Sarah Petrowich

Maryland lawmakers have passed one of Governor Wes Moore's top legislative priorities, known as the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act.

The new law would ban food retailers and third-party delivery services, like Instacart, from using personal consumer data to raise prices.

Moore says this will stop big chain grocery stores from price gouging based on the weather or peak demand hours.

But tech and retail advocates argue consumer data is often used to offer discounts and targeted promotions.

The bill was amended to ensure loyalty programs and promotional prices are not impacted by the ban.

And with Moore's anticipated signature, the new law will go into effect on October 1st.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Petrowich in Baltimore.

With Moore's signature, nine jurisdictions in Maryland must immediately terminate their federal immigration partnerships known as 287G agreements.

These collaborations authorized Maryland correctional officers to either hold detained non-citizens for transfer into ICE custody or give out administrative warrants on behalf of ICE.

Moore called ICE agents, quote, untrained, unqualified, and unaccountable, saying the state will no longer allow its local law enforcement to be deputized by federal agents.

Despite the legal barring of these agreements, Moore says Maryland will continue to work with the federal government in deporting non-citizens who, quote, pose a risk to public safety.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Petrowich in Annapolis.

The letter, provided by a source familiar with it but not authorized to speak on it publicly, was sent to governors by NGA Chair and Republican Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt, announcing the association would no longer serve as the dinner's facilitator.

Stitt said the decision was made following notice that the White House would be limiting invitations to the annual business meeting to Republican governors only.

He wrote the NGA represents all governors equally and that the dinner is no longer in its official program.

He said the group would seek clarity about the invitations.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said Trump would have a dinner and, quote, invite whomever he wants.

For NPR News, I'm Sarah Petrowich in Annapolis.

All but one of Maryland's Democratic delegates voted in favor of a map that could oust the state's sole Republican congressional seat following the November general election.

Governor Wes Moore says the new map is a way for Maryland to fight back against the Trump administration and its request for red states to redraw their congressional lines in favor of the GOP.