Retail & Real Estate: Target opened its 2026 “Beauty Studio” in Ellicott City, replacing Ulta shop-in-shops and leaning on staffed adviser help plus 1,600+ products—another sign brick-and-mortar is still winning on experience. Public Safety: A stolen vehicle crash on Virginia’s I-395 exit ramp killed three and critically injured a fourth; the car was reported stolen in Prince George’s County. Health Policy: The FDA held a public hearing on psychedelics, with most speakers in Maryland pushing for faster, safer rollout—while regulators weigh training, patient safety, access, and data standards. Cyber & Data Security: Maryland joined a $2.3 million Labcorp settlement tied to a massive 2019 breach that potentially exposed 451,000 state residents. Workforce & Immigration: Maryland employers in Accommodation & Food Services filed 96 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 97.9% approval rate. Education & Fraud: A Worcester County schools official was sentenced to five years (with all but five suspended) for a $118K Amazon theft scheme using a school P-card and altered receipts. Energy & Grid: US grid batteries hit a record 18.9 GWh in Q2 2026 as installed capacity fell, reflecting demand for longer-duration storage. Business Finance: Walker & Dunlop arranged a $238M refinancing for a 631-unit multifamily property in Florida, underscoring continued capital flow into apartments. Tech & Defense: Kratos promoted Bill Wilson to lead its C5ISR Systems division, expanding leadership for military-grade hardware and mobility systems. Weather: A nor’easter eased out of Maryland, with improving conditions expected through Tuesday.