AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs & Reliability: A new Maryland Affordability Project scorecard says 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 pushing Maryland to import 43% of its power and raising voltage-collapse/rolling-blackout fears by summer 2027. Chesapeake Bay Policy: President Trump revoked a 2009 executive order coordinating federal Chesapeake Bay restoration, prompting Maryland lawmakers to warn about what it could mean for funding and oversight. Police Accountability: A wrongful-conviction case is back in court: Tarrone Barfield, cleared after 26 years, sued Baltimore Police for malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. Public Safety in Baltimore: Police are investigating a deadly Dundalk shooting outside a Family Dollar that left a 62-year-old man dead. Cold Case Breakthrough: Joseph Lynch was charged in the 1993 rape and murder of 10-year-old George “Junior” Burdynski. Schools: Baltimore City Public Schools reported 12.6% math proficiency in 2024-25 and chronic absenteeism fell to 46.4%. Health Alert: Maryland plans mosquito spraying in parts of Baltimore County and Prince George’s County after 9 p.m. Consumer Protection: Maryland and 40 other states reached a $694M settlement with Credit Acceptance over allegedly unaffordable auto loans and dealer add-ons.

Energy Costs in the Spotlight: Maryland electricity bills jumped 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 push Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage collapse and possible rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Baltimore Gun Violence: A community rally followed a shooting at Douglass Homes that left seven people hurt, including a 3-year-old boy, with police still searching for the suspect. Empire Towers Fallout: Moore asked for federal SBA disaster help for Glen Burnie businesses hit by the structural emergency that closed the office building for months. College Sports Push: The Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act 77-22, moving toward a potential next-week vote as the House schedule remains uncertain. Local Accountability Fight: A judge is set to decide whether ICE violated a court order on overcrowding at a Baltimore facility. Business & Health Tech: Summit expanded workers’ comp coverage into Maryland and D.C., while UMD announced a new AI tool to flag dementia risks in minority groups.

Ravens Home Opener Traffic: Baltimore is bracing for major downtown congestion Sunday with the Ravens hosting the Saints at 1 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium followed by the Orioles at 7:20 p.m. at Camden Yards, with road closures, limited parking, and detours expected. NFL Injury Watch: Ravens WR Zay Flowers missed practice again with a hamstring issue as Baltimore prepares for New Orleans, while the Saints’ Alvin Kamara is listed as full after an MCL sprain. Energy Costs & Grid Risk: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, and a new report warns utilities may face voltage collapse and rolling blackouts as soon as summer 2027 amid decarbonization changes and rising demand. Public Safety Tech: Bladensburg is rolling out automated stop-sign enforcement with a 15-day warning phase starting soon. Health Alert: Maryland officials warn of possible measles exposure tied to Ocean City locations. Crime & Courts: Baltimore police are seeking suspects after a convenience store shooting killed a woman; separately, a judge barred laptops and cellphones in Maryland’s federal courthouses. Community & Culture: Seneca Creek State Park fully reopened after a beaver attack and rabies monitoring. Local Events: Baltimore County released its fall festival schedule, including free events at Marshy Point and Rocky Point.

Electricity Costs & Reliability: Maryland 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 power and could contribute to voltage problems and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Gun Violence in Baltimore: Police are investigating an East Baltimore shooting that left seven people injured, including a 3-year-old boy, with no arrests reported and detectives reviewing camera footage. Health Alert: Maryland Department of Health warned residents about a potential measles exposure tied to an out-of-state visitor, urging people to check MMR vaccination status and watch for symptoms. Ravens Injury Update: Baltimore rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane is headed to injured reserve after wrist surgery, while Zay Flowers is day-to-day with a hamstring issue. Orioles Baseball: Pete Alonso’s return to Citi Field turned into another Orioles statement—Jeremiah Jackson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand joined Alonso in the homers as Baltimore completed a 7-1 sweep of the Mets. Utility Rate Proposal: Potomac Edison is seeking a rate increase that would raise average residential bills by about 5.3%.

Energy Costs & 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 forcing imports; utilities warn of possible voltage collapse and rolling blackouts as soon as summer 2027. Gun Violence Prevention: Maryland awarded $1.36 million for gun violence prevention and intervention, sending funds to 17 groups for safe storage, behavioral health support, and surrender processes tied to domestic violence protective orders. Water Restrictions: Voluntary water limits remain in effect across Carroll, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Howard, and Harford as reservoirs stay strained under a drought warning. Baltimore Oversight Fight: A judge ruled the Scott administration must comply with subpoenas from the city inspector general and restore access to internal servers, calling the city’s distrust argument unacceptable. Local Development: Lutherville Station redevelopment is nearing a pivotal Baltimore County vote as advocates push for a transit-oriented development designation that could unlock state support. Public Safety Leadership: Maryland appointed its first African American state fire marshal, Caroll H. Spriggs II, to a six-year term. Weather: A warm, sunny stretch continues, with storms more likely later this week into the weekend.

