AGP Executive Report

Coal & Jobs in Maryland: President Trump announced nearly $700M in coal support using the Defense Production Act, including plans to restart a shuttered Maryland coal plant and back a long-delayed Oakland export terminal, framing it as grid reliability and job creation. Classified Docs Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton agreed to plead guilty to retaining classified information under a deal that could cap prison time at five years and includes a $2.25M fine. Public Health Threat: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas, raising alarms for the U.S. cattle industry after decades without cases. Maryland Law & Privacy: HHS Secretary RFK Jr. is pursuing access to Americans’ identifiable medical records via state data systems, as critics warn it could undermine privacy and vaccination policy. Energy Policy: Maryland and Virginia are rolling out laws letting residents use plug-in balcony solar to cut power bills. Local Enforcement: Baltimore City launched a crackdown on illegal smoke shops, seizing cannabis and untaxed tobacco. Crime: Police say a manhunt is underway in Silver Spring for two women charged with first-degree murder. Public Safety: Maryland troopers honored a student at graduation after her father died in the line of duty.

Classified Documents Case: Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton is expected to plead guilty in federal court over mishandling classified documents, with a deal reportedly including a $2.25 million fine and a possible prison cap. Energy & Industry Push: Trump is set to announce nearly $700 million in Defense Production Act-backed support for coal—upgrading plants, restarting a Maryland facility, and backing a long-delayed export terminal. Local Water Worries: A Drought Watch is in effect for nearly six million people across D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia, with officials urging voluntary conservation. Data Center Backlash: Queen Anne’s County approved a 12-month moratorium on data center approvals to study impacts on utilities, land use, and the environment. Public Safety & Accountability: Worcester County released details from an investigation into a school bus driver accused of drinking before a student route, saying prosecutors declined charges after issues with admissible proof and testing. Community Infrastructure: Annapolis highlighted new infiltration cells in the Severn River watershed to reduce polluted stormwater runoff. Maryland Courts & Business: Maryland Live! Casino faces a trademark lawsuit from Louis Vuitton alleging promotional campaigns used copied branding.

Redistricting Aftermath: Republicans won the partisan redistricting battle, and the GOP could gain about 10 House seats in November if new maps perform as intended—though Democrats still have a path to take control. Baltimore Crime Results: A new NBER paper says Baltimore’s targeted, community-driven violence strategy helped drive major drops in shootings and homicides from 2022-2025, outpacing broader national trends. Drought Watch: The regional drought watch is back for D.C., Northern Virginia, and southern Maryland as dry conditions persist despite recent rain, with officials urging voluntary water cuts. AI Data Center Backlash: Erin Brockovich launched a platform tracking data center growth and the conflicts around it, spotlighting water and energy strain. Montgomery Nursing Home Ranking: CMS data ranks Wilson Health Care Center No. 2 in Montgomery County for Q1 2026 by bed count, with a top overall rating. Immigration Courtroom Moment: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Sen. Chris Van Hollen he’d send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica if he’s willing, amid competing deportation plans. Maryland Education Access: A new Maryland law extends the Community College Promise Scholarship to Maryland residents graduating from Delmar High School, clearing a Delaware-border eligibility snag. Social Security Warning: A new analysis warns benefit cuts could exceed $500 a month in many states if the trust fund runs out by 2032. Maryland Retail Labor Impact: Apple confirmed the June 20 closure of three stores, including Towson Town Center in Maryland, affecting the unionized location. Gun Policy & Courts: Maryland’s Glock-style handgun ban continues to face legal fights as national gun-control and gun-rights groups press competing lawsuits.

Stop Super Speeders Law: Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s “Stop Super Speeders” bill, requiring certain high-risk drivers to use Intelligent Speed Assistance technology and limiting their driving privileges; the law takes effect Oct. 1 with a pilot rollout. Education & Federal Policy: Moore says the Trump administration is holding back Maryland schools, while leaving the door open to opting into a national school voucher program—if federal rules are clear. AI in K-12: Maryland’s A.I. Ready Schools Act kicks in, pushing state guidance, teacher training, and AI literacy for students by June 2027. Immigration Enforcement Limits: The Community Trust Act takes effect June 1, restricting how Maryland jails and hospitals handle federal immigration requests. Baltimore Antitrust: Baltimore filed an antitrust lawsuit targeting fire truck manufacturers, alleging price-fixing and supply restrictions. Social Security Warning: A new analysis projects average benefit cuts of about $500 a month in 2032, with Maryland among the hardest-hit states. Public Safety Update: A Baltimore officer was injured after being struck from behind by a dirt bike during an arrest, as the city targets dangerous riding. National Politics Watch: Redistricting gains could reshape the 2026 House race, with Republicans positioned to add seats depending on how new maps perform.

