AGP Executive Report

Youth Safety & Social Media: Meta’s landmark $17.1B youth mental health settlement is confirmed, with Maryland set to receive about $327M (plus D.C. up to $129M), raising big questions about how states will spend the money and what new rules may follow. Baltimore Arts & Theater: Baltimore native Gabby Samone lands the Dorothy role in the national tour of “The Wiz,” kicking off Sept. 26 (no Maryland stop listed). Music on the Road: Thai superstar TEN announces his first-ever solo U.S. Showcase Tour, with a Baltimore date on the fall run. Local Education (Eastern Shore): Chimes International is moving ahead with plans for a specialized special-education school in Salisbury, aiming to serve students from eight counties starting in 2027. Sports (Maryland Ties): The Cardinals snapped a five-game skid with a 7-5 win over the Orioles, while MLB proposes limiting free-agent signing periods—an offseason shakeup that could ripple into Maryland’s baseball scene.

Weekend Arts & Nightlife (Baltimore): The Donna Summer Musical opens at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, while Subscape returns with a free DIY music lineup at Current Space and Le Mondo, plus the Baltimore Museum of Industry’s KittyCon and other end-of-August picks. Music (Philly region): A packed Philly week spotlights Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Wu-Tang Clan, and more, with local shows including Baltimore punk band Pinkshift. Arts Preview (DC/Maryland area): Smithsonian and National Museum of Asian Art gallery talks, plus live music with Breonna Sharde’ and others, round out a busy cultural weekend. Community & Culture (Maryland): The Maryland State Fair kicks off for three weekends in Timonium, and there’s also a city Dock art makeover in Annapolis. Local Sports with a Baltimore angle: The Orioles chase a sweep of the Cardinals after a wild 8-7 win that erased a 7-run deficit, setting up Thursday’s finale. Music News (Southern Maryland): ZZ Top’s Sept. 11 Solomons show remains on the books after drummer Frank Beard’s death. Environmental Arts: Gadsden Arts Center & Museum lands a grant for “America’s Everglades through the Lens of Clyde Butcher,” with a Maryland connection via a Rachel Carson talk.

Maryland Arts & Culture: Dolly Parton’s legacy is being remembered across the state, from her two Merriweather Post Pavilion shows (1979 and 1989) to pink airport lights at BWI and the ongoing reach of her Imagination Library in Baltimore. Public Art in Annapolis: City Dock construction fencing along Ego Alley has been transformed into a walkable photo-and-portrait exhibit tied to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra’s nature-themed season. Festivals & Community: The Corks and Kegs Festival returns for its 10th year at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, while the Maryland State Fair kicks off for three weekends in Timonium. Music & Performance: Kehlani cancels two Maryland-area tour stops after hospitalization, and Triumph announces a second-leg fall tour that includes Baltimore. Local Film & Media: Actor/filmmaker Arjay Jones launches Earth Three Pictures to expand Maryland and D.C. filmmaking, with a historical horror project in development. Big Tech & Youth Safety (Maryland impact): Maryland is among states receiving up to $327 million as part of a multistate Meta settlement, with promised safeguards for Instagram and Facebook teen use.

Mental Health Access: Awesome Experience Psychiatric Services in Waldorf launched free, confidential two-minute self-checks for PTSD/trauma, depression, and medication management to help residents take the first step toward care. Space & Science: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set for a Florida launch, aiming to probe dark energy/dark matter and hunt thousands of new exoplanets with a wider view than Hubble. Arts & Community Spotlight: The Chesapeake Film Festival in Easton (Oct. 8–10) looks ahead under new president Irene Magafan, blending documentary storytelling with conservation. Local History & Culture: Frederick Noland will speak Sept. 9 at Worcester’s Major Taylor Museum about his graphic biography “Major Taylor: The World’s Fastest Man,” spotlighting the cyclist’s legacy beyond Worcester. Public Safety: A wanted suspect fleeing a traffic stop crashed into two vans on Crain Highway in Waldorf, sending multiple people to hospitals, including a critical-condition patient. Neighborhood Watch: Southeast Baltimore residents shared camera footage of attempted burglaries in the Patterson Park area, urging action to stop repeat break-ins.

