AGP Executive Report

FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from scrapping Maryland’s Greenbelt plan and moving the FBI HQ to the Ronald Reagan Building, saying the switch and funding diversion were unlawful—keeping the project on track for Prince George’s County. Election Data Pressure: Another federal court rejected the DOJ’s push for Minnesota voter registration records, calling the request a “fishing expedition” without a clear legal basis. Maryland Courts & Accountability: Maryland’s win in the FBI case follows a broader pattern of judges limiting federal overreach, while Towson named a new civics center leader to boost civic discourse. Public Health & Schools: Kindergarten vaccine exemptions hit a new record high as federal data show rising opt-outs amid efforts to reshape childhood immunization schedules. Religion in Public Schools: The Supreme Court is being asked to block Texas’s Ten Commandments requirement for classrooms, setting up a major church-state showdown. Local Legal & Safety: A Harford County man was sentenced to three years for a deadly school bus crash tied to distracted driving. Cybersecurity: Maryland DoIT says it fixed 200+ web-facing vulnerabilities through “Hack the State” partnerships. Baltimore Watch: A union-busting dispute flared at MOM’s Organic Market after a mask-wearing ban at a Hampden store drew backlash.

Maryland Digital Ad Tax Knocked Down: Maryland’s Tax Court struck a 2021 digital ad tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV—another blow to the state’s attempt to tax online advertising. AG Data Fight: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a Trump administration push for sensitive driver data, warning it could cost more than $10 million in federal funding if states don’t hand over records. Baltimore vs. Prediction Markets: Baltimore sued Kalshi and Polymarket over alleged illegal sports betting/prediction market activity, as courts weigh related disputes. Juvenile Justice Pressure: A national policy debate is growing over laws that hold parents responsible for kids’ crimes, with Maryland watching the broader shift toward enforcement and penalties. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: A new report highlights how police drones and license plate networks are expanding surveillance, raising civil liberties concerns. Local Governance Watch: Baltimore’s animal abuse advisory commission is back, and a separate Baltimore policy fight targets a loophole in public campaign financing.

USS Abraham Lincoln Fallout: Gov. Wes Moore blasted President Trump’s dismissal of reported poor conditions aboard the carrier, saying the response “pisses me off,” as Democrats press for answers on morale and living conditions. Local Schools & Youth Policy: Garrett County schools are rolling out a new cellphone ban in class, aligning with state requirements tied to the 2027-28 deadline. Public Safety & Courts: Federal and Prince George’s County prosecutors announced indictments tied to a multi-state organized retail-theft ring affecting Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Economic Development: Gov. Moore announced Cloudforce will expand in Prince George’s County, adding 250 jobs and leasing more space at National Harbor. Nonprofits & State Data: IRS Form 990 reviews ranked Aberdeen and Baltimore nonprofits by government-grant share of revenue, highlighting groups with heavy public funding. Weather Alert: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Maryland, including Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Carroll, Frederick, Washington, Charles, Allegany, and Garrett. Sports & Culture: Maryland’s Charm won the inaugural Women’s Lacrosse League title, with Tina Sloan Green honored for breaking barriers.

Maryland Elections: Democrats say they’ll contest every Maryland legislative seat this November, including new candidate matchups in Southern Maryland where GOP incumbents previously ran unopposed. Congressional Redistricting: Maryland voters will weigh a constitutional amendment that could loosen future rules for drawing congressional maps, even as lawsuits challenge whether it should appear on the ballot. Gov. Moore vs. Data Centers: Dan Cox is pressing a campaign attack on hyperscale data centers, arguing Moore’s administration backed projects tied to campaign donors. Public Safety & Courts: A judge ruled in favor of Baltimore’s inspector general in a city records access fight, keeping oversight moving. Healthcare & Disability Rights: A Prince Frederick counselor at Avenues is featured for turning addiction recovery into advocacy, while disabled Americans brace for fading federal protections. Immigration & Civil Liberties: Sen. Chris Van Hollen is urging action over the ICE detention of a Maryland professor, arguing the arrest is unlawful. National Politics: Trump is again teasing 2028 despite term-limit limits, and his second impeachment trial coverage continues to draw attention. Crime: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court in the UnitedHealthcare CEO case, reshaping the parallel state proceedings.

