AGP Executive Report

Space & Astronomy: NASA says its Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is now set to launch Aug. 30, months ahead of schedule, with a wide-sky survey aimed at dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared discoveries. Health & Research: A new report highlights how a pig-heart transplant at the University of Maryland used emergency FDA authorization, underscoring the promise and rejection hurdles of xenotransplantation. Public Health & Food Supply: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in south Texas, reviving a decades-old cattle threat and raising concerns for livestock, pets, and even occasional human risk. Maryland Policy & Energy: Maryland and Virginia are rolling out “balcony solar” laws that let residents plug in compact systems and cut power bills, with Maryland starting now and Virginia following in 2027. Cyber & Privacy: KFF Health News reports HHS is seeking access to identifiable medical records as RFK Jr. pursues a vaccine-autism link, sparking legal and privacy worries. Transportation Safety: A fatal Virginia bus crash is prompting scrutiny of bus safety tech, driver history, and industry practices. State Courts: Maryland’s Supreme Court removed Anne Arundel Orphans’ Court Judge Marc Knapp effective immediately over misconduct findings.

Xenotransplantation in Maryland: Surgeons at the University of Maryland performed the first successful pig-heart transplant into a human under emergency FDA authorization, highlighting how xenotransplantation could ease the chronic shortage of human donor hearts. Broadband policy: A new push around BEAD’s $42B connectivity push urges states to keep broadband offices funded and empowered, including avoiding “sunset” shutdowns that could derail long-term buildout. Local data-center pushback: Queen Anne’s County approved a 12-month moratorium on data center applications to study impacts on infrastructure, utilities, land use, and zoning. Healthcare innovation: Johns Hopkins-linked Bayesian Health says its FDA-cleared AI can detect sepsis up to 48 hours earlier, cutting mortality in hospital deployments. Public tech for parks: Maryland DNR is expanding traffic-flow and park entrance tech with more weekend/holiday day-use reservations at popular state parks. Cyber/AI in policing: Baltimore’s Board of Estimates approved an Axon add-on to expand body-camera and cloud systems, with city leaders questioning reliance on a single vendor. STEM workforce: Maryland is leaning into apprenticeships as employers struggle to hire beyond traditional credentials.

Cancer Breakthrough in Maryland: UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center is the first in the region to offer TCR-T cell therapy for synovial sarcoma, a single-infusion treatment that engineers a patient’s own T-cells to attack solid tumors. University Workforce Shock: The University of Maryland, College Park laid off 84 state-funded employees amid budget cuts, citing reduced federal funding and higher energy costs; the union called it “unacceptable.” Public Safety, Data-Driven Results: A new NBER paper says Baltimore’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy helped drive a 60% homicide drop from 2022–2025, with reductions outpacing national trends. Opioid Spending Transparency: Baltimore County launched a public dashboard tracking opioid settlement money and how it’s funding treatment and recovery. Space Update from Maryland: NASA ended the MAVEN Mars mission after losing contact in December, with a review board now investigating the failure. Health Policy Pressure: A new analysis warns Social Security could face an average 24% benefit cut if trust funds run out by 2032, with Maryland retirees projected to lose about $541/month. Local Tech & Cyber: DISA is preparing new ICAM and “Thunderdome” zero-trust procurement steps, aiming to strengthen identity-based access across the defense network.

Maryland Road Safety: Gov. Wes Moore signed the “Stop Super Speeders Law,” requiring certain high-risk drivers to use Intelligent Speed Assistance to limit speeding, with the pilot rolling out after Oct. 1. Privacy & Policy: Maryland AG Anthony Brown joined a coalition urging Congress to rethink the proposed SECURE Data Act, warning it could preempt state privacy and cybersecurity protections. Defense Tech: DISA is reshaping JWCC Next into the JWCC Unified Cloud Marketplace, aiming to broaden access to commercial cloud options across three tiers for DoD needs, including degraded connectivity. Health Research: The American Heart Association is launching a first-ever heart transplant research network with 14 centers to build a national data and quality-care infrastructure. STEM & Education: Maryland’s A.I. Ready Schools Act took effect, requiring K-12 AI learning guidelines, teacher training, and AI literacy by June 2027. Local Science & Environment: Maryland DNR urged residents to report dolphin sightings and any stranded marine mammals or sea turtles as summer wildlife activity increases. Biotech/Space Economy: SpaceX’s IPO plans are tied to Starlink’s rapid growth, with a Reuters-style look at how the satellite business is driving the valuation story.

