AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & Consumer Safety: Chick-fil-A is warning customers after criminals accessed certain Chick-fil-A One loyalty accounts, exposing personal info and account details—prompting renewed concerns about password reuse and payment security. Maryland Governance & Courts: Baltimore’s Inspector General records fight is back in court, with city lawyers and the IG sparring over transparency and access to documents. Energy & Building Policy: Maryland faces fresh criticism for scaling back its EmPOWER energy-efficiency push and proposing changes to commercial building code requirements, with advocates warning it could raise long-term costs as extreme heat strains the grid. Transit Leadership: Maryland Transit Administration chief Holly Arnold is stepping down Sept. 1, as the state looks ahead to major rail milestones including the Purple Line and the revived Red Line. Immigration & Schools: The Trump administration is threatening enforcement action against Anne Arundel County Public Schools over claims it violated FERPA by concealing information about transgender students from parents. Public Health & Research: The federal government has effectively shut down much of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, halting dozens of grants tied to patient safety.

Education & Parental Rights: The U.S. Education Department and DOJ say Anne Arundel County Public Schools withheld students’ gender identity information from parents, alleging schools “secretly transition” students; officials are also weighing action against Ann Arbor. Courts & City Governance: In Baltimore, lawyers spar over the inspector general’s access to city records, with a judge delaying a decision while the dispute could reshape how Maryland oversight offices operate. Elections Access: The League of Women Voters is offering a Salisbury class to certify voter-registration volunteers ahead of the general election. Public Safety: A civilian died after an incident at Joint Base Andrews; the Air Force says there’s no threat to the surrounding community and the cause is under investigation. Weather Disruption: Severe storms triggered and then extended a ground stop at BWI-Marshall, with major delays reported. State Education Metrics: Maryland released MCAP results showing incremental gains in English language arts, while math remains the biggest challenge. Federal Consumer Protection: AG William Tong and other attorneys general urge the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Government: Calvert County commissioners advanced a plan to fund erosion protection for Neeld Estates via a long-term special assessment. Business/Tech: IonQ received final regulatory approval to complete its acquisition of SkyWater Technology, aiming to accelerate its quantum chip roadmap.

Education & Testing: Maryland releases MCAP scores today as the state moves toward a shorter, revamped MSTAR test next year, with math pass rates still a major concern. Courts & Local Power: Baltimore’s inspector general and Mayor Brandon Scott’s team keep dueling in court over how much records access the IG should have—an “overlord” fight with real transparency stakes. Energy & Utility Governance: Baltimore plans to scrap a controversial deal letting BGE profit from improvements to the city’s underground conduit system, signaling a tougher stance on ratepayer costs and city control. State Politics & Elections: A new look at Montgomery County’s county executive race argues the winner could be decided by a small slice of voters, raising questions about how Maryland’s primary system shapes outcomes. Gun Violence Policy: Maryland’s Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention is pushing a statewide strategy using new statewide gun-violence data as firearm homicides continue to fall. Public Health: Maryland reports 12 measles cases this year—imported so far—with officials pointing to high vaccination coverage as the reason outbreaks haven’t spread. Environment: Chesapeake Bay restoration continues with plans to plant 30 million oysters, including 3 million more in the Severn River. Local Development: Maryland Supreme Court blocks a Frederick data center referendum on technical grounds, keeping the zoning fight in court rather than at the ballot box. Immigration & Schools: U.S. Education Department threatens funding cuts to Anne Arundel County and Ann Arbor over transgender-related policies, escalating federal pressure on local districts.

