AGP Executive Report

Health & Wellness: A Maryland neurologist says early multiple sclerosis can show up as fatigue that doesn’t improve with sleep, “brain fog,” and weakness—often mistaken for stress or overwork. Immigration & Community Safety: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate responses to scams, workplace abuse, housing issues, and civil-rights violations. Local History & Science: Researchers using genetic matching say they’ve likely identified lost remains tied to Maryland’s early colonial leadership, including the colony’s second governor. Politics & Rights: The Supreme Court allowed Alabama to use a congressional map that NAACP says “intentionally discriminates” against Black voters, adding fuel to the redistricting fight. Maryland Money: Maryland’s individual income tax collections rose to $10.6B in 2024, up from $9.7B the year before. Sports & Community: Former Orioles pitcher Kyle Gibson will fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as an OC Air Show “Hometown Hero.” Culture & Entertainment: A new “Epstein files” stage work is drawing attention for centering women’s voices and victim-focused storytelling.

Maryland Education & Community: St. Mary’s Ryken Principal Tom Campbell earned a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership, spotlighting teacher retention research tied to the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools network. Local Government & Services: St. Mary’s County is moving toward a Verizon cable franchise option, with a public hearing set for July 14. Workforce & Future Skills: College of Southern Maryland hosted a Southern Maryland Quantum Forum to build training pathways for the region’s growing quantum jobs. Health & Safety: Maryland school boards face pressure over social media guardrails, with some opting out—raising concerns for student safety. Culture & Pride: Baltimore kicks off its LGBTQIA+ Pride week with events across the city, including music, networking, and Trans Pride programming. Sports & Youth Impact: Former Maryland coach Keith Adams continues to support student-athletes through the CKA SAVE Project. Civic Rights & Food Security: A federal judge halted new SNAP conditions tied to gender ideology and immigration-related requirements, a move that could affect families across the region.

Food & Rights in the Courts: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA from forcing states to follow Trump-era gender and immigration conditions to keep billions in SNAP and other funding. Community Food Access: Prince George’s County is testing a free grocery store inside Fairmount Heights Library to help families hit by SNAP cuts and rising costs. Maryland Sports & Youth: Under Armour’s Project Rampart celebrated Baltimore City student-athletes for strong grades and graduation rates, pairing sports with mentorship and support. Faith in Public Life: More than 1,000 people joined a National Eucharistic Pilgrimage procession through downtown Washington, D.C., with children who received First Communion laying petals. Local Culture & Family Fun: The Maryland Zoo’s Zoomerang Gala is set to debut new red pandas next Friday, June 12. Education & Inclusion: A Maryland youth prison report describes long-running forced labor of Black boys, raising fresh questions about education and civil rights. Entertainment in Maryland: “Mayor of Kingstown” began filming in Cumberland, bringing a new production buzz to downtown.

LGBTQ+ Faith in Maryland’s Orbit: A trans pastor leads Milwaukee’s only LGBTQ+ affirming Christian campus ministry at UW, showing how faith communities are carving out space for belonging. Baltimore Politics: City Sen. Dalya Attar fights to keep her seat amid federal conspiracy and extortion indictments, while a rival frames the case as a values test. Immigration & Community Impact: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore created an Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force after critics questioned whether it will do more than signal support. Local Culture & Pride: Baltimore marks the 50th anniversary of AFRAM with a new documentary celebrating the festival’s legacy. Education & Youth: A report details how Maryland’s youth prison system hired out Black boys to local farms and factories for decades—forced labor disguised as “reform.” Consumer Protection: New York passed a strong ban on surveillance pricing, joining Maryland and Connecticut in limiting personalized price hikes. Retirement Worries: A new analysis warns Social Security checks could shrink by about $500 per month, with Maryland among the hardest-hit states.

