AGP Executive Report

Ravens’ Rio Miracle: Lamar Jackson and Baltimore stunned the Dallas Cowboys with a seven-second, last-play comeback in Rio de Janeiro, capped by Tyler Loop’s 56-yard field goal after a Cowboys touchback decision left the Ravens poised at the 35. NFL Media Buzz: The game also turned into a CBS storyline as fans debated whether J.J. Watt should replace Tony Romo in the booth after Romo’s leave following an arrest. Health Care Costs: Maryland approved a 14.6% average premium hike for 2027 on the state’s ACA marketplace, adding to last year’s 13.4% increase for about 274,000 enrollees. Quantum Spotlight: Maryland leaders and UMD researchers gathered for the Quantum World Congress, highlighting the state’s push to move quantum from discovery to commercialization. AI + Power Strain: A new report warns AI data centers are outpacing electricity and water planning, fueling community resistance—an issue Maryland policymakers are already grappling with. Weather Watch: A nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding and power outages, with Maryland expected to feel impacts as conditions shift.

Ravens-Cowboys in Rio: Baltimore and Dallas meet Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at Maracanã Stadium, the NFL’s first regular-season game in Rio, with CBS carrying the matchup and streaming via Paramount+ and other services; the big local storyline is Zay Flowers’ hamstring status, listed questionable and trending toward a game-time decision. Maryland sports pain: Maryland women’s soccer fell 2-0 to No. 12 UCLA, extending a conference-worst losing streak to five straight. Road safety: A 21-year-old Maryland man died early Sunday after his car hit a parked tractor-trailer on I-78 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. State finances: Maryland reported $8.7 billion in total tax revenues in Q1 2026, led by income taxes and general sales/gross receipts taxes. Weather disruption: A nor’easter continues to affect travel and power across the region, with more rain and wind expected in Maryland Sunday.

NFL in Rio Field Watch: Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb downplayed Maracanã turf concerns, but the NFL and NFLPA kept experts monitoring traction and stability as workers trimmed grass less than 30 hours before kickoff. Weather & Safety: A powerful nor’easter battered the Northeast with flooding, outages, and major travel disruptions; Ocean City closed the ocean and canceled Oceans Calling’s remaining events as surf and erosion worsened. Local Environment: Baltimore County crews stopped a diesel leak tied to a detention center backup generator and are coordinating cleanup and waterway checks near Loch Raven Reservoir. Public Health: FDA recalled nearly 333 pounds of Buckhead tuna distributed in Maryland and four other states after elevated scombrotoxin levels were found. Maryland Sports: UCLA tied Maryland 2-2 in men’s soccer, while Maryland football absorbed another tough week with a 54-3 loss to UCLA; Ravens-Cowboys Brazil coverage continues as kickoff nears. Community Notes: Denton mourned police chief George Bacorn Jr., killed in a head-on crash, as officials investigate.

Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil: With less than 30 hours to kickoff at Maracana Stadium, NFL field director Nick Pappas says there’s “no need to worry” after turf concerns—workers were still trimming and leveling the grass, following earlier worries from the NFL Players Association about traction and stability. Maryland Health Costs: Maryland approved a 14.6% average premium increase for ACA marketplace plans in 2027, compounding last year’s 13.4% hike after federal tax credits expired—raising pressure on affordability for the roughly 274,000 Marylanders using the Maryland Health Connection. Public Safety & Weather: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast with heavy rain, major coastal flooding risk, flight cancellations, and widespread power outages, with Maryland bracing for impacts. Local Tragedy: Denton Police Chief George Bacorn was killed in a crash after a delivery truck crossed the center line, prompting Gov. Wes Moore to order flags lowered. Sports Beyond Football: Maryland Eastern Shore beat South Carolina State in a MEAC volleyball opener, 3-1.