Maryland AI & government tech: Gov. Wes Moore launched a Maryland AI Innovation Lab to help state agencies adopt and experiment with new tools, aiming to modernize how government works. Public safety & health: Maryland crime labs received $1.3M to cut DNA testing backlogs and speed forensic processing. Healthcare research: A University of Maryland School of Medicine trial found a five-minute session of proximal intercessory prayer reduced pain and anxiety in primary care patients. Biotech manufacturing: Aragen says it produced first commercial-scale GMP batches of Daretabart for Renaissance Pharma’s rare pediatric neuroblastoma therapy. Space science: A NASA-led team including a Goddard researcher in Greenbelt helped explain a 19-day-long solar radio burst, far longer than typical events. Local governance: Howard County moved toward a data center moratorium, pausing new construction while zoning rules get updated. Legal & oversight: A Baltimore judge denied the city’s bid to seal parts of an inspector general dispute, limiting the mayor’s control arguments. Cyber/defense tech: The Pentagon’s CIO signaled more enterprise software deals after a $9.7B Dell Federal Systems agreement. Health policy: Doctors report more preventable childhood illnesses as vaccine rates lag, including in D.C.

Health Research: A University of Maryland School of Medicine randomized trial found that just five minutes of proximal intercessory prayer after primary care visits reduced pain and anxiety versus a music control, with benefits strongest right after and at two weeks. Agriculture Data Modernization: Maryland and North Dakota are first to use an upgraded USDA Farm Service Agency system that scans farmers’ paper acreage maps to generate spreadsheets, aiming to cut manual keying and move toward more real-time reporting. Space & Astronomy: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is set to leave Maryland for Florida for final launch prep, with a planned September launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy. Cyber/Telecom Finance: Verizon disclosed pricing terms for multiple debt tender offers and consent solicitations, detailing how it will buy back notes. Local Tech Jobs: Virginia lured Bethesda-based Spatial Front, investing $6M for 450 jobs in Arlington focused on geospatial tech, AI/ML, and cloud services. Public Health Policy: Minnesota advanced a law requiring human physician review for health insurer prior-authorization denials that rely on AI recommendations. Environment & Water: A coalition led by Maryland AG William Tong urged the Federal Judicial Center to keep a climate science reference guide in its scientific evidence manual.

Maryland Education Tech: Maryland’s A.I. Ready Schools Act took effect Monday, requiring the state to publish K-12 A.I. guidance and pushing districts to set policies, train educators, and name A.I. coordinators. Public Health & Safety: Tick-bite ER visits are spiking to their highest levels for this time of year since 2017, with CDC pointing to warmer conditions driving more tick activity. Biomedical Research: Johns Hopkins researchers report magnetic particle imaging can help track cell therapy injections in mice, aiming to improve how clinicians personalize dosing. Space & Astronomy: NASA is inviting media to witness the Roman Space Telescope’s arrival at Kennedy Space Center from Maryland’s Goddard. Local Environment: A 16,200-gallon sewage leak in Severna Park was contained with “minimum impact” to Cypress Creek after a force main break. Business & Growth: Procare Ambulance, based in Baltimore, is partnering for expansion and workforce and MIH program growth. Baltimore Crime: Homicides are down more than 23% year over year through early June, with Safe Streets and violence interruption programs cited. Tech & Markets: Anthropic confidentially filed for an IPO, joining SpaceX and OpenAI as major AI companies eye public markets.

AI & Science: Argonne National Laboratory is leading engagement at TPC26 in Baltimore (May 31–June 3), focusing on how AI and high-performance computing can reshape scientific discovery and engineering. Cybersecurity & GovTech: Carahsoft will bring 100+ partners to TechNet Cyber in Baltimore (June 2–4), with AFCEA convening defense and government cyber leaders around “Dominating the Digital Battlespace.” Education Leadership: Prince George’s County Public Schools named Shawn Joseph permanent superintendent after a year as interim leader. Public Safety & Environment: Maryland lawmakers and officials are pressing for answers after a jet fuel leak into Piscataway Creek at Joint Base Andrews, with questions about scale, delays, and where the fuel went. Housing & Growth: St. Mary’s County residents opposed a proposed 431-home Jacob’s Run development in Lexington Park, citing traffic, schools, and public safety. Health Policy: Maryland selected for a national cohort to build data-driven eviction systems aimed at improving housing stability. Consumer Tech Risks: A new report warns that AI is supercharging real estate scams, with cyber-enabled fraud driving major losses. Local Health: Ocean City and Blood Bank of Delmarva plan a June 4 blood drive to help reach a 15,000-donation milestone.

