AGP Executive Report

Maryland Politics: The Maryland Supreme Court cleared a Democratic-backed congressional redistricting amendment for the November ballot, ordering the ballot summary rewritten after earlier lower-court blocks—setting up a major fight over how future House maps get drawn. Immigration & Rights: A federal judge in Maryland blocked another Trump effort to curb birthright citizenship, citing Supreme Court precedent that children born in the U.S. are citizens at birth. Community & Culture: Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II returned to Kumasi after a 10-day U.S. visit that included a lecture at Howard University and the Akwasidae celebration in Maryland. Education & Local Wins: Nadia Philips, a North Point High School culinary arts alum, was selected for FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 25. Arts & Baltimore: Create Baltimore (formerly BOPA) won a one-year contract extension to keep running city arts events and programs. Faith & Community Relations: After an “anti-Muslim” post sparked backlash, a Baltimore County school board member visited a mosque with local Muslim leaders and CAIR support. Lifestyle & What to Do: Timonium’s Magooby’s Joke House opens a Kym Whitley comedy run this weekend, and Annapolis is gearing up for Café Diem, an eight-day coffee crawl Sept. 27–Oct. 4. Environment & Stewardship: Maryland’s Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants are now accepting applications for community projects, with about $349,000 available.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: A federal judge in Maryland blocked President Trump’s latest executive order limiting birthright citizenship, saying it’s “almost certainly unconstitutional” under Supreme Court precedent, with the injunction barring major federal agencies from interfering with citizenship for the affected class. Immigration & Kids’ Rights: A new legal push is mobilizing attorneys to seek faster release for children held in immigration custody, arguing they’re being detained unlawfully for months. Public Health & Trust: Reuters reports U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the CDC to remove two Pennsylvania measles deaths from the agency’s online tally after questioning whether measles contributed, amid declining vaccine rates. Local Schools: Prince George’s County schools say they cleared a bus backlog, but families still report long rides and route problems as officials fix the system. Community & Culture: KEYS Empowers is hosting a free West Baltimore back-to-school fish fry and school supply giveaway, while Dorchester unveiled a bilingual Little Free Library to boost access to culturally relevant books. Arts & Identity: The Eastern Shore’s bilingual library and Baltimore-area cultural programming highlight how local groups are building belonging through language, literature, and music.

Birthright Citizenship Fight: A federal judge in Greenbelt, Maryland blocked Trump’s latest executive order limiting birthright citizenship, calling it “almost certainly unconstitutional” and citing the Supreme Court’s June ruling. Trans Youth Health Care: Maryland and other states are suing to stop the Trump administration from blocking Medicaid and CHIP reimbursements for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Local Schools & Books: Somerset County education groups and the ACLU of Maryland filed an appeal over a Somerset County media policy limiting access to certain young adult books. Immigration & Public Safety: A Harford County sheriff leading a lawsuit against Annapolis’ sanctuary policy told Congress 9/11 lessons are being ignored. Transit & Commuting: MARC is launching a direct weekday Montgomery County-to-Baltimore service on Sept. 28, cutting commute times by up to an hour. Community Culture: Afro Plus Fest returns for Labor Day weekend with a bigger Prince George’s County footprint and major Black music headliners. Labor & Higher Ed: The University System of Maryland agreed to pay AFSCME members back raises after a legal standoff, with funds built into the 2028 base budget.

Culture & Governance: Ghana’s Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II told Howard University that culture can’t be treated as “just entertainment,” arguing it shapes language, morality, history, spirituality, and how societies govern. Hispanic Heritage Month (Maryland): Anne Arundel County Public Library rolled out Hispanic Heritage Month events, from Lotería and Caribbean rhythms to Spanish STEAM storytime and Día de los Muertos crafts. Nonprofits & Community Support (Charles County): The Charles County Charitable Trust awarded $1.5 million across 57 nonprofits covering food insecurity, homelessness, health care, domestic violence, disability services, youth programs, arts, and veterans support. Health & Tech: Queen’s University Belfast researchers unveiled a dissolvable 3D-printed microneedle patch delivering two anti-cancer drugs for localized skin cancer. Education & Access: Agile Mind launched new Maryland middle school math programs for grades 6–8 aligned to the state’s revised standards. Civic Life & Voting: Maryland AG Nick Brown joined a coalition suing the U.S. Postal Service over mail-in voting rule changes. Immigration Policy: The State Department proposed requiring parents to submit proof of citizenship or immigration status when applying for children’s passports. Local Lifestyle: Dundalk’s Eastpoint Mall closed its doors, marking another Maryland retail exit as vacancies and online shopping reshape shopping centers.

