AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Water Regulation: North Carolina lawmakers are pushing a bipartisan push to regulate fast-growing data centers as drought and water limits sharpen the stakes, with local moratoriums already in play. Maryland Policy: Gov. Wes Moore let two major bills take effect without his signature, including the Community Trust Act and the Data Privacy Act, shaping how local law enforcement can interact with ICE and how data rules land. Health & Consumer Safety: Whole Foods recalled its Minestrone Soup in multiple states, including Maryland, over undeclared shrimp. Local Business: Bubbakoo’s Burritos opened a new Greenbelt location, adding to its DMV footprint. Energy & Weather: Western Maryland is bracing for lingering forest damage after a spring freeze and caterpillar outbreaks. Tech & Growth: Maryland continues to market itself as a quantum hub, with a new initiative tied to national partners and research leadership. Sports/Community: Memorial Day travel is hitting drivers with four-year-high gas prices, while Maryland’s oyster and vertical-farming education efforts keep expanding.

Data Center Showdown: Baltimore County residents packed a public hearing to weigh support and concerns over new data centers, after a one-year moratorium approved in February; the Planning Board has until Oct. 1 to deliver recommendations. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery issued a voluntary recall of organic ice cream pints and quarts in 17 states, including Maryland, due to possible metal fragments—no injuries reported. Memorial Day Costs: AAA says Arizona gas prices hit a four-year high as higher demand and oil-market pressure keep pumps elevated; Maryland drivers are also watching for a possible gas tax increase tied to inflation. Courts & Policy: The 4th Circuit pushed back on Trump administration actions involving detained noncitizens, while Maryland’s anti-squatting laws are part of a broader national crackdown on fake lease schemes. Business & Tech: PrintAxis launched an AI print marketplace aimed at routing jobs to the closest qualified HP Indigo presses, and a Pizza Hut franchisee filed a $100M+ lawsuit alleging an AI delivery system hurt performance.

Maryland Commerce & AI/data centers: Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker Jr. says Sphere’s planned second U.S. site in Prince George’s County signals big investment momentum, while also weighing the state’s data-center tradeoffs. Energy affordability pressure: A new doxo report finds household bill costs vary wildly by state—top-cost regions can face bills about 2.5x higher than the most affordable areas—adding fuel to rebate and relief demands. Grid reliability vs. demand: The nation’s largest electric grid operator got approval to curtail data centers during hot weather, aiming to prevent emergency conditions. Healthcare credibility shake-up: Two USPSTF leaders were fired, raising concerns about the panel’s independence and how preventive-care priorities get set. Cyber/consumer pricing rules: Maryland’s surveillance pricing limits are now part of a fast-spreading state trend, with Colorado and Connecticut moving quickly too. Maryland courts on “green” claims: The Fourth Circuit partially blocked Maryland’s renewable-energy “greenwashing” restrictions, citing First Amendment concerns.

Key Bridge Civil Trial Stays on Track: A federal judge refused to delay the June 1 civil case over the Dali’s role in Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, even after criminal charges were filed—keeping focus on whether the ship’s owners can cap liability. Local Governance & Public Safety: In Harford County, residents are pushing back on a proposed Jarrettsville solar farm, arguing state rules could override local concerns about rural character, glare, and long-term land impacts. Community Investment: Wicomico County held the grand opening of the Lewis R. Riley library branch in Parsonsburg, replacing a decades-long trailer setup. Tech & Schools: A Canvas cyberattack story continues to ripple, with schools and families still dealing with the fallout. Energy Costs: Separate reporting highlights how electricity bills can stay high even when usage doesn’t—because baseline supply costs reset. Weather Watch: Storms are moving through the Baltimore area with heavy rain and lightning risk.

Army Barracks Modernization: The Pentagon’s Barracks Task Force is pushing faster upgrades across installations, with the Army citing readiness and retention benefits—highlighted by $20M for new furniture at 40 sites and $59M in work orders for lighting, plumbing, and mold fixes. Higher Ed & Workforce: International student demand is cooling in the U.S., with visa issuance to key cohorts down sharply, while Maryland’s UM School of Medicine secured $2.9M for advanced microscopy to speed neuroscience research. Energy & Cost Pressure: PJM’s “uplift” payments hit a record $1B in Q1, paying plants that didn’t earn enough in wholesale markets—an issue Maryland’s Office of People’s Counsel says is ultimately billed to ratepayers amid AI-driven demand. Maryland Public Works Oversight: A congressional hearing is set on the January Potomac sewage spill after the Potomac Interceptor collapse, with DC Water and EPA officials among those expected to testify. Politics & Legal Fight: The DOJ’s nearly $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund is drawing fresh backlash, including questions about whether Jan. 6 attackers could seek payouts. Local Business: KEYS Empowers is kicking off summer food distribution at the future Healing Village site in Baltimore, starting May 30.

