AGP Executive Report

Utilities & Regulation: Maryland’s Public Service Commission dealt a blow to Pepco, denying more than half of its rate increase request and approving about a $50.9 million revenue hike—translating to roughly $3.94 a month for an average residential customer, after the commission pushed back on costly infrastructure spending. Health & Consumer Safety: Baxter recalled multiple intravenous solutions nationwide, including saline and dextrose products, after concerns about possible fiberglass contamination in sealed bags; regulators flagged the issue as serious even without reported adverse events tied to the recalls. Business & Markets: A federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled Nevada can regulate Kalshi’s prediction market platform, contradicting a prior ruling from Philadelphia and setting up the possibility of further review—while Nevada access to certain contracts remains blocked. Local Economy & Community: The Salisbury Lions Club teamed with the Maryland Food Bank to deliver $1,000 in fresh produce to a pop-up pantry, highlighting ongoing demand for affordable, farm-fresh food. Sports Business: Baltimore’s preseason finale vs. Washington is set at M&T Bank Stadium, with the Ravens and Commanders both resting starters as roster decisions loom.

Data Centers & City Policy: Baltimore’s Planning Commission held a heated hearing on new rules for big data centers as the city’s moratorium nears its end, with residents warning about pollution, traffic, and health impacts while supporters argue for economic growth. Healthcare & State Action: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown sued UnitedHealthcare over an allegedly defective Medicaid computer system, adding to the state’s push to recover from costly program failures. Immigration & Tuition Lawsuits: The DOJ filed new lawsuits challenging in-state tuition benefits for illegal immigrants in Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, escalating a broader legal fight over state higher-ed aid. Business & Finance: Seventy2 Capital added Steven Bonavita as an EVP and financial advisor in Bethesda, while also naming three advisors to AdvisorHub’s “Advisors to Watch” list. Local Economy & Jobs: Maryland reported job growth outpacing the U.S. in July, continuing a steady labor-market story for the state. Community & Events: The Maryland State Fair returns to Timonium for three weekends, mixing agriculture, rides, concerts, and America’s 250th birthday programming.

Medicaid Lawsuit: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is suing UnitedHealth Group and Optum over a Medicaid behavioral-health computer system that allegedly crashed at launch in 2020, costing “tens of millions” and triggering incorrect payments and denied claims; the state seeks up to about $380 million. Transportation & Growth: MDOT is restarting work to widen Route 90 into Ocean City, with environmental analysis and preliminary design underway to improve traffic flow and safety. Healthcare Recall: Baxter International recalled multiple injectable drugs, including 0.9% sodium chloride and 70% dextrose, after fiberglass or metal contamination concerns tied to specific lots. Data Center Backlash: A broader national push against data centers is showing up in local politics, with Kansas communities facing lawsuits and residents organizing over power, water, noise, and long-term impacts. Meta Youth-Safety Money: States including Maryland are preparing for how to spend funds from Meta’s landmark youth mental health settlement, with Maryland set to receive up to $327 million. Local Business Pulse: Towson business owners and residents are reacting after a large crowd near Towson Town Center led to two arrests. Business Innovation: Azure Printed Homes, using 3D printing with recycled polymers, ranked No. 1 in PurposeBuilt100’s Environmental Solutions Top Ten.

USPS Voting Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says a new USPS rule that would let the agency regulate federal vote-by-mail would “disenfranchise” voters, joining a 25-state lawsuit challenging the move. Maryland Politics & Money: New campaign finance filings show Gov. Wes Moore with a roughly 48-to-1 cash advantage over Dan Cox ahead of their rematch. Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Michigan also announced a multistate Meta deal requiring Instagram/Facebook child-safety reforms, with Michigan set to receive at least $171 million. Annapolis Housing: The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis is moving ahead with a $105.8 million Robinwood redevelopment, including 58 new apartments in the first phase. Cybersecurity & Data Centers: VanishID and Carahsoft plan a Sept. 2 briefing on rising, more personal threats targeting energy and utility workers as data centers expand. Maryland Consumer/Tax: A Maryland court invalidated the state’s digital advertising gross revenues tax, raising stakes for tech-related revenue plans.

