AGP Executive Report

Mail-in Ballot Firestorm: Trump is demanding a DOJ investigation into Maryland’s June 23 mail ballot mix-up after the state said a vendor coding error sent some voters the wrong party ballots—while officials say they can’t identify exactly who got what and are re-mailing replacements. Election Integrity: Gov. Wes Moore’s team calls Trump’s claims “false and irresponsible,” as the controversy feeds into a broader fight over voting rules ahead of the primary. Federal Power Play: In Washington, the Trump administration also created a nearly $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund tied to dropping Trump’s IRS lawsuit—sparking fresh accusations of a political slush fund. Courts & Rights: A judge in New York limited federal agents’ ability to arrest people near immigration courtrooms, citing the need to let cases proceed without fear. Maryland Culture: The Smashing Pumpkins announced a fall “Rats in a Cage” tour that includes Baltimore on Oct. 3.

Trump-IRS Fallout: Trump dropped his $10bn IRS lawsuit and the DOJ says it’s replacing it with a $1.776bn “Anti-Weaponisation Fund” to compensate “victims of lawfare and weaponization,” drawing immediate fire from Democrats including Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin. Maryland Elections: Maryland’s mail-in ballot vendor error sent some voters the wrong party ballot for the June 23 primary, and the State Board of Elections is mailing replacement ballots to all mail-in voters to keep the process accurate. Medicaid Pressure: Maryland says it will use data and outreach to keep people enrolled as new federal re-enrollment rules hit in 2027, warning hundreds of thousands could fall through the cracks. Energy & AI: NextEra is moving to buy Dominion in a $66.8bn deal, a bet that AI-driven power demand will keep climbing—while states, including Maryland, push back on utility rate hikes. Local Governance: Darryl Barnes resigned as chair of the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission amid misconduct allegations.

Foreign Policy Flash: Trump is set to convene a Situation Room meeting on potential U.S. military options against Iran after warning Tehran the “clock is ticking,” as the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program and ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz keeps tightening. Maryland Courts & Accountability: Maryland’s Key Bridge case adds another turn—federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against Dali operators and a technical superintendent, while the state announced a $2.25 billion settlement with the vessel’s owner and operator and says it will keep pressing claims against the shipbuilder. Elections Integrity Fight: The Maryland State Board of Elections pushed back hard on Trump’s “500,000 fake mail-in ballots” claim, saying the issue was a vendor mix-up that required replacement ballots for affected voters. Local Governance: Prince George’s County Planning Board chair Darryl Barnes resigned amid allegations of retaliation and ethics violations. Health & Community: Altitude Behavioral Care says it’s expanding in Maryland to accept new patients.

Maryland Election Fallout: Maryland is resending thousands of mail-in primary ballots after a vendor mix-up, with officials and lawmakers scrambling to keep votes from being rejected or miscast. Federal Security: The FBI is offering a $200,000 reward for Monica Witt, a former Air Force intelligence specialist accused of spying for Iran. Regional Power Fight: A new wave of lawsuits and regulator pressure is targeting utility rate hikes tied to AI-driven electricity demand, with Maryland named among the states pushing back. Local Public Safety: A masked Walmart shopper in Elkton, NJ was arrested after allegedly setting a cart of fuel and fireworks on fire in the kids section to distract staff during a $10,000 jewelry theft. Civic Leadership: Washington College launched the Hogan Institute to train “principled” citizen leaders ahead of fall programming. Politics Watch: Sen. Chris Van Hollen doubled down on blaming Netanyahu for dragging Trump into the Iran war.

Mail-in Ballot Fix in Maryland: The State Board of Elections says a vendor error sent some voters the wrong party’s primary ballot, and it’s now mailing replacement ballots to everyone who received a mail-in ballot before May 14—officials say Print-at-Home ballots aren’t affected. Election Security Push: Maryland lawmakers and national Republicans are using the ballot controversy to renew pressure for tighter voting rules, including proof-of-citizenship requirements. Public Safety: Maryland reported a drop in traffic deaths in 2025, with 483 fatalities—down from 578 in 2024. Corrections Crackdown: AG Anthony Brown announced sentencing for former Jessup Correctional Institution staff tied to contraband smuggling schemes. Federal Watch: The Pentagon’s inspector general says cuts to civilian harm protections may violate federal law.

Elections & Voting Integrity: Maryland’s State Board of Elections says a mail-in ballot vendor error sent some voters the wrong party ballot ahead of the gubernatorial primary, so it’s reissuing replacement ballots to all affected voters (those who received a mail ballot before May 14). Federal Politics: Democrats are blasting a reported $1.7 billion IRS settlement idea tied to Trump dropping his $10 billion case—calling it a taxpayer-funded “slush fund.” Church & Courts: The Baltimore Archdiocese filed a revised child-abuse settlement plan proposing just under $44 million from the archdiocese, at least $125 million from insurers, and more from individual parishes/schools, with objections due May 29. Public Safety: AG Anthony Brown announced no charges in a January 17 Howard County police-involved crash that killed a juvenile driver. Health & Spending: New Medicaid billing figures show Linthicum’s Evaluation & Management claims up 12.2% in 2024, while Annapolis and Damascus also saw modest category increases. Business & Tech: A Texas county approved a one-year rural data-center moratorium as AI developers try to dodge city rules.

