AGP Executive Report

Local Education: Maryland’s 2026-27 school year kicks off with a statewide push on literacy and math coaching, including 51 teacher coaches across 13 districts and a pilot math coaching effort in four systems. Arts & Community: Xscape Theatres Brandywine 14 has permanently closed in Brandywine, ending more than 13 years of moviegoing for the region. Music Spotlight: Journey’s “farewell” run continues with a Baltimore stop on its late-year tour, with the band framing the final stretch as potentially emotional. Sports Culture: A Lakewood Blues Brothers tribute band, The Soul Men, keeps the movie legacy alive with performances across the Midwest and East Coast. Baltimore Arts/Entertainment Loss: The closure of Brandywine’s major multiplex adds to a tough week for local entertainment options. Cyber Training: BCR Cyber (Baltimore) launches a Governance, Risk, and Compliance applied fundamentals training and certification program with Northrop Grumman.

Preakness Power Shift: Maryland finalized an $85 million purchase of the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan Stakes rights, and bettors are already moving their money in new ways as wagering tech evolves. Courtroom Tech & Consumer Impact: A federal judge approved a $700 million multistate Google settlement over Android app store and in-app payment practices, with refunds aimed at millions of consumers. Local Education Boost: Maryland is hiring instructional literacy and math coaches for dozens of schools, with more than 50 already on the job as the new year starts. Baltimore Police Trial: The case against Officer Robert Parks—accused of trying to run down a man in his cruiser—begins with video footage at the center of the dispute. Arts Calendar: MICA announces “Making America Again: So Strong, So Brave, So True,” a contemporary exhibition spotlighting artists of color tied to the Ford/Philip Morris Fellows program. Southern Maryland Sports: Budds Creek Motocross Park hosts the Yamaha Budds Creek National Aug. 22, with Travis Pastrana named grand marshal.

Sports & Community: St. Mary’s County’s proposed $336 million sports complex is still up in the air, with officials citing both funding gaps and environmental impacts from a heavily forested site. Local Arts & Culture: The Chesapeake Arts Center is set to mark 25 years with a “Layers and Light” gala, a reminder that Maryland’s arts scene keeps finding new ways to celebrate and grow. Maryland Spotlight in Sports: Ravens Super Bowl champion O.J. Brigance has died at 56 after a long ALS battle, with the team calling him a beloved mentor across Baltimore. STEM Education: Society for Science named 100 educators to its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, awarding $326,000 to expand student access to science research and competitions. Fashion/Events: NY NOW’s Summer 2026 returned under new ownership, reporting a 5% bump in buyer attendance and renewed momentum for gift and lifestyle brands. Maryland Arts & Entertainment: Chris Brown and Usher added more stadium dates to their R&B tour, including a Baltimore stop at M&T Bank Stadium.

Maryland Arts & Culture: A Baltimore conservator is restoring a major Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery painting of Abraham Lincoln (1887), part of a wider presidential-portrait repair effort funded in part by Bank of America. Public Safety & Accountability: Maryland’s Department of Corrections has gone statewide with body-worn cameras, saying assaults dropped 34% in July after the July 2 rollout. Civic & Legal: A federal judge blocked plans to move the FBI headquarters from a Greenbelt, Maryland site to a Washington office complex, ruling the Trump administration acted illegally. Sports & Local Talent: Former West Virginia defensive back Jordan Scruggs announced he’s transferring to Maryland under the new 5-for-5 eligibility rule. Arts in the Spotlight: Ricky Martin and Pedro Sampaio are set to headline the 2026 NFL Rio halftime show, bringing major pop energy to the international game. Summer in Maryland: Ocean City reports about 2,000 sting treatments over two weeks as jellyfish sightings surge. Remembering: Ravens Super Bowl hero O.J. Brigance, who battled ALS, died at 56.

Baltimore Orioles: Pete Alonso’s return to Baltimore form helped the O’s rout the Rays 10-2 and set up a Monday push for a four-game road sweep, with Baltimore ending Sunday in playoff position. Maryland Arts & Community: Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland added Music Together and Rhythm Kids classes for ages birth–8, giving families a structured early-music option this fall. Local Voices: Prince Frederick author Tiauna Quarles published her first novel, “Awakening The Rebel,” sharing how journaling and life experiences fuel her writing. Fashion With a Mission: WEModel USA sent eight Maryland-area models to Sicilia International Fashion Week in Italy to spotlight child-trafficking prevention. Sports, Surveillance & Rights: Maryland AG Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition suing over federal demands for driver data, while another report highlights how drones and license-plate readers are expanding surveillance nationwide. Entertainment: Baltimore comedian Stavros Halkias discussed his Netflix special “Uncle Stav,” filmed at the Lyric Theater, in a New York Times interview.

