AGP Executive Report

Defense Contracting: The U.S. Navy awarded General Atomics a $42.9M order for EMALS and AAG spare parts supporting in-service Ford-class carriers, with work through April 2034 and contracting handled by Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River, Maryland. Energy & Solar: Maryland approved a 20-year solar power purchase agreement expected to save the state about $300M, adding renewable electricity starting in 2028. Mental Health Policy: Maryland launched a court-ordered Assisted Outpatient Treatment program in Baltimore and some counties, allowing petitions for mandated community treatment for people with severe mental illness. Housing Permitting Tech: Cities are turning to AI to speed housing approvals by catching incomplete applications earlier, supported by new federal funding for automated permitting systems. Data Privacy: Maryland privacy advocates filed a complaint alleging seven companies violated the state’s new data privacy law, urging the attorney general to enforce it. Local Community Support: St. Mary’s County approved nearly $931,000 in grants to help older adults and caregivers stay safely at home.

Solar & Energy Deal: Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved a 20-year, $470M solar power purchase with REV Renewables for the Jade Meadow III project on a reclaimed Lower Georges Creek coalfield, targeting about 250,000 MWh a year and roughly 15% of the state’s portfolio by 2028. Power Infrastructure Fight: The 4th Circuit upheld a ruling letting PSEG access private properties for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a 70-mile transmission line that opponents say mainly supports Northern Virginia data centers. Agriculture Tech Funding: USDA reappropriated $37M to fully fund a precision agriculture facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after decommissioning Beltsville’s agricultural research center, shifting some work to other sites. Consumer Pricing Scrutiny: The FTC is seeking public comment on enforcement around personalized pricing, warning retailers that using personal data to set prices without clear disclosure could violate federal law. Local Business & Construction: Ocean City Council rejected a land purchase for a future sports complex after nearby residents pushed back; separately, MD DOT scheduled an I-70/I-81 interchange lane detour in Washington County. Media Industry Shift: WMAR-2 in Baltimore moved to anchorless, streaming-heavy broadcasts, ending roles for some on-air staff as the station leans on automation and prerecorded segments.

Clean Energy Deal: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the state Department of General Services announced a 20-year power purchase agreement with REV Renewables tied to the Jade Meadow III Solar Project in Western Maryland, expected to cut costs by about $300 million over two decades and supply roughly 250,000 megawatt-hours annually starting in 2028. Data Privacy Push: Privacy and civil rights groups urged Maryland’s attorney general to investigate data brokers over alleged sales of Marylanders’ geolocation data to law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, naming companies including Penlink and Thomson Reuters. Housing Affordability: A Howard County advocacy effort says “junk fees” tied to rentals—like Wi-Fi, trash, and package delivery—are worsening affordability and is pressing for a county fix to make tenant complaints easier. School Facilities Turf War: Montgomery County Public Schools is moving ahead with a $55 million synthetic turf plan, reigniting debate over maintenance and cost versus student health and environmental concerns. Grid Reliability: The Trump administration invoked emergency authority to keep a Maryland generating unit running longer to prevent Mid-Atlantic power shortfalls for about 65 million people. Consumer Finance Court Fight: A federal judge refused to send Baltimore’s consumer-protection lawsuit against Dave Inc. back to state court.

Baltimore Lead-Paint Lawsuit: Baltimore City has joined residents’ legal action over a botched TV Hill transmission-tower repainting that scattered toxic lead chips, while the city also faces its own bridge lead-flake problem after peeling lead paint continues to shed from city-owned bridges. EV Charging Rollout: Wawa is expanding beyond Tesla by rolling out Wawa-branded DC fast chargers using Electrify America’s white-label network, with sites offering up to 400 kW and both NACS/CCS options in parts of Pennsylvania. Food & Consumer Protection: Maryland’s FDA inspections in Q2 focused heavily on food and cosmetics, and a separate consumer push highlights how “Best By/Use By/Sell By” labels can confuse shoppers about safety. AI Skills in Maryland: Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering and Great Learning launched an 18-week agentic AI certificate program in Baltimore. Skilled Trades Training Expansion: Lincoln Educational Services plans a new Tempe, Arizona campus and points to ongoing Maryland campus buildouts. Energy & National Security: Experts warn Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile-defense plan may not fully protect the U.S. and could spur an arms race. Local Business & Finance: HomeTrust is set to acquire Blue Ridge Bank in a $448M all-stock deal, expanding HomeTrust’s Southeast footprint. Public Safety: St. Mary’s County installed speed cameras at six schools after a contract approved in 2025. Historic Preservation: The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Project earned a national preservation award for restoration and volunteer work tied to the Chesapeake Bay landmark.

