AGP Executive Report

Maryland Business & Economy: A new FTC consumer alert is warning Maryland homeowners about official-looking “FINAL NOTICE” mailers that push people to call about supposed mortgage-related home warranty lapses—often leading to sales pitches for extended coverage, with some mailers designed to resemble refund checks. Energy & Costs: AAA data shows gasoline near $4.47 nationally (up more than $1 year over year), with fuel pressure tied to Middle East shipping disruptions and refinery/diesel supply strain—an issue that can ripple into Maryland business operating costs. Public Safety & Local Impact: Firefighters battled a structure fire at a Harford County furniture store in Jarrettsville; the State Fire Marshal is investigating cause and damage. Sports Betting & Consumer Watch: Maryland-area bettors are seeing a surge of promo-driven prediction market and sportsbook offers tied to Colts-Chiefs, underscoring how quickly marketing can change around major games. Biosecurity Policy: A 25-years-after-Amerithrax analysis highlights how biological threat monitoring has expanded into public health and “One Health” surveillance, while attribution remains difficult—relevant for Maryland’s biotech and healthcare sectors.

Middle East Risk for Maryland Travelers: The U.S. warned that fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could “escalate rapidly” after a missile attack targeted Riyadh, prompting new travel cautions as President Trump cut short a Camp David trip in rural Maryland. Sports Betting Watch: With NFL Week 2 in full swing, Maryland is seeing heavy promo push from major sportsbooks and prediction-market apps, underscoring how gambling is becoming a bigger financial and consumer issue. Local Public Safety: A serious motorcycle crash in Montgomery County sent a rider to UM Shock Trauma in critical condition, with investigators still working the scene. Tech & Safety Scrutiny: A report says Tesla’s driver-assist crash filings hit record levels in July, including fatal crashes where the system was reportedly “verified engaged,” raising fresh questions for regulators. Maryland Economy & Governance: A judge’s critique highlights growing pressure on county courts as records move to private cloud systems, shifting public history into profit-driven assets. Business & Community: Maryland’s coastal marshes are under the spotlight for what they do for flooding protection and Chesapeake Bay health as restoration decisions affect property owners and visitors.

Sports & Local Economy: The Orioles activated closer Félix Bautista from the 60-day IL, a roster move that signals renewed bullpen depth as Baltimore chases an AL wild-card push. Consumer & Health Policy: A federal court fight over K-12 teacher preparation grants is back in focus after a ruling said the Trump administration’s 2025 termination was unlawful, reopening funding pathways for aspiring educators. Business & Regulation: Maryland regulators and courts continue to crack down on financial misconduct, including a nearly $6M penalty tied to an alleged NovaTech pyramid scheme. Telecom & Small Business: Amazon’s proposed Fastnet subsea cable power-feed facility at Ocean City Airport is framed as connectivity infrastructure that could benefit regional businesses without becoming a data center. Energy & Logistics: Diesel prices are squeezing DC-area truckers hard, with Maryland’s trucking-dependent communities feeling the cost pressure.

SNAP Legal Win: Maryland’s Gov. Moore and AG Raoul secured a permanent federal block on Trump administration SNAP penalties, keeping lawful permanent residents eligible for food assistance and protecting a key support for families and local merchants. Medicaid Coverage Fight: A new lawsuit challenges a federal Medicaid rule that narrows protections for medically frail enrollees, arguing it wrongly threatens coverage through added reporting and verification. Maryland Horse Racing Spend: Maryland is pouring about $400M into Pimlico and $120M to turn Laurel Park into a year-round training hub, plus $85M to retain Preakness/Black-Eyed Susan IP—raising questions as major racing series plans exclude Pimlico. State Enforcement & Costs: Maryland begins cracking down on out-of-state license plates under “Plate Where You Live,” with daily fines after a 60-day notice period. Aviation Tech & Airports: FAA-backed AI air-traffic tool SMART rolls out first in the Washington region, including BWI Marshall, aiming to reduce delays. Defense Contract: Lockheed Martin won a $76.6M modification for next-gen Trident II missile design work, with work spread across multiple states including Maryland. Local Business Expansion: Holly Poultry opened/expanded Hanover operations, adding 140 jobs, supported by state and county workforce and economic-development loans/grants.