Career & Skills: Catoctin High School student Tanner Shorb won a Silver Medal in welding at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, after taking gold at states. Healthcare: UPMC Western Maryland Center for Breast Care earned reaccreditation through the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. Flood Resilience: Cambridge’s multimillion-dollar flood mitigation plan is under pressure as a December FEMA funding deadline nears, with concerns over property buy-in and project design. Hair & Identity: A Washington, D.C.-area expert highlights how hair loss affects Black and Caribbean women beyond appearance—linking scalp health, culture, and access to timely care. Education & Policy: Anne Arundel County Public Schools updated guidance on LGBTQ+ student name/pronoun use, requiring staff to follow parental instructions if parents object. Community Safety: Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler testified on Capitol Hill about immigration enforcement, criticizing Maryland’s sanctuary approach. Local Education News: Cecil County’s proposed Classical Charter School application was denied, while Wicomico County schools welcomed students back for the new year. Culture & Learning: Morgan State University’s School of Community Health and Policy received a 2026 HEED Award for health professions education excellence.

Immigration & Safety: A Maryland court case says an ICE cooperating witness was deported to Mexico three times despite fears of cartel retaliation, raising fresh questions about how the U.S. protects people who help prosecute crimes. Trans Rights in Schools: Anne Arundel County Public Schools now requires parent permission to use transgender students’ preferred names and pronouns, a shift that critics say will harm students immediately. Public Input at School Board Meetings: Maryland education officials are considering rules that would require monthly in-person school board meetings with public comment—so residents can’t be shut out. Health Watch: A new study finds nearly 1 in 3 young women haven’t had cervical cancer screening, and AAFA’s 2026 Asthma Capitals report flags where asthma care gaps are hitting hardest. Community & Culture: Baltimore’s Black Veg Society drew crowds at The Children’s Veg Fest and is backing the Sept. 12 Bmore Vegan Block Party; Horn Point Laboratory hosts a free Oct. 10 open house for hands-on Chesapeake Bay science. Local Business: Three Maryland-area family firms were selected for Mauloa’s second SMB Accelerator, with a potential $10–30M investment offer for the winner.

Faith & Community: St. John Paul II National Shrine in Northeast Washington reopened its retreat house Aug. 26, calling it “an oasis of sacred wilderness” for spiritual renewal. Local Arts & Culture: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse announced its 2026-27 season, with major dance, family shows, and new educational programming. Education: Baltimore County Public Schools welcomed more than 100,000 students back for the 2026-27 year as the district pushes improved attendance and achievement. Public Health: Gov. Wes Moore marked Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in Maryland, highlighting continued work on treatment and recovery. Transit & Work: MDOT MTA launched the 411T commuter bus pilot from White Marsh, Golden Ring, and Essex to Tradepoint Atlantic, cutting the commute to about 30 minutes. Environment & Energy: Somerset County residents weighed in on a proposed 2.25-megawatt solar project, with hopes for jobs and community benefits alongside concerns. Arts in Baltimore: The Baltimore Museum of Art announced about 118 new acquisitions over six months, spanning global artists and Baltimore-area creators. Sports & Spotlight: Haymarket’s Teagan Leach earned another all-star opportunity after playing at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Justice & Rights: A coalition including Delaware sued to block new Title X family planning funding conditions, arguing they’re unlawful and discriminatory. Neighborhood Safety: Baltimore County town halls focused on safer communities and schools, including calls for juvenile justice reforms and more police presence.

Inclusive Outdoors: A new communication board at Quiet Waters Park in Anne Arundel gives kids with autism and other communication differences a visual way to express needs and choices while they play. Community Under Pressure: In Springfield, Haitian residents and faith leaders gathered for “Unshackle Springfield” amid fears tied to an ICE crackdown, with organizers calling for changes to federal immigration policy. Back-to-School, Maryland Style: Baltimore and Harford counties are bringing cursive back to second- and third-grade classrooms, joining other Maryland districts as families push for more analog learning. Preserving Black History: Maryland’s new Wetipquin Creek State Park aims to protect and tell Black history tied to a former plantation, with officials pushing back against efforts to erase it. Labor Wins: Charles County library workers ratified their first union contract with a 90% yes vote, securing better wages and workplace protections. Local Culture & Food: WTOP’s DMV Foodie Guide spotlights September pop-ups and festivals, from chef collaborations to the Black Food & Wine Festival. Education & Workforce: USMSM’s “Doing Business with Government Agencies” fall speaker series will help local businesses and contractors navigate changing public-sector procurement. Sports Business: Kogod and other schools are building sports-industry career pipelines with new business-focused programs.

