AGP Executive Report

Voter Data Fight: A federal judge in Maryland pressed DOJ over why it wants unredacted state voter rolls, but the government’s lawyer wouldn’t explain details of how the data would be used. Defense Contract Watch: The Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a $154 million F-35 deal for long-lead parts tied to 11 jets, with work including Fort Worth and Baltimore. DEI Contractor Lawsuit: Maryland AG Brown joined a 19-state coalition suing the Trump administration over rushed, unclear federal contract terms targeting “DEI.” Extreme Heat in Baltimore: Baltimore issued a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert and opened cooling centers as temperatures feel over 100 degrees. Social Security Shock: A new projection says the retirement trust fund runs out in 2032, threatening a major cut to benefits—Maryland is among the hardest-hit states. Local Health & Safety: UM School of Medicine received $1 million to build a combat casualty care center at Shock Trauma; and Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano denied allegations about sending inappropriate photos to sheriff’s deputies.

Elections Update: Maryland’s elections board approved a plan to count original mail-in ballots only when the voter’s party matches the ballot, after a ballot-printing error forced hundreds of thousands of replacement ballots. Public Health & Safety: Attorney General Anthony Brown says Maryland recovered the full $188 million in COVID-era school relief funds after the final $87 million arrived. Local Governance: Harford County became the first Maryland county to ban data centers outright, passing emergency legislation after concerns about proposed sites. Transportation: Maryland State Police are investigating a road-rage shooting that shut down the Baltimore-Washington Parkway near I-295/Route 175. Consumer Alert: Honda recalled 880,514 vehicles nationwide, including models sold in Maryland, over rear suspension corrosion that can lead to loss of control. Environment: Scientists report a deep-sea “whale graveyard” in the Indian Ocean teeming with life.

Maryland Elections: The Maryland State Board of Elections approved new protocols to void original mail-in ballots if a voter received a replacement ballot, aiming to restore trust after a vendor sent the wrong party ballots ahead of the June 23 primary. Public Safety: Montgomery County is weighing a revised 100-yard firearms restriction near schools, parks, libraries and worship sites, after a prior version was struck down by the Maryland Supreme Court. Environment & Infrastructure: Baltimore’s Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant is facing fresh scrutiny after an inspection flagged potentially explosive chemicals in sludge; two contractors were injured in an explosion at the facility. Energy & Land Use: Frederick County residents are pushing back against more “hyperscale” data centers, fearing a “data center alley” future and seeking a referendum. Health & Community: Prince George’s County raised a Pride flag at its main government building, highlighting LGBTQ+ health equity and services. Politics & Voting Access: A U.S. House bill by Rep. Johnny Olszewski would require annual reporting on small business participation in federal contracting. National Watch: Social Security’s trust funds are projected to be depleted by 2032, with benefits potentially reduced unless Congress acts.

Energy & Industry: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and new coal capacity, using Defense Production Act authority—pushing “energy dominance” while critics call it an unnecessary subsidy. Immigration Enforcement: House Republicans are moving to fund immigration enforcement through the next three years, setting up major dollars for ICE and the Border Patrol. Local Public Safety: Baltimore County police charged Shaka Kamara, 38, in Sunday’s shootout that injured an officer and a robbery victim; the officer remains in critical condition. Crime & Courts: Talbot County arrested Thomas Nash, 33, on child pornography charges after parole monitoring flagged his internet activity. Drugs: York City police say a traffic stop found crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, marijuana residue, and cash, leading to charges against two Maryland men. Maryland Politics: A new state ban on local cooperation with ICE is splitting candidates along party lines ahead of the June 23 primary. Health & Research: UM and Thomas Jefferson researchers reported early success for an experimental Lassa fever/rabies vaccine, with strong immune responses in a first human trial. Broadband: FCC notices say multiple Rural Digital Opportunity Fund providers, including Easton Utilities in Maryland, defaulted and face repayment or loss of support.

ADA Access in Annapolis: Construction is underway on a new ADA-compliant floating dock in Eastport, starting Monday at the end of 6th Street on Back Creek, with a three-week timeline and $440,000 cost funded by state and city money. Public Safety & Health: Federal agencies warned of a multistate listeria outbreak tied to soft cheese from Maryland’s Clover Hill Dairy, prompting a recall and license suspension. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge blocked Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee, calling it an unlawful tax; the administration says it will appeal. Local Traffic: After the Fourth of July, MD 355 will lose lanes through Bethesda for Metro station closures, with dedicated bus shuttles planned. Business & Law: Louis Vuitton sued Maryland Live! Casino over a rewards promotion LV-style logo claims. Weather Watch: Baltimore-area residents get one more day of lower humidity before heat and storms return midweek.