Sports & Local Economy: Baltimore businesses are gearing up for a rare doubleheader weekend as the Ravens host the Saints and the Orioles host the Brewers the same day, bringing a major foot-traffic boost to Federal Hill and other entertainment districts. Defense & Manufacturing: KIHOMAC says it will invest $25 million in a new Oklahoma City facility to expand support for Tinker Air Force Base, underscoring how defense supply chains keep driving regional growth. Consumer Safety: Abbott will pay more than $384 million after a multistate settlement tied to alleged baby formula safety failures from 2018–2022. Finance & REITs: Lument Finance Trust suspended its common-stock dividend for Q3 onward, citing capital preservation and expected REIT taxable income needs. Real Estate & Historic Preservation: Oxford residents are pressing the town to formally engage in the Robert Morris Inn bankruptcy case as the long-closed, centuries-old property remains in limbo. Legal/Property Rights: A federal judge ruled the U.S. must compensate landowners after converting a former railroad corridor in Dorchester and Caroline counties into a public trail. Food Recall: Saratoga Potato Chips recalled specific J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar lots due to undeclared soy allergen. Public Policy & Accountability: An opinion piece argues Maryland leaders owe the public a clearer accounting over toll-debt management and upcoming toll increases.

Energy Costs & Grid Reliability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are squeezing reliable power and could contribute to voltage problems and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Politics & Chesapeake Bay: Trump’s executive order rescinds a 2009 Chesapeake Bay restoration framework, drawing sharp rebukes from Maryland lawmakers and environmentalists over lost federal coordination and potential “rain tax” impacts on residents and small businesses. Workforce & Layoffs: Private-equity-backed United Air Temp plans mass layoffs tied to a Virginia headquarters closure and job cuts across Virginia and Maryland, with reductions scheduled to take effect Nov. 10. Cybersecurity & Health Care: Patients are suing Luminis Health after a cybersecurity incident left systems offline for weeks, reigniting pressure on hospital data protection. Port & Training: Lincoln Tech’s WorkforceLinc expands intermodal technician training to the Port of Baltimore in partnership with CMC, aiming to build local maintenance talent for port operations. Housing Market Watch: Zillow reports Harford County’s typical home value fell 0.3% in August to $418,251, a sign of continued housing affordability strain. Local Community Needs: InvestigateTV highlights “grandfamilies” in Maryland, where grandparents step in amid gaps in support and child welfare services.

Energy Costs & Grid Risk: A new Maryland Affordability Project scorecard says electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore points to utility “double dipping” and data-center demand while critics blame state decarbonization mandates that leave Maryland importing 43% of power; utilities warn voltage collapse and rolling blackouts could hit as soon as summer 2027. Chesapeake Bay Policy: President Trump repealed a 2009 Obama executive order on Chesapeake Bay restoration, raising alarms in Maryland over lost federal coordination and renewed focus on “rain taxes” that fund stormwater projects. Local Business Relief: Moore requested an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Anne Arundel County businesses hit by the Empire Towers shutdown, aiming to unlock low-cost loans for payroll, rent and utilities. Housing & Development Governance: Montgomery County is weighing changes to community media contracting rules, with critics warning the proposal could blur lines between government and independent journalism. Consumer & Health Tech: Patients filed a class-action against Luminis Health over its cyberattack, alleging unencrypted exposure of medical data. Finance & Real Estate: Walker & Dunlop arranged a $293.2M refinancing for a Manhattan mixed-use property in the Meatpacking District.

Energy Costs & Grid Reliability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are shrinking reliable in-state generation and forcing imports—raising concerns about possible voltage collapse and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Nuclear & Data Centers: Camden-based Holtec is postponing a $750M+ IPO, citing uncertainty around U.S. data center power demand amid political backlash, even as Baltimore’s Constellation Energy faces stock pressure tied to shifting sentiment. Local Power Rate Pressure: SMECO is seeking a new “large load” rate structure—$250,000 study fee, 10-year contracts, and financial guarantees—for unusually high electricity users, with the filing hinting at interest from major customers that could include data centers. Office Market Niche: Demand for secure SCIF office space is rising across Northern Virginia and Maryland, with JLL reporting major growth in accredited secure environments as defense and intelligence work expands. Healthcare & Fraud Scrutiny: A WBFF investigation says five D.C. home care firms received $820.5M in Medicaid payments even as regulators pursued fraud terminations, with no convictions reported. Regulatory/Legal Fight in Baltimore: Mayor Brandon Scott says he’ll resist a court order restoring the inspector general’s access to city records, again citing alleged misuse of prior access. Consumer Safety: The FDA issued a Class II recall of six hand soaps sold in 15 states, including Maryland, over possible bacterial contamination. Business Growth: Toastique is opening a new Severna Park location, and Bob’s Discount Furniture is rolling out Season 2 of its social shopping series.

