AGP Executive Report

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.

Ocean City Traffic Crackdown: Ocean City is setting up a Special Event Zone for Endless Summer Cruisin’ (Oct. 6-11), with lower speed limits, higher fines, and stricter parking enforcement to handle heavy crowds and pedestrian traffic. Maryland AI Rules: Gov. Wes Moore’s AI framework could restrict rent-setting chatbots and rent-coordination tools, plus add workplace protections and union input as lawmakers weigh new limits. Housing for Homeless Families: Sen. Chris Van Hollen introduced a bill to create new housing vouchers aimed at families facing homelessness, with supportive services and mobility help. Baltimore Inner Harbor Road Changes: Baltimore City Council is moving to close parts of Light Street near Harborplace for the redevelopment plan, triggering a public hearing process. Defamation Settlement: Maryland agreed to a $200,000 settlement in a defamation case tied to the Public Defender’s office, including a judge-ordered retraction. Local Business & Health: Sheetz plans a new Frederick store; Local Infusion opened in Hagerstown to expand specialty IV care. Sports & Schools: Morgan State honored Capital B reporter Adam Mahoney with the Vernon Jarrett Medal; Maryland’s football took a major hit with a 54-3 loss to UCLA.

Baltimore Oversight Clash: Baltimore’s inspector general asked a judge to hold the city in civil contempt over blocked access to city records and computer systems, while Mayor Brandon Scott says access is being restored and calls the contempt push “showmanship.” Public Safety Milestone: In Belvedere, Baltimore marked more than a year without a homicide, citing Safe Streets mediations and referrals as homicides overall run down about 15% year-to-date. Crime Update: Three 16-year-olds face adult charges after an armed carjacking at a Towson shopping center. Health & Food Safety: A Type 1 diabetes guidance update targets better diagnosis in adults, and a Buckhead tuna recall was issued after elevated scombrotoxin findings, with product distributed in Maryland. Local Growth: Easton broke ground on a new drinking-water well after securing $2.62 million in federal funding. Sports (Maryland): UCLA routed Maryland 54-3, while the Ravens’ Rio comeback featured a late-game win over Dallas. Policy Watch: The Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act, setting up a House vote.

Health Care Access: Maryland’s nurse practitioner shortage isn’t just about training—many NP students are stuck waiting for clinical placements, delaying care for communities already facing long primary-care waits. Utilities & Cost Relief: A court ruling is triggering refunds for BGE, Pepco and Delmarva Power customers after judges found utilities were improperly taxed on certain equipment. Public Safety: A federal judge said ICE compliance at a Baltimore detention facility was a “spectacular failure,” citing repeated overcrowding violations tied to a court-ordered space requirement. Local Government: Baltimore County Council will hold a public work session on a proposed pay increase for council members, with critics warning it could crowd out other county needs. Community Milestone: Baltimore’s Safe Streets program hit a homicide-free one-year mark in Belvedere/Park Heights, with city leaders saying the push continues citywide. Road & Weather: MDOT SHA begins resurfacing MD 214 in Anne Arundel County with overnight lane closures starting Sept. 30. Sports & Local Life: Tyler Loop’s 56-yard kick lifts the Ravens over Dallas in Rio, while Justin Arnwine won an RGPS Maryland Main Event title at MGM National Harbor. Education & Workforce: CCBC is set to break ground on a $28M transportation technology center expansion to train for EV and emerging automotive work.

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.