Maryland Economy: Maryland’s Q3 2025 property tax revenue jumped 167.6% from the prior quarter, according to new state figures. Public Safety & Crime: Police in Aberdeen are searching for a man who allegedly posed as a Walmart employee to steal lost credit cards. Health & Community: HER Cause is hosting its 3rd Annual Wellness in Me Conference on June 27 in Fort Washington, with a new “See. Support. Connect.” model aimed at giving women—especially Black women and women of color—practical mental health support tools. Environment: The Maryland Forest Service completed a 71-acre native tree planting at Newtowne Neck State Park in St. Mary’s County to expand riparian buffers and help protect the Potomac from runoff. Local Interest: Vaughan Cheese in North Beach is highlighted as a must-visit for cheese lovers, tying into National Cheese Day.

Maryland Politics & Courts: Residents are petitioning to overturn approval of the Medical Mile apartments project, challenging a Springfield rezoning that cleared a 182-unit plan near the Medical Mile. Public Safety: Baltimore police are investigating a fatal triple shooting in Park Heights that left one man dead and two others injured. State Finances: Maryland reported $10.6 billion in individual income tax revenue in 2024, up from $9.7 billion the year before. Health & Privacy: RFK Jr. is seeking access to Americans’ medical records for autism and vaccine research, raising concerns about how data would be protected. Historic Discovery: Researchers say they’ve likely identified the lost remains of Maryland’s second colonial governor using genetic methods. Federal Workforce: USDA relocation plans are forcing some Food Safety and Inspection Service employees to choose by June 30 or face separation. Crime & Justice: A Maryland man was killed in a tractor-trailer crash on I-68 after the vehicle went over an embankment and caught fire. Local Life: A Maryland-plate pickup was found submerged in Massachusetts’ Cochituate State Park, with investigators still sorting out how it got there.

Maryland Weather: A hot, humid weekend is easing into Sunday with humidity dropping through the day, but more heat returns early next week. Public Safety & Health: Maryland is rolling out social media guardrails as some school boards opt out, while the state and counties post opioid settlement spending on a new transparency dashboard. Education & Workforce: College of Southern Maryland hosted a regional quantum forum to build training pathways for quantum careers, and Maryland lawmakers are advancing new AI education guidelines for K-12. Local Government & Business: St. Mary’s County set a July 14 public hearing on a proposed Verizon cable franchise, and Annapolis-area breweries are teaming up for America’s 250th with limited-edition “Revolutionary” beers. Community & Culture: Baltimore Pride events kick off this week with a full slate beyond the parade and major festivals.

Severe Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Maryland through 8 p.m., with damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain possible. Local Business: Welcome Home Markets has closed its Annapolis State Circle store after five years, citing needed building repairs and an early lease end; the shop will keep operating in Easton and Chestertown and online. Community & Faith: More than 1,000 people joined the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage procession through downtown Washington, D.C., carrying the Blessed Sacrament. Public Safety: A nitrous oxide cylinder explosion near a race car in Elkton killed a man and sent his wife to treatment for minor injuries; investigators are still looking at what caused the failure. Sports (Maryland ties): The 2026 Annapolis-to-Bermuda Ocean Race is underway, with Time Machine leading the fleet in early tracking. Arts/Local Culture: Anne Arundel breweries are rolling out limited-edition “America’s 250” beers tied to colonial and Chesapeake themes.

Public Safety: A Maryland Marine veteran in Oxon Hill fought off four hooded teens during an attempted carjacking after one allegedly pointed a gun at his face; surveillance footage shows the struggle and a shot that hit his truck, with no injuries reported. Elections: Maryland is nearing its June 23 primary, and local boards still need election judges; the state says it will train even “standby” judges if precincts are short. Weather: Hot weekend conditions are settling over Maryland, with highs in the 90s and only a low risk of severe storms—some showers or thunderstorms are possible Saturday night. Statehouse & Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed the Youth Charging Reform Act, expanding which cases go through juvenile court as youth crime remains a flashpoint. Consumer & Tech: Maryland’s surveillance-pricing law is part of a broader push—New York just passed a similar ban on personalized pricing based on personal data. Health & Justice: A habitual fentanyl dealer was sentenced to 22 years in prison. Outdoors: Maryland state parks are tightening day-use access with advance reservations at popular sites through the summer.

Medicare Enforcement: A federal appeals court ruled HHS can seek Medicare monetary penalties without a jury trial, rejecting a Maryland nursing home operator’s challenge. Cost of Living: A new analysis shows electricity prices jumped fastest in D.C., but Maryland is close behind at about +17% year over year—fueling worries for household budgets. Energy Politics: The Maryland Freedom Caucus praised President Trump’s plan to restart coal power, including expected federal support aimed at reopening the Warrior Run plant near Cumberland. Legal/Health Care: A coalition of nonprofits and federal contractors asked a Maryland judge to pause a contractor DEI restriction order, arguing it would cause irreparable harm. Public Safety: A Hanover man was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for a 2024 sniper ambush near Finksburg. Weather: Hot, dry conditions continue with isolated storms possible around Baltimore this weekend. Food Safety: Clover Hill Dairy recalled soft ricotta/requeson cheese after possible Listeria concerns tied to cases reported in the region.