Federal Funding Fight: Maryland AG Jeff Jackson and other states are suing over Trump administration conditions tied to counterterrorism and emergency grants, including demands for voter data sharing with DHS and immigration enforcement. Redistricting Showdown: Maryland Democrats are lining up a special session Aug. 3-5 to change congressional redistricting standards, with GOP lawmakers launching attack ads ahead of the constitutional amendment vote this November. Baltimore Transparency Battle: A judge is set to weigh a bitter lawsuit between Baltimore’s inspector general and Mayor Brandon Scott over access to city records, with the dispute turning on whether the IG can bypass Public Information Act limits. Immigration Enforcement Pressure: Immigrant advocates protested ICE shootings, while separate reporting highlights ongoing concerns about detention-related deaths and the human toll of enforcement. Health Access in Cecil County: ChristianaCare’s closure of Union Hospital’s birth center is pushing Cecil County toward maternity-care desert conditions, forcing longer drives for expectant mothers. Cybersecurity Funding: Maryland is opening applications for a Local Cybersecurity Support Fund to help local governments, including school systems and health departments, bolster defenses. Environment & Energy: Maryland-linked legal action continues on hazardous waste oversight and on efforts to challenge federal moves that could weaken environmental protections. Local Governance & Planning: Harford County is seeking public input to update its “Harford Forward” master plan, shaping land use, housing, transportation, and public health for the next decade-plus. Public Safety: A mobile “hospital on wheels” program for rural veterans is set to roll out via GOHOSPITAL vans, with National Harbor hosting the Veterans Healthcare Summit where the plan was unveiled.

Montgomery County Gun Law Update: Montgomery County will sign a bill Monday revising its gun rules, including language on “ghost guns” and limits on carrying firearms within 100 yards of sensitive public places like schools, libraries, parks, houses of worship, courthouses, and polling sites, with some locations adjusted to match state law. Flood Prep Critique: A new commentary argues “act of God” framing hides government failures, pointing to chronic drainage and infrastructure gaps that leave residents underinsured and exposed during extreme storms. Baltimore 911 Expansion: Baltimore is set to turn 911 into more than an emergency number, using mental-health-focused response rather than defaulting to police for crisis calls. Teen Pregnancy Funding Cut: Federal termination of teen pregnancy prevention grants is hitting Maryland programs hard, including $1.4 million for the state Department of Health and $1.8 million for Baltimore City, forcing providers to scramble. Voting Tech Upgrade: The Board of Public Works approved a $109 million voting system for 2028 elections, drawing questions from lawmakers about readiness and testing. Community Colleges Audit: A state legislative audit found Maryland community colleges largely complied with requirements but flagged deficit balances at three schools and an issue with one audit report. Measles Watch: Maryland’s measles count has climbed to 11 cases so far this year, as the national outbreak reaches its worst level since 1991. Ocean City Shelter Lawsuit: Ocean City and a local church are in federal court over an overnight shelter, with the dispute centered on religious freedom and zoning compliance. Gun Violence and Policy Debate: A separate piece highlights how gun-related harm and advocacy groups intersect, including a case where NRA involvement is criticized after multiple partners were killed.

Military & Public Safety: Nearly 20 people were hospitalized after reporting similar minor symptoms at the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in Laurel; officials say no carbon monoxide was detected and investigators suspect a food-related cause, with the DC Metro Police also looking into it. Infrastructure & Travel: BWI Marshall Airport will close its longest runway, Runway 10-28, for an $83.8 million rehabilitation through Oct. 8, with possible flight-pattern changes for nearby residents. Elections & Courts: The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a block on Trump’s federal voter list and mail-ballot restrictions in 23 states plus D.C., keeping the injunction in place while appeals proceed. Maryland Politics & Campaigns: A new report says Maryland campaigns leave behind a mountain of waste each election cycle, with the state not tracking how much becomes trash. Bridge Rebuild: Gov. Wes Moore and Rep. Steny Hoyer toured progress on the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild, calling it a bipartisan national priority. Health Watch: Measles cases in Maryland have climbed to 12 in 2026, with eight new positives reported in the past two weeks. Tech & Consumer Law: New Jersey signed a law banning “surveillance pricing,” joining Maryland and Connecticut in targeting personalized grocery price hikes.

