AGP Executive Report

AI Jobs Boost: Gov. Wes Moore announced Cloudforce will expand its National Harbor headquarters, leasing more space and adding 250 jobs over five years. Public Safety: Baltimore police are investigating a Wells Fargo burglary after an excavator was found left behind and the ATM was smashed. Nonprofit Finance: Aberdeen’s Friends Of The Aberdeen B And O Train Station Inc reported government grants making up 97.5% of its 2024 revenue, the highest share among Aberdeen non-profits. Organized Retail Theft: Federal and Prince George’s County prosecutors announced indictments tied to a multi-state organized retail-theft ring affecting Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. Health Policy: Nebraska Gov’t action highlighted Sen. Victor Rountree’s support for pediatric autoimmune insurance coverage and a pathway for internationally trained physicians to get licensed. Sports & Business Mood: The Orioles’ 10-2 win over the Rays moved them into a wild-card tie, keeping Maryland’s sports economy chatter alive. Scam Watch: Maryland cities including Baltimore and Silver Spring ranked highest in BBB Scam Tracker reports for July, underscoring ongoing fraud risk for consumers.

Maryland Tax Court Ruling: Maryland’s digital advertising sales tax has been struck down, with the court ordering refunds to major tech firms including Apple, Google and Peacock—another hit to state efforts to tax online ad revenue. Energy Reliability: After repeated outages, Maryland residents in Reisterstown say they’re seeing frequent blackouts and higher bills, raising pressure on BGE to keep upgrades ahead of harsher weather. Sports & Local Economy: The Orioles are playing “meaningful baseball” in the wild-card chase after a 10-inning win over the Rays, while the Ravens’ preseason opener featured standout rookie tight ends in a 24-7 win over the Eagles. Business & Innovation: Governor Wes Moore announced Cloudforce will expand in Maryland, adding 250 jobs at National Harbor as the state competes for AI and data-center growth. Public Safety: Police say a Maryland man was arrested in Virginia after video helped identify him for peeping and stalking allegations tied to a woman’s window. Community Spotlight: Chesapeake Arts Center will mark 25 years with a fall gala at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, aiming to fund its next chapter of arts education.

Maryland Tax Policy: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital ad sales tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock—another hit to the state’s attempt to tax big tech. Local Economy & Jobs: Gov. Wes Moore backed a major AI expansion as Cloudforce plans to double its Maryland headquarters and add 250 jobs at National Harbor. Energy & Development: A Maryland conference debate highlighted friction over data centers, with officials weighing power needs, costs and community impacts. Business & Consumer Safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup kits in 29 states, including Maryland, after possible listeria contamination. Community Investment: Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland is sending nearly $20 million in FY27 grants back to Anne Arundel County, funding public safety, schools and nonprofits. Workforce Fraud Watch: Experts warned job seekers about fake employer texts and phishing for personal data, urging people not to click links or scan QR codes.

Maryland Tax Fight: The Maryland Tax Court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax under the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act and ordered refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV, dealing a blow to a 2021 law meant to raise about $250 million a year for K-12 funding. Local Economy & Growth: Housing and planning officials at the Maryland Association of Counties conference said Maryland’s housing shortage won’t ease without faster permitting and better financing for affordable projects, with state leaders pointing to transparency as a fix for stalled approvals. Data Centers & County Negotiations: Maryland energy officials urged counties with temporary data center moratoriums to build “wish lists” and negotiate for schools, roads and community support while siting new power-hungry projects. Community Business Spotlight: AfriThrive in Montgomery County is expanding a “food as medicine” model that grows culturally familiar produce locally and distributes it weekly to African immigrant communities. Public Safety & Courts: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges tied to the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, setting up a Dec. 18 sentencing.

Digital Tax Ruling: Maryland’s tax on digital advertising was struck down by the state Tax Court, which ordered refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV and cited conflicts with the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act and the U.S. Constitution. Food Safety Recalls: A Maryland-made Walmart Marketside tomato bisque soup kit was recalled in 29 states (including Maryland) over possible listeria contamination, and a separate Lidl spice mix recall flagged potential salmonella risk in Maryland and other states. Local Business & Growth: The Ravens unveiled major upgrades at M&T Bank Stadium, including new hospitality spaces and a revamped Flock Yard, ahead of the preseason opener. Housing & Tenants: A Howard County storm drain complaint in Columbia is under investigation after residents reported a hose from a lawn-care truck entering the system. Healthcare Policy: A Baltimore-based healthcare strategist argues value-based care adoption remains stuck due to structural incentives and administrative burden. Sports & Entertainment: The Women’s Lacrosse League heads into its first championship with Maryland’s Charm facing California Palms after a record-setting inaugural season.

