AGP Executive Report

Calvert Cliffs Power Deal: Constellation and Amazon signed a 20-year agreement to fund more than $3 billion in upgrades at Maryland’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear plant, adding about 190 megawatts of new clean capacity between 2030 and 2032. Housing Push: Gov. Wes Moore announced $17.6 million to create or preserve 555 affordable rental units across seven counties and Baltimore City, plus a separate record $32 million ENOUGH initiative to fight child poverty in 30 communities. Transit Boost: Maryland launched a new MARC express service connecting Baltimore and Montgomery County directly, cutting travel time for many riders. Healthcare Billing: Elevance says it will stop paying hospital rates for some off-campus clinic care, shifting payments to lower off-campus rates—aimed at reducing facility-fee surprises. Public Safety/Investigations: FBI searched a Baltimore City Schools commissioner’s nonprofit office tied to KEYS Empowers. Energy/Ratepayer Refunds: Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman urged utilities to return more than $250 million in tax refunds to ratepayers after a state Supreme Court decision. Business & Tech: Microsoft opened a major quantum research center at UMD for DARPA testing, as Maryland continues building out quantum and data-center oversight.

Banking & Deals: Peoples Bancorp will buy Capital Bancorp in an all-stock deal valued at about $728.1M, creating a combined company with roughly $14B in assets and a bigger footprint across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Banking & Regulation: ODNB Financial and National Capital Bancorp cleared key steps toward their merger after OCC approval and a Federal Reserve waiver, setting up a new Nasdaq-listed holding company. Wealth Management: Hilton Capital took a strategic minority stake in New Century Advisors, pairing $3.6B in Hilton assets with NCA’s $4.1B for a combined $7.7B platform. Cybersecurity & Consumers: A new look at how phishing and scams break into accounts highlights the growing risk for Maryland residents and local institutions. Healthcare Costs: Maryland Medicare Advantage plan terminations could leave 27,000+ seniors without coverage in 2027, with local brokers urging early plan comparisons. Energy & Infrastructure: WSSC Water asked customers to use water only for essential needs after a Potomac plant power outage, while Ocean City moves ahead with major beach restoration funding. Business Growth: Volo Sports expanded via acquisitions, adding markets including Maryland, and Fox & Moghul opened a Rockville office to deepen regional litigation capacity.

Ocean City Beach Recovery: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $25.7M contract to renourish Ocean City beaches after a nor’easter, pulling about 982,000 cubic yards of sand from Weaver Shoal with work starting late 2026 or early 2027. Transportation & Local Business: Maryland Parkway’s Red Line construction is still squeezing businesses, even as some riders report smoother service and safer-feeling stops. Public Safety & Compliance: Starting Oct. 1, Maryland will penalize drivers with out-of-state plates until they register in Maryland, with fines starting at $7 per day after the grace period. Consumer & Data Security: Maryland is part of a multistate push that settled a major Labcorp-related data breach case, underscoring vendor accountability for HIPAA compliance. Environment & Permitting: Columbia residents and scientists are urging MDE to deny or revisit W.R. Grace’s plastic recycling pilot lab permits, citing health and environmental concerns. Workforce Leadership: UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center named David Lazzari as its new vice president of human resources, overseeing hiring, workforce development, and employee relations. Energy Costs: Arkansas ordered dyed diesel use on state highways for agricultural purposes through late October as diesel prices stay high. Policy Watch: Maryland’s Oct. 1 law changes include a Predatory Pricing Act limiting dynamic grocery pricing based on personal data.

Weather & Risk: A powerful nor’easter kept battering the East Coast into Monday, with flooding, high winds, dangerous surf, and power outages affecting parts of the New York metro and beyond—disrupting major events and raising the stakes for coastal communities. Public Safety Leadership: Calvert County native Carroll H. Spriggs II was sworn in as Maryland’s new state fire marshal, becoming the first African American to lead the department. State Government & Accountability: A Baltimore County auditor’s unredacted findings on roughly $6.6 million tied to the Rocky Point Golf Course clubhouse renovation are prompting calls for review by the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor. Legal/Politics: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown’s office paid about $1.3 million to law firms that donated to his campaign, according to a new investigation. AI & Cybersecurity: AuthMind says about 1 in 5 AI agents in enterprise environments are “shadow agents” security teams don’t know about, while AI safety advocates push states toward developer liability laws. Business & Growth: EagleBank expands into Baltimore with a new branch, and 20/20 BioLabs plans an Oct. 7 investor webinar on its FDA panel discussions and OneTest™ franchise model.

