AGP Executive Report

AI & Jobs: Gov. Moore announced Cloudforce will expand its National Harbor HQ in Prince George’s County, leasing more space and adding 250 jobs over five years as it scales a secure AI platform for higher education and public-sector customers. Data Centers & Water/Power: A growing backlash is pushing states—including Maryland—to consider pauses or tougher rules on new AI data centers, as communities argue for better planning around electricity, land, and water. Transportation Infrastructure: The Maryland Department of Transportation will close Pocomoke City’s historic drawbridge to motorists for about 60 days starting Sept. 8 for cleaning and painting, with marine traffic expected to continue. Coastal Resilience: USACE and Ocean City marked the next beach renourishment cycle, citing storm-damage protection benefits from a wide beach, seawall, and dunes. Public Health & Labor: New research warns hotter conditions make pesticides more dangerous for farmworkers, increasing exposure and chemical harm. Local Business/Workforce: An employee-support app called Escalate is helping workers without reliable rides get to shifts via quick Uber vouchers. Energy/Environment: A study flags invasive species risk from ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, which could spread through global shipping when trade resumes.

AI & Jobs: Gov. Wes Moore announced Cloudforce will expand its secure AI platform operations in Prince George’s County, adding 250 new Maryland jobs and doubling its National Harbor footprint with an extra 15,000 sq. ft. lease. Ag & Food Systems: Wye Angus Field Day returns Sept. 11–12 in Queenstown, with grazing management tours, forage and composting demos, and 3D scanning on cattle—aimed at producers and forage enthusiasts. Public Health & Retail: Kettle Cuisine LLC of Savage, Md., is recalling Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits sold at select Walmart stores due to possible listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Local Business & Retail Footprint: Safeway closures are continuing as Albertsons reviews its store network after the failed Kroger merger, shifting openings and shutting underperforming locations. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Baltimore expands 911 crisis response beyond police and EMS, while BBB Scam Tracker updates show Edgewood and other Maryland cities reporting scams tied to online purchases and phishing. Boating Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard is launching the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey, with Montgomery County residents invited to participate to improve local safety programs. Climate & Farming: Morgan State-linked researchers are helping Baltimore’s Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm use local weather data to improve crop planning and build the next generation of climate-minded farmers.

Energy & Reliability: After 7 blackouts in two months, Maryland residents in Reisterstown say power outages are disrupting daily life and coming alongside higher bills, as storms and high winds hit about 40,000 BGE customers. Policy & Data Centers: At a Maryland Association of Counties forum, Gov. Wes Moore faced sharp criticism from Dan Cox over hyperscale data centers, including a Charles County project tied to a retired coal plant. Courts & Tech Regulation: Maryland’s tax court struck down the state’s digital advertising tax and ordered refunds for Apple, Google and Peacock TV. Cybersecurity: Researchers presented new Windows flaws that could let attackers gain system privileges and even install malware remotely. Robotics & Manufacturing: Beijing’s second World Humanoid Robot Games will quadruple participation, with robots tested in factories, hotels, homes and logistics. Food Safety: Walmart pulled Marketside tomato bisque meal kits after possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses confirmed. Healthcare Debate: NIH researchers reported early human tests of chemogenetic therapy in China, raising questions about how fast such treatments could scale. Business & Fraud: Kalshi is fighting Nevada over $120,000 daily penalties tied to geofencing compliance, while Baltimore and other regulators pursue separate legal challenges.

Energy & Grid: A Pennsylvania Senate hearing zeroed in on why electric bills are rising, arguing that retiring power plants faster than new generation comes online is stressing reliability and driving costs. Cybersecurity: Researchers presented new Windows flaws that could let attackers gain system privileges and even install malware remotely, including a Baltimore-linked presentation on a memory-related exploit. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker updates show scattered but persistent scam activity across the region, with multiple Michigan cities reporting online purchase and phishing losses in July. Aviation Pricing Scrutiny: A House inquiry pressed eight major airlines to explain whether AI and consumer data affect the fares people see, with responses due Aug. 25. Local Business & Growth: CDMOs highlighted expansion and future growth plans, signaling continued investment in pharma manufacturing capacity. Maryland Environment: Howard County investigated a storm-drain complaint tied to lawn-care chemical handling, raising concerns about runoff into waterways. Sports & Community: Baltimore’s preseason game traffic changes were announced, while Orioles coverage highlighted Gunnar Henderson’s impact as the team continues its push.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Check: Maryland says it hit 100% of its sediment and phosphorus goals and 99% for nitrogen, but some watermen dispute whether the numbers match what they see on the water. Data Center Reality in Maryland: At MACo, state energy officials told counties with temporary data center moratoriums to use the pause to build a “wish list” for schools, roads, and community upgrades—while a legal explainer highlights how nondisclosure deals can limit public visibility into water and power use. Bridge Rebuild Contracting: Maryland’s Key Bridge replacement moves into a new contracting phase as the state narrows bids for the main span and approaches, with costs now far higher than early estimates. Food Safety Watch: Walmart tomato bisque soup kits were recalled over possible listeria contamination, and the FDA says no confirmed illnesses have been reported. Workforce Pipeline: UMES celebrated the first graduating class from its aviation maintenance technician program, signaling a new talent stream for Maryland’s aviation industry. Local Governance Oversight: A judge sided with Baltimore’s inspector general, keeping subpoenas alive as the city fights access to records. Energy & Power Strain: A report warns AI data centers may face mounting electricity limits, pushing the debate over where computing should live. Public Health Basics: Guidance urges Marylanders to check outdoor air quality during pollution spikes and take steps indoors when levels run high. Business Growth: American Growth Insurance (AGI) acquired a Baltimore-based agency, expanding its Mid-Atlantic operator-led network. Agriculture & Community Food: AfriThrive is expanding a “food as medicine” model in Maryland, growing culturally familiar produce locally for African immigrant communities.

