AGP Executive Report

ESA Lawsuit: A coalition of 21 states sued the Trump administration over a rollback to the Endangered Species Act “harm” definition, arguing it removes protections for critical habitat and could endanger species like orcas and sockeye salmon. Schools Attendance: Maryland’s state superintendent says chronic absenteeism fell to 22.8% in 2025-26, down from 30.9% in 2021-22, with a new “Maryland Shows Up” push to keep students in class. Baltimore County Tech Use: District data show middle and high school students spent roughly 70–100 minutes a day on school devices, as officials work on screen-time and AI policies. Transportation Safety: Howard County and MDOT celebrated completed US 1 intersection upgrades in Elkridge and North Laurel, targeting crashes that included pedestrian deaths and injuries. 9/11 Commemoration: Parkville events for the 25th anniversary continue after Baltimore County canceled a planned 21-gun salute. Rugby Spotlight: Ahead of the Springboks–All Blacks finale in Baltimore, New Zealand’s coach called for referees to punish illegal breakdown tactics immediately.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: South Africa heads into Saturday’s fourth Test against New Zealand in Baltimore up 2-1, with the “money game” expected to pull in up to $8 million and a win putting the Springboks one step from a 3-1 series finish; Orioles Update: Baltimore placed versatile Blaze Alexander on the 10-day injured list with lower back spasms and is hopeful shortstop Gunnar Henderson can recover quickly from a knee injury; Cyclospora Outbreak: CDC says confirmed Cyclospora cases have surged to 19,595 in the U.S., tied to iceberg lettuce from a Mexico operation, with thousands more additional cases under review; Baltimore County Schools: Parents are frustrated over lost, late, and overcrowded school buses, adding pressure as the school year starts; Local Public Safety: A 13-year-old bicyclist in Essex died nearly two weeks after being struck by a vehicle; Higher Ed Oversight: Baltimore City Community College leaders defended an audit tied to “ghost students” and missing equipment, saying fixes are underway.

Public Safety: Baltimore police charged Justin James, 29, with first-degree murder and related handgun offenses in the Sept. 2 homicide of 31-year-old Stephon Carroll. Detectives say Carroll was found shot on Goodnow Road and later died. Howard County Accountability: The Maryland AG’s Independent Investigations Division identified the victim and officer in a weekend pursuit crash: 20-year-old Anthony Bowers Jr. died after backing into a parked patrol car and fleeing, while Officer Amir Parker was not injured; the AG says the case is under investigation. Middle River Shooting: IID also identified 21-year-old Sadie Holman as the woman killed in a Sept. 3 police-involved shooting after officers responded to a report of a weapon; the officer involved, Cpl. James Haddix, was not hurt. Earthquake: A 2.1-magnitude quake was recorded overnight near Rising Sun in Cecil County. Statewide Policy & Health: Johns Hopkins researchers say the 988 hotline helped reduce observed suicide rates by 11% and that gun storage rules and barriers can sharply lower risk. Roadway Safety: Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and DOT Secretary Katie Thomson launched the Safer Maryland Coalition aimed at cutting roadway deaths. Local Government: Anne Arundel County Council voted to raise its members’ salaries, with new pay taking effect in December. Economy & Agriculture: The Moore-Miller administration announced a new grain transloading facility at the Port of Baltimore to help farmers export.

Rugby in Baltimore: Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus says the neutral-venue switch won’t change his team’s mindset as South Africa and the All Blacks set for the fourth and final Test at M&T Bank Stadium, with both sides aiming to finish the series strong. Public health: Federal and state investigators report a Maryland hospital’s drug-resistant infections were linked to the building’s water supply, after 11 patients were found with the same superbug. Local government: Baltimore County approved new zoning rules for smoke shops, including a 1,000-foot restriction, as leaders continue tightening neighborhood standards. Safety and courts: A Maryland lawmaker is pushing a repeat-squatter registry modeled after sex-offender databases, arguing police need a way to track repeat offenders. Business: Ashland-based Wine & Beer Supply acquired Maryland hops supplier Havoc Brew Supply, expanding into beer ingredients. Sports (Baltimore): The Guardians beat the Orioles 9-5 behind Travis Bazzana’s big homer, keeping Cleveland in the postseason hunt.

