AGP Executive Report

Defense Investment: Anduril and the U.S. Navy plan to invest $6.6 billion in a submarine-parts shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Baltimore County. Anduril says the project could create more than 3,100 jobs by 2034, with operations expected in 2030. Governor’s Race: Wes Moore and Dan Cox clashed in their debate over affordability, taxes and the economy. A new UMBC poll found 53% oppose the proposed redistricting amendment, while 25% support it. Missing Student: University of Maryland police and the family of Dilan Shaan Ashar, 22, are asking the public for help. He was last seen near campus early Oct. 2. Baltimore Safety: A 12-year-old girl, Khloe Ishway, was killed in a shooting at a youth football event; police have arrested a 23-year-old suspect. Ravens: Baltimore acquired two-time Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens from Philadelphia to address injuries on the offensive line. Lamar Jackson missed practice with an ankle injury, leaving Tyler Huntley in line to start against Atlanta. Water Supply: Baltimore has begun blending Susquehanna River water into its supply as drought strains reservoirs; some residents may notice a change in taste.

Defense & Jobs: President Trump announced a $6.6 billion push tied to a new Arsenal-2 shipyard at Sparrows Point/Tradepoint Atlantic, with Anduril investing $3.7 billion and the Navy up to $2.9 billion, aiming to boost Virginia-class submarine component production and create 3,100 Maryland jobs. Politics & Voting: A UMBC poll finds 53% of likely voters oppose a constitutional amendment to make congressional redistricting easier, with Republicans leading the “no” vote. Local Governance & Housing/Access: Maryland Broadband presented a proposed transatlantic Fastnet cable project to Worcester County commissioners, seeking zoning changes for a private $40 million fiber build tied to AWS. Public Safety & Health: Maryland DNR opened public comment on proposed fishing regulation changes, including new permit requirements for some black bass tournaments. Community & Culture: A Baltimore “radical street librarian” founder spoke at Elon about Storybook Maze, a mobile literacy effort targeting “book deserts.” Sports (Baltimore): Trump’s Baltimore visit also included a message to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson via teammate Marlon Humphrey, while the Orioles reported a “bloodbath” of business layoffs.

Ravens Injury Update: Baltimore coach Jesse Minter says Lamar Jackson’s ankle is “not crazy long term,” but his status for Sunday night vs. Atlanta remains uncertain; if Jackson can’t go, Tyler Huntley would start. Big Ten Officiating: The Big Ten won’t discipline officials or fine Nebraska coach Matt Rhule after an officiating error in Maryland’s loss, though the conference says it will emphasize consistent rule application. Local Privacy Fight: Easton Town Council discussed a potential ban on license plate readers, with town attorney noting Maryland law offers some guardrails but legality is “murky.” Maryland Politics: A UMBC Institute of Politics poll shows Gov. Wes Moore leading Dan Cox 51% to 24% ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Defense Jobs in Baltimore County: Trump and Anduril are set to announce a major Sparrows Point/Tradepoint Atlantic submarine-parts push, with Moore barred from speaking at the event. Baltimore County Public Safety: County council approved a ban on commercial house parties, with fines up to $5,000 for promoters. Energy & Tech: Regulators ended Maryland’s utility rate pilot, while Google signed a major power deal with Constellation Energy. Justice Department vs. Maryland: DOJ sued to block Maryland’s new police face-covering and identification rules for federal officers.

Falcons-Saints Domecoming: Bijan Robinson exploded for 145 yards and two TDs as the Atlanta Falcons routed the New Orleans Saints 45-24 on the 20th anniversary of the Superdome’s reopening, turning a day of ceremonies into boos and early exits. Maryland Politics: A UMBC poll finds Gov. Wes Moore leading Dan Cox 51% to 24% in a hypothetical governor’s race, with 14% undecided. State Health & Benefits: Maryland faces potential Medicaid coverage losses tied to federal changes, with SNAP/Medicaid rules flagged as a risk for dozens of residents. Cost of Living: Regulators paused a data-center power plan that could have pushed up family electric bills, while Maryland also continues grappling with rising water costs and affordability pressures. Local Safety & Justice: Baltimore police are investigating shootings tied to a deadly “parking space” dispute, and the state continues to weigh juvenile charging changes now in effect. Business & Consumer Watch: A Maryland homeowner’s bathroom quote reportedly turned into a high-pressure pitch involving an “AI manager,” raising questions about sales tactics.