Maryland Tax Policy: Maryland’s digital advertising gross revenues tax was struck down by the state Tax Court as illegal under federal law, putting roughly $535M collected since 2022 in limbo and raising refund/education-funding questions. Chesapeake Bay Fisheries: The Atlantic menhaden “reduction” fishery could face cuts up to 50% after public comment on impacts to osprey chicks and declining catches for Maryland bait fishers. Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food (Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, lot BB012729) across 11 states including Maryland after salmonella was found; consumers are told to stop using and dispose safely. Public Health & Environment: An air-quality expert urges Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors during spikes, citing wildfire-smoke health risks. Workforce & Aerospace: Gov. Wes Moore highlighted UMES’s new Aviation Maintenance Technician program, touting investments aimed at feeding Maryland’s aerospace pipeline. Local Business: Annapolis’ Bitty & Beau’s Coffee confirmed it will close Sept. 14 as its lease ends, adding to a run of downtown closures. Industry & Tech: A Baltimore-area healthcare strategy leader says value-based care adoption remains stuck due to structural incentives and data gaps, not lack of AI. Aviation Education: Avelo flew Wilmington-area middle school students to BWI for an aviation career day, pairing airport operations with hands-on flight-deck access.

AI & Semiconductors: Samsung hired AI and data specialists (including a University of Maryland PhD) to push AI deeper into chip design, process tech, and manufacturing. Cybersecurity & Aviation: A USENIX Security study showed how brief physical access to a Boeing 737 maintenance interface could let attackers alter flight computer data. Maritime & Shipbuilding: MARAD awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training. Energy Infrastructure: Maryland’s SHA says the US 40 Conococheague Creek bridge rehab will reopen Friday, with detours removed. Local Business Growth: Magoobys Joke House plans a second Baltimore location in Hampden (targeting early 2027). Food Safety: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food in 11 states, including Maryland, over possible salmonella contamination. Public Policy & Utilities: Baltimore sued prediction-market firms Kalshi and Polymarket over alleged illegal sports betting. Workforce & Aerospace: Gov. Moore delivered remarks at UMES Aviation Maintenance Technician graduation, highlighting regional airport investments. STEM for Youth: A STEM center opened at a Boys & Girls Club facility, part of a multi-state TVA effort. Crypto Risk Watch: A USENIX Security study flagged 65,340 high-risk Ethereum/BNB addresses tied to $574.8M in estimated losses.

Food Safety & Recalls: Oma’s Pride recalled 639 bags of frozen raw dog food across 11 states, including Maryland, after potential salmonella contamination was flagged. Public Health & Environment: An air-quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure when smoke or poor air conditions spike. Outdoor Recreation & State Parks: Patapsco Valley State Park is moving ahead with a pedestrian bridge and adding 10 miles of new trails to handle growing demand since the pandemic. Energy & Utilities: Consumer Reports is pushing Maryland’s Public Service Commission to reject BGE’s proposed $156M rate hike, warning bills could jump about $100 a year for average customers. Cannabis Enforcement: St. Mary’s County and the state ATCC seized more than $98K in illicit cannabis and non-compliant THC products from three tobacco shops. Local Tech & Growth: Maryland lawmakers are weighing data center pauses and hearing input at MACo as counties debate impacts. Defense Industry: NSWC Indian Head Division conducted its first-ever static firing of a fully loaded, re-grained Mk 70 solid rocket motor, aiming to ease a defense production bottleneck.