Public Safety: Maryland State Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in Somerset County, where 67-year-old Christine Wells and 66-year-old Robert Dehart were found dead on Dividing Creek Road after a welfare check; Wells’ death was ruled a homicide. Crime Update: Baltimore police charged 39-year-old Paul Gant with first-degree murder in the Aug. 20 killing of 47-year-old Adrian Griffin on Garrison Boulevard. Local Law Enforcement: Anne Arundel police responded to multiple Honda airbag thefts in Glen Burnie, Odenton and Crofton, urging residents to lock vehicles and review camera footage. Business & Defense: AEVEX has closed its up-to-$650 million BlackSea Technologies deal; BlackSea’s Baltimore operation will run as AEVEX’s Maritime Systems division. Education & Research: Morgan State won a $10 million federal grant to launch TITAN, building trusted autonomous networks and expanding doctoral training. Economy & Jobs: Gov. Moore will attend Northrop Grumman’s ribbon cutting for a new Elkton Propulsion Innovation Center. Courts & Politics: A Supreme Court ruling keeps Maryland’s redistricting amendment question on the November ballot, drawing fresh criticism and debate. Community & Culture: Talbot County dedicated a Liberty Tree at Frederick Douglass Park, part of a statewide project planting descendants of Maryland’s original Liberty Tree. Weather: Baltimore is set to warm and turn more humid midweek, with a better chance of showers and storms Thursday. Transportation: MDOT SHA will resurface US 40/Pulaski Highway in eastern Harford County with overnight lane closures starting Sept. 13.

Public Safety: Maryland officials and community leaders are sounding the alarm over rising burglary and armed robbery, calling for urgent, coordinated action to stop a growing security crisis. Local Culture: Temple Theatre is kicking off its 2026-27 Mainstage season with “1776, the Musical,” timed to the U.S. 250th anniversary. Racial Justice & Accountability: A Tucson real estate agent accused of a violent, racist and homophobic American Airlines outburst was restrained mid-flight with duct tape and zip ties after passengers and crew intervened; the incident led to a Baltimore diversion and now faces criminal scrutiny. Ravens & Sports: The Ravens’ Week 1 center spotlight shifts to Jovaughn Gwyn, while NFL and college football coverage continues to roll into the new season. Rugby in Baltimore: Springboks and All Blacks set for a series decider at M&T Bank Stadium, with South Africa making key lineup changes as it tries to close out the rivalry. Arts & Space: NASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft harness work at Johns Hopkins APL in Laurel marks another milestone toward the Titan mission.

Labor & Wages: Gov. Wes Moore announced an $18-an-hour minimum wage for direct BWI airport contract workers, plus emergency legislation planned for 2027 to extend wage protections to indirect workers under the Secure Maryland Wage Act. Public Transit: Metro’s Red Line reopened three stations—Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center and Bethesda—after a nine-week partial shutdown, ending shuttle-bus commutes for many riders. Courts & Voting: Maryland’s Supreme Court cleared a Democratic-backed congressional redistricting amendment for the November ballot, ordering revised wording. Baltimore Safety & Crime: A man died after a ShotSpotter-triggered shooting in Carrollton Ridge, and police are asking for tips. Sports (Baltimore): Orioles umpire Chris Guccione left an Orioles-Guardians game after being hit in the mask by a foul tip; the game continued with another umpire behind the plate. Community: Thousands turned out for Kensington’s 59th Labor Day Parade and Festival. Health: A doctor highlighted leukemia warning signs women should watch for, including night sweats, weight loss and easy bruising.

MLB in Baltimore: Boston finished a four-game sweep of the Orioles 3-1 on Sunday, with closer Aroldis Chapman recording his 400th career save after Eli White’s three-run homer following an Orioles error. Injury update: The Red Sox also placed Ceddanne Rafaela on the 10-day injured list with a right quadriceps strain, retroactive to Thursday. Local governance & tech: Gov. Wes Moore rolled out an expanded AI-powered Maryland Community Compass to help local businesses and entrepreneurs find grants, loans, and zoning info. Public safety: Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run involving a police vehicle near the Howard–Anne Arundel county line. Aviation incident: An American Airlines flight diverted to Baltimore after a passenger allegedly hurled racist and homophobic slurs and was restrained with duct tape and zip ties. Higher education: UMD’s student government is operating without a fully seated legislature, with a special election planned to fill vacant seats. Sports beyond baseball: Maryland field hockey and women’s soccer kept rolling with recent wins, including a shootout victory over Duke and a late goal vs. Binghamton.