Energy & Grid: Maryland cleared the first round of its battery storage procurement, selecting 440 MW of new projects for Energy Storage Capacity Credit awards—aimed at keeping electricity reliable and shielding customers from volatile capacity prices. Public Safety & Community: Baltimore County rolled out a new placemaking toolkit to help residents and groups turn ideas for public spaces into projects, from murals to pop-up events. Business & Local Economy: Live Casino Maryland in Severn will open Luma, a cocktail bar and lounge, in early November. Consumer Watch: Gas prices in Baltimore fell 16.4 cents per gallon over the past week, averaging $4.19 Monday. Health & Culture: The second annual Henrietta Lacks homecoming celebrated her family’s legacy and the “triumph over trauma” behind HeLa cells. Sports & Schools: McCaskey unveiled a new football stadium nearly a month after Lebanon rededicated its gridiron home. Entertainment & Travel: Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe will close Nov. 1 after eight years. Legal/Politics: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Marilyn Mosby’s appeal of her perjury convictions.

Ravens Injury Update: Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson left Sunday’s 24-18 win over the Titans in a protective boot after rolling his left ankle on the final play of the first half. Coach Jesse Minter said it was “just dealing with a little bit of an ankle,” and Jackson is believed to be day-to-day, though he missed the entire second half. Baltimore Violence: Police say a 12-year-old girl was killed in the crossfire after two men argued over a parking space at a youth football game at Leon Day Park; three others were hurt. Maryland Sports: Maryland football’s rough weekend continued with a 48-23 loss to Nebraska, while the Ravens’ injury concerns now loom over the next matchup. State & Local Watch: Maryland fined a developer for more Gunpowder tributary pollution, and Baltimore schools cut ties with an ex-commissioner’s company after an FBI search. Business & Community: A new entrepreneurship program at Tubman University turned training into a peanut butter business, with students producing and selling their first locally processed batch.

Baltimore Violence: A 12-year-old girl was killed and a woman plus two men were wounded after gunfire erupted at Leon Day Park during a youth football event, police say, with investigators describing it as a dispute over a parking spot that escalated into crossfire. Local Business & Trade: Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. met Qatari business leaders in Qatar as the Qatari Businessmen Association pushed for deeper investment ties and direct channels between Qatari investors and Maryland companies. Public Safety & Health: A multistate settlement tied to a major Labcorp-related data breach highlights that HIPAA-covered organizations can’t “pass the buck” to vendors, with the breach affecting millions nationwide including Maryland patients. Community & Culture: Baltimore hardcore band Turnstile made history with a Saturday Night Live debut, performing “BIRDS” and a medley, while Taylor Swift surprised host Dakota Johnson during the show. Travel & Economy: Breeze Airways launched new nonstop flights from BWI to Burlington, Vermont, and Vero Beach, Florida, marking the airline’s arrival at the airport. Food Safety: Trader Joe’s expanded a frozen berry recall in Maryland and 25 other states due to possible E. coli contamination.

Food Safety Recall: The FDA expanded a recall of frozen berries that may be contaminated with E. coli, including Walmart’s Great Value frozen organic blueberries and Triple Berry Blend, plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic Mixed Berry Blend, sold across dozens of states and Puerto Rico—shoppers should check freezer “best if used by” dates and lot codes. Baltimore Violence: Police are investigating a deadly shooting at Leon Day Park during a youth football event where a 12-year-old girl was killed and three adults were wounded after a dispute that started over a parking space. Maryland Sports: Nebraska rolled past Maryland 48-23 after a rough first half, while No. 1 Nebraska volleyball swept the Terrapins 3-0 in College Park. Community & Politics: Bruce Springsteen headlined Maryland’s “Power to the People” festival in Columbia, a voter-turnout protest event organized by Tom Morello. International Focus: A China expert says Taiwan can use U.S.-China differences to deepen economic and security ties with Washington, especially on defense.

