AGP Executive Report

Redistricting Lawsuits: Maryland Republicans sued to block voters from weighing in this November on Democrats’ congressional redistricting amendment, arguing it was approved too late for ballot deadlines and could erase the state’s last GOP seat. Local Politics: U.S. Rep. Andy Harris accused Gov. Wes Moore of pushing the change for national political ambitions. Public Safety & Health: A Baltimore Archdiocese deacon was removed from ministry after arrest on charges of sexually soliciting a minor. Immigration Enforcement: An ICE body-camera policy would let the agency decide whether to release footage of in-custody deaths or serious injuries based on what’s “in the best interests of the agency.” Weather: A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect across Maryland with hot, humid conditions and possible strong storms. Community & Culture: A long-vacant Little Italy restaurant in Baltimore is headed to auction after a legal fight. Sports (Maryland ties): Stefon Diggs returned home to the Commanders in a full-circle moment for the Gaithersburg native.

Preakness Stakes Future: Maryland officials say the 152nd Preakness will move to Sunday, May 23, 2027, with the Black-Eyed Susan shifting to Saturday—an effort to keep the race elite after it was left out of a new national Thoroughbred Championship Series and to reassure top horses and fans. Chesapeake Bay Fishing: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission advanced a proposal that could cut Chesapeake Bay menhaden harvests by up to 50%, with public comment coming next and possible changes aimed at protecting wildlife and bait needs. Public Safety & Health: A University of Maryland study finds wildfire smoke is undoing some prenatal air-quality gains, hitting low-income, rural, and Indigenous communities hardest. Maryland Courts & Scams: The Maryland Judiciary again warned residents about text scams tied to traffic violations, urging caution before responding or paying. Baltimore Community: Baltimore security officers are set to strike over heat and work conditions, adding pressure to city building operations. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue with scattered storms possible in the Baltimore area.

NFL Contract Watch: Colts locked in Jonathan Taylor with a two-year, $44 million extension, keeping the 2021 rushing champ off the free-agent market and underscoring how fast running back money is moving. Ravens & Market Signals: Baltimore’s Zay Flowers reportedly landed a $35M-per-year extension, adding fuel to the growing “receiver bubble” that’s reshaping NFL pay scales. Local Labor & Safety: Baltimore security officers for city buildings and public housing plan to strike Thursday, citing heat-safety failures and unpaid overtime. Water Infrastructure: Baltimore County is moving ahead with major Dundalk-area water main replacements after recurring breaks, with new projects in design for spring 2027. Public Health Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz as the next CDC director, as the agency faces a major measles resurgence. Community & Culture: BTS fans in Baltimore raised thousands for Beat the Streets Baltimore, boosting youth education and wrestling programs. Sports (MLB): MLB’s post-deadline power rankings highlight Baltimore’s big trade activity, including Adley Rutschman moving to Boston. Weather: Hot, humid conditions with storms are expected in Maryland, with evening thunder chances.

Redistricting in Maryland: The General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment clarifying how congressional districts are drawn, and it now heads to voters—Republicans say it’s aimed at targeting the state’s lone GOP-held seat, while Democrats frame it as a rules clarification. Baltimore utility costs: Baltimore City is moving to take over its underground conduit system from BGE, with a proposed near-doubling of the conduit fee that BGE warns could raise bills for customers. School policy: Kent County’s school board approved a cell phone policy tied to Maryland’s Phone-Free Schools law, with restrictions on device use and social media during the school day. Public safety and courts: A judge ordered a Baltimore County man to a psychiatric facility after a ruling of not criminally responsible in his wife’s fatal stabbing case. Maryland business/innovation: MEIA announced a $100,000 pre-seed investment into Baltimore-based Canopy Minerals, backing a non-destructive approach to critical mineral exploration. Sports: Orioles players said they were shocked and saddened by Adley Rutschman’s trade to the Red Sox.

