AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Public Safety: Maryland AG Anthony Brown released updated guidance for state and local law enforcement under the Community Trust Act, emphasizing keeping all Marylanders safe and limiting when facilities can notify ICE about custody or releases. Courts & Voting Rights: A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s push for Maryland voter rolls, joining a string of dismissals nationwide and dealing another blow to efforts to use registration data for immigration enforcement. ICE Detention Shift: Reports say ICE is reconsidering its warehouse detention expansion, with plans to sell or transfer most of the sites—while the Western Maryland warehouse conversion remains tied up in legal fights. Local Schools Leadership: Baltimore County named Dr. William Heiser as its next superintendent, selected after a nationwide search and state approval. Higher Ed Accountability: A UMES professor’s lawsuit alleges the university inflated enrollment to boost federal funding, escalating a dispute over how the school reports students. Community & Culture: Baltimore’s stroller walk brought fathers and caregivers together at Cylburn Arboretum, challenging stereotypes and pairing the event with free support resources. Food Security: Maryland’s Summer Food Service Program is underway, offering free meals at hundreds of sites statewide.

Local Dining & Waterfront Culture: A new neighborhood guide spotlights where to eat, shop, and play around The Wharf and Southwest Waterfront, tracing the area’s shift from shipyard roots to a modern arts-and-entertainment hub. Faith & Community Preservation: New Baltimore Reformed Church won a $17,000 Sacred Sites grant to restore its steeple, part of a statewide effort to preserve historic religious landmarks. Health & Research Funding: The University School of Medicine says it boosted its NIH research funding capture by 20.4% from 2024 to 2025, even as some peer schools lost NIH support. Health Warning: A Maryland doctor cautions that regular energy drink use can raise blood pressure and harm kidneys. Maryland History, Recovered: Forensic work identified a Revolutionary War soldier as John Pumphrey, a teenager from Anne Arundel County. Food & Policy: A House SNAP plan would cut nearly $300 billion through 2034, with major impacts on families’ ability to afford groceries. Juneteenth & Music: The String Queens released “Troubled Liberty” on Juneteenth, their first-ever original composition. Sports & Identity: Pride Night controversies continue as players refuse LGBTQ-themed jerseys, leading to forfeits and cancellations.

Maryland Politics: District 23 Senate candidate Raaheela Ahmed is demanding an immediate retraction of a Democratic campaign mailer she says contains “false and misleading” claims about her role in buying tax-sale properties, with her attorney sending a cease-and-desist to the Maryland Democratic Senate Caucus Committee. Public Safety & Health: Cities and schools are increasingly testing wastewater for illicit drugs, aiming to spot spikes early and help prevent overdoses. Culture & Community: Baltimore County’s Afro Cultural Festival returns to Newtown High School, promising food, music, and a bigger venue after past crowds outgrew parking. Baltimore Spotlight: AFRAM’s 50th anniversary festival at Druid Hill Park drew major talent, but Saturday night ended with police declaring a civil unrest zone and announcing new age restrictions for Sunday. Education & Lifestyle: Graduation season controversies—from students being cut off to protests during speeches—are again fueling debate about free expression at school events. Sports & Local Pride: Navy sophomore linebacker Trent Gillis, from Glen Burnie, highlights team culture as he gears up for the 2026 season.

Immigration & Community Impact: ICE plans to offload seven warehouse properties bought for mass detention, including sites in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, while still keeping focus on Texas, Arizona, and Maryland—an abrupt shift after earlier high-profile purchases. Health Policy: CMS has released final rules for Medicaid work requirements, spelling out what millions of enrollees must do to keep coverage starting Jan. 1, 2027. Black Culture & Celebration: AFRAM’s 50th anniversary is in full swing in Baltimore, with Day One and Day Two bringing music, food, vendors, and community pride to Druid Hill Park. Local Politics & Voting Tensions: Maryland’s gubernatorial primary voter guide drops ahead of June 23, while early voting at a Baltimore site saw allegations of harassment tied to campaign tensions. LGBTQ+ & Pride: A Pride-related MLB religious-discrimination probe is in the mix after warnings over Bible verses on Pride hats, and Maryland-area Pride events continue to draw both support and backlash. Outdoor & Coastal Life: Maryland Coastal Bays launches a 30th anniversary fundraising push to protect the Eastern Shore’s waterways.