Energy Affordability: A new Maryland Affordability Project scorecard says electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, with five of seven recent energy bills raising costs for ratepayers; Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data center demand, while critics argue state decarbonization rules are squeezing reliable in-state power and could contribute to voltage collapse/blackouts by summer 2027. State Tax Enforcement: A state audit finds the comptroller’s office failed to pursue more than $600 million in delinquent taxes and didn’t investigate thousands of “questionable” returns, raising fresh questions as Maryland faces a $3.1 billion budget shortfall. Health Cybersecurity: Anne Arundel patients sue Luminis Health over an alleged failure to protect medical data after a cyberattack, seeking class-action relief and long-term credit monitoring. Housing Costs & Permitting: Maryland Building Industry Association leaders warn that federal, state and local regulations add about 26.4% to the cost of a new home nationally, pricing out more families in Maryland. Local Business & Public Policy: Annapolis begins a formal review of parking rules after complaints about confusing, punitive enforcement and rising downtown rates; the city is moving toward one vendor/app and pay-on-exit changes. Defense & Tech Procurement: Honeywell, Lockheed and the Space Force are pushing next-gen programs tied to Maryland defense work, from MMA engine long-leads to an F-16G pitch and a new space surveillance squadron.

Energy Costs & Grid Reliability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore points to utility “double dipping” and data center demand while critics blame state decarbonization rules that have pushed Maryland to import 43% of its power; utilities warn of possible voltage collapse and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Banking Expansion: EagleBank is expanding commercial lending into Baltimore, naming Lynn Sanders as market executive and Richard Yoskey as C&I senior relationship manager to grow small and mid-market business financing. Public Health Recall: FDA flagged a Class II recall of six hand soaps distributed to 15 states, including Maryland, due to potential bacterial contamination with antibiotic-resistant types. Tech & Defense: Shield AI says it’s nearly finished building the first full-scale X-BAT prototype, targeting prototype completion by late October and flight testing soon after. Business & Jobs: R&R Contracting, a Maryland-based woman-owned firm, says it earned WBENC national certification, aiming to broaden access to multi-state supplier-diversity work. Policy & Voting: Maryland AG Anthony Brown says he’s ready for more court fights with the Trump administration over voting rules after a Supreme Court ruling.

Energy Costs & Grid Reliability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are squeezing reliable in-state power and pushing imports—raising concerns about voltage collapse or rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Local Housing & Development: Baltimore County Council is weighing the next step for the long-debated Lutherville Station project, with residents split over a transit-oriented development plan for 325 apartments plus commercial space near light rail. Tax Policy Fight: Maryland officials are asking a circuit court to review a tax court ruling that struck down the state’s digital ad tax, arguing the law should survive federal Internet tax limits. Veterans Home Lending: New data shows Maryland ranked 12th in total value of VA home loans in Q2 2026 at about $1.9B. Business Closures: Outback Steakhouse is closing at least one Maryland location—Canton’s 2400 Boston St. restaurant—after more than 20 years. Workforce & Community: United Way of Central Maryland announced a leadership change. Sports & Local Economy: The NFL’s Week 1 is complete, and Maryland’s Ravens open Week 2 as a heavy home favorite, with the broader sports calendar driving weekend spending.

Energy Affordability Clash: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years and now sit 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are squeezing reliable power and pushing imports—raising concerns about voltage collapse and possible rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Housing & Local Economy: A new Redfin look at the U.S. housing shortage (4.03 million units) highlights how tight inventory boosts prices and rents and intensifies fights over vacation homes and short-term rentals. Public Health Settlement: Maryland will recover more than $3 million from Abbott’s $384M+ infant formula settlement tied to alleged unsafe manufacturing conditions. Tech & Cybersecurity: Bethesda-based AuthMind was named a representative vendor in a new ARISE agent-security report, signaling growing focus on controlling what AI agents do in real time. Business Growth: Rockville cookie maker Bell’s Reines opened Q4 2026 booking, warning holiday catering and corporate cookie capacity is limited. Maryland Arts: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center won a $500,000 state arts capital grant to expand its clay studio capacity.

