AGP Executive Report

Safe Streets Baltimore: Mayor Brandon Scott and partners kicked off the 6th annual Safe Summer program, “Breaking Chains, Chasing Change,” with free events starting in Druid Hill Park and aimed at reducing violence through neighborhood support and youth programming. Baltimore Public Safety: Police reported a Baltimore County officer and suspect injured in a Pikesville shootout, underscoring ongoing gun-violence risks across the city and suburbs. Maryland Politics & Elections: District 16 voters will finally get their say in the June 23 primary after a vacancy-filling process drew criticism for sidelining voters in Montgomery County. Maryland History & Science: A Washington Post report says ancient DNA helped identify the likely remains of a long-unknown man in St. Mary’s City, a major step for Maryland colonial archaeology. Local Culture & Community: The Maryland Symphony Orchestra announced MSO Lite, a new intimate concert series launching Aug. 2 in Hagerstown. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles begin a four-game set vs. the Mariners, while a Sunday Orioles-Blue Jays call left Baltimore incensed—another reminder that baseball drama is never far from Camden Yards.

Baltimore County Public Safety: A Baltimore County police officer was shot and is in critical but stable condition after officers responded to a suspicious-person call in Pikesville; a suspect and a bystander were also shot, and officials say the suspect is expected to survive. Sports—Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Toronto beat Baltimore 6-4 in the series finale, but the game’s turning point came from a controversial non-call involving a runner leaving the baseline, sparking Orioles frustration. Sports—Blue Jays Momentum: The Jays’ comeback win kept them in the AL wild-card race, with key contributions from Brandon Valenzuela and Louis Varland. Local Health/Regulation: The FDA completed an inspection of Hemagen Diagnostics in Baltimore, recommending voluntary changes tied to device compliance and organizational management. Community & Faith: Overflow Ministries is hosting a summer event aimed at building community in a safe, inclusive, sober-friendly setting. Maryland Watch: Maryland launched an Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force amid ongoing debate over how the state should support immigrant communities.

Public Health Accountability: Maryland’s opioid settlement dashboard is now live, tracking how the state and local governments are spending money from opioid lawsuits meant for treatment and prevention. Local Governance: St. Mary’s County is moving toward a Verizon cable franchise option, with a public hearing set for July 14. Historic Baltimore Spotlight: Fort McHenry is drawing visitors during America’s 250th, tying the Star-Spangled Banner’s story to the fort’s 1814 battle and Baltimore’s flag-making legacy. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles and Blue Jays keep trading wins in their series, with Sunday’s matchup featuring Toronto’s Kevin Gausman vs. Baltimore’s Shane Baz. Community & Culture: Baltimore Pride week kicks off with events across the city, including programming aimed at trans and LGBTQIA+ communities. Crime & Courts: A Johns Hopkins student’s attempted rape case has resulted in a guilty verdict, underscoring ongoing legal fallout in Baltimore-area courts.

Baltimore Crime: A 22-year-old Towson University student, Nasir Majied, was identified as the victim of a fatal shooting near Towson Circle on York Road; police say the suspect fired from a separate vehicle and drove off, and detectives are still searching for the gunman. Baltimore Sports: Ernie Clement powered the Toronto Blue Jays past the Orioles 6-4 with a three-run homer and a key triple, while Baltimore answered with Pete Alonso’s two-run shot. Community & Youth Sports: Under Armour’s Project Rampart celebrated hundreds of Baltimore City student-athletes for hitting a 97% graduation rate, pairing sports access with mentorship and academic support. Public Safety & Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for parts of Maryland (including Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett and Washington) until 8 p.m., with threats of damaging winds, hail and heavy rain. Local Life: Patterson Park Pool closed after overnight vandalism as Baltimore officials work to repair the damage. Business/Jobs: The Ravens held a job fair at M&T Bank Stadium, hiring across stadium partners for roles from concessions to security. Food Assistance: Prince George’s County launched a free grocery store inside the Fairmount Heights Library to help families hit by rising costs and SNAP cuts.