Maryland Coastal Bays: The Eastern Shore conservation group launched its 30th anniversary “30 for 30” fundraising drive, with donations supporting monitoring, habitat restoration, and education around the five Coastal Bays behind Ocean City and Assateague. The campaign runs through June and culminates in “An Evening on the Estuary” at Assateague State Park. Education Leadership: Baltimore County Public Schools named its next superintendent after final interviews, sending the pick to Maryland’s state superintendent for approval ahead of a July 1 start. Black Culture & Community: AFRAM’s 50th anniversary festival kicked off at Druid Hill Park, running over Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend with music, food, vendors, and community programming. Juneteenth Events: Front Royal/Warren County held a Juneteenth memorial and celebration marking the end of slavery and the tradition of Jubilee Day. Sports & Faith/Identity: The DOJ is probing MLB after warnings to Giants pitchers who wrote Bible verses on Pride Night rainbow hats, raising religious liberty and workplace rights questions. Lifestyle & Family: Shohei Ohtani announced the birth of his second child, and Baltimore-area parents are reminded that teens who feel “scrolling” caregivers are distracted may feel less secure.

Immigration & Enforcement: DHS/ICE is backing away from converting seven purchased warehouses into migrant detention centers, a major shift after the $700M-plus expansion drew legal and local pushback. Public Health: The CDC reports measles has spread to 41 states and hit 2,104 confirmed cases in 2026 so far, with three deaths—Maryland included. Culture & Community: Baltimore’s AFRAM marks its 50th anniversary, with thousands expected for Juneteenth weekend celebrations and a documentary spotlighting the festival’s legacy. Local Law & Safety: Baltimore Police seized dirtbikes and firearms in a Lexington Street raid, arresting a 30-year-old as officials continue cracking down on illegal riding. Maryland Politics: A new state move aims to secure Preakness Stakes intellectual property rights for Maryland, keeping control of the Pimlico crown jewel. Online Safety: A new warning highlights how quickly online grooming can escalate on platforms like Roblox, urging stronger parent safeguards. Sports & Identity: Pride Night controversies keep spreading as teams forfeit after players refuse LGBTQ-themed jerseys.

Juneteenth & 250th Reflection: A Georgetown panel tied America’s 250th to “truth telling” about racial history, with Bishop-designate Robert P. Boxie III urging full honesty to move justice forward. Maryland Culture Spotlight: Baltimore’s “Beyond the Wire” documentary pushes back on stereotypes from HBO’s “The Wire,” elevating local activists and community healing efforts. Black Culture Weekend: AFRAM 50 returns to Druid Hill Park with a three-day lineup of major performers, food, vendors, and family-friendly programming. Community & Nature: Howard County announced a conservation easement with Bon Secours to permanently protect 32 acres of forest in Marriottsville. Health & Wellness: New SLEEP 2026 research presented in Baltimore links sleep disturbance (and menopause-related symptoms) to reduced quality of life for women. Local Lifestyle Picks: Port Tobacco River Conservancy’s “Night on the River” is set for Aug. 29 with music, food, and fundraising for river stewardship. Sports & Pride Tension: The York Revolution forfeited a Pride Night game after players refused Pride-themed jerseys, while Pride festivities continued. EV Growth: Blue Whale EV held a grand opening for its new Hanover headquarters, expanding EV charging support across the Mid-Atlantic.

Preakness Power Move: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s administration says the state will match Churchill Downs’ $85M offer to secure the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan intellectual property rights—keeping the Triple Crown brand firmly in Maryland’s hands. Immigration & Public Safety: DHS is backing away from using mega-warehouses for detention, shifting toward existing jails and partners. LGBTQ+ Visibility in Sports: A Pennsylvania minor league team, the York Revolution, forfeited a Pride Night game after players refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys, while Maryland’s own Pride conversations continue—Baltimore transgender-led organizers are calling for a city LGBTQ affairs official’s resignation. Community Protection for Immigrants: Frederick County announced proposed “Values Act” legislation to codify staff protocols and training around federal immigration enforcement. Health & Identity: A Rockville nonprofit is pushing APOL1 awareness, urging Black Marylanders to know their kidney-risk genetics. Culture & Learning: Morgan State University joined the Association of University Research Parks, expanding its research and innovation ecosystem. Election Watch: Maryland voters head into the primary with closed-primary rules facing court challenges.