Maryland Politics & Courts: Gov. Moore toured the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild with Maryland’s congressional delegation, underscoring the state’s push to restore the vital corridor “as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible.” Immigration Enforcement: A federal judge blocked parts of Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 blue states, keeping limits on DHS citizenship-list distribution and USPS mail-ballot changes for elections through Nov. 3. Public Safety & Crime: A Great Mills man was charged after deputies reported watching a suspected $30 crack sale; separately, a twice-deported Honduran man convicted in Maryland for a murder-for-hire plot involving “discounted cocaine” was sentenced to 12 years. Elections & Money: In Maryland’s Senate District 39 Democratic primary, Amar Mukunda upset Majority Leader Nancy King to win the nomination. State Policy Watch: New Jersey signed a law banning “surveillance pricing” for groceries, making the practice a consumer fraud violation. Federal Funding Fight: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6B in clean-energy grants based on the political identity of recipient states.

Election Integrity Fight: A Biden-appointed majority on the First Circuit refused to lift an injunction blocking parts of Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 states and D.C., keeping limits on DHS citizenship lists and USPS mail-ballot changes while the appeal moves forward. Maryland Immigration Enforcement: A federal judge ruled ICE made an invalid, warrantless arrest outside a Baltimore-area school, raising fresh questions about how federal agents operate in Maryland. Clean-Energy Funding Backlash: The Trump administration admitted in court filings it canceled $7.6 billion in clean-energy grants based “solely” on whether states voted for Kamala Harris, fueling claims of political retaliation. Teacher Pay in Maryland: Most Maryland school systems are set to reach a $60,000 teacher pay floor after “difficult” decisions, with details still drawing scrutiny. Public Health: Measles cases in the U.S. hit a new high for 2026, with 12 cases reported in Maryland and recent local increases. Labor/Unions: Maryland state workers and unions continue pushing back in court over withheld raises and layoffs. Local Crime/Justice: A Honduran man was sentenced in Maryland to 12 years for a cocaine-for-murder-for-hire plot. Policy Watch: Maryland also updated guidance for police working with federal agents.

Immigration & Public Safety: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown issued updated guidance for how state and local police must follow Maryland law when working with federal immigration enforcement, including new rules tied to the Community Trust Act and officer ID/face-covering requirements. ICE Enforcement: A federal roundup highlights ICE arrests of “worst of the worst” criminal noncitizens, including cases tied to Anne Arundel County. Disaster Funding Fight: Kentucky joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging FEMA and DHS grant conditions that critics say are tied to immigration and election policy demands. Elections & Markets: Maryland election officials are seeking a probe into prediction markets, as states continue to clash with federal election-security and immigration-linked funding conditions. Cybersecurity Workforce: BCR Cyber opened applications for a no-cost, five-week Maryland cybersecurity training cohort for state and local government employees. Education Oversight: The Maryland State Board of Education will meet July 28 to review MCAP results and discuss special education compliance, CTE implementation, and summer programming. Data Centers & Permits: EPA plans to drop a public participation requirement for data center and other industry permits, while Maryland continues grappling with zoning and oversight as the buildout accelerates.

Lottery Leadership Shuffle: Gov. Wes Moore named Jeremy Baker as acting director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, with Will Tilburg set to succeed Baker on Aug. 19. Election Integrity: Maryland’s election chief, Jared DeMarinis, asked state prosecutors to investigate prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing they may violate state law by treating election outcomes like wagering. Public Safety & Immigration: The Maryland AG released new guidance limiting how state and local officers can assist federal agents with civil immigration enforcement. Cybersecurity: Maryland ran “Hack the State 2,” using ethical hackers to find and fix 200+ vulnerabilities in state systems. Courts & Crime: Former SCOTUSblog founder Tom Goldstein was sentenced to six years for tax and mortgage fraud; a Clarksburg man, Norville Clarke, got 40 months in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Local Government: Anne Arundel County CAO Christine Anderson earned an ICMA Credentialed Manager designation. State Services: The Maryland Public Service Commission named Tony Ruffin its new communications director. Justice System Watch: ICE violated two court orders in separate deportations of one man, according to reporting.