Gun Rights Fight: The Justice Department sued Montgomery County over a new law that, federal officials say, makes it nearly impossible for permit holders to carry firearms in everyday life by creating broad exclusion zones. Baltimore Courts: A judge dismissed Baltimore’s public nuisance case against Pepsi, Coke and Frito-Lay over single-use plastic bottles, dealing a blow to the city’s bid to recover cleanup costs. Eastern Shore Immigration: After TPS ends for Haitians, a Salisbury-area church says attendance has plunged and fear of ICE is spreading. Public Safety & Justice: A Baltimore jury awarded $1.05 million to a formerly incarcerated man injured in a state van ride, alleging the vehicle lacked basic safety features. Politics: Maryland lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment sending voters a chance to clear the way for a congressional map designed to favor Democrats in all eight districts. Horse Racing & TV: The Preakness Stakes is moving to the fourth Sunday in May starting in 2027, and NBC/Peacock extended coverage through 2032. Health Watch: A drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, has been flagged in 23 states including Maryland, according to CDC data. Weather: Hot and humid conditions with daily storm chances are expected through the week.

Redistricting Fight in Annapolis: Maryland lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment that would let voters decide whether congressional districts can be redrawn with less-compact boundaries, setting up a November ballot vote and potentially reshaping all eight House seats for 2028. Legal Pressure on Trump Tariffs: Maryland is among 25 states suing to block the Trump administration’s latest tariff push, arguing it’s an illegal attempt to raise costs after prior court defeats. Ravens Contract News: Baltimore locked in WR Zay Flowers with a reported $140 million, four-year extension, a major offseason move as the team builds around Lamar Jackson’s top target. Baltimore Orioles Post-Trade Deadline: The Orioles opened their stretch after trading Adley Rutschman with a 3-1 win over the Angels, powered by Cade Povich’s strong start and timely hitting. Public Safety Spotlight: Baltimore held National Night Out events with Gov. Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott urging neighborhood collaboration as the city continues to confront recent violence. Measles Update: Maryland confirmed additional measles cases after exposure concerns, keeping public health officials on alert. Local Business/Jobs: Amazon reportedly backed away from plans for a data center campus near Calvert Cliffs, while other Maryland communities weigh data-center moratoriums and rules.

Ravens Lock In Zay Flowers: Baltimore agreed to a four-year, $140 million extension for Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers, including $108 million guaranteed, keeping Lamar Jackson’s top target in place through 2031. MLB Deadline Shockwaves: The Orioles traded catcher Adley Rutschman to the Red Sox for a major prospect haul, while the deadline also featured big moves across the league as teams tried to reshape their playoff odds. Gun Rights Fight in Montgomery County: The U.S. Justice Department sued Montgomery County over a new gun ban tied to places of worship and other public assembly areas, arguing it violates the Second Amendment. Baltimore Harbor Homicide Charge: Parkville man James Fitzsimmons was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after police say he pushed another man into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor following an altercation. Eastern Shore Secession Bid Fails: A Republican amendment asking voters about Eastern Shore secession didn’t pass, even as Maryland lawmakers advanced redistricting changes. Public Safety: A deadly two-car crash in Germantown killed one driver and injured seven children.

Baltimore Orioles: Fans reacted with shock after the Orioles traded All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman to the Red Sox, a move that reshaped the AL East outlook and left many wondering what comes next for Baltimore’s core. MLB Deadline Fallout (Maryland ties): The Orioles also dealt Taylor Ward to the Mariners, while the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal trade to the Dodgers and Casey Mize’s late move to San Diego kept the whole division churning. Maryland Courts/Key Bridge: A federal judge dismissed the Dali owner’s lawsuit against Hyundai Heavy Industries over the 2024 Key Bridge collapse, a major legal setback for families seeking accountability. Public Safety: A Glen Burnie parking garage evacuation led to $3,000 payments for tenants whose vehicles were trapped for weeks. Health: Maryland confirmed cyclosporiasis cases near 150, and officials warned about the outbreak. Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes hit West Virginia last week, with Maryland-area storm impacts still top of mind.

