AGP Executive Report

Maryland Courts & Policy: A federal court struck down Maryland’s digital advertising tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Public Safety: Baltimore joined a lead-paint lawsuit over the “TV Hill” broadcast tower repainting, alleging lead chips spread during 2022 work; the AG secured a $2.2M settlement and seeks cleanup. Health & Consumer Alerts: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,000+ Walmart tomato soup kits in 29 states, including Maryland, over possible listeria contamination; and Oma’s Pride recalled frozen dog food sold in Maryland due to possible salmonella. Local Government: Takoma Park’s new stop-sign cameras are active, with warnings for 30 days before fines begin Sept. 16. Energy & Infrastructure: PJM proposed a reliability framework for big new electricity users like data centers, with potential curtailments for uncovered demand. Weather/Everyday Life: Gas prices in Baltimore fell 11.3 cents to about $3.89/gal, per GasBuddy.

Defense & Diplomacy: President Trump says he’s unhappy with U.S. participation in South Korea drills and has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” the scope of Ulchi Freedom Shield, citing a “very good relationship” with Kim Jong Un. Public Safety: Maryland braces for heavy rain and storms Sunday, with a severe thunderstorm watch covering multiple Maryland counties and a flood watch into early Monday; officials also report thousands without power in the region. Courts & Crime: Federal and state prosecutors announced indictments tied to a multi-state organized retail-theft ring that allegedly hit Prince George’s County and others, including charges in federal court for interstate transportation of stolen goods. Local Government & the Bay: A new report finds help for Bay cleanup is uneven, with many technical assistance programs sprouting but gaps in where services exist and what they provide. Health & Policy: Maryland Department of Health rescheduled free car seat checks for Aug. 18 in Salisbury, with additional dates set for Berlin, Princess Anne, and Salisbury again. Business & Consumer Costs: A new study finds car insurance prices rising in 2026, with Maryland among the states where costs are projected to keep climbing.

Severe Weather: Maryland is under a First Alert Weather Day as rounds of heavy rain move through today into tonight, with localized flooding risk and possible late-day thunderstorms bringing gusty winds. Public Safety: The Maryland AG’s Independent Investigations Division is probing a deadly Bel Air traffic-stop shooting from Saturday night, where an officer fired during an altercation; the driver died and the officer was injured. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine LLC is recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in multiple states, including Maryland, due to possible listeria contamination. Consumer Fraud Watch: Edgewood landed in a 70-way tie for 75th among Maryland cities in July scam reports, based on BBB Scam Tracker submissions. Sports Betting: Maryland bettors can find new NFL preseason promos from BetMGM and DraftKings Predictions, with bonus-bet offers tied to preseason action. Boating Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard is launching a 2026 recreational boating safety survey and is asking Montgomery County residents to participate.

USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore urged sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln to “take care of one another” amid reports of deteriorating conditions during a nine-month deployment, after President Trump dismissed concerns as “not nearly long enough.” Power and Heat: After seven blackouts in two months, Maryland residents say heat is forcing them out of their homes as outages disrupt daily life. Bel Air Shooting Update: Bel Air police confirmed an incident on Franklin Street; a possible officer-involved shooting is under review, with locals reporting heavy police presence and fears in the area. Immigration Fear in Maryland: With ICE concerns rising, a Maryland community is going into hiding, while U.S. Rep. Chris Van Hollen calls for release of UM pharmacy professor Berhanu Kibret from ICE custody. Local Economy/Grants: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland announced nearly $20M in FY27 local impact grants for Anne Arundel County public safety, schools, and nonprofits. Public Health Recalls: Walmart recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits over possible listeria; separate dog food recall warnings also include Maryland. Sports (Maryland ties): MPSSAA will move girls flag football to three-flag belts in 2027; Loyola Maryland hosts Arkansas in a key matchup.