Federal Retirement Rules Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a 24-state coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would steer retirement plans toward riskier assets like crypto and private credit, arguing it would expose millions to avoidable losses. Maryland Public Safety & Justice: Maryland lawmakers and U.S. officials announced $1.3M for state crime labs to cut DNA testing backlogs and speed evidence processing. Baltimore Government Transparency: A Baltimore judge denied the city’s bid to seal parts of the inspector general dispute, a fresh setback for Mayor Brandon Scott’s efforts to limit IG oversight. Child Safety in Courts: A Greenbelt man was sentenced to 25 years for a federal sextortion scheme targeting girls as young as 9 and producing CSAM. Health & Kids: Doctors report rising cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses in children, underscoring ongoing immunization gaps. Local Tech Policy: Howard County moved toward a data-center moratorium, pausing new construction while zoning rules get rewritten.

Federal Intelligence Shake-Up: President Trump tapped Bill Pulte—an FHFA housing official with no intelligence background—as acting director of national intelligence, drawing sharp pushback from Sen. Mark Warner over politicizing the spy system. Baltimore County Politics: At a county executive forum, candidates faced questions tied to the Jewish community and Israel-related concerns, with some raising their hands on ending support for the Maryland Israel Development Center. Elections & Voting Administration: Maryland election officials continued sorting out mail-in ballot problems, including how incorrect ballots were sent and what happens if replacement ballots aren’t returned. Courts & Legal Accountability: A federal judge dismissed a bid to hold a former Pennsylvania attorney general liable for malpractice tied to failed election lawsuits, while the U.S. Supreme Court issued another rebuke of lower-court overreach. Consumer & Business Law: Louis Vuitton sued Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in federal court over allegedly copycat promotional bags. State Policy Watch: Maryland’s gas tax is set to rise July 1, and DNR announced three license-free fishing days for 2026. Public Safety & Health: A Baltimore County man accused of killing his wife could still inherit her assets, with a June 3 hearing set to decide the legal question. Cybersecurity: DoD’s CIO urged contractors to prioritize “foundational cybersecurity,” warning that small supplier failures can endanger warfighters.

AI in Schools: Maryland’s A.I. Ready Schools Act is now in effect, requiring the state to issue K-12 guidance and pushing districts to set policies, train staff, and appoint A.I. coordinators. Road Safety: After another State Highway Administration responder was hit at a crash scene on I-270, officials are urging drivers to follow Maryland’s “Move Over Law.” Key Bridge Fallout: A federal judge postponed the next phase of the Key Bridge civil trial after last-minute settlements, with the court weighing legal issues that could further narrow claims. Elections Watch: Maryland began canvassing mail-in ballots for the June 23 gubernatorial primary after a printing error led to replacement ballots being sent and only those replacements being counted. Labor & Retail: Congress is pressing Apple over its plan to close the unionized Towson store, raising questions about how workers are being treated. Local Politics: Baltimore County Councilman-elect Nino Mangione was sworn in early to finish a resignation term and is now eyeing the June 23 GOP primary. Public Safety & Courts: In Ocean City, three suspects were arrested after a stolen-car pursuit ended with a multi-agency search in Worcester County. Budget Deadline: Maryland lawmakers return with the state budget deadline looming at month’s end.

Maryland Elections: State election officials began reviewing mail-in ballots for the June 23 gubernatorial primary as they work through a statewide printing error that sent some voters the wrong party ballots, prompting replacement mailings and new counting rules. Key Bridge Fallout: A federal judge postponed the next phase of the Francis Scott Key Bridge civil trial after last-minute settlements resolved most remaining claims, leaving economic-loss arguments for further briefing. Foster Care Scrutiny: Del. Mike Griffith raised concerns about Maryland’s foster care system, including reports of kids running away from DHS custody and the state’s ability to locate them. Housing & Cost Relief: Maryland expanded the SmartBuy program, boosting student-loan payoff assistance for first-time homebuyers to $25,000. Local Government Staffing: Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann nominated Charles A. Hall Jr. to lead the city’s human resources department, setting up a City Council confirmation vote. Public Safety & Courts: A Maryland man pleaded guilty in federal court to child sex abuse and CSAM charges, facing a mandatory minimum of 15 years.