Maryland Politics & Elections: With General Assembly primaries looming, candidates are framing the race as a fight over affordability and how hard to push back on Trump, while Democrats and Republicans spar over ballot trust and redistricting fallout. Public Safety: A Maryland man was federally indicted after a BWI checkpoint “meltdown,” and separate reporting highlights a Marine veteran in Prince George’s County who says he fought off four armed teens attempting a carjacking. Health & Community: A University of Maryland School of Medicine study finds five minutes of in-person prayer may ease pain and anxiety for primary-care patients alongside standard treatment. Environment & Weather: Hot, hazy conditions are driving Code Orange air quality alerts across parts of Maryland, with weekend storms possible. Energy & Industry: Senator Mike McKay says reopening the AES Warrior Run plant is key for Appalachia as federal support for coal power continues to draw attention. Local Culture: Museum Week returns June 12-21 across Allegany County, timed to the area’s 250th birthday.

Local Crime: A manhunt is underway for two women accused of first-degree murder after a 67-year-old woman was found dead inside a Silver Spring senior living community, with investigators saying the victim’s daughter and her girlfriend are at large. Self-Defense/Robbery: In Oxon Hill, a former Marine says he fought off armed teen robbers during an attempted car robbery—surveillance captured a handgun pointed at his head. Public Safety/Environment: Curtis Bay residents are reacting with anger after a fuel oil spill left a strong chemical odor in the community for hours, with complaints that no warning was issued. State Politics & Public Works: Gov. Wes Moore continued his “Delivering for Maryland” tour in Wicomico County, touting investments tied to a new state park, Salisbury University upgrades, and improvements at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Health & Community: Ocean City’s blood drives hit a major milestone, topping 15,000 donations across summer and winter events. Weather: Hotter, more humid conditions are building across the Baltimore area this weekend, with storms possible Saturday.

Classified Documents Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty in federal court in Maryland to illegal retention of sensitive national security documents, with a fine reported at more than $2 million and possible jail time capped at five years. Local Public Safety: A fatal boating crash in South Carolina killed a Bethesda man after a vessel rated for four carried seven; investigators say the operator missed a floating dock in time. Workforce & Training: Maryland is pushing “all-in” on apprenticeships, aiming to close the gap between employers’ hiring filters and real on-the-job potential. Community Development: The Pikesville Armory Foundation is driving a major $100 million redevelopment into a multiuse community hub, with phased construction targeting completion in 2031. Politics Watch: Sen. Chris Van Hollen warns voters in Maryland’s competitive 5th Congressional District race about outside special-interest money backing Del. Adrian Boafo. Legal System: The 4th Circuit revived parts of a wrongful-conviction lawsuit tied to alleged fabrication of evidence involving a Baltimore murder conspiracy. Health & Environment: A flesh-eating screwworm fly has been detected in Texas, prompting quarantine steps to protect the cattle industry. Energy Costs: Maryland’s gas tax is set to rise July 1, adding about six-tenths of a penny per gallon.

UMD Job Cuts: The University of Maryland, College Park laid off 84 state-funded employees, citing “financial challenges” tied to federal funding drops and rising energy costs, with a union calling the move “unacceptable.” Fatal Crash in Worcester County: Maryland State Police are investigating a deadly Route 50 crash in Worcester County where a 79-year-old Ocean City man failed to stop at a stop sign and hit a pickup; the pickup driver refused treatment. Social Security Warning: A new analysis says Social Security could trigger an average $500-a-month benefit cut for retirees if lawmakers don’t act before the program runs out of reserves in 2032—Maryland is listed among the hardest-hit states. Cancer Breakthrough at UMD: UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center is the first in the region to offer an FDA-approved T-cell therapy for advanced synovial sarcoma. Screwworm Scare: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in south Texas and activated quarantines and sterile-fly efforts to protect U.S. cattle. Local Safety & Schools: Wicomico County arrested two teens after a stolen gun was brought to Wicomico Middle School, and a Talbot County house fire displaced four residents after ashes from a burn barrel sparked the blaze.

Maryland Education Watch: NORC at the University of Chicago is asking residents to weigh in on how the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is playing out, with a short statewide survey aimed at teachers, parents, students, and education partners. State Politics: Maryland Senate GOP leader Steve Hershey pushed back on former Howard County Executive Allen Kittleman’s move to leave the party, calling it disingenuous. Local Schools Funding: Worcester County commissioners voted 4-3 to cut the Board of Education’s FY27 budget request by nearly $2.8 million, raising concerns about student and program impacts. Housing & Home Loans: Maryland received $952.6 million in VA interest-rate refinance loans in Q1, according to the VA Home Loans Index. Crime & Courts: A Bladensburg man with a long record was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme. Health & Science: A new report highlights the promise and hurdles of xenotransplantation, including Maryland’s role in the first successful pig-heart transplant into a human. Community & Summer: Maryland’s Best launched its “Eat Well. Buy Local.” campaign with an updated logo to spotlight local farms and seafood.