Court & Public Safety: Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty in federal court Friday in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with prosecutors seeking a life sentence at sentencing set for Dec. 18. State Policy: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax and ordered refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Environment & Health: DNR is investigating a third beaver attack this summer at Seneca Creek State Park; a 10-year-old girl was bitten and a nearby area is closed while officials search for the animal. Aviation & Safety: The FAA has set a “No Drone Zone” around the Maryland State Fairgrounds from Aug. 27 through Sept. 13, with steep penalties for violations. Local Economy: Montgomery County reports its lowest premium gas price of the week ending Aug. 8 at $4.39, while the county average remains higher. Business & Community: A new elective ultrasound studio, Precious Baby Sono, is opening Sept. 1 in Prince Frederick. Consumer Watch: A congressional inquiry is demanding answers from major airlines about whether AI and consumer data influence the fares people see. Weather: CBS Baltimore warns Sunday could bring heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms, with a possible First Alert day.

Digital Tax Ruling: Maryland’s first-in-the-nation digital advertising tax was struck down by the state Tax Court, which ordered refunds for companies including Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Public Safety & Crime: In Baltimore, loved ones are mourning 17-year-old Jada Sellers, gunned down in Southwest Baltimore; police have not announced suspects. Courts & Accountability: A Baltimore judge denied the city’s bid to block the inspector general from accessing records, ordering the city to respond to OIG subpoenas. Health Care & Justice: Towson native Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges tied to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with sentencing set for Dec. 18. Weather: Forecasts point to a nice Saturday, then a stormier Sunday with potential strong to severe weather. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers should check recall notices: tomato bisque soup kits sold in multiple states, including Maryland, were recalled over possible listeria contamination. Local Schools: Wicomico County Public Schools will enforce “Bell to Bell, No Cell” starting Sept. 1, banning most personal devices during the school day.

Food Safety: A Maryland company recalled 3,240 packs of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states, including Maryland, after a presumptive Listeria finding; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are told not to eat the product and to return it for a refund. Public Safety: A beaver attack at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County left a 10-year-old with three leg lacerations; about a mile of trail is closed while wildlife officials search for the animal after earlier rabies-positive beaver incidents. Health & Community: Partners In Care Mid-Shore plans to close its Easton-area branch by Aug. 31, with volunteers and older residents warning about gaps in transportation and support for adults aging in place. Local Government: Maryland county leaders are bracing for tighter budgets, warning that state aid cuts and shifting costs could force tough local tax and spending decisions. Courts & Crime: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, admitting “I shot Mr. Thompson and he died,” with sentencing set for Dec. 18.

Local Justice: Ocean City murderer Benjamin Sifrit asked for a reduced sentence under Maryland’s Second Look Act after a 2022 parole denial, following his 2002 conviction in the killing and dismemberment of Joshua Ford and Martha Crutchley. Public Safety: A Maryland grandmother, Lorraine Marie O’Neill, was convicted of child neglect after her 7-year-old grandson fell from a car window and was struck and killed on I-97; sentencing is set for Oct. 2. Crime Update: Baltimore County police say two teens are charged as adults in the Aug. 10 Essex killing of 17-year-old Roman Wright, with a video call and alleged robbery plot at the center of charging documents. Statehouse/Transparency: Some Maryland agencies have stopped answering routine questions from four news outlets, citing legal review tied to a private defamation lawsuit involving Gov. Wes Moore. Energy & Utilities: Baltimore County residents delivered cease-and-desist letters to BGE contractors over additional power-line work tied to the Brandon Shores project. Food Recalls: Lidl recalled a Vitasia Asian wok spice mix after Salmonella was found in a routine sample; no illnesses reported. Community & Education: A STEM center opened at a Boys & Girls Club facility, expanding hands-on science and career exposure for local youth. Immigration Enforcement: We Are CASA says ICE activity is increasing across the Baltimore area and urges people to use its hotline to report incidents.