Key Bridge Fallout: A civil trial for remaining Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse claims is set to begin in downtown Baltimore, moving forward after a judge denied delays tied to new federal criminal charges; some families and the state have already reached settlements. Education & Voting Rights: A weakened Voting Rights Act could reshape how school boards are elected, with at-large systems increasingly vulnerable after Supreme Court shifts. Consumer Data Law: Maryland’s new ban on “surveillance pricing” for grocery stores and food delivery targets personalized upcharges based on personal data. Federal Student Loans Fight: Two lawsuits challenge Education Department rules that would cap graduate borrowing by narrowly defining which programs qualify as “professional.” Cybersecurity: The dormant Obama White House Instagram account was breached with AI-generated content, underscoring how social media is now a target in cyber operations. Local Politics/Primary Season: A retransmission dispute has 54 Scripps stations going dark on DIRECTV, raising concerns about impacts on voters and major sports broadcasts. STEM Philanthropy: Alpha Phi Alpha’s Brigadier General Charles E. McGee STEM scholarship opens June 1–July 15, aiming to expand STEM access for students at HBCUs.

Maryland Primary Deadline: Voters have until Tuesday, June 2 (5 p.m.) to change party affiliation or register for the June 23 Maryland primary, with early voting starting June 11. Marijuana Policy: The DOJ’s move to reclassify medical marijuana (Schedule I to Schedule III) may unlock some federal tax and research benefits, but Maryland still faces a patchwork federal-state landscape while broader changes are debated. Baltimore Bridge Fallout: Families tied to the Dali collapse have reached settlements, while other claims remain pending as the civil trial looms. Consumer Protection: Maryland’s new ban on surveillance pricing is part of a wider national fight over whether stores can use customer data to change prices. Local Governance & Schools: As “pre-K for all” expands, Maryland districts are requiring staff to help with toileting/potty training for children up to age 5. Environment & Public Health: Maryland is pushing anglers to hunt invasive snakeheads using high-powered bows and arrows.

Immigration & Public Safety: Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler says Maryland’s Community Trust Act puts sheriffs in a “no-win” conflict with federal immigration rules, arguing it blocks communications with ICE and honoring detainers—prompting a federal lawsuit by Gahler and other sheriffs. Conservation Planning: Maryland DNR is seeking public comment on a draft Land Preservation and Recreation Plan that sets statewide conservation targets (30% by 2030, 40% by 2040) and guides parks and preserved lands priorities through 2036, with comments due June 28. Gun Policy Fight: Maryland’s Glock pistol ban is facing renewed national attention as multiple states pursue bans or lawsuits over “convertible” handguns. Local Events & Community: Ocean View Police are launching youth programs at Lord Baltimore Elementary, including CPR/Stop the Bleed training and a K-9 operations day. Sports & Maryland Spotlight: The inaugural NHRA Potomac Nationals kicked off at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, drawing thousands and putting Southern Maryland on the national motorsports map. Politics & Elections: Maryland Lt. Gov. rejects Trump’s corruption claims over a mail-in voting error, saying “It happens.” Federal Watch: The 4th Circuit is set to rehear challenges to state contract pharmacy laws. National Politics: More than a dozen lawmakers have already confirmed they won’t return to the next Congress.

Federal Courts & Health Policy: The full 4th Circuit will rehear challenges to Maryland and West Virginia’s 340B contract pharmacy laws after a three-judge panel ruled them unconstitutional—setting up another major fight over how federal drug pricing rules play out in state policy. Gun Law Fallout: Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s Glock-style “convertible pistol” ban, and NRA/Second Amendment groups immediately sued, arguing the state is targeting common firearms rather than criminal conduct. Immigration & Local Control: Seventeen Maryland sheriffs sued the state over a new sanctuary-style law limiting cooperation with ICE, arguing it endangers public safety. Key Bridge Legal Updates: Families of Key Bridge victims reached confidential settlements with the Dali owner and operator ahead of the civil trial, while other wrongful-death claims were also resolved. State Elections & Voting Administration: Maryland sent replacement mail-in ballots after a vendor error, renewing scrutiny of election safeguards and redistricting politics. Energy & Housing: Maryland expanded eligibility for an urban agriculture property tax credit, and the state is moving toward legalizing plug-in “balcony” solar in more cases.