Police Accountability: Maryland AG won’t bring charges against Baltimore officers in a fatal shooting after an 18-minute chase, concluding no crime under state law. Public Safety & Courts: Maryland’s Independent Investigations Division released body-worn camera footage from a fatal Baltimore County shooting in Middle River, where Sadie Holman, 21, was killed after producing a firearm. Health & Food Safety: A frozen-berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak expanded after 17 illnesses and six hospitalizations; Maryland shoppers are urged to check affected lots at Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Housing & Poverty: A new study finds 21% of Maryland poverty is driven by high housing costs, underscoring how rent pressures shape hardship. State Policy: Maryland’s Safe Staffing law takes effect, requiring hospital nurse staffing plans by 2028 but stopping short of fixed nurse-to-patient ratios. Environment: Chesapeake Bay oyster sanctuaries show widespread gains, with restoration and strong reproduction boosting populations. Local Economy: Howard County Executive Calvin Ball delivered his final State of the County address, highlighting long-range planning for growth and quality of life.

Ravens-Titans: Baltimore heads into Week 4 with Trey Hendrickson out after finger surgery, while the matchup is framed as a must-win for winless Tennessee. Chesapeake Bay & environment: Maryland regulators fined a developer $24,000 for sediment pollution into the Gunpowder River tributary, and a separate move could let a Salisbury soybean plant discharge up to five times more PFAS-tainted water—neighbors are pushing back. Public safety & policing: A Baltimore County sheriff candidate, Michael Burke, faced scrutiny over claims about his law-enforcement background after county records reportedly don’t match his statements. Local government & transparency: Baltimore’s OIG fight continues as access issues resurface, with questions about what’s left to litigate. Community spotlight: Holistic Life Foundation marked 25 years in Baltimore, saying it has reached more than 200,000 children and families nationwide. Weather: Cooler, cloudy weekend with spotty showers, more likely returning Sunday.

Key Bridge Rebuild Transparency: Maryland launched a public dashboard, KeyBridgeRebuild.com, to track Francis Scott Key Bridge construction progress, including trestle work and permanent pier foundations, with the state saying it has spent $600M+ so far and expects a total replacement cost in the billions. Baltimore Accountability Fight: Baltimore’s Inspector General regained access to city servers and dropped a contempt motion, but the records dispute over subpoenas and compliance is still headed to the courts. Public Safety—Ocean City: Ocean City issued a swim advisory after three swimmers were rescued off 19th Street, including children, as officials warned about rip currents and fast-changing conditions. Local Crime: Baltimore police say a 12-year-old drove a stolen car that killed a motorcyclist; a 15-year-old passenger was charged. State Policy & Courts: Maryland regulators ended a multi-year utility rate pilot, saying it brought little benefit to customers and added complexity. Education Oversight: Somerset County’s school media policy enforcement stay was extended while an appeal plays out.

Energy & Industry: Maryland’s only nuclear plant, Calvert Cliffs, is set for a major boost as Amazon and Constellation sign a 20-year deal backing more than $3 billion in upgrades and adding 190 megawatts of capacity between 2030 and 2032. Public Utilities: The Maryland Public Service Commission conditionally awarded an incentive credit for Jade Meadow III, a large proposed solar-plus-battery storage project, as part of the state’s Next Generation Energy Act procurement. Courts & Public Safety: The U.S. Department of Justice sued Maryland and two counties over new state rules restricting law enforcement face masks, arguing federal authority is being improperly targeted. Local Governance: A Baltimore fire-scene dispute has escalated into an ethics and court fight over a city councilwoman’s role and access to restoration work after fires. Crime: A Maryland man was sentenced to 10 years for a shooting at a D.C. nightclub that injured five people. Sports (Maryland): The Browns’ Thursday-night win over the Steelers kept Cleveland atop the AFC North, while Maryland sports coverage also included coaching and preseason notes.