Privacy & Consumer Protection: Michigan AG Dana Nessel and a coalition of 20 states sued the Trump administration over demands that the AAMVA hand over sensitive driver data for a federal database, arguing the move violates privacy laws and threatens federal funding. Local Real Estate: A Maryland investor bought the former Premier Health downtown building for $1M, after it was purchased for $5.5M in 2023—another sign of how quickly commercial property values can swing. Food Safety: Walmart recalled a refrigerated Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kit in 29 states due to possible Listeria contamination, with a use-by date still ahead—meaning some product may still be in fridges. AI & Jobs: Cloudforce is expanding its National Harbor headquarters, adding 15,000 square feet and 250 jobs tied to growth of its nebulaONE AI platform. Sports Betting Crackdown: Baltimore sued prediction market operators Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing their sports wagering is illegal and violates the city’s consumer protection rules. Transit Update: Baltimore is rolling out new east-west bus lanes and signal upgrades to speed key routes while the Red Line waits. Healthcare Rates Watch: CareFirst warned that Maryland’s AHEAD hospital rate-setting transition could destabilize the system if policymakers pull the wrong “block.” Business & Tech: Samsung hired AI specialists to push AI deeper into semiconductor research and manufacturing.

Maryland Mortgage Relief: Maryland joined a $15.5 million multistate settlement with mortgage servicer NewRez over force-placed insurance charges, with about $400,000 tied to Maryland borrowers and nearly $98,000 in restitution for 109 affected consumers. Heat & Health Costs: Maryland logged a new record for heat-related deaths, with 52 deaths reported since May as of Aug. 12—an issue that’s hitting older residents hardest and raising pressure on employers and health systems. Local Infrastructure: The US 40 bridge over Conococheague Creek in Maryland is set to reopen Friday after rehabilitation work, with traffic returning by mid-day and remaining work shifting to nearby kayak launch improvements. Maritime Jobs: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18 million to 45 small shipyards across 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, aiming to boost equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training. Baltimore Gambling Fight: Baltimore sued prediction-market operators Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing they’re running sports betting without complying with Maryland gambling laws. Workforce & Training: Gov. Moore highlighted aviation maintenance technician training at UMES, pointing to workforce pipelines tied to Maryland’s regional aviation network. Agriculture Hit: Milburn Orchards said April freezes cut its apple crop by more than 90%, ending its usual U-Pick apple events for the first time in 30+ years. Education Staffing: Queen Anne’s County Public Schools approved its FY27 special education staffing plan, citing rising caseloads and ongoing shortages in special educator hiring.

Local Economy & Tourism: Ocean Downs owner Churchill Downs is weighing a sale of the Berlin, Md. casino and racetrack as part of a broader review of regional gaming assets, with no timetable or guarantee of a deal. Community Development: Snow Hill is deciding what its Main Street identity should be—arts and entertainment or an outdoor-and-tourism focus—as it works toward full Main Street designation in 2027. Energy & Cost Pressure: BGE is seeking a $156 million electric rate increase, and local leaders are pushing back as residents worry about higher bills. Business & Jobs: Cloudforce plans to expand its Maryland footprint at National Harbor, adding 250 jobs. Public Safety & Accountability: A North Carolina man was arrested in connection with an alleged urination incident involving concertgoers at M&T Bank Stadium during Morgan Wallen’s show. Tech & Privacy: A new tool maps how ad auctions can funnel location and device data to the federal government without a warrant, raising fresh surveillance concerns. Sports Business: The Orioles’ late-season push hit another snag, leaving Baltimore further behind in the AL wild-card race.