Utility Costs Clash: 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 power and forcing imports—raising fears of voltage problems and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Regulatory Oversight: Regulators say the Utility RELIEF Act may curb rate hikes, but they’re already seeing more rate requests coming from power companies. Sports—Orioles Surge: Pete Alonso hit his 300th career homer, but Coby Mayo’s inside-the-park blast in the 11th lifted the Orioles to a 7-5 win over the Mets. Ravens Injury Update: Baltimore is weighing receiver moves as Ja’Kobi Lane faces about a month out with a wrist injury. Public Health Alert: Harford County parents were warned after a rabid bat was found inside a Bel Air elementary school. Local Infrastructure: MDOT SHA will hold a Sept. 24 open house on replacing the Maryland 144 bridge over Evitts Creek.

Electricity Costs & 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 pushing Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage problems and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. EBT Fraud-Prevention Push: Maryland is urging nearly half a million people to activate new chip-and-tap EBT cards before older magnetic-stripe cards shut off Sept. 30; officials say 58% have activated so far. Voting Access: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a move that would have let the Postal Service tighten mail-in ballot rules, with Maryland AG Anthony Brown calling it a win for state control. Space Security: The Air Force confirmed the U.S. has deployed “on-orbit space control weapons,” drawing warnings from China and Russia. Baltimore Courts: A Baltimore judge sentenced a 16-year-old to life in prison (with most time suspended) for fatally shooting a McDonald’s security guard during an attempted weapon seizure. Local Life & Learning: Lord Baltimore Elementary’s Teacher of the Year, Kathryn “Katie” Sweetman, is recognized for building daily routines that help students feel seen. Community Events: Berlin’s Fiddlers Convention & Spirits Festival returns Sept. 18-19, and Baltimore’s NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman makes a special local visit.

Electricity Costs & Grid Worries: 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 pushing Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage problems and possible rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Ravens & Colts Football: The Ravens opened strong under new coach Jesse Minter, beating the Colts 41-23, with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the way. Citi Field Return: Pete Alonso got a warm Mets welcome in his first game back at Citi Field, but the Orioles beat New York 2-1. Baltimore Crime: A “serial burglar” pleaded guilty to hotel-room break-ins in Baltimore, including thefts from Marriott guests. Historic Preservation: The Ellicott City Jail is starting a new preservation phase, with exhibits planned to confront the site’s difficult history. Public Safety: Baltimore County investigated multiple weekend shootings, leaving one dead and two hurt. Community & Transit: The Purple Line is over 90% complete, with testing continuing through fall and completion targeted for December 2027.

Energy Costs Clash: Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% in 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 power and pushing imports. Ravens Injury Update: Baltimore’s offense clicked in Week 1, but rookie WR Ja’Kobi Lane is believed to have a fractured wrist and Zay Flowers left with a hamstring issue after a big first half vs. the Colts. NFL—Local Spotlight: The Giants opened John Harbaugh’s era with a 28-20 win over the Cowboys, led by Jaxson Dart and former Raven Isaiah Likely. Rugby in Baltimore: Springboks fans kept the celebration going with a Shosholoza singalong after the historic Baltimore match, even as the game’s officiating was disrupted by a referee communications failure. MLB—Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered off Baltimore’s Trevor Rogers in a 8-1 win, while Kazuma Okamoto set a rookie RBI mark.

Energy Costs Clash: 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 power and forcing imports—raising fears of voltage collapse or rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Rugby’s Baltimore Moment: The Springboks capped Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Baltimore with a 43-28 win over the All Blacks, sealing the series 3-1 in front of a packed M&T Bank Stadium after a first-half stoppage tied to match officials’ communication equipment. Orioles Injury Update: Baltimore placed Kyle Bradish on the 15-day injured list with lower abdominal discomfort, a move that could end his season, and recalled Yaramil Hiraldo. Baltimore Book Festival: Laverne Cox will appear at the Baltimore Book Festival to discuss her memoir “Transcendent,” sharing her story of trauma, Hollywood, and healing. Safety on the Roads: An 11-year-old boy was airlifted to Children’s National after a vehicle struck a four-wheeler in Owings, leaving him with back pain and a serious leg laceration. Travel Incident: A woman was detained after allegedly stripping naked and performing indecent acts on an American Airlines flight from Baltimore to Miami.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Baltimore: South Africa closed out the four-Test series with a 43-28 win over New Zealand at M&T Bank Stadium, finishing 3-1 after a halftime lead and a big second-half surge that included tries by Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse and others. Local Sports Spotlight: The All Blacks’ coach Neil Barnes publicly criticized referee calls after the loss, while Springboks captain Siya Kolisi credited Rassie Erasmus for reshaping the team’s mindset. Ravens Contract Watch: ESPN reports Lamar Jackson’s extension talks are “stuck in neutral,” with no last-minute deal expected before the season opener against the Colts. Energy Costs in Maryland: A new scorecard says Maryland electricity bills are up 50.9% over five years, with debate over utility profiteering, data center demand, and state decarbonization rules that may force more power imports. Weather Alert: Flood alerts were issued for parts of the Mid-Atlantic, including Maryland, as thunderstorms moved through the region.