Preakness Power Move: Gov. Wes Moore says Maryland will use its right of first refusal to match an $85 million offer for the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan branding rights—aiming to keep key racing assets under state control without general fund dollars. Digital Equity Watch: Lawmakers are pressing the U.S. Commerce Department over withheld BEAD broadband funds, saying states need clear rules for “nondeployment” uses like workforce training, 911 upgrades, and cybersecurity. Local Tech Backlash: A petition has topped 20,000 signatures opposing a proposed Lansing, N.Y. AI data center by Maryland-based TeraWulf, with critics warning about environmental contamination concerns. Pride Night Sparks Sports Clash: The York Revolution forfeited a Pride Night game after players refused rainbow-sleeved jerseys, while the team kept Pride festivities and pledged a $10,000 donation to a local LGBTQ nonprofit. Culture & Community: Baltimore’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum president Terri Lee Freeman announced she’ll retire in December, and the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s Baltimore leg drew hundreds to the Washington Monument for prayers and hymns.

On Campus Belonging vs. Mattering: A new Student Voice flash survey finds most students feel known, but about a quarter say they’re unsure anyone truly knows them—or feel “invisible,” raising alarms for student well-being and persistence. Education Pathways: Wor-Wic Community College and Salisbury University announced a transfer partnership to make associate-to-bachelor moves smoother under Maryland’s Transfer Intensive. Local Schools Leadership: Baltimore County Schools Superintendent Myriam Rogers delivered her final end-of-year report before retiring, pointing to improved attendance and fewer teacher vacancies. Community & Culture: The Walters Art Museum announced its annual Block Party! summer festival for all ages. Health & Safety: A study links multiple cardiovascular conditions—especially hypotension—to higher Alzheimer’s risk, underscoring the heart-brain connection. Public Life & Rights: Maryland senators urged Congress to reform the Immigration and Nationality Act after a student’s ICE detention and deportation fight. Sports & Community Impact: The Ravens pledged $1 million to support local gun-violence prevention programs, tied to community-led efforts. Tech & Access: Greenlight Networks plans to expand 100% fiber service into Highland Falls, with construction underway and installs expected soon. Civic Debate: An Annapolis emergency preparedness guide for LGBTQ+ residents sparked backlash over whether it should be for all residents.

Local Education & Growth: Howard County secured a site at Troy Park in Elkridge for a future 14th high school, with land-transfer legislation set to move next week, though construction is still at least a decade away. Higher Ed & Research: Morgan State sent 11 students to UCLA for an intensive graduate-school exploration tied to a 2025 partnership, and the university also joined the Association of University Research Parks to expand its research and innovation ecosystem. Community Health & Parenting: A new look at “fourth trimester” planning highlights how postpartum prep can reduce stress and improve recovery for new parents. Public Safety & Housing: Ocean City’s oldest church sued the town after $1,000-per-day fines over its homeless shelter, arguing zoning enforcement violates religious freedom. Baltimore Culture: HeartSmiles founder Joni Holifield, a longtime youth advocate, died at 47, with city leaders praising her work to build leadership and opportunity for Baltimore youth. Business & Retail: Barnes & Noble is returning to Baltimore with a stand-alone store planned for Harbor East later this year. Immigration & Accountability: ICE is pursuing denaturalization against a Colombian national accused of hiding child abuse during naturalization, with ties to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Arts & Heritage: The Reginald F. Lewis Museum announced leadership changes, including the retirement of its president later this year.

Baltimore Ravens & Public Safety: The Ravens announced a $1 million push for gun violence prevention, tied to a “Baltimore Together” summit at M&T Bank Stadium, backing local groups focused on intervention, outreach, and youth engagement. Education & Leadership: Baltimore County Public Schools unveiled four superintendent finalists at a Towson town hall—Dr. William Heiser, Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, Dr. Edward Ryans, and Dr. David Sovine—ahead of a July 1 start. Local Politics & Elections: Maryland Democrats are running ads in the GOP governor primary, while Baltimore County executive races and statewide contests continue to heat up with major fundraising and messaging. Community Culture: Scotland’s weeklong Juneteenth Heritage Festival is underway in Montgomery County, mixing gospel, interfaith events, comedy, and youth athletics. Health & Care: A new report highlights nursing home infection prevention gaps, with respiratory and other hard-to-treat threats still driving violations. Business & Tech: Tryfacta won an NIH healthcare staffing contract for Bethesda, and ORNL launched Pathfinder, a commercially procured quantum computer. Lifestyle & Food: Prince George’s County food banks brace for higher demand and costs as inflation strains household budgets. Sports Streaming: Yankees vs. White Sox is streaming on Prime Video tonight, with no YES Network broadcast.

