NSF-Funded Smart-City AI: Binghamton University computing professor Yingxue Zhang won a $584K NSF CAREER award to study how offline reinforcement learning can help cities make better transportation and service decisions. Orthopedic Innovation in Baltimore: Mercy Medical Center opened its Center for Orthopedic Innovation at the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, aiming to speed research, training, and next-gen implants and biologic therapies. Logistics Robotics in Maryland: FedEx will deploy Dexterity’s dual-armed robotic trailer loading systems at its Hagerstown Hub, using real-time decision software to reduce physically demanding work. Eastern Shore Space Naming Fight: Accomack County approved a push to rename NASA Wallops Flight Facility for aerospace leader A. Thomas Young, but opponents say it could erase local history. Public Health & Drug-Checking Limits: Reporting highlights that fentanyl test strips can detect contamination but can’t tell users whether a substance is safe. Severe Weather in Baltimore: Two tornado warnings and damaging winds hit the Baltimore metro, with storm threats continuing into midweek. Data Center Policy: Dorchester County approved a one-year moratorium on data centers in unincorporated areas while it studies impacts. Tech Oversight on AI: Rep. Greg Casar and others urged congressional hearings after AI model security breaches involving major firms. Climate Heat Record: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., with especially extreme nighttime heat.