AGP Executive Report

Maryland Tax Court Ruling: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down, with the court ordering refunds for Apple, Google and Peacock TV—another major win for tech and a hit to state revenue plans. Baltimore Lead-Paint Lawsuit: Baltimore City joined a “TV Hill” lead paint suit tied to a 2022 repainting of a broadcast tower, alleging lead chips spread within a 4,000-foot area and seeking cleanup and damages. Public Safety—Hot Cars: A pediatric guidance reminder warns how fast heatstroke can kill kids in vehicles, even with cracked windows or shade. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine recalled 3,000+ tomato soup kits sold at Walmart in multiple states including Maryland due to possible listeria contamination. Local Crime: Anne Arundel police investigated a triple stabbing in Glen Burnie; in Severn, a man was carjacked at gunpoint and the suspects remain at large. Traffic & Safety Tech: Takoma Park’s new stop-sign cameras are issuing warnings now, with fines set to begin Sept. 16. Energy Costs: Baltimore gas prices fell 11.3 cents per gallon this week, averaging $3.89.

Baltimore Orioles surge: Colton Cowser homered and Christian Encarnacion-Strand drove a big hit in a seven-run sixth as the Orioles crushed the Rays 10-2 to keep their wild-card hopes alive, winning their third straight and continuing a season series edge. Local public safety: The Maryland Department of Health rescheduled free Lower Eastern Shore car seat checks to Tuesday, Aug. 18 in Salisbury, with more dates planned in Berlin, Princess Anne, and Salisbury. Maryland politics: A report highlights that Maryland’s primary results show momentum for ranked choice voting. Chesapeake Bay work: A new Bay Journal report says local governments are trying to plug staffing and expertise gaps with more than 120 technical assistance programs, but those efforts still leave uneven coverage and services across the watershed. Health research: A study on type 1 diabetes finds CGM metrics tied to glucose swings can flag severe hypoglycemia and DKA risk beyond A1c alone. Business/tech: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down in court, with refunds ordered for major tech firms. Weather: Storm chances and heavy rain warnings are in play across Maryland into the evening.

Weather Watch: Maryland is bracing for multiple rounds of rain today, with localized flooding risk and possible late-day thunderstorms with gusty winds. Public Safety: The Maryland Attorney General’s office is investigating a deadly Bel Air traffic-stop shooting after a physical altercation led an officer to fire, striking the driver who later died at Shock Trauma; investigators are asking for video and tips. Baltimore Community: Simply Marie’s, a breakfast-only Canton spot loved for 15 years, announced it will close Aug. 23. State Courts/Policy: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Local Government/Services: Baltimore is expanding 911 crisis response beyond police and EMS. Sports (Ravens): Ja’Kobi Lane made an early preseason splash with a touchdown catch as Baltimore continued roster evaluation. Food Safety: Kettle Cuisine LLC recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in Maryland and other states due to possible listeria contamination.

Local Politics & Public Safety: Baltimore Baby Fund cleared signature hurdles for a November ballot measure that would provide $1,000 in cash or supplies to parents of newborns, with debate over funding sources and eligibility. State Government & Courts: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down by the state tax court, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Energy & Quality of Life: After seven power outages in about two months, Reisterstown residents say BGE upgrades aren’t keeping pace with storms, adding pressure as heat and outages disrupt daily life. Baltimore Sports: The Orioles beat the Rays 4-3 in 10 innings again, with Tyler O’Neill’s 10th-inning single and Cam Sanders sealing it; earlier, the Ravens opened preseason under Jesse Minter with a 24-7 win over the Eagles, highlighted by rookie Ja’Kobi Lane’s TD catch and a strong defensive showing. Crime: A 24-year-old was shot in the 400 block of W. Lafayette Avenue and is in critical condition; homicide detectives are investigating. Weather & Travel: Roadwork across the BCP area is set to cause delays from Aug. 17 to Aug. 23. International & National: Gov. Wes Moore urged care for sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln amid reports of deteriorating conditions, as the U.S.-Iran standoff shifts toward economic pressure.