Student Debt Fight: Two lawsuits challenge the Education Department’s plan to cap postbaccalaureate federal loans, arguing the rules’ narrow definition of “professional” degrees could restrict access to high-demand health-care paths. Cybersecurity & Disinformation: A breached Obama White House Instagram account posted AI-made images with a sectarian caption, underscoring how social platforms are now targets in real-world cyber operations. Consumer Data Law: Maryland became the first state to ban “surveillance pricing” in grocery stores and food delivery, aiming to stop personalized upcharges based on shopper data. Pollinator Research at Risk: The USDA plans to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center’s bee research hub, raising alarms for disease diagnosis and the stability of the U.S. food system. STEM for Youth: Alpha Phi Alpha’s Brigadier General Charles E. McGee STEM scholarship opens June 1, with a June 20 PoloxJazz fundraiser supporting HBCU STEM pipeline efforts. Education Equity: A weakened Voting Rights Act could reshape school board elections, with major implications for representation in districts using at-large voting. Local Innovation: Montgomery County middle schoolers showcased inventions at Bethesda’s KID Museum expo, tackling real-world problems from pollution to mental health.

Marijuana Policy: The DOJ’s move to reclassify medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III is a win for state operators, but Maryland and other states still face a messy federal-state split while the DEA weighs broader next steps. Consumer Tech & Privacy: Maryland’s ban on surveillance pricing is in the spotlight as lawmakers and regulators push back on retailers using shopper data to change prices. Invasive Species in Maryland Waters: Maryland is encouraging anglers to hunt invasive snakeheads using high-powered bows and arrows, with bounty-style programs aimed at protecting local fisheries. Education & Tech Debate: A Maryland school board fight over a gay teen novel shows how quickly local governance can get swallowed by culture-war tech and book battles. Public Health Research: A University of Maryland-led trial reports that a short in-person prayer practice can ease pain and anxiety, adding fuel to the debate over complementary care. Environment & Access: Anne Arundel County opened overnight cabins at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, expanding public access and supporting Chesapeake Bay research. Space & Science: NASA confirmed a major meteor sonic boom over New England, with reports extending into Maryland. Local Events: Sail250 Maryland & Air Show Baltimore will bring tall ships and major air-show teams to Baltimore in late June.

Biotech in ASCO spotlight: Salubris Biotherapeutics updated Phase 1/2 results for JK06, a 5T4-targeted antibody drug conjugate, reporting strong response in squamous NSCLC and a favorable safety profile as the program heads into further monotherapy and combination expansions. Pediatric long COVID follow-up: The PECOS study tracked children and teens after lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, finding 20 symptoms more common than in uninfected controls through 12 months, with about two-thirds reporting at least one lingering symptom. Cancer drug pipeline: BioNTech and Bristol Myers Squibb shared interim ROSETTA Lung-02 Phase 2 data for pumitamig (PD-L1xVEGF-A) plus chemotherapy in first-line advanced NSCLC, with high response rates across PD-L1 levels. AI governance for Maryland enterprises: Kiteworks launched an Innovators in AI program at Gartner SRM 2026, offering rapid deployment of AI data access controls and audit capabilities via its Secure MCP Server and ABAC policies. Defense tech in the region: The Marine Corps awarded Oshkosh Defense a $70.6M contract for more ROGUE-Fires carriers to support NMESIS anti-ship missile operations, with production work planned in Virginia and Maryland. Health policy & cannabis: A DOJ reclassification of medical marijuana to Schedule III is expected to unlock some federal tax benefits, but states still face a fragmented federal-state landscape as further DEA steps are debated. Local science-and-safety education: Ocean View Police will run youth programs at Lord Baltimore Elementary, including CPR/Stop the Bleed training and a K-9 operations session.

AI & Open Models: A new analysis argues U.S. AI leadership depends on wider access to “open-weight” models, not just closed systems—sharing is framed as the real competitive edge. Maryland Education: Maryland ranked No. 3 nationally for reading recovery after the pandemic, but literacy advocates say proficiency is still far from where it needs to be and want less classroom tech. Space & Launch Industry: Blue Origin’s New Glenn suffered a major pre-launch explosion setback, raising questions for commercial launch momentum and NASA’s moon timeline. Commercial Space in Maryland: A proposed Calvert County data center tied to AWS highlights how cloud growth keeps reshaping Maryland’s tech footprint. Energy Tech: Plug-in “balcony” solar panels are spreading, but legality varies; Maryland is among states moving to allow them. Focused Ultrasound in Veterinary Medicine: Virginia-Maryland researchers started a world-first focused ultrasound trial (histotripsy) for equine sarcoid tumors. Public Safety & Tech Misuse: A Baltimore County case study shows how AI surveillance can trigger wrongful police actions when probability is treated like certainty. Housing & Data Centers: A Lakeland data center proposal sparked backlash after commissioners learned of it late, echoing Maryland’s own data-center debate. Environment & Transport: Perdue rolled out 100% soybean biodiesel trucks to cut emissions, using tech to keep B-100 usable in colder weather. Health & Policy: A new Workforce Pell rollout shifts eligibility work to colleges as states align short-term training programs with federal rules. Justice & Accountability: Families of Key Bridge collapse victims settled claims ahead of a civil trial, seeking closure and accountability.