Maryland Politics & Courts: Baltimore’s inspector general won a key ruling Friday, clearing the way for her office to keep direct access to city records in a dispute with Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration. Federal Politics: Trump’s second impeachment trial is set to begin in the Senate, reviving the Jan. 6 “incitement of insurrection” case after the House voted to impeach him again. Public Safety & Justice: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court in the UnitedHealthcare CEO killing case, with defense attorneys signaling they’ll fight to dismiss related New York state charges. State Government & Elections: Republicans filed a second lawsuit targeting Maryland’s redistricting ballot question, arguing ballot language is misleading and could set up a path for Democrats to redraw congressional maps. Health & Community: Choptank Health marked National Health Center Week, highlighting how federally qualified health centers expand primary care across Maryland’s Mid-Shore. Maryland Economy: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital ad sales tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV.

Digital Ad Tax Knocked Down: Maryland’s tax on digital advertising was struck down by the state Tax Court, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV after the court said the levy violates federal law and constitutional protections. Prediction Markets in Court: Baltimore sued Kalshi and Polymarket, alleging they’re running illegal, unlicensed sports-betting operations while sidestepping consumer protections. Redistricting Fight Heats Up: Eastern Shore Republicans filed a lawsuit to block the state’s redistricting ballot amendment, arguing election language is misleading and could threaten Rep. Andy Harris’ 1st District. Montgomery Spending Cap Ballot Bid: A proposed charter amendment to cap Montgomery County spending growth cleared a key signature certification step, with the Board of Elections still processing more petitions. Data Centers, Local Bargaining: Maryland energy officials urged counties with temporary data center moratoriums to build “wish lists” for negotiations, as siting pressure keeps rising. Federal Guilty Plea in CEO Case: Towson native Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to stalking charges tied to UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killing, with sentencing set for Dec. 18. Baltimore Inspector General Win: A judge denied the city’s bid to dismiss the inspector general’s records access fight, ordering responses to subpoenas. School Tech Rules: Wicomico County will enforce a “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy starting Sept. 1, 2026, aligning with Maryland’s phone-free schools law.

Digital Ad Tax Knocked Down: Maryland’s Tax Court struck down the state’s digital advertising gross revenues tax, ordering refunds (with interest) to Apple, Google and Peacock TV and citing conflicts with the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act and constitutional issues. Baltimore Oversight Win: A judge ruled for Baltimore City Inspector General Isabel Cumming, denying the mayor’s bid to dismiss and ordering the city to comply with her subpoenas for records tied to a neighborhood safety program. ICE Detention Fight: University of Maryland professor Berhanu Kibret appeared for a bond hearing after ICE detained him following a visa expiration dispute, with his attorneys arguing he had valid work authorization. CDL Data Privacy Lawsuits: Democrat-led states, including Maryland, challenged the Trump administration’s push to access commercial driver’s license records, warning of improper use and funding threats. Local Governance & Environment: Howard County moved to inspect a Columbia storm drain complaint after residents reported a hose from a lawn-care truck entering the drain. Housing Stability: Frederick County non-profits say eviction prevention funds may run out by fall as demand rises. Public Records Transparency: A St. Mary’s County sheriff’s office records lawsuit raises new questions about how withheld investigative files are justified. School Policy: Wicomico County adopted a “Bell to Bell, No Cell” rule starting next school year, aligning with Maryland’s phone-free schools law. Healthcare Visitor Check-In: UM Shore Regional Health rolled out VisitUMMS, asking visitors for ID and photos to issue badges.

Prediction Markets Clash in Baltimore: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and the City Council sued Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing their sports “event contracts” are illegal, unlicensed sports betting that dodge Maryland consumer protections—Kalshi’s case also targets Robinhood, Webull, and Coinbase. Federal Immigration Pressure: A Maryland professor, Berhanu Kibret, is set for a bond hearing after ICE detention tied to his visa status following a “Teacher of the Year” win; Maryland’s academic community is pushing for release. Healthcare Rate-Setting Warning: A CareFirst official cautioned that Maryland’s AHEAD hospital rate transition could destabilize the system if officials “pull the wrong block,” as Medicare rate authority shifts. Data Center Politics: Maryland’s Green Party is mobilizing against data centers, while local leaders continue negotiating the Conowingo Dam settlement as rural concerns cool. Public Safety & Crime: A 26-year-old was flown to a trauma center after a Lexington Park stabbing; Maryland National Guard member Opuiyo pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy.