Ravens & Orioles on the same weekend: Orioles fans say they were left holding the bag after Zay Flowers was announced as a Camden Yards “guest splasher” but didn’t show, with the team saying it stopped promoting the appearance and will try to make it right. Orioles roster hit: Baltimore also placed Luis Robert Jr. on the 10-day IL with left hamstring discomfort, recalling Rece Hinds and Anthony Nunez to cover the loss. MLB swing in Baltimore: Boston beat Baltimore 5-0 behind Sonny Gray’s seven strong innings, extending the Orioles’ slide. Maryland traffic tragedy: A Beltway crash near I-70 left 11 people injured after a van hit a tractor-trailer and overturned. Howard County fatal pursuit: Police vehicle hit-and-run in Jessup killed one man and sent two others to Shock Trauma; the state’s Independent Investigations Division took over. Politics & courts: Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized the U.S. Supreme Court’s legitimacy amid the state’s redistricting fight. Public safety & policing: Baltimore police faced questions after an arrest caught on camera allegedly involved officers holding the wrong person at gunpoint without reading Miranda rights.

Rugby in Maryland: South Africa beat New Zealand 29-24 in Johannesburg to take a 2-1 lead in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, setting up the final Test next Saturday at M&T Stadium in Baltimore—though Cheslin Kolbe is out with a fractured jaw and Ardie Savea is also injured. Maryland football: The Terps opened strong with a 62-0 rout of Hampton in College Park, scoring six rushing touchdowns and shutting down the Pirates 646-85. Orioles update: Boston’s Sonny Gray struck out seven in a 5-0 shutout of Baltimore, extending the Orioles’ skid to five straight losses. Public safety: Three officers were hurt during a stolen-vehicle pursuit in Harford County; the suspect was later caught. Crash on Suitland Parkway: A multi-vehicle crash near Branch Avenue left two people critically injured and eight others sent for evaluation. Health spotlight: A new report highlights how endometriosis can go undiagnosed for years, leaving patients stuck in pain before getting answers.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry in Baltimore: South Africa beat New Zealand 29-24 in Soweto to take a 2-1 series lead, setting up the final Test next weekend at M&T Bank Stadium; New Zealand captain Ardie Savea is out with a shoulder injury after a brutal match swing. Air Travel Safety: An American Airlines flight from Dallas to Newark diverted to BWI after a 67-year-old passenger, Arthur Lundeen, was restrained with duct tape and zip ties following an alleged racist and violent outburst; he was arrested and faces Maryland charges. Elections: Maryland election officials certified a handful of third-party candidates for the Nov. 3 ballot, including Green Party contender Sam Husseini for the 4th Congressional District. Public Health: TidalHealth will hold free drive-thru flu clinics in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties this fall, with high-dose shots at select sites. Storm Aftermath: Pepco reported about 7,600 customers still without power after severe storms hit parts of D.C. and Maryland. Baltimore City Hall/Community: Baltimore’s new official city tree is the Tuliptree, replacing the long-maligned Bradford pear.

Baltimore Politics & Courts: Maryland’s top court cleared a Democratic-backed congressional redistricting amendment for the November ballot, but ordered wording changes—setting up a fresh fight over how voters will see the measure. Public Safety: A disruptive American Airlines passenger, identified as Arthur Lundeen, was duct-taped to his seat after racist and anti-LGBT remarks; the flight diverted to BWI and he was arrested. Housing & Cost of Living: Gov. Wes Moore announced a new Maryland Mortgage Program product for first responders and teachers, offering a lower rate plus 5% down-payment and closing-cost help. ICE & Community Tensions: Residents in a quiet Frederick neighborhood say ICE agents were camped out for days, prompting protests and fear among neighbors. Sports (Baltimore): The Orioles lost 1-0 to the Red Sox after a contentious eighth-inning double play sparked bench-clearing chaos; Adley Rutschman also returned to Camden Yards with two homers in a recent 6-5 Boston win. Weather & Health: Maryland reported record heat-related deaths in 2026, as officials warn about rising rabies incidents.