Immigration & Courts: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to study scams targeting immigrants, but analysts say it’s mostly symbolic and not a real policy fix. ICE & Families: A new account describes an ICE deportation that left a teen graduating high school without his dad, highlighting the human fallout of enforcement. Voting: Early voting runs June 11-18 in Maryland, with in-person voting June 23 and mail ballots needing a June 23 postmark. Consumer Tech & Privacy: New York passed a bill banning individualized pricing based on personal data, building on similar Maryland and Connecticut efforts. Public Safety Tech: A council is set to vote on $25,000 for nighttime drone surveillance in Methuen, raising questions about police tech spending. Baltimore Accountability: A Baltimore warehouse collapse in East Baltimore has renewed questions about ownership and safety. Food Assistance: A federal judge blocked Trump SNAP funding conditions, pausing new requirements while a lawsuit proceeds. Health Policy: RFK Jr. is seeking access to Americans’ medical records to study autism and vaccines, drawing concern from public health leaders.

Public Safety: A driver was shot and killed in Downtown Towson near York Road and Towson Circle, and police are asking for help identifying the shooter and vehicle as they review witness statements and surveillance video. Courts & Civil Liberties: Maryland’s full appeals court ruled police can’t stop and search someone based only on suspicion they’re carrying a gun, a decision that could reshape how officers handle gun-related stops statewide. Local Politics: Gov. Wes Moore endorsed Will Jawando for Montgomery County executive ahead of the June 23 primary, adding to a growing slate of high-profile Democratic backers. Immigration Enforcement: A federal judge dismissed part of a lawsuit involving an Elkridge ICE facility, though the case could still move forward. Health & Aging: A new look at state “master plans for aging” highlights that Maryland has longer-range planning that could serve as a model as the elder-care need ramps up. Business & Community: Fat Tuesday won Baltimore approval to open a New Orleans-style cocktail bar in Fells Point. Sports: Montgomery County schools reversed course on ending girls gymnastics, keeping the program for one more year.

Classified Documents Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton has reached a plea deal and is expected to plead guilty in federal court in Maryland, with a fine of more than $2 million and a possible prison term capped at five years. Baltimore Public Safety: The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office launched an enforcement push targeting illegal cannabis and tobacco sales at smoke shops, seizing more than 73 pounds of illegal cannabis and nearly 18,000 untaxed tobacco products in two weeks. Local Government Watchdog: A Baltimore County Inspector General dispute is back in focus after a court unsealed details tied to a coffee meeting that led to a settlement costing the county $100,000, raising questions about oversight and retaliation. Energy & Cost of Living: Maryland is among states tied to Trump’s $700 million pro-coal push using Cold War-era authority, including funding aimed at a Maryland coal plant. Health Care Planning: A new study finds older adults with advance directives documented in electronic health records are less likely to receive burdensome end-of-life care. Sports: Red Sox are reportedly optioning struggling pitcher Brayan Bello to Triple-A after another rough start against the Orioles.

Private Jet Fraud Conviction: A federal jury convicted Annapolis businessman Patrick Britton-Harr of wire fraud tied to a $15 million private jet club scam, with prosecutors saying customer money was diverted to personal luxuries. Local Crime & Safety: Baltimore City seized more than 73 pounds of illegal cannabis and 18,000 tobacco products during enforcement targeting businesses accused of exploiting children. Hate Crime Investigation: The FBI is offering a $4,000 reward for information on antisemitic graffiti vandalism at Shaare Tefila Synagogue in Olney. Infrastructure Disruption: A major water main break left parts of Baltimore County’s Edgemere without water as crews repair two breaks along River Drive and Waldman Avenue. Education & Tech Risks: Maryland’s audit found Baltimore City Community College gave over $264,000 in aid to “ghost students” using AI bots and fake accounts. Policy Watch: A new study links poorer adolescent sleep to higher odds of hospital stays years later, underscoring the health stakes of youth sleep.