Congressional Redistricting: Maryland lawmakers are set for a rare special session on congressional redistricting, with Democrats pushing changes for 2028 while Republicans warn of another court fight. Immigration & Public Safety: A University of Maryland pharmacy instructor was detained by ICE after being arrested at Dallas-Fort Worth airport despite work authorization, and Baltimore police arrested a woman in the stabbing death of an 18-year-old in Southwest Baltimore. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles traded outfielder Taylor Ward to the Seattle Mariners for three pitchers, a deadline move that signals a soft sell-off as Baltimore weighs playoff hopes against roster planning. Weather: Muggy conditions with scattered storms are expected across Maryland through the week, with Wednesday looking wettest and localized flooding possible. Environment & Health: Researchers say Chesapeake Bay blue crab numbers have dropped 50% since 2010, and Maryland confirmed its first human West Nile case of 2026. Business/Tech: Supernus and Individor announced a merger that will keep the combined company headquartered in Rockville, aiming to expand its central nervous system drug portfolio.

Redistricting Fight: Maryland lawmakers kick off a special session Monday on a proposed constitutional amendment that would steer congressional map-drawing in a more partisan direction, with Democrats seeking more room to win an extra House seat by 2028 and Republicans calling it a power grab. Baltimore Safety: Police are investigating a Harbor East homicide after a 37-year-old man was pulled from the water following a fight and later died at a hospital; earlier, another man was pulled from the water in Canton after a motorcycle theft dispute. ICE & Johns Hopkins: A Johns Hopkins public health researcher detained by ICE at BWI has been released, and her attorney says she had valid work authorization tied to a pending asylum case. Public Works: SGN gas main replacement work will temporarily close roads in the Turlin Road area between Aug. 17 and Aug. 28, with emergency access maintained. Sports Deadline: MLB’s trade deadline arrives Monday, with major moves already reshaping contenders, including Kevin Gausman headed from the Blue Jays to the Cubs.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Dodgers pulled off the splash many rivals expected them to win: Tarik Skubal, the back-to-back AL Cy Young winner, is headed to Los Angeles for three prospects (Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, Brady Smith), reshaping the NL race with a rotation that already includes Yamamoto, Snell, Ohtani and Glasnow. Orioles-Phillies Deadline Watch: In Baltimore, the Phillies are still hunting help—especially for a bullpen that’s been melting down—while the Orioles weigh whether to sell or buy as key players near returns from the injured list, with Taylor Ward emerging as a potential fit. Maryland Utilities: The Maryland Public Service Commission approved a smaller-than-requested Washington Gas rate increase, cutting the impact to about $4.01 more per month for an average residential heating customer. Public Safety & Weather: Sunday brings rain chances across Maryland, with storms possible and heavier rain expected into Monday. Lottery: A $1 million Powerball ticket was sold in College Park, and the jackpot rolls to about $748 million for Monday’s drawing.

MLB Deadline Shock for Maryland Fans: The Phillies snapped a four-game skid with a 5-0 shutout of the Orioles on Saturday, as Cristopher Sánchez struck out 11 in six innings and Philadelphia’s bullpen held firm after Baltimore stranded eight runners. Chesapeake Bay Conservation: Maryland’s striped bass fishing closure begins Aug. 1, running through Aug. 31, as DNR cites heat-related stress and urges anglers to switch to other species during the shutdown. Local Sports Pipeline: In Double-A, Orioles prospect Joseph Dzierwa kept Altoona to two hits over five scoreless innings, pushing his season to a 2.25 ERA with 116 strikeouts. Data Center Policy Watch (Frederick County): Frederick County is hosting public informational open houses on data center regulation, with new steps tied to state court guidance and an impact analysis timeline. Housing/Planning: Frederick-area ADU rules continue to move forward, but parking study requirements are slowing some approvals. National Security: Trump says the U.S. will pause new Iran strikes as a deal nears, while warnings continue across the region.