Nor’easter Watch: A strong nor’easter is expected to bring flooding, damaging winds, and travel disruption along the East Coast, with New York and New Jersey declaring states of emergency as major events and flights face cancellations. Maryland Politics: Maryland Democrats and Baltimore leaders rallied in support of Question 3 on congressional redistricting, as unions and advocates also pushed for backing. Cybersecurity & Water: A new Pew report says cyberattacks targeting U.S. municipal water systems are rising, with utilities increasingly exposed as more infrastructure goes online. Coastal Risk: Eastern Shore communities are preparing for coastal flooding as storm impacts loom. AI Accountability: OpenAI disclosed that its agents posted some user-uploaded images from ChatGPT to image-hosting sites and that models also accessed public info on SEC and Census sites during reviews. Public Health: A new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, has been detected in 18 states, including Maryland, after links to dozens of deaths in East Tennessee. Sports (Maryland): Ravens injury updates include Ronnie Stanley ruled out for Week 3 vs. Dallas; meanwhile, the Cowboys-Ravens Brazil matchup has drawn NFLPA concerns about field conditions.

Ravens-Cowboys in Brazil: Dallas and Baltimore meet Sunday at Rio’s Maracanã in the Cowboys’ first-ever game in Brazil, with kickoff set for 3:25 p.m. on CBS. Voting Rights Push: Maryland leaders and lawmakers vowed to protect voting rights ahead of November, pointing to the Maryland Voting Rights Act and ongoing redistricting fights. Public Safety Funding: FEMA announced $47M+ for emergency responders across the region, including Maryland fire-prevention and staffing grants. Crime in the Classroom: A Baltimore-area teacher accused of sexually exploiting a 12-year-old boy for more than two years faces major charges after a Chester County sting. State Fire Marshal: Caroll H. Spriggs II was appointed Maryland state fire marshal, becoming the first Black person to lead the long-running office. Health Costs: Maryland ACA premiums are approved to rise 14.6% next year. Weather Disruption: Oceans Calling in Ocean City was canceled as a nor’easter brought flooding and unsafe conditions. Education Update: St. Mary’s County students posted gains on MCAP as Maryland transitions toward MSTAR.

Ravens Injury Watch: Zay Flowers’ hamstring issue is threatening to sideline the star WR again as Baltimore prepares for Sunday’s Cowboys game in Rio. NFL Travel Strain: Dallas and Baltimore face an unusual no-bye schedule after 5,000+ mile flights to Brazil, raising questions about recovery and performance. Federal Court Crackdown: Six people were indicted in a Baltimore-area drug trafficking case tied to cocaine shipments hidden in steel structures, with raids across multiple locations. Public Safety on Roads: A Maryland State Police trooper was injured in an I-695 work-zone crash; separately, multiple people were hurt in an East Baltimore bus crash. MVA Enforcement Push: The MVA launched “Plate Where You Live” ahead of Oct. 1 penalties for out-of-state vehicle registration. Safe-Driving Campaign: Gov. Moore unveiled “Slow The Fast Down” to curb speeding-related fatalities. Local Politics: Yahu Blackwell and Glen Geelhaar won District 8 state Senate/House nominations on a platform centered on education, workforce training, and community safety. Business & Community: A Lake Falls office building near Towson sold for $5M; Oceans Calling canceled Friday shows due to nor’easter flooding and beach erosion.

U.S.-China State Visit: President Donald Trump personally greeted Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland with a rare airport welcome, red carpet, cannons and a flyover—kicking off a three-day visit focused on trade, AI and security. Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles swept the Blue Jays in their final home games, winning 4-2 in both ends of Wednesday’s doubleheader and keeping slim playoff hopes alive. Local Courts & Safety: A Maryland woman accused of killing her two children has her murder trial delayed until October 2027. In Baltimore, the family of a 3-year-old killed in a hit-and-run says they’re frustrated after a teen was sentenced in juvenile court. School Security: Howard County schools took extra security measures after social media posts implied threats. Weather: Brisk easterly winds are driving coastal flooding on the Chesapeake Bay, especially around Annapolis during early morning high tides. Arts & Community: UMD’s Stamp Gallery opened “Afterhours,” a multimedia show on aging and memory. Entertainment: Hilary Duff added a 2027 Baltimore stop at CFG Bank Arena.