Transportation Update: The Conococheague Creek bridge on U.S. 40 is set to reopen to traffic by midday Friday after a two-year rehab that’s kept it closed since late June 2025. Utility & Cost of Living: Consumer Reports is urging the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject Baltimore Gas and Electric’s proposed $156 million rate hike, warning it could add nearly $100 a year to typical bills while hundreds of thousands of customers already fall behind. Public Safety: The FBI announced “Operation Summer Heat 2.0,” a fugitive sweep that led to 109 arrests across Maryland and Delaware, including cases tied to Annapolis and child sex abuse allegations. Health & Community: Dorchester County plans aerial mosquito spraying Aug. 13, and officials say it’s not necessary to leave the area during treatment. Local Government & Firefighters: Annapolis-area officials—Anne Arundel State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess and Annapolis Alderman Rob Savidge—were formally censured by IAFF delegates. Business Watch: Kroger is shutting down underperforming stores as part of a broader cleanup of its footprint.

Public Safety & Courts: A North Carolina man, Jayson Reed, was arrested after Baltimore police say he urinated on concertgoers during a Morgan Wallen show at M&T Bank Stadium; he faces assault and public urination charges and is awaiting extradition. Violence in Maryland: A 5-year-old girl, Na’Ryah Adams, was killed in a Linkwood-area shooting; her father was also shot and flown to shock trauma, as investigators continue the case. Health & Food Safety: Lidl US recalled a lot of Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to possible Salmonella contamination, including distribution in Maryland. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Maryland transportation officials are increasingly using faster-updating crash and traffic data to re-rank road fixes, meaning problem stretches can move up sooner. Community & History: The Maryland National Guard and the Maryland Center for Military History are asking the public to help identify Civil War soldiers in 150-year-old tintype photos from a Chestertown company. Sports: Maryland football took an early hit with reports that sophomore linebacker Zahir Mathis is out for the season after an injury in practice.

Calvert County Data Center Fight: Calvert commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed six-month moratorium on site-plan approvals for data center projects, after Amazon shelved a Calvert Cliffs-area plan and local politics shifted post-primary. Local Sports: The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders meet in a joint practice Wednesday ahead of their Aug. 14 preseason opener in Landover, with Malik Willis and Caleb Douglas among the key names to watch. Animal Welfare: An Annapolis-area Change.org petition asks Maryland to ban retail pet-store sales of parrots, arguing they’re hard to care for and often end up needing rehoming. Public Health: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns that “flesh-eating” vibrio vulnificus cases are rising as warming waters increase risk for people with cuts and for undercooked seafood. Community & Food: St. Mary’s County’s Farmers Feeding St. Mary’s returns with free produce distributions Thursday in Lexington Park and again Sept. 12. Business Growth: Cloudforce says it will expand at National Harbor, adding 250 AI jobs over five years. Money News: A Salisbury man bought two identical Pick 5 tickets for one drawing and won $50,000 on each, totaling $100,000.

Redistricting Court Fight: Maryland Republicans sued to block a constitutional amendment that would change congressional redistricting rules, arguing lawmakers dodged required public comment and violated election-law deadlines; a hearing is set for Aug. 25, just days before ballot finalization. Homelessness Funding Protected: A multistate coalition won an order blocking HUD from capping permanent housing funds tied to homelessness services, keeping Housing First support intact. North Korea Cyber Probe: The FBI says it found a North Korean remote IT worker working for a U.S. federal agency, underscoring the overseas IT scheme’s reach. Violence in Essex: Two juveniles were arrested after a 17-year-old was killed in Essex; police also reported a separate double shooting nearby that left two 19-year-olds dead. BGE Rate Pressure: Hearings begin on BGE’s proposed $156 million rate increase as Baltimore officials and advocates push back over higher utility costs. Powerball Nears $1B: No jackpot winner; Wednesday’s estimated prize is $975 million, with Maryland tickets winning Match 5. Storms for BTS at M&T: Weather officials say severe storms could return Tuesday, with stadium doors adjusted to 6 p.m. for the BTS show.