Workplace Health & Rights: MOM’s Organic Market in Maryland is facing backlash after a new policy barred employees from wearing face masks while clocked in, with only medical-note exemptions—some workers say they were blindsided and plan to quit. State Policy: Maryland’s digital advertising tax was struck down by the state tax court, ordering refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Public Safety: The FAA set a temporary “No Drone Zone” around the Maryland State Fairgrounds, with fines and enforcement for restricted flights. Environment & Wildlife: DNR is investigating a third beaver attack this summer at Seneca Creek State Park, where a 10-year-old was bitten; parts of the park are closed while officials search for the animal. Local Government & Courts: A judge ruled in favor of Baltimore’s inspector general, allowing access to city records lawsuit to move forward. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles snapped the Rays’ nine-game win streak 6-5, with Gunnar Henderson and Colton Cowser homering and Baltimore rallying late. Community & Crime: Baltimore police identified a 17-year-old student-athlete killed in Southwest Baltimore, and investigators say the suspect remains at large.

Courts & Taxes: Maryland’s first-in-the-nation digital advertising tax was struck down by the state Tax Court, which ordered refunds to Apple, Google and Peacock TV—an early win for companies challenging the law’s constitutionality and federal limits. Public Safety: A Baltimore teen, 17-year-old Jada Sellers, was mourned after being fatally shot in Southwest Baltimore; police have not announced suspects. Local Accountability: A judge denied Baltimore’s bid to block the city inspector general from accessing records, keeping the dispute alive over subpoenas tied to alleged fraud and waste. Chesapeake Bay: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland hit nearly all 2025 Bay restoration goals, but some watermen dispute whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Schools: Wicomico County will enforce “Bell to Bell, No Cell” starting Sept. 1, banning most personal devices during the full school day. Sports (Maryland): The Orioles snapped the Rays’ nine-game streak with a 6-5 win in Tampa, powered by Dylan Beavers and Gunnar Henderson. Health & Food: Walmart-linked tomato bisque soup kits were recalled in multiple states over possible listeria contamination.

Food Safety: A Maryland company, Kettle Cuisine of Savage, recalled 3,240 packs of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at Walmart in 29 states after routine testing found possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported yet. Local Neighborhoods: Westport residents say a stalled plan to acquire long-vacant homes has left the area with more boarded-up properties, rats, and people loitering in search of drugs or shelter. Public Safety: A beaver attack at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County led to a temporary closure of about a mile of trail after a 10-year-old was bitten; officials are searching for the animal, following other rabies-positive beaver incidents. Health & Community: Partners In Care Mid-Shore plans to close its Easton-area branch Aug. 31, raising concerns from volunteers about services for older adults. Courts: Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges in the Brian Thompson killing, admitting, “I shot Mr. Thompson and he died,” while his state murder trial remains scheduled. Immigration & Economy: U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen warned that the Supreme Court’s move to end Haitian temporary protected status could hit Eastern Shore poultry jobs. Business & Government Budgets: Maryland county leaders warned of a coming “reckoning” as state aid shifts and volatile income tax payments squeeze local budgets.

Baltimore & State Courts: Baltimore County residents are pushing back on BGE’s Brandon Shores power-line work, delivering cease-and-desist letters to contractors over alleged private-property violations. Public Safety: A Maryland grandmother, Lorraine Marie O’Neill, was convicted of child neglect after her 7-year-old grandson fell from a car window and was killed on I-97; sentencing is set for Oct. 2. Crime & Justice: Ocean City murderer Benjamin Sifrit is seeking a reduced sentence under Maryland’s Second Look Act after a hearing Aug. 11. Immigration Enforcement: ICE activity is increasing across the Baltimore area, according to immigrant advocates, who say their hotline is seeing a surge in reports. Local Culture & Community: Magoobys Joke House plans a second Baltimore location in Hampden, targeting early 2027. Health & Consumer Watch: Lidl US recalled a Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix jar sold in Maryland after Salmonella was found in testing. Tech & Economy: Maryland agencies reportedly stopped answering routine questions from some outlets, citing a private defamation lawsuit involving Gov. Wes Moore.