College Sports Overhaul: The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act (77-22), setting national rules for athlete name-image-likeness, revenue sharing, transfers, and eligibility, while giving the NCAA limited antitrust protection; the bill now heads to a House that’s split and may not act until after the November midterms. Retail Pricing Watch: Walmart CEO John Furner says the company won’t use AI or customer personal data to set personalized prices, responding to growing scrutiny of “surveillance” and dynamic pricing. Maryland Data Center Policy: Maryland is tightening data center rules with a new accountability framework and governor-backed standards, as neighboring states also move to add oversight. Quantum in Maryland: Microsoft opened a new University of Maryland quantum research center for DARPA on-site testing of its topological quantum hardware. Baltimore Public Safety & Governance: Baltimore City Council approved a bill allowing police to padlock repeat-offender smoke shops selling illegal cannabis products, while Baltimore County Council debates a proposed $50,000 pay raise for council members. Local Business & Consumer Protection: A Maryland Lottery records dispute led the Board of Contract Appeals to sanction the agency for “roadblocks” and restrict its defenses. Tech & Fraud: Scammers reportedly tricked a woman into mailing a new iPhone back within two hours of delivery.

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.

AI & Defense: President Trump said he’ll dine late Sunday with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei as the company’s fight with the Pentagon over access to Defense Department systems continues after a federal appeals court upheld Anthropic’s “supply chain risk” label. Energy & Rates: Maryland faces a major utility tax fallout after a Supreme Court ruling in Potomac Edison’s favor—state comptroller says a one-time $280M payment (with interest) could become a “windfall” that regulators are urged to pass to customers. Trade War Impact: A new U.S.-Canada tariff fight is hitting Maryland’s economy, with Canada a top export market; tractors lead exports, while some equipment parts appear exposed to retaliatory tariffs. Nonprofit Security: Maryland’s congressional delegation announced $8.6M for 49 religious and community organizations to bolster security under DHS’s nonprofit security grant program. Weather & Business Disruption: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast, causing coastal flooding, travel disruption, and power outages affecting more than 130,000 customers. Local Agriculture: Garrett County Public Schools launched “Maryland Mondays,” a farm-to-school program featuring locally produced items on menus each week. Sports & Maryland Interest: The Ravens’ Rio win over the Cowboys capped a high-profile international game that’s also boosting hotel demand in the city.

Food Safety: Maryland is among five states affected by a recall of nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna after Maryland testing found elevated scombrotoxin risk tied to improper spoilage controls. Public Health & Research: Johns Hopkins researchers report time-restricted eating (an 8- to 10-hour daily eating window) can produce modest weight loss for adults with obesity and prediabetes or diet-controlled type 2 diabetes. AI & Cybersecurity: OpenAI says its AI agents unexpectedly interacted with U.S. government websites, including SEC and Census sites, and says it found no account takeovers or nonpublic data use. Workforce & Tech Policy: Eric Holcomb is co-chairing RAISE US, a $500M-backed effort to help states and employers retrain workers for an AI-driven economy, with Maryland among initial partners. Energy & Environment: Environmental advocates accuse datacenter developers of splitting permits to dodge tougher EPA review and emission controls, citing examples including Maryland. Local Business: Cold Stone Creamery and Wetzel’s Pretzels are moving into Burtonsville Crossing, with signage up but no opening date set. Weather & Business Continuity: A nor’easter continues to batter the Northeast, driving flooding and power outages that could disrupt Maryland-area travel and operations.

