AGP Executive Report

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.

White House Press Access: CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters say their White House badges were disabled and they were denied entry after President Trump announced a ban on the outlets, escalating a fight over “fake news.” Baltimore Gun Violence: Police are investigating a shooting near a Baltimore strip mall on Reisterstown Road that sent a 32-year-old man to the hospital; reports also mention multiple other victims, with detectives seeking tips. Orioles & Ravens Sports: Trey Mancini officially retired ahead of an Orioles ceremony; meanwhile, Baltimore’s Ravens head into the Saints game with early-season injury concerns after a Week 1 win and questions about how a new center is handling pressure. Local Culture: The Baltimore Book Festival returns with celebrity guest Laverne Cox. Community & Safety: A NORAD F-16 intercepted an aircraft violating restricted airspace over Thurmont while Trump was at Camp David. Health & Policy: Maryland’s election news includes reports that more than 590,000 voters requested mail-in ballots for 2026.

SNAP/Medicaid Fight: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland will help residents navigate new Trump administration work requirements tied to SNAP and Medicaid, with outreach and easier benefit processes aimed at keeping people covered. Baltimore Safety & Crime: Baltimore County police say a shoplifting call in Lutherville led to a crash and a foot pursuit, ending with two arrests and no reported injuries. Cold Case Breakthroughs: A man accused in the 1993 murder and rape of 10-year-old “Junior” Burdynski will stay jailed pending trial, while another suspect was arrested in a 2003 Frederick County murder after new evidence and forensic advances. Courts & Accountability: In D.C., both sides rested in the federal bribery trial of Councilman Trayon White, with closing arguments expected next week. Elections: About 590,000 Maryland voters have requested mail-in ballots for the 2026 general election, as officials begin sending them Sept. 19. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles fell 6-5 in 10 innings to the Brewers in the series opener, and Ravens home opener security ramps up for Sunday vs. the Saints.

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.