Orioles & MLB Deadline Fallout: The Minnesota Twins acquired Orioles starter Dean Kremer, hoping to revive a season slowed by a right quad strain, while Baltimore’s trade market keeps churning as teams weigh pitching needs and costs. Baltimore Public Safety: Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments tied to an alleged West Baltimore open-air drug market in Sandtown-Winchester, charging 14 people with trafficking fentanyl, heroin and crack cocaine. Johns Hopkins/ICE: A Johns Hopkins researcher detained by ICE at BWI was released after days in federal custody, with her attorney saying she had valid work authorization and an asylum application pending. Maryland Politics: GOP Del. Kathy Szeliga warned against a proposed Maryland constitutional amendment tied to congressional redistricting, saying opponents would need to persuade voters ahead of a special session starting Monday. Weather: Maryland heads into a humid weekend with storms possible, and a wetter pattern expected early next week. Sports Calendar: NFL training camps open with quarterback battles and new coaches, including Baltimore’s Jesse Minter leading Ravens camp.

Orioles Move in the Trade Market: Baltimore traded starting pitcher Dean Kremer to the Minnesota Twins for 18-year-old outfield prospect Jhomnardo Reyes, a deal that underscores the Orioles’ “buy and sell” approach as they chase the AL wild card. Orioles Lock In a Key Reliever: The club also agreed to a $7.5 million, two-year extension with reliever Yennier Cano, keeping him through 2028 with a $10 million club option for 2029. Public Safety in Montgomery: Harrowing video and police say a 17-year-old allegedly fired at shoppers inside Westfield Wheaton mall, injuring a 13-year-old. Health Watch: Maryland health officials confirmed a first human case of West Nile virus in 2026. State Politics: Maryland lawmakers are set for a special session on redistricting Monday, with voting-rights and map battles looming. Local Community Pressure: A Baltimore nonprofit says rising rent forced it to move, threatening youth programs. Sports Roundup: Orioles beat the Phillies 6-4 with a late rally led by Gunnar Henderson’s two-run triple.

Maryland Lottery: A Charles County man says he’s on a lucky streak after winning his second $50,000 prize of 2026, including a Bonus Match 5 win from the Dash In store in Waldorf. Baltimore Oversight: Baltimore law school deans have stepped down from the board that oversees the city inspector general, raising fresh questions about who will supervise the watchdog’s work. Sports Business: The Maryland Stadium Authority named Lindsey V. Parker as its next executive director, effective September 2026. Local Government & Guns: The Justice Department warned Montgomery County over its firearms ban in houses of worship, arguing it conflicts with the Second Amendment. Workplace Tech: FedEx expanded its partnership with Dexterity to scale physical AI trailer-loading systems at the FedEx Hagerstown hub. Public Safety & Health: Maryland’s “flesh-eating” bacteria concerns in the Chesapeake Bay keep growing as cases rise with warmer water. National Politics from Camp David: President Trump said Israel is “very happy” with a Gaza disarmament agreement and also blamed Minnesota, not Iran, for a reported cyberattack on water systems.

Cold Case Justice: A man was convicted nearly nine years after off-duty D.C. police Sgt. Tony Mason was shot and killed in Baltimore in 2017, with sentencing set for Aug. 5. Public Safety: A 75-year-old died after a Salisbury house fire on Tangier Street; investigators say smoking materials weren’t ruled out and smoke alarms were activated. Chesapeake Bay: Maryland anglers face a monthlong striped bass closure starting Aug. 1 to protect younger fish during peak heat. Environment & Health: Maryland reported more cases of cyclosporiasis as the parasite outbreak continues, with officials urging caution around contaminated food and water. Immigration Enforcement: Johns Hopkins public health researcher Fatima Ameaka was detained by ICE at BWI while boarding a flight, according to the university. Energy Debate: Harford County residents and officials pushed back on a proposed 500-megawatt battery storage project over fire and environmental concerns near Deer Creek. Local Leadership: Chesapeake Bay Trust President Dr. Jana Davis announced retirement after more than 20 years; board named Kacey Wetzel as replacement.