Energy & Grid: Maryland signed off on a $1.5 billion transmission project to bring more power into the state, as regulators also weigh BGE’s $156 million rate increase amid rising bill concerns. Power Demand & Data Centers: PJM’s reformed interconnection process is seeing natural gas surge in the first queue, driven largely by data-center demand. Outdoor Health & Air Quality: A mold and air quality expert urged Marylanders to check outdoor pollution daily and take indoor precautions when air quality spikes, citing wildfire-smoke summers and broad health impacts. Food & Safety: Lidl US recalled Vitasia Asian Style Wok Spice Mix due to potential Salmonella contamination, while a separate raw dog food recall flagged Salmonella risk in multiple states including Maryland. Local Business Growth: Big Chicken opened its first standalone Maryland location in Gambrills, expanding beyond its Baltimore arena debut. Parks & Tourism: Patapsco Valley State Park plans to open 10 miles of new trails to relieve overcrowding, including a footbridge to the quieter Woodstock area. Workforce & Child Care: A national report says states should streamline childcare rules and improve access, affordability, and staffing—an issue highlighted by Baltimore-area providers. Defense & Aviation: Joint Base Andrews was selected as the preferred site to replace aging UH-1N helicopters with HH-60W aircraft.

Maryland Economic Development: TEDCO’s Entrepreneur Expo is adding a “The Resilient Founder” fireside discussion this October, pairing TEDCO CIO Jack Miner with Reboot CEO Jerry Colonna to help local tech and startup leaders navigate pivots and setbacks. Port & Wetlands Restoration: A $13.5M U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project at Deal Island in Somerset County reused dredged Wicomico River material to create about 70 acres of tidal wetland, supporting threatened marsh birds while keeping a key shipping channel open. Construction & Real Estate: Baltimore’s Harborplace redevelopment moved forward as the developer filed permits for structural work and site features, with construction potentially starting this fall. Energy & Cost Pressure: Baltimore-area utility fights are heating up as BGE seeks a $156M rate increase and local officials and advocates push back. Healthcare & Biotech: BioCardia reported Q2 progress with regulatory discussions in Japan and the U.S., while Maryland’s life sciences ecosystem continues to attract attention. Local Business & Child Care Funding: Prince George’s County business owners sued over a new $5,000 annual charge tied to a child care initiative, arguing it’s an unauthorized tax. Tech & Pharma Expansion: Earth Science Tech says it expanded its compounding pharmacy footprint via acquisition, now authorized to dispense in Maryland and many other jurisdictions. Cyber/Consumer Risk: Maryland’s judiciary issued scam alerts tied to traffic-violation texts, underscoring ongoing fraud pressure on residents.

Healthcare Finance: Hospitals are pushing for upfront payments more often, adding friction for patients when insurers and billing systems don’t line up. Workforce & Tech: Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s visit to Bethesda in Rockville sparked a CWA protest with a giant inflatable rat and red flags for laid-off developers, underscoring the fallout from Microsoft’s game-industry job cuts. Public Sector Data/AI: CDAO Government 2026 is set to return to Washington, D.C., bringing senior public-sector data, AI, and digital modernization leaders together around practical adoption and governance. Energy Costs & Utility Policy: BGE’s $156 million rate increase is back in the spotlight as Baltimore-area officials and advocates rally against higher bills. Housing & Mortgage Rules: Maryland and other states sue the Trump administration over new rules that could cut or eliminate interest homeowners earn on mortgage escrow accounts. Local Industry Training: Western Maryland Works highlights hands-on upskilling through Allegany College of Maryland for employers like Northrup Grumman, National Jet, and CSX. Construction Safety: Five workers were injured in an Elkton construction-site accident, renewing attention on jobsite hazards. Cyber/Surveillance Tech: New surveillance tools can link license plate readers to phones, raising privacy concerns.

Construction Safety: Five workers were injured in Elkton after a one-story wooden truss fell at a West Pulaski Highway site, with conditions not immediately released. Infrastructure & Compliance: Maryland is reminding residents and contractors to call 811 at least three business days before digging to avoid hitting buried utilities. Energy Costs: AAA reports pump prices are down this week as crude and gasoline demand trends ease. Local Power & Grid: BGE is seeking a $156 million electric rate increase, while groups protest the proposal. Cyber & Water Security: A new “Water Watch Center” and DEF CON-linked effort aim to help defend small water utilities after recent cyberattacks exposed weak spots. Healthcare Data & Research: Inovalon and OMNY Health are partnering to launch a linked real-world dataset combining claims and EHR/clinical notes to speed precision therapy research. Community Funding: CLLCTIVLY’s Kindred Abundance Fund is backing Greater Baltimore’s Black-led organizations with $1.28 million total, including grants and a zero-interest loan pool. Surveillance Tech: A new system using license plate readers and nearby device signals raises fresh concerns about how movement data could be used in investigations. Sports/Business Crossover: Clark Construction (with Mortenson and Smoot) was named to lead construction of the Commanders’ planned $3.8B domed stadium in D.C., targeting a 2030 opening.