I-95 Crash: A driver accused in a fatal I-95 bus crash that killed a Western Massachusetts family pleaded guilty to speeding in Maryland, after prosecutors said he was driving 72 mph in a 50 mph zone. Public Safety & Courts: Maryland’s Supreme Court and 4th Circuit decisions focused on Fourth Amendment limits and First Amendment timing issues, shaping how police detentions and speech claims play out. Baltimore Transit Injuries: Another MTA bus crash with a work van left 12 people injured, renewing questions about roadway safety and enforcement. Housing Pressure in Baltimore: A Johns Hopkins study says rising housing costs are pushing many Baltimore-area residents to consider moving within three years, with renters feeling the squeeze most. Social Security Warning: A new analysis warns benefits could be cut by about $500 a month if Congress doesn’t act, with Maryland among the hardest-hit states. Local Government Watch: Baltimore’s Penn Station expansion plans were paused, while the city and county continue grappling with audits, unpaid bills, and public trust. Tech & Privacy: Maryland legal experts weigh how using open AI tools could affect attorney-client privilege.

Mail-in ballot fix in Maryland: State election officials are scrambling to restore trust after a vendor packaging error sent wrong party ballots to about 447,000 voters, prompting replacement ballots and a broad notification push. Public safety in Annapolis: A 77-year-old man was flown to Shock Trauma after an explosion in a shed where he was mixing unknown chemicals; investigators say the case is ongoing. Cost of living: Maryland’s gas tax rises July 1, increasing the rate from 46 cents to 46.6 cents per gallon (diesel also up). Courts and accountability: A trial resumed for a Maryland mother accused of killing her 3-year-old daughter, with jurors hearing recorded confession testimony. Local governance and detention fight: Howard County Councilwoman Liz Walsh says county leaders must pursue legal defenses in the dispute over a proposed ICE-related detention facility in Elkridge. Weather: After a pleasant stretch, hotter conditions are building toward Thursday and Friday across Maryland.

Education & AI: Maryland schools are rolling out new AI guidance and training under a law taking effect Monday, as districts also wrestle with how to manage student work created by new tools. Public Safety & Courts: Maryland’s immigration fight is heating up, with sheriffs challenging the state’s “Community Trust Act” and lawmakers pushing back on sanctuary-style limits. Health & Crime Labs: Maryland is receiving $1.3 million to speed up DNA testing as crime labs face growing backlogs. Local Schools Leadership: Prince George’s County has named Shawn Joseph as permanent superintendent, ending a months-long search. Baltimore Accountability: A judge denied Baltimore’s request to seal inspector general records, keeping oversight in the spotlight. Nursing Homes Watch: CMS data highlights top- and mid-tier performers across Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery, and Baltimore City, with ratings and fines/penalties tracked for Q1 2026. Energy Costs: Gov. Moore is pushing immigration reforms tied to Maryland’s economy, while residents brace for higher electric bills this summer.

Baltimore Justice: A Baltimore DOT worker’s death tied to a 2025 parking dispute has been ruled a homicide, and prosecutors are seeking upgraded charges against Kiannah Bonaparte as her trial proceeds. Local Courts: A judge denied the city’s bid to seal inspector general records, keeping oversight documents in the open. Public Safety: Baltimore Police renewed a crackdown on illegal dirt bikes and ATVs, seizing 11 over the weekend and warning gas stations they can be fined for selling fuel for unlicensed bikes. Education & AI: Prince George’s County schools are rolling out AI guidance through a pilot where students create AI-generated comic books, ending with a showcase. County Policy: Howard County is moving toward a data center moratorium after the council passed a measure that pauses new construction and applications while a task force studies impacts. Weather: Hotter conditions are returning across Maryland this week, with 90s expected by Friday and the weekend. Business/Jobs: A Maryland-based tax equity firm closed a solar-plus-storage investment portfolio in California, Maryland and New York.