Powerball Watch: The jackpot keeps climbing after no one matched all six numbers Monday; Wednesday’s prize is estimated at $975 million (cash value $422.3 million), with Maryland selling two Match 5 tickets worth $1 million each. Public Safety: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal early-morning shooting in Dorchester County that killed a 5-year-old girl and sent a 30-year-old man to a trauma center. Health Access: Maryland’s free vaccine program is expanding to 10 additional federally qualified health centers, bringing more no-cost recommended shots to uninsured adults. Local Government & Costs: A Baltimore Sun analysis says last week’s Maryland redistricting special session could cost taxpayers up to $50,680 in meal and hotel reimbursements. Mental Health Funding: Howard County is sending $260,000 in emergency money to help a crisis center absorb federal cuts to its 988 backup contract. Weather & Risk: Storms continue to threaten parts of Maryland and the region, with officials urging residents to stay alert for damaging winds and flooding.

Storm Cleanup in Maryland: Strong storms Monday brought heavy rain, damaging winds, and tornado warnings across parts of the state, knocking out power for thousands and downing trees and lines, with damage reported from Baltimore-area neighborhoods to Annapolis and Columbia. Redistricting Court Fight: Maryland Freedom Caucus and Senate Republicans filed a lawsuit challenging the process that put a redistricting constitutional amendment on the November ballot, arguing due-process steps were skipped and warning it could reshape representation statewide. Health Policy Pushback: Maryland and Delaware attorneys general joined a lawsuit to stop the U.S. Department of Education from ending congressionally approved school-based mental health programs, saying cuts could cost millions and reduce counseling access. Public Safety Scrutiny: Annapolis police disclosed that a state senator involved in an SUV incident told officers he had consumed one drink, after earlier questions about why no broader investigation followed. Maryland Sports Preview: Maryland football coach Michael Locksley says the Terps are aiming to turn patience into results in 2026, with Malik Washington returning as a key piece. BTS at M&T Bank Stadium: Baltimore braced for large crowds as BTS’s “Arirang” tour dates hit Monday and Tuesday, with weather disrupting the first night and tornado warnings prompting fans to move inside.

Maryland Public Safety & Weather: Multiple rounds of storms are expected to hit Maryland this week, with Monday and Tuesday flagged as First Alert Weather Days for severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and possible flooding that could disrupt commutes and BTS concert plans. Transportation: Maryland completed a $5.2 million Salisbury bridge repair project on US 50 Business and MD 991, and is starting a $451,616 safety upgrade at the US 13/MD 366 intersection in Pocomoke City with a new full traffic signal. Health & Community: Howard County’s crisis hotline operator, Grassroots Crisis Intervention, says it will lay off about a third of staff after losing federal funding tied to the 988 contract, though it will keep answering calls, chats, and texts. Education: St. Mary’s County Public Schools is rolling out redesigned elementary report cards with a new four-point proficiency scale tied to quarterly expectations. Public Health & Environment: NOAA says the contiguous U.S. set a record for hottest month ever in July, driven largely by hotter nights. Crime & Courts: Federal prosecutors announced a cross-country meth-trafficking conspiracy case spanning California and Maryland. Local Culture: Gov. Wes Moore welcomed BTS to Baltimore ahead of their M&T Bank Stadium shows, urging ARMY to “make some noise.”

Public Safety: An 18-month-old was airlifted to Children’s National after a drowning incident in La Plata; officials say the child had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Utilities & Cost of Living: BGE is resuming residential shutoffs in Maryland after a pause, as hundreds of thousands of households remain behind on bills—an analysis cited more than 243,000 households owing an average of $735. Health & Leadership: The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the first Black woman to lead the CDC, as the agency faces major public health pressures. Local Governance & Economy: Amazon says its Calvert Cliffs-area data center withdrawal wasn’t political, pointing to internal infrastructure planning and timing. Environment & Recreation: Maryland’s storm chances ramp up again this week, while state park closures continue after rabid beaver incidents. Community & Culture: The Maryland Lottery posted Aug. 8 Powerball and Pick 3 results; and local anglers report Spanish mackerel and bull redfish moving through Southern Maryland waters.