FBI Enforcement: A three-week FBI-led “Summer Heat 2.0” sweep netted 109 arrests across Delaware and Maryland, including cases tied to attempted murder, robbery, rape, and child sexual exploitation, with three firearms seized. Sports Betting Fight: Baltimore sued prediction-market firms Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing they’re running unlicensed sports-betting “event contracts” that dodge Maryland gambling rules. Public Safety & Courts: The 4th Circuit declined to rehear a tort attorney’s $25M extortion conviction, while a federal judge tossed a pharmacy match-program lawsuit “for now.” Police Accountability: An ACLU report says 143 people died in Maryland police custody from 2015-2023, pointing to institutional failures and racial disparities. Housing: Baltimore seniors at Wayland Village are furious after the city reinstated a rental license despite unrepaired HVAC. Elections & Governance: Advocates renewed pressure to open Maryland’s closed primary system; GOP gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox pushed back on a poll showing Gov. Wes Moore up by 27 points. State Privacy Lawsuit: AG Nick Brown joined a coalition challenging the Trump administration’s push for 17 million CDL records, alleging violations of privacy law.

Maryland Politics & Courts: A Prince George’s County budget fight is stuck in court after a judge halted a $39 million transfer from the bicounty Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, leaving the county saying it’s owed $8.1 million so far and warning a permanent block could widen a fiscal-year 2027 gap. Elections & Governance: Maryland is also pushing for more election workers, with a reminder that residents 16 and older can earn $250 a day serving as election judges. Public Health: St. Mary’s County Health Officer Dr. Meena Brewster won a national NACCHO “Champion of Local Governmental Public Health” award, highlighting local leadership and workforce efforts. State Policy Watch: Maryland lawmakers and advocates continue to press for prescription drug cost caps and broader access to care, including new campaigns aimed at lowering patient costs. Federal/Legal Oversight: Across the country, DOJ clemency decisions are under scrutiny after internal emails showed errors and bypassed vetting—an issue Maryland lawmakers are likely to watch closely as Congress weighs oversight.

Tobacco Cleanup Lawsuit: Denver sued major cigarette makers, arguing non-biodegradable filters clog drains and waterways and taxpayers shouldn’t pay for cleanup. NASA & Eastern Shore: NASA says a moon base is coming, with Wallops potentially playing a key role in small and mid-size launches for lunar missions. Baltimore Homeless Housing Conditions: Baltimore’s inspector general released findings of mold, pests, and unsafe conditions at former hotels used for homeless housing after a city-funded $28 million purchase. White House Personnel: Trump confirmed press secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave at month’s end, citing family time, as the administration heads toward midterms. Prince George’s County Fees Fight: Prince George’s business owners sued over a new $5,000 annual liquor and tobacco charge, arguing it’s an unauthorized tax. Maryland Drug Cost Push: Maryland Health Care For All launched a campaign urging candidates to back state drug cost caps via the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Election Administration Help Wanted: Maryland is seeking election judges and pages to staff upcoming voting operations. Military History Call for Help: Maryland’s Civil War photo collection needs public help identifying enlisted men from a surviving company tintype set.

988 Crisis System: A Maryland nonprofit that runs the national backup layer for 988 is cutting 62 jobs after losing its federal contract, but Howard County approved emergency funding to keep local crisis services running. BGE Rate Fight: Baltimore-area officials and advocates are gearing up for BGE rate hike hearings as residents push back on higher utility bills. Prince George’s Liquor Fee Lawsuit: A coalition of businesses sued Prince George’s County over a new $5,000 annual fee on liquor, tobacco, gun stores and storage facilities, calling it an unlawful punitive tax. Head Start Under Threat: A new Trump administration proposal could change Head Start rules in ways that may shrink services in Maryland, including class sizes and health supports. Baltimore Housing Pressure: A long-vacant East Baltimore rowhouse—city-certified vacant for 43 years—highlights how enforcement and funding gaps keep properties stuck. Courts and Surveillance: Courts move to confiscate Meta smart glasses over covert recording concerns, tightening rules inside judicial buildings. Public Safety: Baltimore County police say a Middle River barricade was tied to a search warrant in an Essex teen homicide case. Healthcare Costs: Hospitals are increasingly seeking upfront payments from patients as costs rise and billing disputes grow.