Consumer & Utilities: Consumer Reports is urging the Maryland Public Service Commission to reject Baltimore Gas and Electric’s proposed $156 million rate hike, warning bills could jump about $100 a year while hundreds of thousands of customers already fall behind. Healthcare Costs: A growing number of hospitals are asking insured patients to pay upfront before care, a shift that’s spreading beyond elective procedures. Public Safety & Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down in Dundalk during Monday storms, with damage tied to a waterspout near the Port of Baltimore. Local Infrastructure: The Conococheague Creek bridge on U.S. 40 is set to reopen to traffic by midday Friday after a long rehabilitation closure. Crime & Courts: The FBI announced a multi-agency fugitive sweep across Maryland and Delaware that led to 109 arrests, including cases involving rape and child sexual abuse. Sports & Community: Baltimore’s Bay Rock classic rock station launched after 100.7 The Bay went off the air, keeping local music programming alive. Sports (Maryland): Junior offensive tackle Terez Davis is preparing to take the starting left tackle job after transferring to Ole Miss, with his Maryland experience shaping his 2026 outlook.

Baltimore Public Safety: A North Carolina man, Jayson Reed, was arrested after police say he urinated on concertgoers during the July 18 Morgan Wallen show at M&T Bank Stadium; he faces assault and public urination charges and is awaiting extradition. Local Crime & Courts: A man was sentenced to 85 years for the 2023 Morgan State homecoming mass shooting that injured five people, with prosecutors calling the sentence a message about accountability. Health & Food Safety: A frozen raw dog food product sold in multiple states, including Maryland, was recalled over possible Salmonella contamination, warning pet owners and handlers to take precautions. Weather & Risk: The National Weather Service confirmed a weak tornado touched down near the Port of Baltimore and Dundalk during Monday’s storms, adding to a week of severe weather alerts. Community & Education: Darley Park held a back-to-school bash giving out free bookbags and supplies, while Baltimore County’s new schools superintendent outlined priorities for the coming year. Sports: The Orioles lost to the Twins 7-5 as Minnesota rallied early, and the Ravens’ Darren Waller reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Panthers.

AI Jobs Boost: Gov. Wes Moore announced Cloudforce will expand its Prince George’s County headquarters, adding 250 new jobs and nearly doubling office space while keeping 130-plus employees for the next five years. Local Land-Use Watch: Calvert County commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed six-month data center moratorium on site plan approvals, after years of debate and shifting political control. Sports & Maryland Fans: The Dolphins and Commanders held a joint practice in Ashburn ahead of their preseason opener in Landover, with attention on Malik Willis and Caleb Douglas. Community & Food Access: St. Mary’s County’s “Farmers Feeding St. Mary’s” returns with free produce distributions Thursday in Lexington Park and again Sept. 12. Public Safety: Baltimore police are investigating an early-morning shooting outside a Royal Farms on Russell Street. Consumer/Health Alert: A Maryland Change.org petition is pushing lawmakers to restrict retail parrot sales, while Chesapeake Bay Foundation warns that flesh-eating vibrio vulnificus cases are rising as waters warm. Money: A Salisbury man bought two identical Pick 5 tickets for one drawing and won $100,000 total.

Redistricting Fight: Maryland Republicans sued to block a constitutional amendment that would change congressional redistricting rules, arguing Democrats skipped required public comment steps; a hearing is set for Aug. 25, just days before ballot finalization. Baltimore Crime: Two juveniles were arrested after the killing of 17-year-old Roman Wright in Essex, with a second Essex shooting nearby leaving two 19-year-olds dead. Public Safety & Weather: BTS’ Baltimore stadium shows are still scheduled, but officials warned severe storm conditions could return Tuesday, with later gate openings. Health Benefits: The Social Security Administration added 14 rare and severe conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, aiming to speed disability approvals. Maryland Sports: The Orioles beat the Twins 5-2 as Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso powered the offense. MLB Trade Ripple: Adley Rutschman made his Red Sox debut after a wrist injury, activated off the injured list and batting third. Community & Culture: A Baltimore native, 2026 Mrs. Maryland Angela Salvino, is using her recovery story to inspire others ahead of competing for Mrs. America.