Elections Shake-Up: Maryland’s State Board of Elections is reissuing mail-in ballots after a vendor error sent some voters the wrong party ballot ahead of the June 23 primary, with officials saying they can’t pinpoint who was affected and will replace ballots for those mailed before May 14. Courts & Public Safety: The 4th Circuit halted a Maryland law targeting “electricity greenwashing,” calling it potentially too broad under the First Amendment. Bridge Fallout: Maryland’s AG says the state reached a $2.25B settlement tied to the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse, while federal criminal charges keep moving. Local Power & Politics: Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy moved to oust planning board chair Darryl Barnes after misconduct allegations surfaced. Sports & Maryland Spotlight: Laurel Park is hosting the Preakness weekend, with reports that a horse died after the first race Friday.

Virginia Gun Crackdown: Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a new ban on “assault firearms,” setting off immediate lawsuits from gun-rights groups as the law takes effect July 1. Maryland Courts: Maryland’s chief justice appointed a retired Baltimore County judge as a special magistrate to manage common issues in about 1,200 Child Victims Act lawsuits against state agencies. Elections 2026: In Anne Arundel County primaries, voters are hearing from candidates for Register of Wills and Circuit Court Judge, while Maryland’s Sixth District race is heating up around immigration enforcement and the Laken Riley Act. Public Health: Maryland is also tracking a rare hantavirus exposure after a U.S. passenger left the outbreak ship and is now quarantined on Pitcairn Islands. Local Governance: Howard County residents say they’re stuck waiting on a written decision in their fight over a W.R. Grace plastics recycling pilot plant. Opioids: The state is set to receive $27M from an opioid settlement.

NFL Schedule Drop: The league’s full 2026 slate is out, starting Sept. 9 with a Super Bowl LX rematch—Seattle hosting New England—and featuring a record nine international games across four continents. Ravens in Primetime: Baltimore’s schedule includes four prime-time matchups and an international trip to Brazil for a Week 3 showdown with Dallas. DHS Watchdog: A DHS inspector general audit is probing about $1 billion in ICE warehouse purchases tied to Kristi Noem—properties flagged for lacking plumbing or zoning for detention and still sitting empty. Baltimore Oversight Fight: Mayor Brandon Scott’s plan to reshape the city Inspector General’s office is being met with a sharp pushback from IG Isabel Cumming, who says it’s about “control,” not accountability. Key Bridge Fallout: Maryland announced a $2.25 billion settlement with the Dali owner/operator over the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Howard County Courtroom Drama: Cedar Creek residents are pressing to move forward in court against W.R. Grace, but say they’re stuck waiting on a written decision from the county Board of Appeals.

Key Bridge Fallout: Maryland locked in a $2.25B settlement over the M/V Dali’s 2024 strike that killed six workers and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, with Attorney General Brown saying the deal resolves the state’s claims tied to bridge damage, environmental harm, and port and transportation losses. Public Safety & Accountability: In a separate Baltimore-area case, a Baltimore officer won’t face charges in the deadly shooting of a knife-wielding woman during a mental health crisis, according to the AG’s office. Courts vs. DOJ: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s push for Rhode Island hospital records on transgender youth receiving gender-affirming care. State Policy Watch: Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s ban on insider trading on prediction markets for state workers, joining a growing ethics crackdown. Local Governance: Maryland also moved to limit dynamic grocery pricing, aiming to stop data-driven price changes that charge shoppers differently. Sports (Maryland-adjacent): The NFL unveiled a record nine-game international slate, including the Ravens-Cowboys in Rio and Steelers-Saints in Paris.

Baltimore Oversight Clash: Mayor Brandon Scott unveiled a legislative package aimed at curbing Inspector General Isabel Cumming’s independence, arguing her office is being blocked from unredacted records—while Cumming’s lawsuit says City Hall is stalling and redacting key MONSE documents. Court Security Push: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned that attacks on judges are attacks on society as a nationwide push ramps up to strengthen court security. Public Safety Alerts: Maryland law enforcement is warning high schoolers about the “senior assassin” game after concerns it can be misread and trigger dangerous responses. Health & Rights: NYU Langone says it received a federal subpoena tied to gender-affirming care for children, as the broader legal fight over youth care continues. Maryland Politics: Gov. Wes Moore is swapping campaign managers weeks before the June 23 Democratic primary. Sports: The NFL confirmed its record international slate, including Steelers–Saints in Paris. Education: A new national report says the U.S. is in a “reading recession,” with only a handful of states showing meaningful gains.