Wallops Moon Push: NASA says it’s planning a staged moon base, with Wallops Flight Facility on the hook for more robotic cargo and science missions—potentially boosting jobs on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Education Policy: Queen Anne’s County Public Schools approved “bell-to-bell” restrictions on personal electronics under Maryland’s Phone-Free Schools Act, with AI policy updates also in the works. Energy & Data Centers: Winchester City Council joined regional opposition to the proposed Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line, arguing it could harm neighboring Virginia localities as data-center demand grows. Public Schools Leadership: Baltimore County Public Schools’ new superintendent Dr. William Heiser laid out priorities on student achievement, financial stability, staff retention, and community engagement amid budget-driven staffing cuts. Local Business: Harford County’s Steelfish Grille abruptly closed after 14 years, leaving customers searching for answers. Health Costs: A new study finds mandatory participation in value-based payment models is linked to higher hospital administrative costs. Food Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to potential Salmonella contamination. Entertainment & Economy: Baltimore’s The 8×10 sold to Rising Sun Presents, with renovations planned and a reopening expected by October.

Mortgage Escrow Fight: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging a Trump-era federal rule that would let national banks keep interest earned on homeowners’ escrow accounts—arguing it would siphon money from borrowers and disadvantage smaller state banks. Energy Costs & Regulation: Baltimore-area utility BGE is seeking a $156 million rate increase for 1.3 million customers, drawing pushback from city leaders and residents concerned about higher bills. Housing & Local Fees: Prince George’s County faces a lawsuit from a coalition of businesses over a new $5,000 annual fee on liquor, tobacco, gun and storage businesses, which plaintiffs call an unlawful, punitive tax. Shellfish Branding: Worcester County tourism officials are inviting the public to help launch “Maryland’s Coast Shellfish,” a regional brand meant to boost marketing for local oysters, clams and bay scallops. Workforce & Growth: The Center by Lendistry is rolling out a Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience nationwide, aiming to help small contractors win more high-growth construction work. Sports Betting: Maryland sports betting topped about $500 million in July, up 36% year over year to $496.4 million. MLB Trade Ripple: Adley Rutschman debuted for the Red Sox after the deadline trade from Baltimore, going 1-for-1 with two walks in a 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays.

Utility Rates & Cost of Living: Baltimore Gas & Electric is seeking a $156 million electric rate increase, with city leaders and consumer advocates pushing back as regulators set testimony and evidence schedules. Local Government & Development: Howard County’s dispute with a developer over a proposed ICE facility in Elkridge is headed back toward construction after a federal judge reinstated permits. Data Centers Under Scrutiny: Talbot County is weighing a one-year moratorium on new data center approvals amid concerns about strain on water and power systems. Maryland Economy & Workforce: The Maryland State Library Agency is investing more than $1 million annually to strengthen the library workforce, including $554,910 in staff development grants. Gaming Revenue: Maryland’s lottery, casinos, sportsbooks and daily fantasy operators contributed $1.637 billion to the state in FY2026, with casinos the biggest driver. Consumer Safety: Maryland’s scam reports remain high in BBB Scam Tracker’s latest state rankings, underscoring ongoing fraud risk for residents.

Affordable Housing Energy Upgrades: Maryland DHCD unveiled a new BEPS Affordable Housing Roadmap with the state environment agency to streamline how affordable multifamily owners apply for funding to meet energy-efficiency standards. Banking Footprint Shift: A new analysis finds U.S. banks have opened more branches than they closed for three straight quarters—first net growth since 2009—signaling a possible reversal after years of branch shrinkage. Cybersecurity for Defense Contractors: DP Solutions, a Maryland managed IT provider, announced it achieved CMMC Level 2, aiming to help compliance-driven clients protect controlled information and win/maintain federal contracts. Small Business M&A Slows: BizBuySell reports Q2 small-business deal volume fell 10% as buyers get pickier, focusing on profitability and clean financials. BTS Boost for Baltimore: With sold-out M&T Bank Stadium shows, Baltimore expects a major tourism and local-spend lift, while DOT urges extra travel time. Weather & Risk: Storms and flash-flood concerns continue across the D.C. region, with damaging winds a key threat. Auto Insurance Costs: Insurify projects full-coverage premiums will rise again by year-end in 32 states, underscoring ongoing affordability pressure.