Maryland Politics & Governance: Maryland’s State Board of Canvassers certified last month’s primary results, with risk-limiting audits used statewide for the first time; the open 5th District House seat goes to Del. Adrian Boafo, setting up a Nov. 3 matchup with GOP Chris Chaffee. Energy & Utilities: Maryland lawmakers and advocates pressed the federal grid regulator over PJM’s governance, arguing the system favors market participants over ratepayers and calling for more transparency and affordability. Immigration & Public Safety: A Baltimore Jewish coalition protested ICE enforcement actions outside a downtown federal building, saying raids and detentions are harming families and communities. Courts & Accountability: A judge ordered Top Chef host Eric Adjepong to stay away from his 7-year-old daughter after abuse allegations, while Maryland-related litigation continues to challenge federal counterterrorism funding conditions. Economy & Jobs: A new analysis highlights Maryland’s “volatility premium,” with output holding up even as the state lost 49,300 jobs (including 31,100 federal). Local Notes: Maryland’s EBT system is rolling out “tap and go” upgrades to curb benefit theft; and Maryland County officials are moving to close data center zoning gaps.

ICE at Baltimore schools: After an ICE arrest outside a pre-K graduation at Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle, Baltimore City Public Schools says it has changed district policies and is issuing more guidance to protect immigrant families as classes resume. Local governance & public safety: Baltimore City Council held a hearing on the fallout, with advocates pushing to expand the district’s Safe Passage program near schools. Federal courts order releases: A judge ordered the release of Jesus Acevedo Sanchez from ICE custody, finding the “proper and only appropriate remedy” was to free him. Immigration enforcement flashpoint: In Montgomery County, two people are in ICE custody after running from a commercial vehicle stop on Clara Barton Parkway; a third swam away during the search. Labor & higher education: Maryland union members announced plans to sue the University System of Maryland and the state over withheld 2.5% merit-based wage increases. Benefits oversight: A Maryland legislative audit found improper SNAP and other benefit payments, including people continuing to receive aid after winning large lottery prizes or while incarcerated. Energy governance: Consumer advocates are targeting PJM’s decision-making structure, arguing Maryland and D.C. ratepayers lack real voice as data centers drive up bills. Elections & war powers: The House narrowly passed a resolution to halt U.S. military action in Iran, signaling growing friction with the Trump administration.

Baltimore Crime Plan: A new report highlights how Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy is expanding—using targeted interventions with gunshot victims and their friends—while critics question rollout speed and secrecy. Key Bridge Legal Fallout: Maryland’s AG says five law firms will split $167.8 million in contingency fees from the state’s $2.25 billion Key Bridge settlement, with one Maryland-based firm among the payouts. Cybersecurity: Chick-fil-A confirmed a credential-stuffing data breach affecting Chick-fil-A One accounts, with potential exposure of names, emails, loyalty info, and partial payment details. Energy & Utilities: The West Virginia PSC signaled coal-first priorities in hearings shaping FirstEnergy’s proposed gas plant and AEP’s long-term energy plan. Middle East Shipping Costs: Maersk added a $1,000 per-container fee for Strait of Hormuz transits as attacks and disruptions continue. Maryland Growth & Housing: New Census migration estimates show Maryland near the bottom for domestic in-migration, underscoring ongoing pressure on housing and local economies. Business/Health Tech: Baltimore startup Inner Logic raised $11.5M to build a simulation platform for autonomous surgery, aiming to speed regulatory approval. Gun Regulation: A report says ATF license revocations under Biden have been reversed under Trump, letting some dealers sell firearms again.