Courts & Elections: Maryland’s Supreme Court kept Question 3 on the November ballot but ordered the wording rewritten, a win for Democrats that drew sharp criticism from Republicans who called the original language “deceptive.” Public Safety: Maryland reported a record 59 heat-related deaths this summer, with health officials urging residents to use cooling centers and check on vulnerable neighbors. Baltimore Accountability: Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen pointed to record-low homicide numbers while also blasting BGE over a proposed rate hike and citing failures tied to six children found in “abject conditions.” Crime & Justice: ICE filed a detainer tied to an El Salvador man accused in a wrong-way crash on I-270 that killed a mother and daughter; separately, Maryland AG officials announced charges in an illegal sewage dumping case in Wicomico County. Community & Culture: The Maryland Renaissance Festival banned fursuits for the 2026 season, saying customer complaints drove the change. Transit & Weather: A large tree branch fell onto an MTA bus in Reisterstown, sending five adults to hospitals with minor injuries. Sports: Adley Rutschman returned to Baltimore with two homers as the Red Sox beat the Orioles 6-5, and the Ravens named season captains/leadership after a roster shakeup.

Redistricting Fight: Maryland’s Supreme Court cleared a Democratic-backed congressional districting amendment for the November ballot, but ordered the ballot language rewritten after finding parts of the proposed wording misleading—prompting Gov. Wes Moore to call it a win for voters and democracy. Baltimore Politics & Power: Baltimore County residents packed a planning board hearing to oppose new data centers, arguing for tighter rules and warning about higher energy bills, water strain, and impacts on neighborhoods. Public Safety & Courts: A Baltimore man pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing his boyfriend and dumping the body in Leakin Park, with sentencing set for January. Education Accountability: A lawsuit alleges Montgomery County BOE failed to protect a former student from teacher Daniel J. Picca despite years of complaints. State Investments: Maryland approved nearly $23 million for water and wastewater upgrades in Prince George’s County, including operating support for treatment plants and main replacements. Sports (Baltimore): Adley Rutschman returned to Camden Yards and hit two homers, but the Red Sox rallied past the Orioles 6-5.

MARC Rail Expansion: The Maryland Transit Administration is adding transfer-free “run-through” weekday MARC service that lets riders from Frederick and Montgomery counties reach Baltimore without switching trains, starting Sept. 28. Ravens Injury Update: Zay Flowers returned to practice after a quad contusion, with Baltimore aiming to have him ready for the season opener. Education & Community: Gov. Wes Moore visited Katherine Johnson Global Academy and announced an expansion of the Maryland Community Compass, an AI-powered platform meant to speed up local development. Courts & Voting: The Maryland Supreme Court heard arguments in the redistricting ballot question fight, a case that could reshape how congressional maps are drawn. Public Safety: Police are investigating a pedestrian hit by a car in northeast Laurel, and a separate police-involved shooting in Middle River left a woman hospitalized. Sports Betting Legal Watch: A federal judge in Maryland blocked Trump’s latest birthright citizenship restriction, while sports betting and prediction-market rules continue to face legal pressure nationwide. Local Culture: A bilingual Free Little Library opened in Cambridge, highlighting diverse authors for local families.

Ravens Contract Watch: Ravens GM Eric DeCosta says he’s “optimistic” about getting a Lamar Jackson extension done before March, noting Jackson’s 2027 cap hit is among the NFL’s highest and that Baltimore wants a deal as soon as possible. Birthright Citizenship Fight: A Maryland federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a new executive order limiting birthright citizenship, calling it “almost certainly unconstitutional” after the Supreme Court’s prior ruling. Baltimore Schools & Oversight: Baltimore Mayor Scott defended a clash with the inspector general over access to city records, while separate coverage highlights ongoing questions around school leadership and absenteeism. Public Safety & Health: Baltimore County school board member apologized for a social media post, and Maryland reported rising protective order filings. Local Transit: MARC is set to launch direct weekday service linking Montgomery County and Baltimore, expanding commute options. Weather: Forecasts call for more rounds of storms across Maryland, including impacts around the Baltimore area.