Big Tech Settlement: Maryland is set to receive up to $327 million from Meta’s landmark $17.1B child-safety deal, with enforceable changes for Instagram and Facebook including hard screen-time limits and stronger parental controls, pending federal judge approval. Key Bridge Rebuild: Maryland Transportation Authority crews are driving deep steel piles for the new Francis Scott Key Bridge foundations, a critical step toward the 2030 reopening target as the project shifts away from one all-in contractor for later phases. Local Business & Tourism: Annapolis turned about 180 feet of City Dock construction fencing into a walkable art exhibit featuring Chesapeake photos and local artist portraits, aiming to keep foot traffic flowing to waterfront businesses. Trade & Seafood: A Maryland oyster exporter says Canada’s new tariffs could kill a planned Canada deal, with margins “razor thin” under 25% tariff pressure. Consumer Fraud Watch: Maryland’s broader fraud landscape remains a concern as BBB Scam Tracker data shows persistent online scams nationwide, with consumers reporting losses and refund disputes. Entrepreneurship: Arjay Jones launched Earth Three Pictures to build Maryland and D.C. film opportunities, with a historical horror feature in development. Public Safety: UMES reported a rabid bat on campus, urging residents to avoid contact with wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Food & Community: The Maryland State Fair returns for three weekends at Timonium, running Aug. 27–30 and Sept. 4–7 and 10–13.

Maryland Health Access: Awesome Experience Psychiatric Services in Waldorf launched free, confidential two-minute self-checks for PTSD/trauma, depression, and medication management to help residents decide whether to seek an evaluation. Consumer & Privacy: A new look at “surveillance pricing” shows how companies can use browsing, location, and purchase history to steer discounts and change what shoppers ultimately pay—raising fairness and transparency concerns. Business & Retail: Columbia’s mall parking is among a growing set of U.S. centers charging for “preferred” spots, turning convenience into a paid add-on. Tech in Schools: OpenAI expanded its ChatGPT for Teachers program with Kamehameha Schools, adding secure educator access and training for responsible use—without student accounts. Life Sciences/Investing: 20/20 BioLabs (Gaithersburg) will host an investor webinar Sept. 2 on OneTest™ revenue and commercial expansion. Education Outcomes: 2026 MCAP results show Calvert County leading Southern Maryland in English and math proficiency, with St. Mary’s also above statewide averages. Local Economy/Real Estate: A Charlestown facade grant program is funding exterior improvements for Market Street Cafe, The Wellwood Restaurant, and North East River Marina.

Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Wes Moore says DHS launched a major ICE operation across Maryland and Virginia without notifying state officials, while ICE reports 1,328 arrests in a two-week sweep. Public Safety & Local Order: Baltimore’s Rotunda boosted security after a teen meetup turned disruptive, with police dispersing the crowd. Energy & Permitting: EPA is moving to scrap public notice for certain data center pollution permits, shifting more decisions to states and drawing backlash from communities. Legal/Business Climate: A Maryland judge trimmed claims tied to the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster, citing the Robins Dry Dock rule. Housing & Development: Starting Sept. 1, Baltimore Development Corp. will take operational management of the 88-acre East Baltimore renewal area north of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Local Governance: Easton Town Council is floating voter ID requirements for town elections, but says legal review is needed to avoid disenfranchising voters. State Economy: Maryland collected $151.4M in public utilities sales taxes in 2024, up from $148.6M the year before. Workforce & Health: Maryland researchers report fewer than half of college students meet physical activity guidelines, fueling calls for required activity classes. Business Growth: Rooted Arborist Supply is opening a brick-and-mortar shop in Rising Sun to serve professional and retail tree-care needs.

K-12 Funding Pressure: A new look at weighted student funding highlights how state and local budgets are strained as federal support remains limited, leaving districts to manage inequities driven by property-tax wealth gaps. Maryland Education Oversight: Montgomery County schools are beginning reviews that could lead to closures or boundary changes as leaders plan for a “tight economic landscape.” Energy & Infrastructure: West Virginia PSC staff urged a path to dismiss NextEra’s $1B+ MARL power line application unless NextEra pursues “tolling,” raising due-process and landowner participation concerns across PA, MD and VA. Defense Manufacturing: Army awarded Hardwire LLC a $99M SBIR Phase III contract for advanced metallic armor processing through 2031, managed by Aberdeen Proving Ground. Local Business on the Water: Lusby’s Vera’s Crab House remains closed after Maryland environmental officials demanded major sewage upgrades estimated near $1M, sparking a “Save Vera’s” push. Tech, Privacy & Data Centers: Maryland’s data-center boom is being weighed against policy and community impacts, while reporting also flags growing concerns around license-plate reads and data privacy. Health & Consumer Impact: A weekly insulin option for Type 2 diabetes is entering the market, but coverage and hypoglycemia risk remain key questions. Banking & Courts: A court fight over a financial institution tax refund underscores how states defend banking tax structures.