Maryland Consumer Protection: The Maryland attorney general charged Florida-based MV Realty with deceptive “Homeowner Benefit Agreements,” alleging predatory 40-year listing deals that can force homeowners to pay at least 3% of their home value when they sell or transfer. Local Politics & Housing: A new analysis of Maryland county executive races finds candidates often use interchangeable housing-and-affordability messaging, even as voters weigh permitting and transit-oriented development plans. Elections Watch: Maryland mail-in ballot counting continues after a printing mix-up sent replacement ballots to hundreds of thousands of voters, with one GOP candidate calling for a new color-coded mailing to reduce confusion. Public Safety & Courts: Maryland sheriffs are challenging the state’s sanctuary-style immigration limits in court, arguing they should be allowed to honor ICE detention requests. Sports & Baltimore: Colts QB Daniel Jones cleared for 7-on-7 drills as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Remembering Raymond Berry: Colts and Ravens legend Raymond Berry died at 93.

Transportation Safety: A bus driver tied to the deadly I-95 chain-reaction crash in Virginia, Jing Sheng Dong, faces new involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving charges after prior speeding citations, including an Annapolis case where he was accused of driving 72 mph in a 50 mph zone. Public Health: Maryland and the region are watching national measles and whooping cough surges as low vaccination rates and misinformation fuel outbreaks. Local Government & Elections: Baltimore’s mail-in ballot canvassing hit a snag after a printing error forced replacement ballots; the city paused canvassing while it waits for enough corrected ballots to proceed. Environment & Utilities: Severna Park crews contained a 16,200-gallon sewage overflow into Cypress Creek after a sewer main break, with health advisories issued for anyone who may have contacted affected ground. Public Safety: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore ordered flags lowered for Prince George’s County firefighter-paramedic Demair Lloyd, who died after a medical emergency following his shift. Sports (Maryland ties): Colts legend Raymond Berry, a Baltimore icon and later Patriots coach, died at 93.

Baltimore Orioles–Blue Jays Incident: Orioles removed a fan after a ball thrown from Camden Yards struck Blue Jays outfielder Jesús Sánchez, bruising his right wrist; Sánchez said it was a “misunderstanding” involving a youngster, and X-rays were negative. Courts & Accountability: A civil trial tied to the Key Bridge collapse is set to begin in Baltimore for claimants still seeking resolution, with some families already settling and the judge denying delays tied to related federal criminal charges. Maryland Gun Law Fight: The NRA is suing Maryland over the state’s Glock ban, arguing it’s unconstitutional and challenging how the law targets Glock-style handguns. Health & Oversight: Auditors say Maryland’s Medicaid agency may have paid for care for inmates and “dead people,” raising questions about payment controls. Education Policy: Maryland lawmakers and schools continue to grapple with major changes, including pre-K expansion and teacher requirements, while broader education debates swirl around student support and costs. Weather Watch: June starts mild, but heat builds later this week with highs near 90 possible.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Toronto outfielder Jesús Sánchez left Sunday’s game after a ball thrown from the stands hit his right wrist. X-rays were negative for a fracture, and the Blue Jays called it a “misunderstanding” involving a young fan; the Orioles said they identified and removed the fan while investigating. Local Safety: A sedan crashed into a commercial building in Waldorf, injuring the 83-year-old driver; power was cut and inspectors were called, with no other injuries reported. Juvenile Justice Reckoning: A Capital News Service analysis found the death toll at the House of Reformation for Colored Boys at Cheltenham was nine times higher than the white-only House of Refuge at Hickey, prompting a new state commission and a roadside marker unveiling by Gov. Wes Moore. Education & Families: Maryland districts are requiring teachers to provide potty-training help for children up to age 5 as pre-K enrollment expands. Community & Culture: The Maryland Ice Cream Trail returns for its 14th year with a new digital check-in option and stops running through early September.