ICE Facility Fight: A federal judge cleared the way for construction to resume on a proposed ICE facility in Elkridge after Howard County reinstated permits following a lawsuit, reigniting the state-vs.-federal clash over immigration detention siting. School Safety & Funding: Anne Arundel County’s superintendent says the district is prioritizing safety (including its Open Gate weapons-detection pilot), staffing, and student achievement amid threats to federal funding. Public Safety Incident: Baltimore County police responded to a Middle River barricade tied to a search warrant, with residents told to shelter in place. Utility Costs: Baltimore officials and advocates rallied against BGE’s $156 million rate hike request, warning an average $8 monthly increase could hit already-strained households. Health Crisis Funding: Howard County is sending $260,000 in emergency funds to a mental health crisis center after federal cuts ended its 988 national backup contract, forcing layoffs. Legal & Accountability: Democrats led by Rep. Jamie Raskin seek records tied to the dropped felony case against a Bethesda man accused in the Reflecting Pool incident, pressing for transparency about how prosecutors handled the matter. Community Organizing: More than 50 Baltimore residents launched a “Make Polluters Pay” push for a statewide climate superfund bill, arguing polluters should cover climate damage.

Housing & Homelessness: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a multistate coalition won a court fight against HUD’s attempt to cap funding for permanent housing, protecting about 2,000 Marylanders from losing homes. Immigration & Due Process: Advocates say federal immigration courts are scheduling “mega master” hearings with huge dockets and short notice, squeezing preparation time and raising due process concerns. Public Safety & Courts: A Baltimore pursuit case identified Tremayne Murphy as the driver who died after a 96-second chase in Belcamp, with dashcam/body-worn footage released. Health Care Access: Maryland announced $80 million in new federal rural health funding to expand care in underserved counties. SNAP to Work: Gov. Wes Moore launched an online SNAP employment tool connecting recipients to training providers statewide. Cybersecurity: Suspected Iranian hackers targeted U.S. water utilities, highlighting how many small systems remain easy targets. Local Governance: Prince George’s County voters will decide whether to keep two at-large council seats. Community & Mental Health: Baltimore’s mobile crisis team is expanding to meet mental health needs without defaulting to police response. Public Health Policy: Trump signed an executive order pushing fewer childhood vaccinations and splitting the MMR shot, drawing sharp medical criticism. Crime & Drugs: Three men face federal charges in a cross-country drug-trafficking conspiracy spanning California to Maryland.

ICE at Baltimore schools: Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley praised officers after ICE arrested two parents outside a Southeast Baltimore school in June, while a body-cam account includes a supervisor saying there were “no repercussions” for ICE actions. Public safety and courts: A federal magistrate recommended tossing a Baltimore attorney’s lawsuit against a Montgomery County judge over sanctions, citing lack of federal jurisdiction over state-court orders. Gun violence update: A Salisbury man was sentenced to 50 years (with all but 25 suspended) for attempted 2nd degree murder after a July 2025 shooting that injured a woman. Police accountability: Montgomery County and Gaithersburg released body and dash cam footage from a fatal Gaithersburg bus-stop shooting, showing officers trying to get the man to drop his gun before he was shot. Healthcare innovation: Mercy Medical Center opened its Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction’s Center for Orthopedic Innovation to speed research, education, and new implant and biologic therapies. Workforce pressure: AFSCME Maryland warned of staffing and pay shortfalls after surveying 25,000 state workers, with most reporting they’ve considered leaving their jobs. Weather: Tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm alerts hit the Baltimore metro, with BWI briefly resuming flights after a ground stop. BTS in Baltimore: Concert crowds for BTS’s “Arirang” tour are driving transit and traffic planning around M&T Bank Stadium.

BTS in Baltimore: Fans pack downtown ahead of BTS’s Aug. 10-11 shows at M&T Bank Stadium, with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore posting a welcome video and the wider tour prompting official tributes like Toronto’s “BTS Boulevard.” ICE at schools: New Baltimore police body-camera footage shows ICE detaining parents outside an East Baltimore school in June, reigniting debate over local cooperation rules. Baltimore quality-of-life debate: Residents say the city still struggles to crack down on “nuisance” crimes like loitering and public disorder even as shootings decline. Local development fights: A Baltimore County councilman says he’s working to restart the long-stalled Lutherville Station project, where neighbors fear more traffic and safety issues. Maryland policy: Maryland’s new surveillance-pricing law moves to curb personalized grocery pricing based on personal data, with key limits starting Oct. 1. Public safety: St. Mary’s County launches school-zone speed cameras with a warning phase and $40 civil fines for violations. Health & caregiving: A Pediatrics analysis urges clinicians to separate caregiver neglect from barriers like transportation and finances before reporting child welfare cases. Nonprofit support: SMECO and CoBank matching funds send $12,000 to Southern Maryland recovery and senior-serving organizations.