FTC Personalized Pricing: The FTC is seeking public comment on a proposed enforcement policy for “personalized pricing,” where companies use consumer data to set different prices—raising new compliance pressure for Maryland businesses. Maryland Employment & Workforce: Maryland job growth outpaced the U.S. in July, while the state also launched a zero-interest loan fund for nurses to strengthen the health-care workforce. Data Privacy & Consumer Protection: Groups allege companies are violating Maryland’s data privacy law, and the FTC is also targeting surveillance-style pricing practices. Local Business Moves: Kollman, Saucier & Jackson relocated to Hunt Valley, signaling continued legal-services expansion in the Baltimore region. Agriculture & Invasive Species: Maryland expanded the box tree moth quarantine to additional counties, requiring inspections and compliance for nurseries and shippers. Outdoor Tourism & Parks: Savage Highlands State Park opened bookings for yurts and campsites, adding a new Western Maryland draw for families. Labor & Health-Care Services: Autism therapy workers in Maryland are pushing toward unionization amid reports of low pay and high turnover. Business Climate Watch: A Maryland data center contractor settled SEC fraud allegations for $1.8 million, underscoring ongoing scrutiny of tech-adjacent firms.

Local Government & Historic Preservation: St. Mary’s County commissioners backed a $5,000 grant to St. Mary’s College to fund archaeologists and students for a 10-week search for Thomas Cornwallis’ manor house at Cross Manor, with one commissioner dissenting over using taxpayer money on private property. Cannabis Retail Expansion: Goldleaf in Annapolis launched a recreational cannabis delivery service, letting eligible adults order online and receive products at home. Commercial Real Estate: Presidio Property Trust extended its largest tenant lease—Johns Hopkins University (Bloomberg School of Public Health)—at its Baltimore property through Dec. 31, 2031. Southern Maryland Business & Permitting: Calvert County said Vera’s Beach Club’s delayed opening is tied to state regulatory approvals outside the county’s authority, while county staff continue facilitating communication. Workforce & Community: Montgomery County’s Craig Rice, former councilmember, leads Manna Food Center as it reports record hunger demand and major 2025 distribution numbers. Policy & Health Care: Gov. Wes Moore highlighted Maryland’s use of federal rural health funds from Trump’s Rural Health Transformation Program to expand primary, mental, and dental care access. Tech & Privacy: Maryland’s digital ad tax and broader personalized pricing enforcement remain in focus as regulators and courts weigh impacts on consumers and businesses.

Maryland Local Politics: Allegany County commissioner candidate Kit Pepper Lescallette is pressing for more open decision-making, arguing incumbents discuss business behind closed doors and that residents shouldn’t need Public Information Act requests to learn what’s going on. Public Finance: St. Mary’s County cleared a $61.5 million bond sale after a closer June vote, with commissioners accepting JP Morgan’s bid at a 3.97% interest rate; officials say the borrowing funds already-approved projects and carries top-tier ratings. Consumer Protection: A new BBB Scam Tracker snapshot shows Harrietta, Mich., logged one scam report in July 2026, while national fraud losses keep climbing—FTC says consumers reported $12.5B lost to fraud in 2024. Federal Costs: A week’s reporting highlights how 15 years of FBI headquarters delays are still costing taxpayers to maintain the aging J. Edgar Hoover Building as relocation work stalls. Business Operations: CE Kitchen Cleaning named Alexis Morales branch manager for Maryland, expanding field oversight for commercial kitchen deep-cleaning projects across the region. Weather & Risk: NWS confirmed a 6th tornado in the broader Delaware/Maryland region, underscoring ongoing storm risk for local businesses and residents.

Baltimore Police Shooting: A driver allegedly struck and dragged an officer near Lexington Market before police shot the driver; the man is in critical condition and the officer was also hurt. City Ethics Scrutiny: FOX45 reports Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s wife received $51,000 from a local nonprofit tied to a youth fund, raising questions about disclosures and nonprofit spending. Public Safety & Health: Maryland anglers get a DNR reminder that striped bass targeting is prohibited through Aug. 31, while the week also includes pet-food recalls affecting Maryland retailers. Business & Economy: Trump said the U.S. debt crossing $40T will be solved by economic growth; separate coverage highlights manufacturing hiring rebounding, though not yet at pre-pandemic levels. Consumer Protection: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Mexico, Mo. logged three scam reports in July, part of a broader FTC fraud-loss surge. Local Community: Easterseals Delaware & Maryland will host a free caregiver conference Aug. 26 on the Eastern Shore. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles beat the Rays 3-2 with late offense and strong bullpen work.