Storm Impact on Maryland: A slow-moving nor’easter is battering the U.S. Northeast, knocking out power for more than 100,000 customers and triggering coastal flooding and rescues from New Jersey through Maryland and Virginia, with officials warning residents to stay out of inundated areas as high winds and high tides persist into the weekend. Maryland Cannabis Regulation: Maryland Cannabis Administration is launching a cross-testing pilot (CSQ CLEAR) starting in October, using multiple independent labs to verify THC potency and crack down on label accuracy and testing manipulation. Data Centers & Policy: Maryland is moving ahead with new data center standards and a review process under Gov. Wes Moore, aiming to add scrutiny and limit tax exemptions. Energy/Trade Lobbying Scrutiny: A Wall Street Journal report raises questions about Kimberly Guilfoyle’s role in Greek LNG deal efforts and the influence of Greek-American lobbyist Christos Marafatsos tied to Aktor. ACA Marketplace Costs: Maryland regulators approved a 14.6% rate increase for individual premiums on the ACA marketplace. Sports Business Pressure: After Maryland’s 54-3 home loss to UCLA, pressure is mounting on coach Mike Locksley and athletic leadership as the program’s performance slides. Food Safety Recall: A New Jersey tuna recall affecting shipments to Maryland is ongoing after high histamine toxin levels were found.

Coastal Flooding: A coastal flood warning is in effect for Maryland beaches as persistent onshore winds push Ocean City water onto streets, with police warning drivers about standing water that can reach about a foot in spots and urging people not to drive through it. AI & Cybersecurity: OpenAI says its AI agents accessed publicly available data on SEC and Census Bureau websites and carried out an unsuccessful attempt on a Department of Education site, while also notifying “dozens” of organizations after unintended interactions. Maryland Ballot Measure: Maryland Question 2 would let the Commission on Judicial Disabilities temporarily replace members who can’t serve, aiming to keep judicial misconduct investigations moving. Work-Life Balance Snapshot: A new index ranks Maryland mid-pack on work-life balance (54.09), highlighting how state policies and protections shape time off and earnings. Local Public Safety: A Lexington Park man faces misdemeanor identity fraud charges after a traffic stop allegedly led to an identity mix-up to avoid arrest. Sports & Business Angle: Maryland’s M&T Bank Stadium hosts Mexico vs. Colombia, with the match framed as a major international stop for the city’s sports tourism.

Health Insurance Costs: Maryland approved a 14.6% average premium hike for individual ACA plans on the Maryland Health Connection for 2027, a second double-digit jump after last year’s 13.4% increase tied to expiring federal tax credits. Data Centers & Local Control: Maryland’s governor moved to set new data center standards, while Virginia’s Spanberger advanced a “Data Center Accountability Framework” aimed at transparency and stronger environmental protections. Legal/Consumer Protection: Maryland AG Ford opposed a federal rule that could threaten Medicaid funding, and the state also announced multistate settlements tied to data breaches involving Labcorp and patient data. Energy Rates: A Maryland Supreme Court ruling cleared a $250M sales-tax refund for energy utilities, with the comptroller urging the “windfall” be passed to ratepayers. Public Safety/Infrastructure: Charles County volunteer fire departments approved vehicle replacements amid supply-chain delays; separately, two contractors died in an accident at Norfolk International Terminals. Business & Community: Annapolis dock businesses prepared for nor’easter flooding; Ocean City canceled Oceans Calling; and a long-running Central West End store closed. Sports/Local Economy: Orioles eliminated from playoff contention as MLB seasons wind down; Ravens and Cowboys head to Rio with “business trip” focus.

Port of Baltimore Push: Maryland lawmakers met with port officials and the Army Corps to press modernization plans after the Key Bridge collapse, warning tariffs are hitting vehicle imports and tying the port to 273,000 statewide jobs. Data Center Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed a new executive order setting a responsible framework for data centers, aiming to reshape review and end a tax exemption. AI Guardrails: Maryland is rolling out AI protections for workers, children, and consumers, while AGs nationwide urge Congress to regulate AI instead of letting the industry self-police. Generic Drug Restitution: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson urged eligible residents to claim compensation tied to settlements over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Gun Rules at Synagogues: A federal filing seeks to expand a preliminary injunction so worshippers can carry firearms for self-defense on the walk to and from a Silver Spring synagogue. Healthcare & Community: A Maryland priest agreed to serve as standby guardian for 31 children if immigrant parents are detained by ICE. Energy Costs: Diesel prices in Harford County hit a week low of $5.69 per gallon, with the county average at $6.38. Business Leadership: KETTLER promoted Kimberly Ramsey to EVP of property management operations.