Data Center Pushback: Calvert County commissioners unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on new data center applications, with residents pressing for longer limits over water, power-grid strain, and noise concerns. AI Power Appetite: A national debate is heating up as AI-driven data center proposals face local opposition, with site selection increasingly controversial. Healthcare Tech & Policy: An AMA lawsuit challenge targets the CPT coding system’s copyrights, seeking free online access—an issue with major implications for medical billing and transparency. Consumer & Food Supply: Frozen dog food sold in multiple states, including Maryland, is under recall after salmonella contamination; separate grocery and SNAP coverage highlights how rising food costs keep pressure on assistance programs. Maryland Agriculture & Rural Development: The Beach to Bay Heritage Area won a $40,000 Rural Maryland Council grant to advance its National Heritage Area feasibility study. Local Governance & Environment: ShoreRivers added regenerative agriculture leader Trey Hill and watershed innovation director Chelsea Peters to its governing board, reinforcing Eastern Shore water-quality work. Legal & Competition: A multistate antitrust settlement forces Google changes in app distribution and payments, with refunds for affected consumers. Arts & Community: The Rehoboth Art League’s regional juried exhibition returns with a public reception and a history exhibit spanning local industry and art.

CDL Privacy Fight: Maryland AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over demands for a database of sensitive CDL driver records, arguing the federal government is violating privacy laws and threatening $10M in funding if states don’t hand over personal data. Transit & Youth Workforce: The Maryland Transit Administration opened applications for the 2026–2027 Youth Transit Council, giving Baltimore-area teens a say in transit planning and career exploration. Housing/Construction Safety: Empire Towers in Glen Burnie says Phase 1 stabilization is done after unpermitted garage work left about 100 vehicles trapped; Phase 2 braces are underway with reopening still months away. Food Supply & Health: Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Maryland, over possible Listeria contamination. Healthcare & Tech Policy: A Maryland Tax Court struck down the state’s digital advertising gross revenues tax, setting up refunds for major tech firms. AI Governance: The Social Security Administration is seeking public input on an enterprise AI strategy. Environment: Chesapeake Bay monitoring shows better-than-average dissolved oxygen in July, tied to lower nutrient runoff during drought conditions. Preservation Grants: Maryland Historical Trust awarded $1M in grants to 11 historic projects, including four in the Baltimore area. Trucking Community: TCA’s Elevate Young Leadership is launching a driver appreciation backpack project for fuel stops across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C.

FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from derailing the FBI’s move to Greenbelt, Maryland, keeping the project on track after Maryland and Prince George’s County challenged attempts to switch locations and redirect funds. Energy & Grid Buildout: Frederick County supervisors passed a resolution opposing the Valley North/Valley Link transmission line, citing property impacts as data-center demand drives new power infrastructure plans. Data Centers vs. Communities: A new Maryland-focused push shows how counties are scrambling to respond to data centers—Harford County’s ban is now a reference point as more places weigh moratoriums. Housing Affordability Pressure: A new report argues HUD spending hasn’t lowered prices and that the affordability gap is widening nationwide, with homeownership harder to reach across states. MVA Refund Review: Maryland’s MVA is reviewing vehicle weight record processes after concerns that some drivers may have been overcharged registration fees. Utility Rate Fight: Maryland advocates urged regulators to reject BGE’s proposed rate hike after record profits, warning higher bills for customers. Food Safety: FDA recalls a Walmart soup kit over possible listeria contamination, adding to a busy week of consumer product pullbacks. Local Business & Construction: Baltimore-area thieves used an excavator to smash a Wells Fargo ATM, highlighting the growing role of heavy equipment in smash-and-grab crimes.

Early Education Growth: Celebree School hit a major franchising milestone with the opening of its 50th location, signaling continued demand for early childhood education businesses. Food & Retail Safety: Walmart shoppers got another recall alert as Kettle Cuisine’s Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit was pulled over possible Listeria contamination. Energy & Convenience Retail: Sheetz rolled out Buzz Beanz, its own-label ready-to-drink energy coffee line, now in stores across multiple states including Maryland. Construction & Infrastructure: Maryland’s Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild keeps moving, with the state reopening bidding—though timelines and costs continue to shift. Public Safety in Nature: Maryland reported a third beaver attack of the summer, prompting closures and animal searches at a state park. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data highlighted low but persistent scam reporting in Maryland-area cities, underscoring ongoing fraud risk. Healthcare Policy: Delaware and a multistate coalition won a court victory protecting access to gender-affirming care under the Affordable Care Act. Digital Economy & Law: Maryland’s tax on digital advertising by tech giants was struck down in court, adding momentum to state-level fights over online commerce rules.