Election Tech & Security: The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $109M contract for a new statewide voting system from ES&S, aiming to roll out ballot marking devices, scanners and tabulators for the 2028 election—though advocates are still raising concerns about cost and whether the plan is moving ahead of VVSG 2.0 testing and certification. Judicial Process: Maryland’s state treasurer questioned how appellate judicial nominees are selected, arguing the Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission represents only a slice of jurisdictions and can make retention elections feel “unfair.” SNAP Oversight: A new Maryland audit says the Department of Human Services improperly paid SNAP benefits to ineligible people, including lottery winners and incarcerated residents, leading to a $28M penalty. Safe Haven Ruling: The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that parents who legally surrender newborns under the Safe Haven Act can still face neglect findings if the facts show the child was left without a legal custodian or care plan. Energy & Power Lines: Opposition to the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line keeps growing, with multiple local bodies and boards in Clarke County adding resolutions against it. Economy & Jobs: Maryland added about 900 jobs in June, with unemployment dipping to 4.3%, as government and education led gains. Immigration: USCIS confirmed it is resuming citizenship and naturalization processing for Cubans and Venezuelans, including lifting final adjudication suspensions. Cyber & Consumer Impact: Chick-fil-A notified loyalty members in Maryland and other states that a breach may have exposed personal and payment-related information.

Maryland Politics & Courts: Baltimore County voters are set to watch a major prosecutor transition after Sarah David, a former friend of Brooke Nevils, was elected top prosecutor amid Nevils’ renewed Matt Lauer sexual-assault allegations. Public Safety: Frederick County confirmed actress Kaylee Hottle, deaf star of “Godzilla vs. Kong,” died at 18 after a crash in Ijamsville; investigators say excessive speed may have played a role. Local Crime: Parkville homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting on Chestnut Oak Road; Rashard Mack pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in a 2025 Parkville stabbing and faces a Sept. 30 disposition hearing. Immigration Enforcement: A federal judge rejected DOJ’s push against Minnesota’s limits on helping ICE, a reminder that sanctuary-style fights are still headed to court nationwide. Federal Watch: A Guardian review says most DHS “vehicular attack” claims used to justify ICE arrests and shootings don’t hold up in court. Business & Health: Cecil County UFCW Local 27 is urging protections for produce workers during the cyclospora outbreak, as Maryland’s peptide legalization debate heats up nationally. Infrastructure: MDTA released an RFQ for the Key Bridge rebuild’s main span and marine approaches, as costs and timelines remain under scrutiny.

Key Bridge Rebuild Procurement: The Maryland Transportation Authority released an RFQ to kick off the Francis Scott Key Bridge main-span and marine approaches contract, starting a two-step process to select a design-build team. Special Session Fight: Maryland Republicans are signaling a boycott of the Aug. 3 special session, arguing it will be limited to congressional redistricting—while Democratic leaders say that’s the only topic. Public Safety in the Baltimore Region: A school bus crash in Parkville sent two adults and one child to hospitals with minor injuries, and Talbot County opened EMS Station 95 in Cordova to improve coverage in northern Talbot. Government Accountability: A Maryland audit found SNAP benefits were wrongly paid, including to a $2 million lottery winner and incarcerated people, raising oversight questions for the Department of Human Services. Health Care Access: The “Health at Home Challenge” named Phase 1 winners for scaling community-based care networks aimed at dually eligible Medicare/Medicaid residents. Climate Legal Pressure: A coalition led by state attorneys general sued to block an EPA rollback of hydrofluorocarbon limits, arguing it will increase emissions. Business & Economy Watch: CNBC ranked Maryland’s economy among the worst in the country for 2026, citing weak growth and job/economic metrics. Aviation Disruptions: Severe storms caused thousands of flight delays and cancellations across the East Coast, including at BWI. Community & Culture: Baltimore’s Charm City Live announced Boyz II Men and Case as headliners for the Labor Day weekend festival.