Baltimore Public Safety: The Rotunda in Baltimore is boosting security after a large youth meetup turned disruptive, with property managers coordinating with Baltimore Police to disperse the crowd. Local Business: Rooted Arborist Supply is opening in Rising Sun with a Sept. 5 grand opening and in-store services like chain sharpening and chipper knives. Education & Health: An editorial argues Pierce should lift up fitness in its student curriculum, citing low college activity rates and the mental-health benefits of exercise. Community Arts & Literacy: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to shape Baltimore-area reading habits, with thousands of local children receiving books through the program. Investigations: Baltimore residents are raising safety concerns about broken, leaking fire hydrants and lingering repair backlogs. Civic Rights: Lincoln University has filed suit against Lower Oxford Township over an ordinance it says restricts First Amendment rights. Music & Maryland: PRS Guitars’ Kent Island factory and museum are spotlighted as a must-see for guitar lovers. Film & Activism: A Baltimore screening and panel for “Beyond the Wire” focused on redefining the city beyond crime-centered narratives.

Local Arts & Culture Calendar: Annapolis is gearing up for a busy stretch at Rams Head On Stage and Maryland Hall, with the Annapolis Songwriters Festival, Atlanta Rhythm Section, and comedian Jessica Kirson among the upcoming draws. Music Spotlight: Bonobo (DJ Simon Green) released “Talk To Me,” featuring Nicole Miglis, as part of his forthcoming album Distance In Static (out Sept. 11). Maryland Music News: Brothers Osborne announced their fifth studio album, Watertown, named for Deale, Maryland, arriving Oct. 23. Community & Arts-Adjacent Life: A “Save Vera’s” push is rallying supporters to reopen Vera’s Crab House in Lusby after state sewage upgrade demands reportedly stalled the restaurant’s return. Media & Representation: An arbitrator ordered The Washington Post to reinstate fired Black opinion writer Karen Attiah after termination tied to posts about Charlie Kirk. Arts & Entertainment in the News Cycle: Baltimore police broke up a student crowd at The Rotunda after scooter crashes and a fight, underscoring how quickly school-year excitement can spill into public chaos.

Baltimore Arts & Community: The Brass Tap Baltimore, a craft beer bar and dining spot near MICA, is closing permanently Aug. 31 after nine years—owners cite an inability to extend the lease and invite fans to its final jazz brunches and happy hours. Local Arts & Culture: Baltimore Center Stage and the Baltimore Museum of Art are among the big September draws, with “Bocking” launching the new season and Fratino paired with Matisse at BMA. Maryland Events: A September events roundup spotlights what to do around Baltimore, from book and comic fests to major concerts and comedy. Health & Families: Luminis Health shares back-to-school wellness tips, including nutrition and screen-time routines. Sports & School Life (Maryland): Baltimore County school buses will be barred from the Warren Road Bridge amid safety concerns, as officials dispute ownership and funding. Back-to-School Guide: A statewide guide lists key start dates and tax-free week info for major Maryland districts.

Local Arts & Community: Baltimore MET Gala founder Larian Finney talks about the event’s five-year fashion-and-culture mission and its community impact, including youth-focused work. Music & Live Events: Southern Maryland Bluegrass returns with a new season starting Oct. 18 in Prince Frederick, featuring Danny Paisley & the Southern Grass and other Sunday shows. Arts Education & Media Tech: UMD journalism lecturer Josh Davidsburg is teaching “creator journalism” with Sony FX30 cinema cameras, blending traditional reporting with cinematic storytelling for digital platforms. Public Safety (Back-to-School): Maryland urges drivers to slow down and follow school bus stopping laws as more students head to bus stops and cross streets. Local Sports Spotlight: Willie Lampkin’s preseason impact for the Eagles is getting attention after a long injury layoff. Maryland Culture Calendar: Weekend fun in the Chesapeake highlights family-friendly picks like an instrument petting zoo, a 159th annual jousting tournament, and Kids on the Creek in Annapolis.