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles turned their weekend slump into a statement, blasting the Rays 10-2 with a seven-run sixth and Baltimore’s highest-scoring inning of the season, moving into a wild-card tie and setting up a possible sweep. Local Sports Culture: Manayunk’s Main Street keeps evolving, with more small businesses and community energy showing up during events like Stroll After Hours and outdoor movie nights. Maryland Arts & Community: Little Flower School’s 11th Annual Patriot Day 5K returns Sept. 5 in St. Mary’s County, pairing music, food, and kids’ activities with tributes to local military, firefighters, police, EMTs, and medical workers. Women’s Sports Legacy: Tina Sloan Green—trailblazer for Black women in lacrosse and field hockey—was honored ahead of the inaugural Women’s Lacrosse League championship, with a trophy named for her. Statewide Weather: A severe thunderstorm watch covers parts of Maryland into late Sunday, with possible damaging winds and heavy rain. Tech Jobs: Gov. Wes Moore announced Cloudforce’s Prince George’s County expansion at National Harbor, adding 250 jobs over five years.

Under Armour x Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: The decade-long partnership is ending, with Under Armour saying it’s “bringing our partnership to a natural conclusion” while continuing to distribute Project Rock through October. Maryland Sports & Community: Mardela High School softball standout Ava Twilley, named Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year, donated a $1,000 grant to Challenger Little League to support adaptive baseball. Bluegrass in Annapolis: Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival adds Maryland singer-songwriter Cris Jacobs as a special guest for Sept. 19-20 at Sandy Point State Park, plus new workshops tied to Chesapeake Bay conservation. Baltimore Baseball Update: The Orioles moved Samuel Basallo closer to a return, setting a rehab assignment in Triple-A Norfolk after recent batting practice. Local Arts/Entertainment Watch: Baltimore’s movie-night scene gets a boost via “Free Blockbuster,” aiming to strengthen community bonds through film events. Sports on TV/Streaming: Ravens-Eagles preseason coverage and listening options roll out across ESPN Unlimited and local Baltimore radio/TV.

Maryland Court Ruling: Maryland’s tax on digital advertising has been struck down, with the state ordered to refund money collected from Apple, Google and Peacock TV—an immediate win for free speech and interstate commerce arguments. Baltimore Community Culture: A new “Free Blockbuster” in Hampden is bringing back the joy of physical media, letting neighbors leave and borrow DVDs, Blu-rays, VHS tapes and video games to build community. Local Politics: Montgomery County’s proposal to cap annual spending growth at the rate of inflation is inching toward the ballot after elections officials certified thousands of petition signatures. Sports & Entertainment (Maryland): Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium is set for preseason buzz as the Eagles host the Ravens in Week 1, while the Orioles keep rolling through a tight stretch against the Rays. Music: Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats have released “House By The Grave,” kicking off their upcoming album “Shapes Of Midnight.”

Maryland Digital Ad Tax Struck Down: The Maryland Tax Court invalidated the state’s first-in-the-nation tax on digital advertising, ordering refunds (with interest) to Apple, Google and Peacock TV, saying it violates the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act and the U.S. Constitution. Local Arts & Community: Ocean City’s Artists Paint OC returns for its 21st year, with 50 artists painting plein air Aug. 12–16 and sales set for Aug. 15–16 at the gallery. Sports & Entertainment in Maryland: The Baltimore Ravens unveiled new M&T Bank Stadium spaces and amenities ahead of the Aug. 15 preseason opener, including a 2,700-person concert venue and upgraded hospitality/tailgating areas. Public Safety & Health: A Milford Mill Academy student, Jada Sellers, 17, died from injuries after a July 31 shooting in Southwest Baltimore. Environment Watch: Howard County is investigating neighbors’ storm-drain concerns in Columbia after they reported a hose from a lawn-care truck appeared to enter a storm drain.

Legal Fight: Maryland’s biggest city is suing prediction-market operators Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing their “event contracts” are really unlicensed sports betting that violates Baltimore’s consumer protection rules. Local Arts Spotlight: Malverne native Jordan Tyson is starring as Eurydice in Broadway’s Tony-winning “Hadestown,” a homegrown path from school productions to the big stage. Weekend Culture & Community: Southern Maryland’s August 14–20 roundup highlights outdoor movies, live music, festivals, and family events across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s. Arts & History: A guide to the C&O Canal National Historical Park brings the towpath’s 19th-century commerce and today’s wildlife-and-hiking experience into focus. Business & Tech in Maryland: Cloudforce is expanding its National Harbor headquarters, adding 15,000 square feet and 250 jobs tied to growth in its nebulaONE AI platform. Sports Betting Watch: The broader Kalshi/Polymarket controversy is also drawing federal attention, with regulators probing “mention markets.”