Maryland Public Safety: Maryland’s Independent Investigations Division is probing a fatal, police-involved shooting in Suitland after a Prince George’s County officer shot a man late Friday night; investigators say body cameras were worn, with body-cam footage expected within the state’s 20-business-day window. Utility & Regulation: BGE is seeking a rate hike that would lock in a 10.4% profit margin for 2027, with critics arguing regulators are rubber-stamping returns while customers face higher bills. Housing & Federal Programs: New rankings show Baltimore city leading Maryland counties for HUD-assisted units in 2025, including top spots for Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based Section 8. Consumer Protection: Maryland’s AG is investigating a fatal shooting involving a Prince George’s County police officer, while separate coverage highlights ongoing scam-report tracking and consumer money-protection efforts. Sports & Local Economy: The Ravens’ preseason defensive surge over the Vikings (13-3) keeps attention on Baltimore’s roster depth, while Maryland-linked sports chatter continues to draw fans and spending.

Maryland Digital Health Coverage Win: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown helped knock out a Trump administration rule that would have stripped gender-affirming care from Affordable Care Act essential health benefit cost protections, keeping coverage more affordable for transgender Marylanders. Local Schools Funding: Calvert County certified nearly $169.8 million in recurring local funding for public schools for fiscal 2027, supporting day-to-day operations like salaries, instruction, transportation and utilities. Small Business Expansion: Chesapeake Beach’s Novel Bakery is moving from a food-trailer model to a permanent storefront, aiming to open in mid-September. Public Health Alert: Charles County reported rabies in a bat (Waldorf) and a skunk (Port Tobacco), urging residents to avoid wildlife contact and noting upcoming drive-through rabies clinics. Workforce & Community: Montgomery County officials are pushing back on proposed Head Start changes that could cut classroom ratios and reduce disability and bilingual requirements, with concerns about funding and closures. Data Privacy Push: Groups allege companies are violating Maryland’s data privacy law, adding pressure as regulators and lawmakers weigh enforcement.

FBI Headquarters Fight: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to relocate FBI HQ to Washington’s Ronald Reagan Building, keeping Maryland’s Greenbelt site in play and vacating the prior decisions and $555M reprogramming. Consumer & Privacy Watch: The FTC is moving toward tougher scrutiny of “personalized pricing” that uses consumer data, seeking public comment on how the agency may treat undisclosed individualized prices as deceptive or unfair. Data Center Costs: Maryland’s digital ad tax was struck down by the state court, with refunds ordered—another hit to revenue plans tied to tech policy. Local Business & Real Estate: ParcelRecordsUSA expanded its Maryland property-records search pages across all 24 jurisdictions, aiming to make public-record research easier for buyers, agents, and small businesses. Public Safety: Annapolis investigators say a deadly house explosion appears accidental and not linked to a propane delivery earlier that day. Workforce & Health: Maryland launched a $3M zero-interest loan fund for nurses. Sports & Business Crossover: Ravens WR Rashod Bateman faces domestic violence charges in Georgia after an alleged windshield attack involving a car with his baby inside.

Data Center Backlash: A new wave of resident pushback is hitting data center plans nationwide, with voters turning to recalls and lawsuits as power demand and utility bills rise—Maryland’s own debate is being framed as a “don’t wait” warning. Consumer Protection & Pricing: The FTC is seeking public comment on “personalized pricing,” warning that secretly using personal data to set different prices could violate federal law, adding pressure as states—including Maryland—move to restrict surveillance pricing. Local Public Safety: St. Mary’s County corrected its School Zone Speed Camera rollout: a 30-day warning period starts Aug. 24, with citations beginning Sept. 23. Banking Deal: Forbright Bank will sell its Potomac and North Bethesda branches (and about $750M in local deposits) to Trustar Bank, with the deal expected to close in Q4 2026. Business & Community: St. Mary’s County approved a new Leonardtown liquor store under Luxury Liquors LLC, and volunteers are set to plant one million baby oysters in Breton Bay on Sept. 12.