ICE Facility Fight in Elkridge: A federal judge reinstated permits and allowed construction to continue on a planned ICE field office in Elkridge, overruling Howard County’s attempt to halt the project—an issue that has already sparked emergency legislation and protests. State Tax Policy for Retailers: Prince George’s County is facing a lawsuit from liquor, tobacco, gun-store and storage businesses challenging a new $5,000 annual fee as an illegal tax under state law. Public Safety & Health: Maryland’s State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal Carroll County house fire that killed a 64-year-old man; separately, seniors in an Odenton 55-and-older community say a lightning strike left them without elevator access for days, trapping residents on upper floors. Cybersecurity for Water Systems: DEF CON Franklin and the National Rural Water Association launched the Water Watch Center to help small utilities defend against cyberattacks. Workforce Pressure in Annapolis: AFSCME Maryland reports staffing shortages and compensation gaps are driving many state workers to consider leaving their jobs. Consumer Savings: Maryland’s Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week runs Aug. 9-15, offering sales-tax exemptions on qualifying back-to-school items. Local Business Boost from BTS: BTS ARMY crowds are driving business activity around Baltimore ahead of concerts at M&T Bank Stadium.

AI Data Centers & Water Stress: A Meta hyperscale data center in Wisconsin is fueling local fears about water flow and quality, echoing wider concerns as thousands of AI projects expand nationwide. Cybersecurity for Utilities: Experts warn water systems are ripe for cyberattacks after suspected Iranian hacks, raising stakes for Maryland and other states’ infrastructure defenses. Retail Pricing Regulation: California lawmakers are pushing to curb “surveillance pricing,” a move that could reshape how companies use personal data to set prices. Maryland Politics: Republicans filed suit to block a congressional redistricting ballot question that could reshape 2028 races, keeping the fight centered on Annapolis’ constitutional changes. Baltimore Tourism & Traffic: Baltimore braces for sold-out BTS concerts at M&T Bank Stadium with major downtown travel impacts and transit guidance. Maryland Business & Finance: Lincoln Educational Services reported strong Q2 results and reiterated guidance while expanding its Maryland campus footprint. Energy Costs: Baltimore is set to nearly double its underground conduit fee, with BGE warning bills could rise. Local Economy: Annapolis waterfront businesses say City Dock resiliency work is sinking sales as parking and access are disrupted. Public Safety Tech: Carroll County EMS adopted OneDose to improve medication safety and clinical decision support. Tax Relief: Maryland’s tax-free back-to-school shopping week runs through Aug. 15.

Energy & Data Centers: Amazon says its Calvert Cliffs-area data center withdrawal wasn’t political, citing internal infrastructure planning and shifting priorities. Public Safety: New body-camera footage details a fatal Montgomery County shooting at a bus stop near Montgomery Village Plaza, with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office handling the investigation. Healthcare & Business: RadNet reports record quarterly revenue and raises 2026 guidance, highlighting continued momentum in imaging and digital health. State Policy & Pensions: Maryland-linked retirement executive Martin Noven is named CEO of Iowa’s IPERS, underscoring how state pension leadership talent circulates. Consumer & Food Safety: FDA details expand the Taylor Farms lettuce recall to 236,192 cases tied to potential Cyclospora contamination, with major retailers named. Local Economy & Infrastructure: BGE asks regulators for a $156 million electric rate increase affecting 1.3 million customers, while Baltimore approves a higher conduit fee for utilities. Sports Business (Baltimore): The Orioles’ offense wakes up with a 10-5 win over the Rangers, led by Pete Alonso’s two homers.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ lettuce recall is getting more detail in a new FDA report, which cites potential Cyclospora contamination and lists specific retailers and case counts tied to iceberg and romaine products. Energy & Cost Pressure: With more data centers planned, communities are bracing for higher electricity bills, as regulators and residents weigh the local financial hit. Utilities & Rates: BGE has asked Maryland regulators for a $156 million electric rate increase affecting 1.3 million customers, adding to the debate over who pays for grid upgrades. Public Health/Infrastructure: Maryland’s transportation agencies are publishing this week’s roadwork and traffic impacts, a reminder that summer construction continues to shape business access and commuting. Local Business & Community: Baltimore County’s AfriThrive is set to receive $800,000 in federal renovation funding to expand refrigeration, food handling, distribution, and nutrition education. Housing & Homelessness: Ocean City’s church shelter plan is back in the spotlight after zoning fines and a federal lawsuit over barracks-style living for people without other options. Sports Business: The B&O Railroad Museum rebranded as the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, sparking pushback from rail fans who say the “B&O” identity is being erased.