Rural Health Funding: Maryland is set to distribute $80 million in new federal grants to expand rural healthcare access, targeting staffing and transportation barriers across county health departments, hospitals, and health systems. Workforce & Food Security: The state launched a SNAP employment tool that matches recipients with training and job-search providers by industry and location, backed by up to $30 million and a growing network of 46 providers. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: Maryland’s broader debate over surveillance tech echoes national pushback as communities challenge misuse of Flock-style flock cameras and license plate readers, with Georgia reporting arrests and resignations tied to improper access. Energy & Infrastructure: A House push is advancing sweeping Russia sanctions legislation after an 86–11 Senate vote, aiming to hit oil and gas revenues and sanctions-evasion networks. Cybersecurity for Utilities: DEF CON Franklin and the National Rural Water Association launched a Water Watch Center to help small water systems defend against cyberattacks with managed detection and response. Local Higher Ed: Morgan State delayed Harper-Tubman dorm reopening, moving students to the Lord Baltimore Hotel with credits and support while construction finishes.

Data Centers & Local Policy: Dorchester County approved a one-year moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas, with staff returning in spring 2027 with findings and a stakeholder committee to shape longer-term zoning. Construction & Infrastructure: Maryland SHA wrapped a $5.2M Salisbury-area bridge repair project and is starting a $451,616 safety upgrade at the US 13/MD 366 intersection in Pocomoke City, including a full traffic signal and LED warning signs. Real Estate & Finance: UWM Holdings and subsidiary UWM Acquisitions sued Two Harbors Investment in Maryland federal court, alleging more than $500M in damages tied to alleged merger sabotage. Maritime & Safety: A federal judge sentenced the chief engineer of the runaway container ship MSC Michigan VII after a 2024 Charleston Harbor incident, underscoring accountability for hazardous conditions. Workforce & Resilience: Verizon grant funding will help the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee elevate 100 flood-prone homes as part of long-term recovery and mitigation. Tech & Media: Disney and TikTok struck a deal to bring fan-made TikTok videos into Disney+’s vertical feed, with a U.S. pilot ahead. Public Safety & Health: Maryland Judiciary warned of text scams impersonating District Court traffic summonses, while AP reported a major Colombia earthquake and a Trump executive order reshaping childhood vaccine scheduling.

Public Utilities & Affordability: Baltimore approved a big jump in BGE’s underground conduit rent, from $2.20 to $4.05 per linear foot, with BGE warning it could flow into monthly bills as regulators weigh aging infrastructure and affordability. Cybersecurity & Devices: Researchers say malicious SIM cards can hijack phones, EV chargers, and IoT gear via “Proactive SIM,” letting attackers manipulate connectivity and potentially run commands. Data Centers & Local Impact: Amazon says its Calvert Cliffs-area data center plan was paused due to internal infrastructure planning, not local politics—after community concerns and a prior withdrawal. Energy & Grid Politics: A Maryland-area transmission line fight is heating up as lawmakers and residents oppose a Valley North project tied to keeping an old West Virginia coal plant running. Agriculture & Workforce: College of Southern Maryland launches an agribusiness workforce training certificate to help aspiring farmers start and grow operations. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recall expands, pulling hundreds of thousands of lettuce cases tied to a new FDA report. State Revenue: Maryland’s lottery and regulated gaming generated $1.637B for state programs in FY2026, including $699.8M directed to education. Housing & Flooding: Annapolis businesses along Dock Street say City Dock construction is cutting foot traffic and revenue even as the waterfront rebuild aims to reduce flooding. Utilities Shutoffs: BGE collections and residential shutoffs resume after a pause, raising pressure on households already behind on bills.

Defense Industrial Base: The Pentagon is pushing defense makers to draft plans to speed up weapons production and delivery within weeks as munitions stockpiles reportedly dwindle, signaling a major acceleration push for U.S. manufacturing. Energy & Grid: BGE is asking Maryland regulators for a $156 million electric rate increase affecting 1.3 million customers, while Constellation points to existing power plants as “bedrock” for data centers. Data Centers & Power Costs: Communities are bracing for higher electricity bills as more data centers come online, and Maryland regulators are weighing power-line upgrades needed to close the state’s last coal plant. Food Supply Chain: A new FDA report adds detail to the Taylor Farms lettuce recall, citing potential Cyclospora contamination across hundreds of thousands of cases. Agriculture & Policy: Maryland’s Farm Bill debate is framed as a health issue, while the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council elects a new chair focused on “feeding and fueling the world.” Local Business & Community: AfriThrive in Baltimore County is set to receive $800,000 for refrigeration, food handling, and nutrition education upgrades. Consumer Watch: Maryland gas prices are tracked closely, with Anne Arundel reporting its lowest E15 at $3.79 for the week ending Aug. 1.