Data Centers: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order setting statewide “guardrails” for large data centers, including a standardized review process, a task force, and a public dashboard—while stopping short of a statewide pause; Moore also backed repealing the 2020 data center tax exemption. Baltimore County: The County Council extended its data center moratorium through the end of 2027, and also advanced Lutherville Station redevelopment and renter protections. Gun Law Fight: Gun rights groups asked a federal court to block Maryland’s upcoming Glock-style handgun ban, with a hearing set in Baltimore. Public Health: Measles cases are surging in the Northeast, with Pennsylvania and Maryland among the hardest hit. Local Community & Culture: Essex Day returned to Eastern Avenue with vendors, music, and community events. Baltimore Labor: Ascension Saint Agnes nurses ratified a first union contract, aiming to end out-of-specialty staffing and mandatory overtime. Sports: Zay Flowers missed practice with a hamstring; Hilary Duff announced “Lucky Me Tour” dates in Baltimore.

Baltimore Public Safety: A Baltimore woman, Teonna Brown, was indicted after investigators found six young children left unattended in unsanitary conditions, with prosecutors citing child abuse, neglect and reckless endangerment. Local Infrastructure: Harford County residents pushed back on BGE’s $1.1 billion Tri-County Transmission Upgrade, arguing the multi-year construction and new towers won’t solve long-term power policy problems. County Politics: Baltimore County extended its data center development moratorium through December 2027, keeping new permits and zoning approvals paused while residents debate impacts. AI & Privacy: Seattle passed a ban on algorithm-based grocery “surveillance pricing,” a reminder of the growing fight over how customer data can affect what people pay. Community Development: Prince George’s County residents spoke out on the proposed $1.4 billion Sphere at National Harbor, with many focusing on worker protections and possible public funding. Agriculture Relief: MARBIDCO opened reduced-cost loan options for Maryland vineyard, hopyard and orchard farmers hit by the April freeze, with applications due May 14, 2027. Sports (Maryland): The Ravens signed former Bengals receiver Shedrick Jackson to the practice squad.

Baltimore Court Fight: Seven residents, including developer David Tufaro, sued to stop demolition of Harborplace pavilions, alleging Baltimore and MCB Real Estate violated city and state laws in the $900 million Inner Harbor redevelopment. City Hall Accountability: Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration appealed a judge’s order restoring the inspector general’s access to city records and computer systems, seeking a pause while the case heads to the appellate court. AI Policy in Maryland: Gov. Wes Moore unveiled an AI framework that would push for a state right of publicity for digital likenesses, plus worker protections and safeguards for children. Health & Science: Johns Hopkins researchers found low spinal bone density linked to faster brain aging and cognitive decline. Public Safety/Local Life: A Wonder “digital food hall” is opening in Prince Frederick, and Baltimore continues dealing with breezy, cool, rainy weather. Sports: The Orioles-Blue Jays Tuesday game was postponed; a doubleheader is set for Wednesday, while Pete Alonso powered Baltimore to a 4-3 win Monday.

Ravens in Brazil: NFL field director Nick Pappas says there are “no concerns” about Maracanã Stadium for Sunday’s Cowboys-Ravens game, despite weeks of heavy rain and soccer players’ complaints—no plan to move the matchup. Baltimore Sports: Pete Alonso powered the Orioles to a 4-3 comeback win over the Blue Jays, blasting homers No. 39 and 40, while Toronto’s playoff hopes took another hit as Brett Bateman left with a hip injury. Ravens Coaching: Jesse Minter faced fan backlash over a failed third-and-1 late vs. the Saints, explaining why Baltimore didn’t treat it as a shorter first-down situation. Local Courts & Accountability: A Baltimore judge ordered the Scott administration to restore the Inspector General’s access to city servers and databases within days and to turn over documents tied to subpoenas. Prince George’s Legal Fight: A $39 million dispute between the National Capital Parks and Planning Commission and the county was pushed to November after new filings. Public Safety: A Frederick man accused of killing his roommate allegedly confessed at church to a pastor before police found the victim dead.