Housing & Cost of Living: Mortgage rates inched up again, now averaging 7.28% for a 30-year fixed loan, pushing some buyers toward riskier options. Legal Fight Over Policing: The DOJ sued Maryland to block a new state ban on law enforcement wearing face coverings and requiring officers to identify on demand. Local Public Safety & Health: Baltimore City Council is weighing a “988” mental health awareness requirement for liquor/tobacco vendors, casinos, and city buildings. Community Services: Baltimore County says the Dundalk Community Center pool will reopen Oct. 14 after a pilot, with an open house Oct. 10. Energy & Jobs: Amazon and Constellation signed a 20-year, 690-megawatt power deal tied to major upgrades at Calvert Cliffs. Transportation: Crews begin a $10M bike-and-pedestrian project on MD 390 in Silver Spring with lane closures starting Oct. 5. Sports (Maryland ties): Ravens host the Titans in the NFL Week 4 slate, while local coverage also highlights the week’s Baltimore-area school and community updates.

Flood Mitigation in Thurmont: Thurmont received Maryland Department of the Environment WIFA grant support for the $1.5 million Emmitsburg Road Flood Mitigation Project, with the town covering a required 25% match using capital reserves. Curtis Bay Environmental Justice: After years of community complaints about a Curtis Bay medical waste incinerator, the company is closing its incinerator operations following a long fight with residents and regulators. Cybersecurity Watch: A new report says AI agents made failed probing attempts against U.S. and Canadian government sites, including agencies operating in Maryland, with no sign of access to nonpublic information. Housing & Community Growth: Maryland’s Moore-Miller administration announced $17.6 million to create or preserve 555 affordable housing units, including North Baltimore’s Clare Court II adding 83 affordable and supportive homes. Baltimore Oversight & Records: Baltimore’s inspector general and city leadership continue sparring in court over access to records, as the city seeks protective orders. Sports, With Maryland Ties: Nebraska lists running back Jamal Rule as doubtful for its Oct. 3 game at Maryland, while Ravens coverage continues to track injuries and upcoming matchups.

Baltimore Records Fight: Mayor Scott’s office filed yet another emergency appeal to block the city inspector general from full access to records, arguing for a protective order over attorney-client and work-product material as the IG presses on with dozens of subpoenas. Public Transit & Schools: Baltimore students rallied outside City Hall blaming unreliable transit for missed time in class, pointing to funding and service gaps tied to state transportation plans. State Banking Access: Maryland’s Department of Labor named the first banks certified for the new Maryland Opportunity Account, aiming to expand low-cost, no-fee banking for unbanked and underbanked residents. Climate Tech Push: The Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator selected inaugural Phase 2 prototyping and manufacturing support recipients for climate startups. Public Safety: Annapolis police are investigating after human remains were found in Truxtun Park. Housing Costs & Poverty: A Pew report says about 21% of Maryland poverty is driven by high housing costs, with a 20% rent drop projected to cut poverty meaningfully. Local Economy/Community: A Baltimore nonprofit is turning vacant lots into urban farms to improve food access. Health & Care: UPMC Western Maryland Hospice earned a top 5-star CMS caregiver survey rating.

Wild Card Baseball: The New York Yankees opened their AL Wild Card Series rematch with a 9-0 rout of the Boston Red Sox, powered by Cam Schlittler’s 10 strikeouts and Ben Rice’s two homers and six RBIs. Local Public Safety: Baltimore police are searching for a suspect after two older adults were attacked in Fells Point. Immigration Court Watch: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration violated an order tied to a Baltimore ICE facility, stepping up scrutiny of conditions. Health Insurance Costs: Maryland’s unsubsidized ACA premiums are set to jump 14.6% for 2027, with open enrollment starting Nov. 1. Cybersecurity & Data Breach: Maryland is part of a multistate settlement with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach, tied to exposure of millions of people’s personal information. State Politics: Democrats accuse the Trump administration of using $20 million in Homeland Security funds for pro-Trump TV ads ahead of midterms. Community & Culture: Prince George’s County lawmaker Carolyn J.B. Howard, 87, died; colleagues remembered her as a steady mentor.