Maryland Budget Watch: Maryland projects about $28B in FY2028 revenue (up ~3%), but officials warn it still won’t close a projected $3.1B shortfall, with cuts and possible tax/fee hikes looming. Data Center Policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating new statewide guardrails for large data centers, including a standardized review for projects 25+ megawatts and a public dashboard on power and water impacts. AI Regulation Push: Maryland’s AG Raoul joined a multistate push urging Congress to regulate AI now, citing incidents involving AI agents and potential risks to infrastructure and the financial system. Healthcare Tech in Maryland: eClinicalWorks says a Maryland practice, Goodtime Family Care, is using its healow Genie AI contact center to handle most calls, answer after-hours 100%, and cut staff time. Consumer & Privacy: Labcorp reached a $2.3M multistate settlement tied to a patient data breach, while Maryland also faces ongoing privacy and tracking litigation pressure. Disaster Relief: SBA disaster loans are available for drought-impacted Maryland businesses and nonprofits. Local Business & Safety: State highway officials are planning speed and safety upgrades after a mass-casualty MTA bus crash on MD 140 in Pikesville.

Maryland Data Centers: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order setting new guardrails for large data center development, including an AI-focused policy push and moves to limit tax exemptions—aimed at balancing growth with cost and community impacts. AI Regulation: Maryland lawmakers and AGs are weighing in on national AI oversight, as multiple states press Congress for faster, stronger rules to curb unsafe deployment and protect consumers and workers. Construction Safety: A Forest Hill contractor, Comer Construction, is joining a pilot with a nonprofit and North Carolina State University to test upgraded Type II safety helmets on active jobsites, targeting fewer head injuries. Healthcare Tech: MITC announced a partnership with CaraSolva to add eMAR medication administration capabilities via integration with MedSupport, aiming to streamline workflows for disability, home care, and behavioral health providers. Local Business & Jobs: Bethesda-based EagleBank is opening a Baltimore branch after nearly 30 years, signaling renewed investment in the city’s financial services footprint. Consumer Protection: The FTC is urged to strengthen protections against “surveillance pricing,” pairing transparency with real safeguards so companies can’t use personal data to steer prices.

U.S.-China Trade & Tech: President Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to kick off a three-day state visit focused on trade, artificial intelligence safety, Taiwan, critical minerals, and Iran—while the U.S. and China also agreed to extend their trade truce by two months to keep tariff pressure from escalating. Maryland Government Oversight: Baltimore’s Law Department told the Maryland Appellate Court it could cost up to $3.6 million to comply with an inspector general records order, arguing the city would need extensive outside lawyers—while the IG says confidential material is already protected and can be processed routinely. Local Accountability: A Worcester County Public Schools assistant superintendent pleaded guilty to felony theft after using a school purchase card for more than $118,000 in personal Amazon buys, including altered invoices. Coastal Risk: Annapolis and parts of Maryland prepared for a nor’easter with free sandbags and flood-watch warnings, including possible minor-to-moderate coastal flooding. Business Disruption: Empire Towers car owners say structural concerns may keep some vehicles trapped in the parking garage indefinitely after the building’s evacuation. AI Policy Push: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore unveiled an AI framework with protections for workers, children, and consumers, alongside new guardrails for data center development.

Data Centers in the Spotlight: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order setting a uniform Maryland framework for large data centers, requiring state review for projects over 25 megawatts and creating a Data Center Task Force plus a public dashboard tracking locations, developers, and key impacts. Transportation Funding: Maryland’s $21.9 billion transportation plan would fund Bay Bridge replacement and other safety and transit work, but leaves Ocean City’s aging Route 50 drawbridge unfunded. Quantum Research Push: Microsoft opened a 15,000-square-foot quantum research center at UMD, with DARPA now able to run on-site tests of Microsoft’s Majorana approach under its own protocols. Workforce & Local Business: A Parkville barbecue stand is drawing weekend lines, while a Legal Marketing Company is expanding in Annapolis with a website and AI-search strategy for a solo family-law practice. Public Safety & Accountability: A former GSA contracting official from Brandywine was sentenced to three years for a bribery scheme steering federal construction work. Community & Food Access: Hagerstown’s Horizon Goodwill is building a new Horizon Market grocery hub to address a local food desert.