IndyCar in D.C.: The Freedom 250 Grand Prix turned the National Mall into a temporary race course, drawing huge crowds and major sensory spectacle—plus a political backdrop as President Trump waved from trackside. Racing & community: Coverage also highlights the event’s scale and fan experience, from roaring speeds to the “Stars and Stripes” viewing areas. Baltimore sports watch: The Ravens’ preseason win over the Vikings kept momentum going, but the big storyline is the center scramble after Danny Pinter’s injury. MLB in Maryland-area orbit: The Rays snapped a skid with Nick Martinez’s strong start vs. the Orioles, while the Tigers’ rookie Andrew Sears struggled in a sweep-ending loss to Kansas City. Maryland arts & culture: The Mainstay in Rock Hall announced its 2026-27 Hedgelawn Classical Music Series, including a May 2, 2027 guitar-and-French-Impressionist multimedia premiere. Local human-interest: A West Baltimore Reservoir Hill Resource Fair & Music Festival returns, bringing music and community services together.

Baltimore Arts & Sports Spotlight: The Orioles host the Rays on Aug. 23 at 1:35 p.m. at Camden Yards (MASN), with Tampa Bay favored and Baltimore chasing a series-salvage win after recent struggles. Local Talent & Community: Nevis Pages congratulates Akanye Samuel Francis on joining Coppin State University in Baltimore, celebrating his CARIFTA hurdle medals and national junior record in the 400-meter hurdles. Arts & Entertainment: Saxophonist Theresa Grayson releases “The Best is Yet to Come” from her album “It’s All About You – Chapter 2,” blending gospel, R&B, and smooth jazz. Regional Arts Events: Rehoboth Art League opens its 12th Regional Juried Biennial Exhibition, featuring 111 works from artists across Delaware, Maryland, and beyond. Culture & Media: HBO classics get a fresh look, while “Lioness” Season 3 Episode 4 turns real murder-hornet biology into spy-style storytelling on Paramount+.

Healthy Aging: Rutgers expert Auriel Willette says grip strength, balance, and sit-to-stand tests can flag fall risk and functional decline—but they’re not a crystal ball for how long someone will live. Maryland Spotlight: Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller earns a Women’s Collective Spotlight Award for leadership and public service, highlighting her work expanding opportunity and equity across Maryland communities. Ravens Rookie Watch: Baltimore’s Matthew Hibner turns limited preseason snaps into production, catching 5 of 5 targets for 61 yards in his debut—an encouraging sign for the tight end’s role. Weather & Community: WBAL reports Saturday night thunderstorms in the Baltimore area, with rain and thunder likely after 11 p.m., then a sunnier Sunday. Arts & Film in Maryland: Jamaican psychological thriller “Stew Peas” bows in Maryland as part of Jamaica’s 64th Independence celebrations, with screenings and receptions in Prince George’s County and Greenbelt. Sports in Maryland: Budds Creek Moto results highlight Chance Hymas’ overall win and Lachlan Turner’s weekend sweep.

Maryland Arts & Culture Spotlight: Chesapeake Beach’s The Novel Bakery is trading its food-trailer roots for a permanent, book-inspired storefront, aiming to open mid-September at 3737 Chesapeake Beach Road. Local Sports & Community: Annapolis is set for Nitro Circus 2.0 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Sunday, with a 75-foot backflip through a wall of fire and a 6 p.m. start. Arts, Media & Fandom: At Camden Yards, Orioles fan and House of R co-host Mallory Rubin threw the ceremonial first pitch, turning baseball fandom into a pop-culture conversation. Maryland Events & Recreation: Centreville’s Bicycle Park could expand with a 3,000-square-foot skatepark addition, alongside a separate $500,000 Penn Valley Community Center grant discussion. Sports Broadcast Guide: Ravens games are set for easy listening via WBAL NewsRadio (1090AM/101.5 FM and streaming options).