Key Bridge Fallout: Federal prosecutors charged Synergy Marine and its technical superintendent in the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster, alleging a maintenance pump used as a fuel supply was concealed from regulators for years—adding criminal pressure even as Maryland’s civil settlement with Dali owners lands at $2.25 billion. ICE Leadership Shakeup: David Venturella, a former private prison executive, is named acting ICE chief as Todd Lyons steps down, keeping the spotlight on detention-contract politics. PFAS Fight: Perdue AgriBusiness sued over PFAS firefighting foam tied to contamination at its Salisbury facility, arguing manufacturers and suppliers failed to warn. Eastern Shore Medicaid Crackdown: Nine people in a coordinated scheme face charges, including a Princess Anne police officer and a Somerset deputy. FBI Drama in Congress: FBI Director Kash Patel and Sen. Chris Van Hollen traded barbs over drinking allegations, with Patel posting a campaign bar tab filing. Maryland Law & Storm Safety: Gov. Moore signed Mason’s Law, requiring municipalities to inventory storm-drain inlets and plan upgrades after a Mount Airy teen’s death.

Key Bridge Reckoning: Federal prosecutors unsealed criminal charges against Singapore-based Synergy Marine and India-based Synergy Maritime, plus technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, alleging the Dali’s improper fuel-pump setup and other safety failures contributed to the 2024 collapse that killed six workers; Maryland also finalized a $2.25B settlement with the Dali owners as families push for the indictment to strengthen their civil case. FBI Fallout: In a Senate hearing, FBI Director Kash Patel and Sen. Chris Van Hollen traded barbs over drinking allegations, with Patel posting a campaign bar-tab claim and calling the reports “unequivocally” false. Energy & Power Bills: Gov. Wes Moore signed “Mason’s Law” to force safer storm-drain grates statewide after a deadly flash-flood incident, while Maryland’s utility grid reforms and cost-cutting bills remain in focus. Tech & Politics: Maryland GOP lawmakers warned about a Chinese-born delegate’s AI disclosure bill, as DOJ China-spy cases keep fueling the national debate. Local Governance: Rockville’s Rainbow Place women’s shelter is scrambling for a new site after its church operator plans to sell.

Key Bridge Fallout: Federal prosecutors charged the Dali’s Singapore-based operator Synergy Marine, its India-based unit Synergy Maritime, and technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair—alleging reckless decisions, falsified records, and obstruction tied to the 2024 collapse that killed six workers. Settlement Moves: Maryland also finalized a $2.25B settlement with the Dali owner/operator, while still pursuing claims against shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries. Local Justice: On the Eastern Shore, a family of nine—including two law enforcement officers—was indicted in a Medicaid fraud scheme tied to allegedly forged or improper billing for services. Public Safety Leadership: Howard County named Maj. Terrence Benn interim police chief as Chief Gregory Der prepares to retire. Cost of Living Pressure: A fresh inflation snapshot shows everyday sticker shock continuing, with gas and other basics still climbing. Immigration Enforcement: ICE is expanding into co-working-style offices across 40+ states, including Baltimore, as part of a broader ramp-up.

Cyberattack Disrupts Canvas: Schools and universities nationwide are recovering after a cyberattack knocked down Canvas during finals; Instructure says it’s back for most users, though some campuses kept access blocked while they assess risk. Gun-Law Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined 22 states in opposing a USPS plan that would let certain firearms be mailed across state lines, arguing the federal ban still stands. Redistricting Pressure: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged New York and “half a dozen” Democratic states—including Maryland—to pursue aggressive mid-decade redistricting after court rulings reshaped the map game. Baltimore Transparency Clash: City Council voted 13-1 to reject a bill tied to the IG’s access to records, with members calling it rushed and possibly unlawful. Maryland Business Watch: Bora Group approved buying MacroGenics’ GMP manufacturing operations for $122.5M, including a Rockville biologics site. Public Health: Authorities are monitoring exposed passengers after a hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius.

Cyberattack Disrupts Maryland’s Education Tech: Canvas—used for exams, grades, and course materials—went down during finals after a cyberattack tied to ShinyHunters, with some schools still blocking access while they assess risk. Voting Rights Fight: Maryland lawmakers say they moved “just in time” after the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the federal Voting Rights Act, pointing to a new state-level remedy. AI in Government: Maryland is set to launch an AI-powered 3-1-1 system to route non-emergency requests and information 24/7. Immigration Enforcement Push: ICE is ramping up staffing across more than 40 states, including Baltimore, using new federal spending. Local Legal Pressure: Prince George’s County faces a disability discrimination and retaliation lawsuit. NOAA Crab Update: NOAA lifted some crab import bans after Eastern Shore industry pushback. Politics Meets Culture: A new round of national redistricting battles follows the Supreme Court’s voting-map ruling.