Immigration & Community Safety: Gov. Wes Moore created a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to study scams targeting immigrants, but critics say it’s mostly symbolic. Local Enforcement Oversight: Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman signed an order limiting ICE use of county facilities and directing police to investigate alleged ICE misconduct, drawing pushback from a council member. Courts & ICE Facilities: A federal judge said parts of a lawsuit over Howard County’s Elkridge ICE facility are moot, though permit questions may still move forward. Culture & Pride: Baltimore marks AFRAM’s 50th anniversary with a documentary, and an Emmanuel Episcopal Church choir performance will spotlight LGBTQ+ history through “Considering Matthew Shepard.” Health & Aging: A geriatrician urges exercise to slow muscle and bone loss, while a new report warns Social Security checks could drop by about $500 per month for recipients in states including Maryland. Lifestyle & Learning: Strathmore’s Summer lineup kicks off with major music events, and Montgomery County schools will keep girls’ gymnastics for one more year after process failures.

Immigrant Rights: Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order creating a 12-month Maryland Immigrant Rights Protection Task Force to coordinate state agencies and the Attorney General’s office on fraud, exploitation, and discrimination affecting immigrant communities. Education & Community: A Maryland educator, Lisbeth “Liz” Hargraves, was named Educator of the Month for bringing her Marine Corps and Iraq experience into classroom history lessons. Public Safety Outdoors: Maryland DNR expanded day-use reservations at popular parks to reduce summer traffic and surprise capacity closures, with new reservation areas added. Health & Faith: A University of Maryland School of Medicine study found that five minutes of in-person prayer may ease pain and anxiety for primary care patients alongside standard care. Local Philanthropy: Anne Arundel Women Giving Together awarded $262,913 in grants to 13 nonprofits supporting women and families. Lifestyle & Learning: BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to Maryland and 14 other states. Culture: Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum’s 39th Annual Children’s Day on the Farm returns Sunday, June 7, with hands-on activities and a tractor parade.

Coal & Jobs: President Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired power plants and exports, including support tied to a Maryland coal plant restart and a long-delayed Oakland terminal. Baltimore Dirt Bikes: Police seized dozens of illegal dirt bikes and ATVs as enforcement ramps up after a video showed riders striking an officer; one suspect was arrested. Education & Community: Howard County Library’s Project Literacy celebrated adult learners earning diplomas, while education reporters gathered in Baltimore for a national seminar on AI and school funding shifts. Fraud & AI in Higher Ed: A state audit says Baltimore City Community College paid $264K in aid to “ghost students” created by AI bots using fake accounts. Local Housing: Habitat for Humanity dedicated three new homes at Orchard Ridge in Baltimore County, adding to an affordable homeownership push. State Tour: Gov. Wes Moore’s “Delivering for Maryland” stop in Wicomico County highlighted a new state park, Salisbury University upgrades, and stadium improvements. Healthcare Equity: Advocates say Black and Latina women face higher misdiagnosis rates and steeper medical bills. Public Safety Policy: Anne Arundel County leaders debate an immigration enforcement order affecting ICE use of county property.

Maryland Natural Spaces: Maryland DNR is expanding traffic-flow and park entrance tech, adding weekend/holiday day-use reservations at more state parks like Gunpowder Falls (Hammerman beach), Rocky Gap, Swallow Falls, and Rocks to cut backups and overflow. School Safety & Accountability: Worcester County released a joint statement on an investigation into a school bus driver accused of alcohol consumption, saying prosecutors declined charges due to insufficient admissible evidence and citing fixes to reporting and safety steps. Local Education Governance: Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass is pushing reforms to the MCPS budget process, calling for more transparency and oversight as the district weighs major position cuts. Opioid Settlement Transparency: Baltimore County launched a public dashboard so residents can track opioid settlement money and how it’s being used, including overdose prevention, treatment, and family support. Community & Culture: Raising Cane’s opened in Owings Mills, and Matthews Playhouse announced “Hairspray” for its 30th anniversary season in July. Arts & Learning: A Charles County student town hall is set for June 10 for grades 5–12, and Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Museum is preparing for a grand reopening with a new immersive experience.