Crypto Policy Watch: Galaxy Research lifted its CLARITY Act odds to 75% after the May 14 Senate Banking vote, pointing to a bipartisan committee push and a possible Trump signature week of Aug. 3. Maryland Elections: Trump escalated attacks on Maryland leaders after a mail-in ballot mix-up sent some voters the wrong party’s ballot; officials say ballots weren’t “illegal” and are re-sending all 565,000 issued so far. Key Bridge Rebuild: MDTA revised the Francis Scott Key Bridge procurement into multiple contracts, aiming to keep the rebuild under $5B and targeting a 2030 completion, after Kiewit was off-ramped over rising costs. Environment & Courts: Maryland reached a $4.1M settlement with a Harford County homebuilder over repeated sediment pollution into the Gunpowder River. Food Access: New federal SNAP rules will require stores to stock more variety of foods starting Nov. 4, 2026—raising concerns about unintended backfire for smaller retailers.

Housing Construction: Park Heights is getting a $44M boost as leaders broke ground on the Residences at Belvedere Place near Pimlico—83 affordable apartments plus small business space, with 11 units set aside for permanent supportive housing. Public Safety & Courts: A New Jersey man is accused of sparking an explosive diversion inside a Maryland Walmart to steal nearly $10K in jewelry, with officials citing major fire damage and charges including first-degree arson. Energy & Utilities: NextEra is moving to buy Dominion in a roughly $67B deal, aiming to build a giant regulated power company as AI and data centers drive electricity demand. Health & Research: Maryland-linked GlucoBrain is advancing an organ-on-chip project to study how diabetes may connect to dementia and memory changes. Environment & Food: Chesapeake Bay blue crab numbers rose to 349M in the latest winter survey, but adult females fell—good news for near-term harvests, lingering sustainability worries. Tech & Policy: Maryland’s AG Tong is suing the U.S. Department of Education over a student-loan rule that narrows access for professional degree programs.

Court Ruling: A judge partially tossed key evidence in Luigi Mangione’s case over a warrantless backpack search, but prosecutors still keep major physical items tied to the Brian Thompson killing. Public Safety: A New Jersey man is charged after setting off fireworks inside a Maryland Walmart as a diversion for a roughly $10,000 jewelry theft, with cleanup driving damages far higher. Healthcare Accountability: ProPublica reports multiple newborns across several states suffered catastrophic bleeding and organ failure shortly after birth, raising questions about vitamin-shot decisions and hospital care. Policy & Elections: Maryland says some voters received the wrong party mail-in ballot for the June 23 primary due to a vendor error, with replacement ballots coming. Energy & Data Centers: NextEra and Dominion unveiled a $67B merger plan aimed at the AI-driven power boom, while NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is now targeting an earlier launch window. Tech & Security: CIA officials say advanced AI models could push federal defenses toward a “reflection point,” even as concerns grow about misuse.

AI-Driven Power Deal: NextEra is moving to buy Dominion Energy in a roughly $66.8B all-stock merger, aiming to create the world’s largest regulated utility as data centers surge and electricity demand climbs. Maryland-Québec Climate Collaboration: Maryland and Québec launched a Smart & Sustainable Mobility Showcase in Baltimore, pushing electrification and clean transport partnerships. Key Bridge Fallout: Maryland’s $2.25B Key Bridge settlement includes a new twist—Maryland agreed to pursue claims against Dali’s builder and share potential winnings with shipowners, as a civil trial timeline shifts amid DOJ criminal charges. Food Safety Alert: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors sold in 17 states, including Maryland, due to possible metal fragments. Tech & Rights: NetChoice sued to block Nebraska’s parental-consent and age-verification social media law, arguing it violates the First Amendment. Health Tech: A Maryland-linked “organ-on-a-chip” project is set to study the diabetes–dementia connection. Regulation Watch: The OCC finalized a rule preempting state escrow-interest requirements for national banks.

Key Bridge fallout: Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges tied to the March 2024 Key Bridge collapse, naming Synergy Marine, Synergy Maritime, and the ship’s technical superintendent; Maryland also confirmed a $2.25B settlement with Dali’s owner/operator while still pursuing claims against the builder. Cannabis litigation risk: A sweeping Murray v. Cresco class action (12 states) leans on a “Big Tobacco” style playbook, raising new underwriting and insurance pressure for major multistate operators. Energy affordability fight: As AI data-center demand strains grids, states including Maryland are pushing back on utility rate hikes tied to profit and upgrades. Maryland policy move: Gov. Wes Moore signed HB 1532 to open the door to plug-in solar with fewer barriers for households. Public health watch: The FDA announced a recall of Straus organic ice cream in 17 states over possible metal contamination. Local business + community: ProSat Networks expanded Starlink and wireless services in Missouri, while Maryland’s EBT system briefly went offline for a security update.