Powerball Watch: No jackpot winner Monday; Wednesday’s Powerball is now estimated at $975M (cash $422.3M), with two Maryland tickets matching the first five white balls for $1M each. Public Safety: Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal Dorchester County shooting early Tuesday: a 5-year-old girl was killed and a 30-year-old man was flown to a trauma center. Local Crime: Baltimore County reported three deaths in two separate Essex shootings Monday, with detectives asking for tips. Health Access: Maryland expanded its free vaccine program for uninsured adults by adding 10 Federally Qualified Health Centers statewide. State Politics: A Baltimore Sun analysis estimates Maryland’s Aug. 3-4 redistricting special session could cost taxpayers up to $50,680 in meal and hotel reimbursements. Mental Health Funding: Howard County is sending $260,000 in emergency money to a 988 crisis center after federal cuts threaten nearly $6M in annual support. Sports: Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins was carted off practice with an apparent left leg injury; Boston activates Adley Rutschman for his Red Sox debut.

Redistricting Fight: Maryland Republicans and the Maryland Freedom Caucus filed suit challenging the process that put a constitutional redistricting amendment on the November ballot, arguing due process was bypassed and warning it could reshape representation statewide. Storm Damage: Strong storms swept through Maryland with heavy rain, damaging winds, tornado warnings, downed trees and power outages, including thousands without electricity in Baltimore-area counties. Public Health Policy: A new federal move would tighten childhood vaccination schedules, drawing pushback from medical groups that say the change conflicts with decades of evidence. Baltimore Sports: The Orioles dropped a 9-5 opener to the Twins as Dean Kremer dominated his former team; Adley Rutschman is set to debut with the Red Sox after a wrist injury. College & Community: Morgan State said Harper-Tubman dorm renovations are delayed, so students are staying at the Lord Baltimore Hotel with added credits and support. Local Crime: Police reported multiple deadly shootings in Essex, underscoring ongoing public safety concerns.

Baltimore Police Accountability: A Baltimore officer, Dequwan Houchins, was indicted for allegedly logging fake traffic stops, including false entries and misconduct in office, with prosecutors saying he also failed to file required bodycam footage. Public Safety Weather: Storms are back in the forecast for Maryland this week, with Monday and Tuesday flagged as First Alert Weather Days for damaging wind gusts and heavy rain, and impacts possible for commutes and BTS concert traffic. Eastern Shore Crime: Hurlock police say a large unsanctioned “Pop Up Block Party” drew about 800 people and ended with fights and gunfire that damaged a car and building, though no gunshot victims were reported. Health & Community: St. Mary’s County schools are rolling out redesigned elementary report cards with a clearer four-point proficiency scale tied to quarterly expectations. Courts & Rights: Civil liberties groups filed a supporting brief in a federal appeal challenging New York City’s DNA collection from items left in police interrogation rooms, arguing it violates Fourth Amendment protections. Transportation Updates: Maryland DOT SHA completed major bridge repairs in Salisbury and is starting safety upgrades at the US 13/MD 366 intersection in Pocomoke City.

Baltimore Crime: Baltimore police arrested three 14-year-old boys after a carjacked vehicle was spotted on West North Avenue, with a loaded gun recovered and officials saying juveniles were involved in the incident. Public Safety: An 18-month-old was flown to Children’s National after a drowning at a home in La Plata; officials said the child had serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Energy Costs: Baltimore approved a major jump in the fee BGE pays to use the city’s underground conduit system, a change that could raise monthly bills starting next year. Immigration/Advocacy: The family of Baltimore community advocate Christina Pasion is demanding her immediate release from custody in the Philippines, rejecting allegations tied to the New People’s Army. Sports (Maryland): Pete Alonso powered the Orioles’ 10-5 win over the Rangers with two homers and four RBI, while Jacob Wilson set an MLB shortstop record with 111 straight errorless games. Weather: Storm chances are ramping up across Maryland heading into the workweek.