AI + Power Grid Stress: PJM warns it can’t meet peak demand during an early heat wave, with Maryland, Virginia and D.C. flagged—while AI data centers keep adding load and raising electricity-price concerns. Privacy + Location Data: Connecticut bans the sale of precise geolocation data (joining Maryland, Virginia and Oregon), also tightening “surveillance pricing” and facial recognition rules. Maryland AI in Government: Gov. Wes Moore launches a Maryland AI Innovation Lab to give agencies secure testing, tools and training, with safeguards and targeted use cases like housing access and fleet management. Education Scorecards: Maryland’s Blueprint progress shows post-pandemic recovery gains, but achievement targets and teaching outcomes still fall short. Healthcare Costs: Maryland sees Obamacare enrollment drop 8% as costs drive disenrollment, with the state expecting further declines. Military Innovation: Navy and Maryland break ground on a Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub to speed energetics R&D and manufacturing for defense systems. Data Center Pollution: A report highlights diesel generator emissions from data centers in the region, raising health and environmental justice worries. STEM/Research: OS Therapies (Rockville) publishes new OST-HER2 and osteosarcoma findings ahead of ASCO. Environment + Invasives: Maryland DNR updates rare plant lists, while a “Frankenfish” northern snakehead story underscores invasive-species risks.

Long COVID Care: A Johns Hopkins-linked perspective argues clinicians can borrow ME/CFS-style treatments for long COVID patients, including beta-blockers and low-dose naltrexone, as specialists remain scarce. Baltimore Water Safety: Baltimore County residents in Sparks, Loch Raven-Hillendale, and Bird River-Harewood Park received drinking-water notices after Total Trihalomethanes exceeded federal standards; DPW says there’s no immediate health risk. Maryland Education Accountability: Maryland’s Blueprint goals show mixed results—stronger post-pandemic reading and math recovery, but falling short on achievement, teacher retention, and chronic absenteeism. Cybersecurity Watch: TVC Analyst Group named 12 cybersecurity vendors to watch ahead of Gartner’s Security & Risk Management Summit in National Harbor. AI in Government: Gov. Moore launched a new AI innovation lab to speed AI adoption in state services. Housing & Antitrust: Housing industry groups urged the FTC and DOJ to clarify competitor-collaboration rules, especially around data sharing and rental tech. Prince George’s Film Tech: A major Laurel studio is being rebuilt for high-tech virtual production, aiming to pull more film and streaming work to the county. Chesapeake Bay & Health: New reporting highlights ongoing research into Bay cleanup impacts and health trends, including changes in crab populations.

AI in Government: Gov. Wes Moore launched Maryland’s AI Innovation Lab inside DoIT to help state agencies test and deploy AI with security and reliability guardrails, plus training and support for new AI programs. Cybersecurity: Ahead of the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit (June 1–3 in National Harbor), CISO Whisperer and TVC Analyst Group each released “companies to watch” lists focused on autonomous security operations, exposure management, identity, and AI-driven application security. Environment & Permitting: The Maryland Department of the Environment rolled out an online Environmental Service Center with electronic payment to speed permit turnaround times and cut paper bottlenecks. Health & Safety: New research links dry-cleaning and degreaser chemical exposure (PCE) to up to triple the risk of liver disease, while ACOG guidance expands partner treatment options for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Space Science: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is preparing to map exoplanets across far more of the Milky Way than prior surveys, with a Maryland-led team building software for the mission. Local Economy: Maryland added 2,800 jobs in April, and Loyola University Maryland cut 66 jobs amid a $20M deficit.

Cybersecurity: Beacon Mutual’s January cyberattack exposed data tied to about 132,000 Rhode Islanders, including roughly 4,500 current and former state workers, raising fresh concerns about third-party risk. Health Tech & Research: EpiWatch says a Phase III, Apple Watch–based seizure detection app was published in open access, reporting strong tonic-clonic seizure detection with a low false alarm rate. Medical Science: A new study links long-term gut microbiome and stool chemistry changes after colon polyp removal to higher colorectal cancer risk, pointing to lifestyle as a possible lever. AI & Trust: A report asks whether AI text detectors can be trusted, highlighting why transparency matters as AI-written content floods the internet. Maryland Policy: Maryland’s new “bell-to-bell” school cellphone law earned a “B” grade, with implementation details left to local boards starting in 2027–28. Agriculture & Climate: Gov. Wes Moore requested federal disaster aid after April freeze damage devastated specialty crops, including major losses to apples, peaches, barley, and grapes. Invasive Species: The Asian needle ant is spreading and can trigger severe allergic reactions, with experts urging caution in affected areas.