Car Insurance Watch: Insurify reports national full-coverage rates held steady at about $186/month through May, while liability stayed around $98—Maryland and Rhode Island remain the priciest states. Faith & Community: Hispanic Catholics in Maryland bid farewell to Bishop Evelio Menjivar-Ayala with a June 13 Mass and reception in Landover Hills. Baltimore Schools: Baltimore City Public Schools reached a settlement ending a yearslong funding dispute with charter schools, adding $5.2M for educational programming. Immigration Enforcement: ICE dropped a deportation effort against a U.S.-citizen detained in Baltimore, while DHS also announced an ICE detainer tied to a Salvadoran man charged in Maryland child sexual abuse case. Local Culture: The National Museum of the U.S. Navy will host a June 24 ribbon cutting for “Navy 250: The Legacy” at Baltimore’s Visitor Center. Arts & Lifestyle: Flatbush subway mosaics celebrate theater history with new glass-tiled panels by artist Christopher Myers. Health & Work: LifeBridge Health announced Sinai Hospital president Amy Shlossman is leaving for a CEO role in Oregon, with an interim leadership plan in place.

Juneteenth & Black culture: Baltimore’s AFRAM 50 returns this weekend at Druid Hill Park, blending music, kids’ activities, drumming, vendors, and a star-studded lineup (Dru Hill, Mario, SWV, The Lox, Tamia, Charlie Wilson). For many families, it’s more than a festival—it’s a reunion tied to emancipation history. LGBTQ safety: A new state-by-state report ranks how safe places are for LGBTQ residents, using law strength and hate-crime patterns. Church & community: U.S. bishops gathered in Orlando to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. Health policy: Final Medicaid work requirement rules are out, with states scrambling to enforce them without disrupting coverage. Immigration at schools: Maryland lawmakers face a test after ICE detained parents during drop-off at a Baltimore school, raising questions about how state “safe” protections work in practice. Local education: Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys is set to close after the charter isn’t renewed, ending an era for students and alumni. Sports & wellness: Cal Raleigh is set to return to the Mariners after an oblique strain; doctors also weigh in on common causes of shaky hands.

ICE at Baltimore school: Attorneys are seeking the release of a couple detained by ICE outside Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School, arguing due process violations after the arrests sparked backlash from state and city leaders. Public youth investment: Baltimore Children & Youth Fund’s 2026 Community Exhibition at the UMD BioPark gave residents and officials a hands-on look at how youth funding is supporting creativity and opportunity. Books & community spaces: Barnes & Noble is returning to Baltimore’s Harbor East with a new stand-alone store opening this fall. Tech in Maryland government: More than 50 Maryland agencies now report using AI, raising questions about transparency and oversight. Education & opportunity: St. John’s College will consolidate leadership to one college-wide presidency as it faces enrollment and budget pressures. Health & safety: YMCA of the Chesapeake reached 600+ children and families with water safety education during National Water Safety Month. Environment: Maryland DNR awarded grants for flood reduction and restoration projects, including living shoreline work. Local culture: Pride of Baltimore II and other tall ships helped kick off Richmond’s SailFest tied to America’s 250th.

Local Budget Watch: Anne Arundel County Council unanimously approved the FY2027 budget, topping $2.5B, with investments in education, public safety, and health services plus a small property tax cut (97.7 to 96.8 cents per $100). Community Safety & Faith: The budget includes $150,000 for grants to help houses of worship and nonprofits facing hate-crime risks with security upgrades. Immigration & Public Trust: Maryland lawmakers’ ban on local cooperation with ICE is splitting candidates in the 2026 primary—Democrats back it as a trust-builder, while Republicans warn it could hurt public safety. Education & Student Press: Montgomery County student journalists are pushing back on a March memo they say could enable broad censorship of student publications. Culture & Faith in Maryland: Baltimore-Washington Conference marked the 300th birthday of United Brethren founder Philip William Otterbein, highlighting his Maryland ministry legacy. Religious Life: U.S. bishops consecrated the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with Baltimore Archbishop William Lori delivering the homily. Tech & Consumer Rights: A new report argues “surveillance pricing” is already happening, raising questions for Maryland and beyond.