that would impose new federal standards for mail ballots, while Michigan joined a 25-state challenge. Big Tech and Youth Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B nationwide and add child-safety limits on Facebook and Instagram; Maryland could receive up to $327M. Maryland Courts on Elections: A separate Maryland ruling also struck down the redistricting amendment’s path to the ballot, reinforcing GOP wins in the fight over Question 3. Public Safety Notes: Maryland reported a rabid bat on UMES’s campus, urging residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Local Culture & Community: The Maryland State Fair returns for three weekends at Timonium, running Aug. 27–30 and Sept. 4–7 and 10–13.