Electricity Affordability Fight: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years and now run 24% above the national average, with Gov. Wes Moore blaming utility “double dipping” and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are shrinking reliable in-state power and forcing imports—raising the risk of voltage problems and possible rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Local Tax Power Push: Maryland mayors and county executives are pressing for more authority to raise taxes and fees without state approval, arguing rising service costs need local tools; business groups warn higher costs could slow spending and growth. Chesapeake Bay Industry Boost: New federal USDA funding—$6 million—targets processors to expand capacity for invasive blue catfish, aiming to help Maryland seafood businesses better handle a growing catch. Health Care Coverage Update: Guardant Health says its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for eligible patients. Immigration Rule Court Battle: Maryland AG Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of states and D.C. suing to block the Trump administration’s public charge rule, arguing it unlawfully penalizes immigrants for using public benefits. Privacy-Heavy AI Finance Tool: OpenAI rolled out a personal finance feature in ChatGPT that connects bank and investment accounts via Plaid, but experts warn users may be exposing themselves to fraud if accounts are compromised. Housing Market Pressure: New listings in Maryland fell 23.6% in August, with the median price hitting $445,000—another sign of tight inventory for buyers. Rising Oversight Tensions: Howard County’s inspector general says she’s still struggling to access the records and systems needed for investigations, raising concerns about delays during leadership transitions.

Energy Costs & Reliability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data-center demand while critics argue state decarbonization rules are shrinking reliable in-state generation—forcing imports and raising the risk of voltage collapse and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. State Budget Pressure: State agencies are being told to tighten 2028 budget requests with cuts of about 3% to as much as 10%, while officials scramble for funds to cushion federal Medicaid changes amid a projected $2.8 billion-plus shortfall. Healthcare Funding: Children’s National in D.C. is set to receive $56.25 million over five years to expand pediatric disaster preparedness through the Pediatric Prevention Network. Crypto Consumer Protection: Maryland’s AG Letitia James joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to preserve states’ ability to fight cryptocurrency scams, warning a federal bill could limit enforcement. Local Business & Growth: Walker & Dunlop expands hospitality and international capital markets with a London-based senior hire, while Northrop Grumman opens a Maryland propulsion center. Workforce & Age Bias: A survey finds 76% of U.S. adults still assume older workers struggle with new tech, even as older workers report strong comfort using AI.

Energy Affordability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now about 24% above the national average, as a new scorecard from the Maryland Affordability Project flags rising costs for ratepayers; Gov. Wes Moore blames utility “double dipping” and data center demand, while critics argue state decarbonization mandates are squeezing reliable in-state power and pushing imports. Grid Reliability: Utilities warn Maryland could face voltage collapse and rolling blackouts as soon as summer 2027. Tenant Screening Scrutiny: A new report says landlords’ tenant screening reports are increasingly failing to clearly communicate key details, with inaccuracies and ambiguous eviction records potentially blocking renters unfairly. Rural Health Data Tech: Maryland’s CRISP is looking to expand rural provider data sharing and quality, including pilots for AI search and predictive alerts using health information exchange data. Housing Finance Snapshot: Maryland ranks No. 5 nationally for average VA home loan amounts in Q2 2026, at $511,823.

Energy Costs & Reliability: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, now 24% above the national average, as Gov. Wes Moore blames utility profiteering and data center demand while critics argue state decarbonization mandates are forcing Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage collapse and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Healthcare Expansion: ZYBS Medical Group says it’s expanding its physician-led infrastructure, now supporting 17 locations in 13 states and serving 200,000+ veterans through clinical and diagnostic services. Banking & Deals: Bank of Clarke and John Marshall Bank announced a merger, signaling continued consolidation in Maryland-area banking. Powering Up Local Business: Maryland utility customers may face a $32 million refund issue stuck in legal limbo, while Potomac Edison seeks a $52.8 million increase tied to a 5.3% power bill hike. Sports & Big Events: Baltimore’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry drew a record 68,173 fans as the Springboks beat the All Blacks 43-28 to win the series 3-1—another major tourism and spending moment for the local economy. Labor & Policy: Maryland lawmakers are weighing tax and fee hikes for next year as the state confronts a budget gap. Tech & Media: The Baltimore Sun faces backlash after publishing AI-generated political cartoons, reigniting the debate over AI use in newsrooms.