Data Center Backlash: Erin Brockovich launched the Brockovich Data Center map to track U.S. data center growth and the conflicts it sparks, spotlighting energy and water strain. Nursing Home Watch: CMS rankings put Wilson Health Care Center at No. 2 in Montgomery County and Autumn Lake Healthcare Post-Acute Care Center at No. 2 in Baltimore City County for Q1 2026, with both reporting strong overall ratings and no fines. Local Accountability: A state audit found Baltimore City Community College awarded $264,000 in aid to 145 “ghost students,” with the school planning corrections by Oct. 31. Health & Mobility: A University of Maryland-led study reports GLP-1s may lower the odds of knee replacement for people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. Culture & Community: West Baltimore spoken word curator Tyce Stith is hosting “Words, Wings, and Wine” to spotlight Black excellence and emerging artists. Tech + Education: The FCC is set to review E-Rate rules tied to children’s internet protections, including screen-time and parent/teacher decision-making. Public Safety: Worcester County’s “Eric’s Law” adds a voluntary butterfly symbol on Maryland IDs to help responders recognize hidden disabilities.

Music & Civic Energy: Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello announced the Power to the People fest, with a big lineup set for Oct. 3 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia—an election-season push for “hope and justice.” Local Arts & Community: Arts Annapolis returns June 13 with free, citywide performances, vendors, and hands-on activities as part of Annapolis Arts Week. Education & Tech Policy: Maryland’s new AI Ready Schools Act kicks in, requiring K-12 AI learning guidelines, teacher training, and AI literacy by June 2027. Immigration & Daily Life: Gov. Wes Moore says the Trump administration is holding back Maryland schools, while new Maryland laws set limits on federal immigration enforcement inside jails, hospitals, and public schools. Money & Accountability: Prince George’s County’s $10M civic plaza funding is under fire after it was fenced off, prompting calls for fiscal transparency. Health & Safety: An AI-ECG story weighs how AI reads century-old heart tests—and where trust and guidelines still lag.

Public Safety & Justice: Maryland crime labs are getting more than $1.3 million to cut DNA testing backlogs and speed up forensic processing, a move aimed at helping violent-offender cases move faster. Education & Community: Anne Arundel County Public Library is bringing back Summer @ Your Library with reading challenges, events, and prizes for kids, teens, and adults. Local Culture: Salisbury’s Shore Walls Mural Festival debuted with seven large-scale murals celebrating community creativity on the Eastern Shore. Health & Daily Life: Doctors nationwide are reporting more preventable childhood illnesses as vaccination rates lag, raising fresh concerns for families. Immigration & Work: Gov. Wes Moore hosted a business roundtable on how federal immigration policy is disrupting Maryland’s workforce and economy. Tech & Privacy: A guide warns that smart glasses blur the usual “notice” rules around recording and privacy, pushing employers to update policies. Sports & Fun: Jason’s Deli in Columbia is rolling out a World Cup “Goal Rush” promotion tied to U.S. men’s scoring.

School Nutrition: New York is keeping universal free school meals in its FY2027 budget, continuing free breakfast and lunch for 2.7M students—an approach tied to better school climate. Baltimore Jewish Community: Baltimore County executive candidates faced questions about the Maryland Israel Development Center (MIDC) and Gaza-related human rights concerns, with Jewish community issues like antisemitism and security in focus. Faith & Justice: Pope Leo XIV’s slavery apology is called “proper and just” by Bishop Roy E. Campbell Jr., who urges concrete action to heal slavery’s legacy. Health & Aging: A new look at hearing loss highlights links to mental and heart health—and points to emerging treatments. Immigration & Public Life: A poll finds most Americans oppose ICE presence at World Cup stadiums, with strong resistance among Democrats and independents. Maryland Education Policy: Maryland’s new AI guidance for schools takes effect, adding training and rules as districts adapt. Community & Environment: Baltimore residents push back on a proposed Jones Falls trash-and-recycling move, warning it could worsen flooding and pollution. Public Safety: A Lusby firefighter returns to service after a life-threatening medical emergency during a house fire. Arts & Heritage: Chesapeake Homelands Project launches Indigenous storytelling videos and conversations from the Eastern Shore. Local Crime Lab Funding: Maryland lawmakers announce $1.3M+ for DNA testing backlogs to speed up forensic processing.