Energy Costs in the Spotlight: Maryland electricity bills jumped 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 power and pushing Maryland to import 43% of its electricity—raising fears of voltage collapse and rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Rugby’s Baltimore Moment: The Springboks and All Blacks are set for the series finale at M&T Bank Stadium, with the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” matchup drawing global attention and big money for unions. Hazmat on I-795: An 8,000-gallon gasoline tanker fire shut down I-795 in Baltimore County overnight near Reisterstown; hazmat crews responded, no injuries were reported, and lanes have reopened. Immigration Lawsuit: Four Maryland residents and We Are CASA filed a federal class action challenging alleged warrantless ICE arrests in Maryland. Public Safety on the Road: A pedestrian was left unresponsive after being struck on New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring, in a corridor flagged for high injury risk. Sports Watch: Maryland hosts UConn in football, while Ravens open Week 1 Sunday against the Colts.

Energy Costs Fight: Maryland electricity bills rose 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 forcing imports—raising fears of voltage collapse and possible rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Ravens Season Opener: Baltimore begins a new era under Jesse Minter with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry as the Ravens visit the Colts in Week 1. DMV 9/11 Remembrance: Communities across the region marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies honoring first responders and victims. Public Safety & Courts: A Maryland resident sued DHS over alleged warrantless ICE arrests, while ICE actions in Frederick sparked local backlash. Sports Spotlight: The Orioles beat the Blue Jays 7-4 in a key wild-card chase game, and Maryland men’s soccer fell 4-0 to Northwestern in its Big Ten opener. Lottery Win: A White Plains resident won $150,000 in Bonus Match 5 after using the same numbers for decades.

Energy Costs in Focus: 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 forcing Maryland to import 43% of its power—raising fears of voltage collapse or rolling blackouts by summer 2027. Immigration Court Challenge: CASA and four Maryland residents filed suit over alleged “warrantless” ICE arrests, saying agents are operating without required probable cause and that thousands of arrests have followed the policy. Public Safety & Courts: Baltimore police say an officer fired at charging Cane Corsos, injuring a man who was bitten; separately, a Frederick County grand jury indicted 45 people, including a case involving alleged rape of a 12-year-old. 9/11 Remembrance: First responders and a Baltimore County man who escaped the World Trade Center shared memories marking 25 years since Sept. 11. Local Governance: Baltimore road closures and travel changes are planned for the weekend’s rugby match, Ukrainian festival, and other events.

Energy Affordability: Maryland electricity bills jumped 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 power and raising blackout fears. Food Access: Gov. Moore announced the FY 2027 NourishMD Grant Program opens Sept. 22, with about $3.67 million to help fresh-food retailers expand in Maryland food deserts. Human Trafficking: The Maryland Department of Transportation signed a pledge to combat human trafficking, urging the public to report tips via the national hotline. 9/11 Remembered: Multiple pieces mark Sept. 11’s 25th anniversary, including reflections on the fear and disruption that followed the attacks. Politics: Maryland’s Supreme Court kept Tonya Sweat off the Prince George’s County executive ballot, though she plans to run as a write-in. Rugby in Baltimore: The Springboks and All Blacks’ rivalry finale is set for Baltimore, with coaches making major lineup calls for the series-deciding Test.

ESA Lawsuit: A coalition of 21 states sued the Trump administration over a rollback to the Endangered Species Act “harm” definition, arguing it removes protections for critical habitat and could endanger species like orcas and sockeye salmon. Schools Attendance: Maryland’s state superintendent says chronic absenteeism fell to 22.8% in 2025-26, down from 30.9% in 2021-22, with a new “Maryland Shows Up” push to keep students in class. Baltimore County Tech Use: District data show middle and high school students spent roughly 70–100 minutes a day on school devices, as officials work on screen-time and AI policies. Transportation Safety: Howard County and MDOT celebrated completed US 1 intersection upgrades in Elkridge and North Laurel, targeting crashes that included pedestrian deaths and injuries. 9/11 Commemoration: Parkville events for the 25th anniversary continue after Baltimore County canceled a planned 21-gun salute. Rugby Spotlight: Ahead of the Springboks–All Blacks finale in Baltimore, New Zealand’s coach called for referees to punish illegal breakdown tactics immediately.