Baltimore Key Bridge fallout: BGE and the final families of the six workers killed in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse have settled with the Dali owner/operator, but the bigger fight over whether companies can dodge billions in liability heads to a civil trial starting Monday. Inmate settlement challenge: A proposed Baltimore County class-action deal that would pay current and former inmates about $1.5 million is facing a federal court intervention from crime-victim advocates, who argue restitution should be paid first. Immigrant support in Howard County: Howard County launched an Immigrant Affairs Task Force to recommend an Office of Immigrant Affairs, aiming to expand access to county services and safety strategies. Maryland gun law updates: Maryland State Police outlined new 2026 firearms rules, including dealer reporting after firearm thefts and limits on “machine gun convertible pistols,” with most taking effect Oct. 1. Housing policy: Gov. Wes Moore signed the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, locking in the rules used when a complete application is filed and delaying certain fees until after construction. Election integrity chatter: A Maryland election procedures dispute continues to draw attention after Brian Chisholm raised concerns in recent posts. Obamacare squeeze in Maryland: New data shows Maryland enrollment down 8% as costs push people off coverage.

Long COVID Care: A new Annals of Family Medicine study argues clinicians can borrow treatment approaches from ME/CFS for long COVID patients, including targeted therapies like beta-blockers and low-dose naltrexone. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Maryland sheriffs are suing over the Community Trust Act, saying it forces them to violate federal law by restricting cooperation with ICE. Gun Law Fight: The NRA and allies sued after Gov. Wes Moore signed a Glock-style handgun ban, calling it unconstitutional. Local Media Funding: Moore vetoed SB 459, a bill meant to steer state advertising dollars toward Maryland local news outlets, drawing sharp criticism from supporters. Health Spending Watch: New Medicaid billing data show rising local spending on alcohol/drug treatment in Takoma Park and medicine services in Germantown. Public Safety: Maryland’s first heat-related death of 2026 was reported in Calvert County, and officials urged use of cooling centers. Baltimore Courts: Baltimore City’s lawsuit against xAI over Grok photo-editing claims has moved to federal court. Ebola Response: Kenya’s high court issued orders pausing a U.S.-linked Ebola quarantine center plan in Laikipia County. Community Programs: Howard County’s Guaranteed Basic Income program is seeking its next cohort of 25 families.

Youth Justice Overhaul: Gov. Wes Moore signed the Youth Charging Reform Act, expanding when Maryland cases move through juvenile court and softening adult penalties for many 14–16 and certain 16+ charges, even as youth crime remains a political flashpoint. Gun Law Fight: Maryland’s Glock-style pistol ban is already drawing lawsuits from sheriffs and gun-rights groups, setting up a fast legal showdown over Second Amendment limits. Immigration Clash: Seventeen Maryland sheriffs sued the state over the Community Trust Act, arguing it blocks cooperation with ICE and “unconstitutionally overreaches.” State Government Modernization: The Maryland Department of the Environment launched an online Environmental Service Center with electronic payments, aiming to cut permit delays. AI in Annapolis: Moore announced an AI Innovation Lab to help agencies test and deploy AI with security and reliability guardrails. Jobs & Economy: Maryland added 2,800 jobs in April, with unemployment ticking up to 4.4%. Federal Workers Fallout: A report highlights how buyouts and layoffs are reshaping Maryland’s former federal workforce. Sports Labor: MLB players opened CBA talks seeking expanded free agency, higher minimum pay, and salary arbitration changes.

Community Trust Act Lawsuit: Seventeen Maryland sheriffs are suing the state to block the Community Trust Act, arguing it “ties the hands” of local law enforcement and obstructs public safety by limiting cooperation with ICE. Gun Law Fight: Gov. Wes Moore’s Glock ban is already drawing legal pushback, with gun rights groups preparing to challenge the law in court. Juvenile Justice: Moore directed the Department of Juvenile Services to build a summer safety strategy focused on prevention, intervention, education, and workforce programs for high-risk youth. Ebola Response: The U.S. military plans to set up a quarantine facility in central Kenya within a week for Americans exposed to Ebola, with a 50-bed unit initially and possible expansion. Health Workforce Uncertainty: Community health workers in Liberia face an uncertain future as donor funding fades, raising questions about long-term support for rural care. Cybersecurity: A Beacon Mutual cyberattack exposed personal information tied to Rhode Island state workers’ comp policy administration. Sports Betting Regulation: A bipartisan coalition of 41 AGs urged the CFTC to recognize state authority over sports-related prediction markets. Local Public Safety: Maryland’s sheriffs also joined a broader federal lawsuit over state restrictions tied to ICE enforcement.