Outdoor & Trails: Patapsco Valley State Park in Maryland is planning a pedestrian bridge and adding 10 miles of new trails, aiming to connect the McKeldin and Woodstock areas and spread visitors beyond the most-used spots. Community & Housing: Baltimore seniors at Wayland Village are upset after the city reinstated their rental license while they say the building’s HVAC still isn’t fixed, calling it a broken promise after years of relying on window units and space heaters. Arts & Culture: Baltimore’s CIAA Tournament is set to stay in the city, with Visit Baltimore and the conference office citing record attendance and $33.6 million in local economic impact. Music & Pop Culture: BTS’ V says he’s been dealing with hearing loss in his right ear for about two-and-a-half years, and he’s been taking medication and getting treatment while continuing the ARIRANG world tour. Sports Betting & Law: Baltimore is suing prediction-market firms Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing they’re running sports-betting-like products without complying with Maryland gambling rules. Local Flavor: The One Room Schoolhouse Ice Cream Social in Port Republic returned with live music and community turnout, celebrating the historic restored schoolhouse.

Main Street Planning: Snow Hill is weighing what its Main Street identity should be—town officials say the state program pushes communities to pick a clear “core vibe” before applying for full designation in 2027. Local Arts & Community Theater: Lexington dancer Tishana Jackson is helping bring “Hairspray” to life for Arts Davidson County, performing and choreographing key routines for Aug. 21–23 at the Black Box Theater. Indie Publishing: Worcester County author Erin Timmons self-published the adult fantasy romance “The Slayer’s Dragon,” turning a road-trip idea into a finished novel with help from an editor and cover designer. Baltimore Arts & Nightlife: The 8×10 entertainment venue has been sold, signaling continued momentum for local live-music spaces. Pop Culture Health: BTS’ V says he’s been dealing with hearing issues for more than two years and is receiving medication and hospital care, following ARIRANG stops including Baltimore. Sports With Maryland Ties: Jacob deGrom heads to Angel Stadium chasing a rare road win, coming off a strong start vs. Baltimore. Weekend What-To-Do: A Baltimore weekend roundup highlights concerts and events, including 3BallMTY at Power Plant Live and other arts-and-entertainment picks.

Baltimore Arts & Culture: The 8×10 live music venue in Federal Hill has been sold to Rising Sun Presents, with renovations planned and a “revival” expected by October, keeping the club’s legacy of national and local acts alive. Maryland Arts & Community: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore marks 150 years with a new book, “This is Your Zoo,” tracing its humble beginnings and its long-running place in local culture. Maryland Sports (arts-adjacent): A Mongolian boxing debut is set for Sept. 26 at Patapsco Arena, with Z’s Boxing Gym bringing the pro debut of Nandin Tsetsen to Baltimore. Maryland Public Life: Baltimore’s Inspector General reports mold, pests, water damage and even mushrooms in city-run homeless shelters bought with ARPA funds, raising fresh questions about conditions and oversight. Maryland Education: Baltimore County Public Schools will keep its “off & away” cellphone policy for the new school year, with a renewed focus on media literacy and face-to-face instruction.

Rescheduled Concerts: Brandi Carlile has moved her UK & European “The Human Tour” dates to spring 2027, with ticket transfers, refunds for Lisbon, and a Ticketmaster presale opening Aug. 14. Local Arts Spotlight: Baltimore artist Lisa Porter Lawrence is featured on Close Up Radio, highlighting her portraiture and career choices. Community Night: National Night Out drew a crowd in Oakland, Garrett County, with multiple state and local agencies bringing food, giveaways, and family activities. Sports & Health in the Spotlight: Former NFL QB Matt Hasselbeck is undergoing scans at Boston University as part of efforts to diagnose CTE in living people, adding fresh urgency to concussion research. Maryland Sports Betting: Maryland sports betting topped $496.4 million in July, up 36% year over year. Baltimore Baseball: Gunnar Henderson is stepping up ahead of the Orioles’ finale vs. the Twins, after a 5-2 win where he went 3-for-5 with a homer. Tech + Courts: Meta’s smart glasses are being confiscated at court entrances in England and Wales, reflecting growing concerns about recording in judicial buildings. Gaming Culture: EA Sports is bringing the Eagles’ “tush push” to “Madden NFL 27,” built from motion-capture-style work at EA’s facilities.

Maryland Arts & Culture: Children’s Theatre of Southern Maryland is expanding early learning with newly licensed Music Together® and Rhythm Kids® classes in Prince Frederick, with an eight-week fall semester starting this year. Public Safety: Baltimore County police responded to a Middle River barricade tied to a search warrant, with residents asked to shelter in place as the situation developed. Sports (Maryland): Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins was carted off during practice after a left leg injury, with the team expressing optimism while awaiting further evaluation. Local Arts/Community: The Purple Line builder announced its next round of nonprofit grants for groups along the planned light rail corridor, supporting education, youth sports, public safety, and food/rent/utility insecurity. Arts & Entertainment (Regional): Baltimore Museum of Art announced an acquisition of 118 works, adding to its growing collection. Arts & Entertainment (National): Former Met Jose Iglesias is set to make his Broadway debut in “Buena Vista Social Club” as the narrator.