Fashion x Sports: Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Richie Palacios will wear Simpsons-themed cleats for Players’ Weekend, with Lisa Simpson voice actor Yeardley Smith (and her sports-themed podcast) credited for the inspiration behind the design. Local Arts Spotlight: Glendive’s Vietnam-veteran tribute “Letter from Home” sculpture by bronze artist Pamela Harr is headed to Veterans Memorial Park, turning community support into public art. Music in Maryland: Seven Oaks Senior Center in Perry Hall received a donation of guitar strings from W. L. Gore & Associates to keep its weekly jam sessions going. Theater Community: Charles Theatre in Baltimore mourns Humble, the beloved dog featured in its welcome video tradition since 2018. Sports Culture (Baltimore): Ravens head coach Jesse Minter surprised players at a team dinner by rapping Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” Sports News (Baltimore): Rashod Bateman faces domestic-violence-related charges in Georgia after an alleged car attack involving his child’s mother.

Maryland Arts & Culture Calendar: Southern Maryland’s weekend lineup stays busy with live music, family events, festivals, and museum programming, including Turtle Time at North Beach Nature Center and St. Clement’s Island Museum Art Kids, plus gospel and ticketed music stops across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s. Music Spotlight: Beabadoobee shared “Memories,” the third preview from her upcoming album Pylon, and announced a North American arena run that includes a stop in Uncasville. Arts in the Spotlight: A Connecticut documentary, Reverence: Reclaiming the Forgotten, heads to the Mystic Film Festival with a live Q&A, focusing on African American history preserved through genealogy and community work. Local Community & Sports-Adjacent Culture: The CSM Foundation’s 35th Annual Golf Classic raised a record $94,000 for scholarships and student programs, pairing fundraising with community events. Entertainment Industry Notes: Dark Horse Comics’ December 2026 solicits include new Vampire Hunter D and Hellboy releases, plus Stranger Things and Lady Baltimore continuations.

Maryland Arts & Culture: BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown unveiled its 2026-27 season, spotlighting American art and culture with performances, film screenings (including ReelTalk), and gallery shows like “Women Artists of the DMV: The Thank You Show” and “IT HAPPENED HERE: REMEMBERING THREE LYNCHINGS.” Music Spotlight: Grammy winner Ledisi brings her “For Dinah” tribute—plus her own storytelling-driven sound—to Strathmore in North Bethesda for two shows. Local Arts & Community: Baltimore Weekend Events highlights a mix of arts experiences, from an Orioles’ 90s-themed night to glassblowing and a glass workshop. Sports-Adjacent Entertainment: AEW Dynamite delivered major wrestling drama with Kenny Omega’s explosive segment and a wild pull-apart brawl involving Mercedes Moné and Willow Nightingale. Arts in the News (Maryland): Maryland’s digital ad tax was struck down by the state tax court, a policy shift that could affect arts and other public funding tied to the Blueprint program.

Maryland Arts & Community: Berlin, Maryland is in the running for Hallmark’s “Merriest Christmas Town” after being named a top 25 finalist—an arts-and-tourism boost that could put the Eastern Shore on a holiday movie map. Local Planning & Education: Berlin planners also shared details for a new Buckingham Elementary School, with residents invited to weigh in on traffic, sidewalks, stormwater, and how the project fits the town’s long-range plan. Arts, Music & Wellness: The Center for Spiritual Living Metro is hosting its 2026 Spiritual Living Retreat at the Bolger Center in Potomac (Nov. 6–7), featuring music and spiritual practice built around intention, energy, action, and grace. Family Fun: Baltimore’s 3rd Annual Children’s Veg Fest returns Aug. 29 at the Weinberg Y in Waverly with free cooking demos, plant-based tastings, youth entrepreneurship, and movement. Arts & Research: UB’s College of Arts and Sciences held its inaugural summer poster session and reception, spotlighting student research across art and science disciplines. Sports Culture (local angle): Ravens fans are still buzzing after a controversial Pete Alonso homer call went foul, fueling debate over MLB tech and officiating.