AI & Jobs: Gov. Moore announced Cloudforce will expand its National Harbor HQ in Prince George’s County, leasing more space and adding 250 jobs over five years as it scales a secure AI platform for higher education and public-sector customers. Data Centers & Water/Power: A growing backlash is pushing states—including Maryland—to consider pauses or tougher rules on new AI data centers, as communities argue for better planning around electricity, land, and water. Transportation Infrastructure: The Maryland Department of Transportation will close Pocomoke City’s historic drawbridge to motorists for about 60 days starting Sept. 8 for cleaning and painting, with marine traffic expected to continue. Coastal Resilience: USACE and Ocean City marked the next beach renourishment cycle, citing storm-damage protection benefits from a wide beach, seawall, and dunes. Public Health & Labor: New research warns hotter conditions make pesticides more dangerous for farmworkers, increasing exposure and chemical harm. Local Business/Workforce: An employee-support app called Escalate is helping workers without reliable rides get to shifts via quick Uber vouchers. Energy/Environment: A study flags invasive species risk from ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which could spread through global shipping when trade resumes.

AI & Jobs: Gov. Wes Moore announced Cloudforce will expand its secure AI platform operations in Prince George’s County, adding 250 new Maryland jobs and doubling its National Harbor footprint with an extra 15,000 sq. ft. lease. Ag & Food Systems: Wye Angus Field Day returns Sept. 11–12 in Queenstown, with grazing management tours, forage and composting demos, and 3D scanning on cattle—aimed at producers and forage enthusiasts. Public Health & Retail: Kettle Cuisine LLC of Savage, Md., is recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Local Business & Retail Footprint: Safeway closures are continuing as Albertsons reviews its store network after the failed Kroger merger, shifting openings and shutting underperforming locations. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Baltimore expands 911 crisis response beyond police and EMS, while BBB Scam Tracker updates show Edgewood and other Maryland cities reporting scams tied to online purchases and phishing. Boating Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard is launching the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey, with Montgomery County residents invited to participate to improve local safety programs. Climate & Farming: Morgan State-linked researchers are helping Baltimore’s Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm use local weather data to improve crop planning and build the next generation of climate-minded farmers.

Energy & Reliability: After 7 blackouts in two months, Maryland residents in Reisterstown say power outages are disrupting daily life and coming alongside higher bills, as storms and high winds hit about 40,000 BGE customers. Policy & Data Centers: At a Maryland Association of Counties forum, Gov. Wes Moore faced sharp criticism from Dan Cox over hyperscale data centers, including a Charles County project tied to a retired coal plant. Courts & Tech Regulation: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax and ordered refunds for Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Cybersecurity: Researchers presented new Windows flaws that could let attackers gain system privileges and even install malware remotely. Robotics & Manufacturing: Beijing’s second World Humanoid Robot Games will quadruple participation, with robots tested in factories, hotels, homes and logistics. Food Safety: Walmart pulled Marketside tomato bisque meal kits after possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses confirmed. Healthcare Debate: NIH researchers reported early human tests of chemogenetic therapy in China, raising questions about how fast such treatments could scale. Business & Fraud: Kalshi is fighting Nevada over $120,000 daily penalties tied to geofencing compliance, while Baltimore and other regulators pursue separate legal challenges.