Ravens Fallout: Lamar Jackson and Baltimore face fresh questions after a frustrating 24-17 home loss to the Saints, with injuries to key players like Zay Flowers and Ronnie Stanley adding to the worry. Saints Momentum: New Orleans coach Kellen Moore is set to discuss the upset in Baltimore, where Tyler Shough’s late surge powered the win. Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Baltimore opens a 3-game set at Camden Yards Monday night, trying to climb back after being swept by Milwaukee. Fraud Targeting Seniors: A Hyattsville man, Roy Dave Davis, faces federal charges after allegedly stealing more than $1 million from dozens of seniors through ATM withdrawals and luxury purchases. Labor Win in Baltimore: Nurses at St. Agnes Ascension ratified their first union contract after years of fighting, securing pay increases and stronger protections. Local Safety & Justice: Police and prosecutors continue to pursue multiple violent incidents across Baltimore, while a separate case in Delaware charges a Maryland hunter who allegedly mistook a woman for a deer. Community & Health: Baltimore-area events include the Baby Buggy Walk in Patterson Park and an Aging Your Way expo in Carroll County.

NFL Injuries & Upsets: The Ravens’ home opener ended in a 24-17 comeback loss to the Saints, with New Orleans scoring late after Baltimore blew a big second-half lead; Saints LT Kelvin Banks Jr. was ruled out after an ankle injury. Colts’ Heartbreak: Indianapolis fell to the Chiefs 33-30 in overtime as a late sequence swung on play-calling and a final field goal, extending the Colts’ skid. Fantasy Football Buzz: Week 2 winners and losers highlighted big performances from CeeDee Lamb and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while top names like Justin Jefferson and Drake London struggled. Brewers’ Baltimore Sweep: Milwaukee shut out the Orioles 3-0 to set a franchise record with 98 wins, powered by Jacob Misiorowski’s strong start and a lineup that kept Baltimore off the board. Maryland Sports (College): Maryland men’s soccer rebounded with a 1-0 win over Wisconsin, and Maryland volleyball kept rolling with another sweep in nonconference play. Local Crime & Safety: Baltimore saw multiple weekend shootings with at least 11 injured, and police investigated a fatal house fire in Northeast Baltimore.

Baltimore Crime Watch: Baltimore police reported 9 people injured in separate shootings over the weekend, including a teen in Curtis Bay and multiple victims across Federal Hill, East Baltimore and Central District. Public Safety: A 74-year-old Maryland hunter was charged in Delaware after allegedly mistaking a woman for a deer and fatally shooting her in Ellendale; he faces manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges. NFL—Ravens Home Opener: Baltimore led the Saints 14-6 at halftime in Sunday’s Week 2 matchup, with Lamar Jackson throwing a TD and Derrick Henry powering the ground game. NFL Discipline: Colts receiver Keenan Allen faces a minimum three-game suspension after a drunk-driving arrest in Indianapolis, with his blood-alcohol level reported at 0.224. Local Development: Annapolis planning officials conditionally approved a Royal Farms market and smaller gas station at Forest Drive, cutting the proposed pump count and raising questions about traffic and 24-hour operations. Sports—MLB in Baltimore: The Brewers chased a franchise win record in their Sunday night series finale at Camden Yards against the Orioles. Food Recall: Saratoga Potato Chips’ J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar was recalled in multiple states, including Maryland, over an undeclared soy allergen. Remembering Ernie Accorsi: Longtime NFL executive and former Giants GM Ernie Accorsi died at 84.

Ravens Injury Update: Baltimore ruled out Pro Bowl WR Zay Flowers for the Week 2 home opener vs. the New Orleans Saints, a hamstring setback that also leaves the Ravens without Ja’Kobi Lane, forcing Rashod Bateman and others to step up in the passing game. Local Roads & Safety: Baltimore County Councilman David Marks is pushing for a road safety review on Northwind Road in Perry Hall after a fatal pedestrian crash and long-running speeding complaints. Nurses Vote to Unionize: Ascension Saint Agnes in Baltimore ratified its first union contract for registered nurses, citing staffing, workplace violence protections, and retention gains. Orioles Baseball News: Baltimore activated reliever Félix Bautista from the injured list after 14 months of shoulder surgery recovery, while making several roster moves. Brewers vs. Orioles: Milwaukee tied its franchise record with a 97th win, beating Baltimore 1-0 on Saturday. Virginia Tech vs. Maryland: Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 314 yards and three TDs as Virginia Tech beat Maryland 35-26, snapping the Terps’ 20-game nonconference streak. Middle East Watch: The U.S. warned of rapid escalation after Houthis targeted Riyadh with a ballistic missile, as Trump cut short his Camp David stay and returned to the White House.