AI Infrastructure & Power: Trump backed AI data centers as “jobs and lots of money,” even as critics warn about electricity, water, and land-use strain. Energy Grid Fight (Maryland/Virginia): West Virginia’s consumer advocate joined efforts to pause or dismiss NextEra’s MARL transmission project, arguing grid assumptions changed after Maryland plants got extensions. Local Development: Baltimore’s East Baltimore renewal area north of Johns Hopkins will shift operational management to the Baltimore Development Corporation starting Sept. 1, with EBDI staying independent. Construction & Immigration Facilities: Howard County plans to appeal a federal ruling that reinstated building permits for an ICE field office in Elkridge. Tech/Tax: Maryland’s Tax Court invalidated the state’s digital advertising gross revenues tax, opening a path for other states’ similar digital taxes to be challenged. Seafood & Aquaculture: Maryland officials held listening sessions to strengthen marketing for locally harvested seafood, with oysters a major focus. Business Moves (Engineering): KCI Technologies will relocate its HQ to Hunt Valley, bringing about 300 employees in 2027. Federal Contracting (NASA): Amentum won a $974M, 10-year NASA Langley support contract for maintenance, engineering, and tech modernization. Consumer Protection: FTC proposed tougher scrutiny of “personalized pricing” tied to consumer data, seeking public comment. Healthcare Access: CMS data shows U.S. emergency department wait times averaging 2+ hours, with Maryland around 4 hours 11 minutes.