Maryland Education Tech: A new Maryland law that puts guardrails on AI in K-12 schools took effect Monday, requiring state education officials to publish AI guidance and best practices, plus training and an AI coordinator in each district. Prince George’s County Schools: Dr. Shawn Joseph was named permanent superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools, with a focus on boosting literacy and math and improving outcomes for special education and multilingual learners. Online Safety: Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown released guidance for residents, schools, and nonprofits on responding to online hate, harassment, and cyberbullying, including how to report and assess safety risks. Community & Culture: In Bowie, Prince George’s County groups held a “We the People Block Party” ahead of the July 4, 250th anniversary, spotlighting local history, arts, and residents including Indigenous communities, Black history, and new immigrants. Sports Legacy: Baltimore Colts Hall of Famer Raymond Berry died at 93, remembered for his role in the 1958 championship and later coaching the Patriots. Health Watch: Measles and whooping cough are surging in the U.S. amid low vaccination rates and misinformation.

Maryland Education Leadership: Prince George’s County has named Shawn Joseph as permanent superintendent after a year as interim leader, with County Executive Aisha Braveboy saying community feedback showed he’s ready for the next chapter. Local Government & Jobs: Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann nominated Charles A. Hall Jr. as the city’s next human resources director, tapping his 15+ years of government and education HR experience. Community & Culture: The Baltimore-Washington Conference gathered in Baltimore for its 242nd session under the theme “Rooted in Christ: Love Boldly,” highlighting new worship symbols and a focus on discipleship and justice. Civil Rights Spotlight: The NAACP Baltimore County branch held a “State of Civil Rights Address,” discussing police use-of-force concerns, redistricting, and traffic stops. Sports & Maryland Legacy: Hall of Fame Colts receiver Raymond Berry died at 93, remembered for his iconic partnership with Johnny Unitas and his Baltimore roots. Lifestyle & Learning: Rehoboth Elementary students visited the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center for leadership and resilience lessons tied to Tubman’s legacy.

Education & Access: Two lawsuits from Democratic state attorneys general and education groups challenge the U.S. Education Department’s plan to limit post-baccalaureate student loans, arguing the rules could shrink access to high-demand health-care pathways. School Policy: Maryland’s pre-K expansion is driving a new requirement in major districts: teachers must help with potty training for kids up to age 5, raising questions about roles, training, and classroom realities. Civil Rights & Schools: A weakened Voting Rights Act could reshape school board elections, with concerns that at-large systems make it harder for communities of color to elect preferred candidates. Black Maternal Health & Culture: A Baltimore screening of “The Ebony Canal” spotlights Black infant health and the emotional fallout when childbirth autonomy is taken away. Community Pride & LGBTQ+ Life: Anne Arundel County Public Library rolls out Pride Month programming, including history-focused events and family-friendly activities. Local Events: Harbor Splash returns to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor in a new pop-up format aimed at making the harbor “swimmable, fishable.” STEM & Service: Alpha Phi Alpha’s Charles E. McGee STEM scholarship and a June 20 PoloxJazz fundraiser support HBCU STEM pipelines. Sports & Summer Fun: Maryland International Raceway hosts the NHRA Potomac Nationals with big crowds and championship eliminations set for Sunday. Food & Family: Research finds food allergy burdens can weigh heavily on parents and kids, especially with avoidance of milk, egg, and wheat. History & Reckoning: Maryland marks the Cheltenham boys’ center death toll disparity, with calls for a special commission to investigate institutional racial violence.

White House Security & Tech: President Trump shared AI-made “DronePort” mockups for a planned White House ballroom security upgrade, as lawmakers weigh a reported $1B push for East Wing protection. Southern Maryland Motorsports: The NHRA Potomac Nationals at Maryland International Raceway drew big crowds, with top qualifiers set for Sunday eliminations. Early Childhood Policy: Maryland districts are rolling out “pre-K for all” with a state rule requiring teachers to help potty-train children up to age 5. Baltimore Community & Business: Baltimore entrepreneurs are mixing commerce with community service, spotlighting Black-owned efforts like Sistahs’ Sweets. Infrastructure Court Update: After the Key Bridge collapse, families and BGE reached settlements with the Dali owners, while a broader liability fight looms. Local Culture & Faith: ISKCON’s early Rath Yatra in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor sparked backlash from Jagannath devotees over timing and tradition. Nature & Access: Anne Arundel County opened new overnight cabins at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary to expand education and research. Arts for Youth: The “Shining Stars” Washington Showcase highlighted youth creativity and multicultural exchange.