Energy & Grid: A Pennsylvania Senate hearing zeroed in on why electric bills are rising, arguing that retiring power plants faster than new generation comes online is stressing reliability and driving costs. Cybersecurity: Researchers presented new Windows flaws that could let attackers gain system privileges and even install malware remotely, including a Baltimore-linked presentation on a memory-related exploit. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker updates show scattered but persistent scam activity across the region, with multiple Michigan cities reporting online purchase and phishing losses in July. Aviation Pricing Scrutiny: A House inquiry pressed eight major airlines to explain whether AI and consumer data affect the fares people see, with responses due Aug. 25. Local Business & Growth: CDMOs highlighted expansion and future growth plans, signaling continued investment in pharma manufacturing capacity. Maryland Environment: Howard County investigated a storm-drain complaint tied to lawn-care chemical handling, raising concerns about runoff into waterways. Sports & Community: Baltimore’s preseason game traffic changes were announced, while Orioles coverage highlighted Gunnar Henderson’s impact as the team continues its push.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Check: Maryland says it hit 100% of its sediment and phosphorus goals and 99% for nitrogen, but some watermen dispute whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Data Center Reality in Maryland: At MACo, state energy officials told counties with temporary data center moratoriums to use the pause to build a “wish list” for schools, roads, and community upgrades—while a legal explainer highlights how nondisclosure deals can limit public visibility into water and power use. Bridge Rebuild Contracting: Maryland’s Key Bridge replacement moves into a new contracting phase as the state narrows bids for the main span and approaches, with costs now far higher than early estimates. Food Safety Watch: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits were recalled over possible listeria contamination, and the FDA says no confirmed illnesses have been reported. Workforce Pipeline: UMES celebrated the first graduating class from its aviation maintenance technician program, signaling a new talent stream for Maryland’s aviation industry. Local Governance Oversight: A judge sided with Baltimore’s inspector general, keeping subpoenas alive as the city fights access to records. Energy & Power Strain: A report warns AI data centers may face mounting electricity limits, pushing the debate over where computing should live. Public Health Basics: Guidance urges Marylanders to check outdoor air quality during pollution spikes and take steps indoors when levels run high. Business Growth: American Growth Insurance (AGI) acquired a Baltimore-based agency, expanding its Mid-Atlantic operator-led network. Agriculture & Community Food: AfriThrive is expanding a “food as medicine” model in Maryland, growing culturally familiar produce locally for African immigrant communities.

Maryland Tax Policy: Maryland’s digital advertising gross revenues tax was struck down by the state Tax Court as illegal under federal law, putting roughly $535M collected since 2022 in limbo and raising refund/education-funding questions. Chesapeake Bay Fisheries: The Atlantic menhaden “reduction” fishery could face cuts up to 50% after public comment on impacts to osprey chicks and declining catches for Maryland bait fishers. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food (Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, lot BB012729) across 11 states including Maryland after salmonella was found; consumers are told to stop using and dispose safely. Public Health & Environment: An air-quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors during spikes, citing wildfire-smoke health risks. Workforce & Aerospace: Gov. Wes Moore highlighted UMES’s new Aviation Maintenance Technician program, touting investments aimed at feeding Maryland’s aerospace pipeline. Local Business: Annapolis’ Bitty & Beau’s Coffee confirmed it will close Sept. 14 as its lease ends, adding to a run of downtown closures. Industry & Tech: A Baltimore-area healthcare strategy leader says value-based care adoption remains stuck due to structural incentives and data gaps, not lack of AI. Aviation Education: Avelo flew Wilmington-area middle school students to BWI for an aviation career day, pairing airport operations with hands-on flight-deck access.

AI & Semiconductors: Samsung hired AI and data specialists (including a University of Maryland PhD) to push AI deeper into chip design, process tech, and manufacturing. Cybersecurity & Aviation: A USENIX Security study showed how brief physical access to a Boeing 737 maintenance interface could let attackers alter flight computer data. Maritime & Shipbuilding: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training. Energy Infrastructure: Maryland’s SHA says the US 40 Conococheague Creek bridge rehab will reopen Friday, with detours removed. Local Business Growth: Magoobys Joke House plans a second Baltimore location in Hampden (targeting early 2027). Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food in 11 states, including Maryland, over possible salmonella contamination. Public Policy & Utilities: Baltimore sued prediction-market firms Kalshi and Polymarket over alleged illegal sports betting. Workforce & Aerospace: Gov. Moore delivered remarks at UMES Aviation Maintenance Technician graduation, highlighting regional airport investments. STEM for Youth: A STEM center opened at a Boys & Girls Club facility, part of a multi-state TVA effort. Crypto Risk Watch: A USENIX Security study flagged 65,340 high-risk Ethereum/BNB addresses tied to $574.8M in estimated losses.

Food Safety & Recalls: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food across 11 states, including Maryland, after potential salmonella contamination was flagged. Public Health & Environment: An air-quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure when smoke or poor air conditions spike. Outdoor Recreation & State Parks: Patapsco Valley State Park is moving ahead with a pedestrian bridge and adding 10 miles of new trails to handle growing demand since the pandemic. Energy & Utilities: Consumer Reports is pushing Maryland’s Public Service Commission to reject BGE’s proposed $156M rate hike, warning bills could jump about $100 a year for average customers. Cannabis Enforcement: St. Mary’s County and the state ATCC seized more than $98K in illicit cannabis and non-compliant THC products from three tobacco shops. Local Tech & Growth: Maryland lawmakers are weighing data center pauses and hearing input at MACo as counties debate impacts. Defense Industry: NSWC Indian Head Division conducted its first-ever static firing of a fully loaded, re-grained Mk 70 solid rocket motor, aiming to ease a defense production bottleneck.