Incinerator Fight: Environmental groups led by Earthjustice and Environmental Integrity Project filed a federal lawsuit seeking tighter air pollution standards for municipal trash incinerators, arguing EPA’s March rules still fall short and put nearby communities’ health at risk. Food Safety: FDA announced a voluntary recall of Straus Family Creamery organic ice cream in Oregon and 16 other states, including Maryland, over possible metal fragments; affected flavors list best-by dates on container bottoms. Public Safety/Crime: A masked Walmart shopper in Elkton, arrested after allegedly setting a cart of fuel and fireworks on fire in the kids section to distract during a roughly $10,000 jewelry theft, faces arson and explosive-related charges. Voting Rights: Pennsylvania’s push to open primaries to unaffiliated voters heads to court after years of legislative deadlock. Energy Costs: Across states including Maryland, officials are escalating fights over utility rate hikes tied to AI-driven electricity demand and rising profits. Maryland Spotlight: Napoleon Solo won the 151st Preakness at Laurel Park, with Pimlico under renovation.

Preakness at Laurel Park: Napoleon Solo won the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, holding off Iron Honor in a wide-open race after Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo skipped the event; the move to Laurel (Pimlico under renovation) brought a fresh, rowdier crowd and a big local buzz. Public Safety & Retail Crime: A New Jersey man, Anthony J. Rhodes, was arrested in connection with a Maryland Walmart arson and a nearly $10,000 jewelry theft, allegedly using camping fuel and fireworks as a diversion. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Maryland, due to possible metal fragments—no injuries reported. Energy Costs & Utility Profits: A new wave of state fights over electricity rate hikes is intensifying as AI data-center demand pushes bills up and utilities’ returns higher, with Maryland among the states facing pressure. Crypto Regulation: The Crypto Clarity Act advanced in the Senate Banking Committee, signaling clearer rules for token classification and investor compliance.

Food Safety Recall: Straus Family Creamery is recalling select organic ice cream pints and quarts in 17 states, including Maryland, after the FDA flagged the potential presence of metal fragments; no injuries reported and affected items are tied to specific best-by dates. Biotech in Motion: United Therapeutics says the FDA cleared it to proceed with a pig-derived UHeart xenotransplant clinical trial, with an initial cohort of up to two participants. Local FDA Watch: In Howard County, Sungwon Distributor, LLC received an FDA inspection in April with a “voluntary action indicated” result. Maryland Economy & Industry: Gov. Wes Moore made a surprise stop in Talbot County highlighting Eastern Shore investment, including 100% high-speed internet access, and spotlighting AI’s role in community growth. Preakness Day (Maryland Business): The 151st Preakness runs at Laurel Park for a one-time event while Pimlico is rebuilt, with attendance capped and the Triple Crown spotlight shifted. Sports/Deals: The Orioles signed veteran Tommy Pham to a minor league deal with an early-June opt-out if he’s not on the active roster.

Food Safety: The FDA is warning shoppers to check their freezers after Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream pints and quarts in 17 states, including Maryland, due to possible metal fragments; affected “best by” dates run from late Dec. 2026 into early Jan. 2027. Courts & Privacy: The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing how far police can go with geofence searches and the third-party doctrine, a case that could reshape Fourth Amendment protections for location data. Energy & Speech: The 4th Circuit paused a Maryland law targeting “electricity greenwashing,” saying it may be too broad under the First Amendment. Local Business & Community: Maryland’s AG secured a $2.25B settlement in the Bridge collapse case, while Penn State’s Wildlife Society chapter earned regional honors in Maryland. International Trade: Trump returned from China calling talks with Xi “G-2,” touting Boeing aircraft sales and support for U.S. agriculture.

Fed Watch: Jerome Powell’s Fed term ends with inflation still above target and his biggest legacy tied to defending the central bank’s independence while pushing back on political pressure. AI & Privacy: A new study warns AI-driven identity checks are locking blind and low-vision people out of government services, pushing them toward riskier workarounds. Climate Courts: Exxon and Suncor are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to shut down climate lawsuits, arguing states can’t use tort law to force emissions limits. Maryland Politics & Immigration: Maryland’s Sixth District Democratic primary is heating up around immigration enforcement plans tied to an ICE detention site in Washington County. Public Safety: A Maryland man was sentenced in D.C. in a multi-kilogram cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Energy/Tech Policy: Policymakers are weighing a temporary pause on AI data center construction as power demand and grid strain rise. Local Business: PJ’s Coffee opens in Capitol Heights, adding another neighborhood café stop.

Crypto Regulation: The Senate Banking Committee advanced the Clarity Act, a big step toward clearer rules for digital assets and stablecoins—Maryland Sen. Angela Alsobrooks backed the move. Maryland Courts/Industry: Maryland finalized a $2.25B settlement tied to the Dali and the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, while a separate federal fight is brewing over Howard County’s attempt to block private detention centers. Consumer Protection & Fraud: Maryland warned about a low-tech gas-pump skimming scam that can rack up thousands, and a separate nationwide Ticketmaster/Live Nation class action is moving forward over concert fees. Energy & Infrastructure: PJM reform pressure continues as data centers drive higher bills, and Maryland’s PFAS firefighting-foam ban still leaves fire departments stuck without a takeback plan. Sports & Local Economy: Preakness weekend shifts to Laurel Park as Pimlico renovations continue, and TEDCO promoted Tammi Thomas and Geyssel Gonzalez to lead its tech-growth push.