Maryland Education & Community: Southern Maryland students are jumpstarting college through College of Southern Maryland’s Early College program, earning credits and certificates while finishing high school. Local Giving: Wills Group in La Plata awarded $500,000 in 100th Anniversary Grants to Southern Maryland nonprofits tackling food insecurity, housing, education, and inclusive programming. Culture & History: Gloucester’s new “Six Scenes, One Place” mural is getting a free museum exhibition that lets visitors step into the county’s past through art, artifacts, and documents. Sports (Maryland): No. 13 Maryland field hockey held off Temple, 3-1, with Francisca Eschoyez scoring twice. Lifestyle & Design: Tile tubs are making a comeback as designers say they make bathrooms feel more built-in and can visually expand smaller spaces. Civic Life & Safety: Jewish schools and synagogues are urging extra police patrols ahead of the High Holy Days. Tech & Schools: Virginia Beach schools signed a deal for a secure, staff-only ChatGPT version, joining other districts including Baltimore.

Immigration & Public Safety: The U.S. expanded its deportation list to 134 Nigerians, publishing names and photos; arrests were reported across states including Baltimore. Education & Opportunity: Southern Maryland high schoolers are jumpstarting college careers through College of Southern Maryland’s Early College program, earning credits and associate degrees alongside their diplomas. Local Community & Arts: Queen Anne’s Chorale invites singers of all backgrounds to an open, no-audition rehearsal Sept. 14, with a fall concert at Chesapeake College. Culture & Faith: A Baltimore-born Sister of Mercy, Marian Joseph Baird, died Aug. 26, with services set for Sept. 3. Tech & Society: A national pushback against Big Tech is growing into a rare bipartisan coalition, fueled by concerns over AI and child safety. Sports & Lifestyle: The Gaylord hotel’s “luxurious captivity” vibe gets a tongue-in-cheek take, while a separate sports story spotlights Arizona’s Ketel Marte situation and its impact on the Diamondbacks.

Veterans & Community Sports: The Delmarva Warriors brought “healing through hockey” to the Eastern Shore Classic Hockey Invitational at the Talbot County Community Center and Ice Rink, uniting veterans-only teams and spotlighting how structure and camaraderie help after military service. Local Arts & Singing: Queen Anne’s Chorale is inviting new members ahead of fall, with an open rehearsal Sept. 14 at Centreville Methodist Church and a Dec. 5 concert at Chesapeake College. Immigrant Life & Food Culture: A Maryland story spotlights how community gardens help immigrant families grow a taste of home. Education & Local Pride: Bethesda’s Little Flower School welcomes back a new first grade teacher, Taylor Gerth, returning to her alma mater after years of study and training. Entrepreneurship Workshop: Harford County will host “Buying a Business 101” Sept. 10 at the CONVERGE Innovation Center, with guidance on reducing startup risk and using SBA loan programs. Arts Spotlight: Baltimore-based Filipina American artist Thea Canlas won the 2026 Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize for work exploring diasporic Philippine identity. Culture & Heritage: Easton’s Waterfowl Festival is gearing up for its 55th anniversary Nov. 13–15, adding a Sporting Heritage Pavilion to celebrate Eastern Shore traditions.

Immigration & Voting Rights: Trump’s push to restrict voting by noncitizens is heating up ahead of midterms, with claims about noncitizen ballots fueling fears of legal fights over results. Citizenship Courtroom Drama: New birthright citizenship orders are being framed as narrower than earlier attempts, hinging on legal exceptions that could shape what happens next in court. Community & Culture: Opera Baltimore launches “Voices in Solidarity,” a new festival in Jonestown pairing music and history to connect Baltimore’s Black and Jewish communities. Arts Spotlight: Filipina American artist Thea Canlas wins the 2026 Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize for work exploring diasporic Philippine identity. Local Outdoors & Heritage: ShoreRivers kicks off its Eastern Shore photo contest, celebrating waterways and conservation through community-submitted images. Sports & Maryland Pride: The Ravens wrap preseason after a big win over Washington, shifting focus to final roster cuts. Education Watch: Montgomery County schools welcome the new school year as state changes roll in, including an upcoming cell phone policy. Public Safety & Trust: A debate grows over AI-powered policing and how it could undermine public confidence in the justice system. Health & Caregiving: SDSU Extension’s “Organize This!” webinar offers a free guide to end-of-life planning and recruiting local volunteers. Eastern Shore Event: The Waterfowl Festival returns for its 55th anniversary with new attractions and a restored sporting heritage pavilion.

Immigration & Community Safety: New reporting says ICE arrests in July hit record levels, with more than half of detainees lacking criminal records—fueling fear in Maryland-area communities as enforcement expands. Local Governance & Public Trust: Lawyers say Baltimore’s ICE holding facility stays overcrowded and violates a court order on capacity and medical access, as the agency prepares an Elkridge move. Reproductive Health Policy: Maryland and other states are suing to block new Title X family-planning funding conditions, arguing the rules unlawfully penalize providers and patients. Education & Health: Gov. Wes Moore is pushing Maryland’s Vax Act and back-to-school immunization requirements as measles outbreaks are reported in multiple counties. Arts & Culture: Kehlani rescheduled two Maryland-area tour stops after hospitalization for throat pain, with new dates set at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Local Spotlight: Southern High School teacher Jennifer M. Davidson named Maryland History Teacher of the Year. Business & Tech: 20/20 BioLabs (Gaithersburg) rescheduled its investor webinar for Sept. 2 to discuss OneTest™ revenue and commercial expansion.

Immigration & Community Safety: Lawyers say Baltimore’s ICE holding facility is still overcrowded despite a court order, with detainees alleging cold, unsanitary conditions and limited access to medication and counsel. Local Governance & Schools: Prince George’s County schools’ bus rollout earned an “F” from Superintendent Shawn Joseph after late and missing buses, route errors, and a crash of the new bus-tracking app. Reproductive Health Policy: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit in Maryland federal court to block new Title X funding conditions, arguing they’re ideological and could cut off family planning and preventive care. Housing & Affordability: A “mansion tax” debate is heating up in Maryland as critics question how local surcharges on high-value home sales are funded and distributed. Culture & Weekend Plans: Southern Maryland’s back-to-school weekend lineup spans live music, vineyard events, block parties, and family activities. Sports & Community Identity: Chopticon High’s football program is rebuilding around work ethic, conditioning, and “brotherhood.” Civic Finance: Moody’s downgraded Baltimore City’s credit rating, pointing to declining reserves and rising borrowing costs.

Reproductive Health Fight: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit challenging new federal Title X family-planning rules, arguing they politicize care and restrict “lifesaving reproductive care,” including cancer screenings and STI testing. Immigration & Education: The U.S. Justice Department sued New Mexico over in-state tuition and aid for certain undocumented students, saying states can’t offer benefits to “illegal aliens” that aren’t available to other residents. Maryland Accountability: Maryland sued UnitedHealth/Optum over allegedly faulty software that, the state says, crashed at launch and undermined Medicaid fraud controls, seeking about $380 million. Schools & Student Well-Being: Experts say health and mental health are major drivers of chronic absenteeism, while Salisbury University welcomed students on Move In Day and Eastern Shore leaders previewed a new specialized education school planned for 2027. Culture & Community: Orthodox Union named Baltimore Rabbi Shmuel Silber its new executive vice president, as the group reshuffles top leadership.

Immigration & Community Safety: Maryland is facing fresh public concern as measles outbreaks are declared in Cecil, Carroll, and St. Mary’s counties, with health officials urging residents to check vaccination status amid dozens of new cases. Health & Lifestyle: Dr. Ann Hester, based in Clarksville, is launching a Lifestyle Medicine book plus AI-powered health coaching apps aimed at helping consumers prevent, treat, or reverse chronic disease. Culture & Weekend Plans: The Maryland State Fair returns for its 145th year, and Kehlani’s tour stop hits Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia—plus there’s plenty of family-friendly fair fun. Faith & Civic Life: The Paulist Fathers’ “Communion Project” is rolling out a Catholic effort to cool “toxic polarization” through dialogue and local community unification. Sports & Local Identity: The Commanders are selling apparel with the old Redskins logo as a trademark strategy, drawing criticism from a Maryland-based Native advocacy group. Education & Access: A push for back-to-school support highlights working adults returning to higher education, with Maryland workforce demand pointing to healthcare, IT, and construction. Local Food & Belonging: Posi’s Kitchen is back at Towson’s University Union, bringing West African fusion flavors and a sense of home for students.