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Joseline Peña-Melnyk

President Donald Trump gives the longest State of the Union speech by any president in Washington on Feb. 24, 2026. (Jess Daninhirsch/Capital News Service)
Feb 25, 2026

MD lawmakers snub Trump’s contentious State of the Union address

Maryland Democratic lawmakers mostly panned President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address, the longest by any president.

U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says his meeting with Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson over midcycle redistricting was " a productive exchange of ideas and perspectives." (Hannah Gaskill/The Daily Record)
Feb 18, 2026

Ferguson unswayed by House leader to pursue midcycle redistricting in MD

Senate President Bill Ferguson was unmoved to pursue midcycle redistricting during a meeting he took with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

From left, Senate President Bill Ferguson, Sen. Karen Lewis Young, Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chair Will Smith, Del. Nicole Williams, Gov. Wes Moore, Liliana Ramirez, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and We Are Casa Executive Director George Escobar smile as the bill to ban 287(g) agreements in Maryland is signed. (Hannah Gaskill/The Daily Record)
Feb 17, 2026

‘No more’: MD ban on local police partnerships with ICE becomes law

Maryland enacted an emergency law banning local law enforcement from partnering with ICE under 287(g) agreements.

Sen. Arthur Ellis protests Senate leaderships' decision to not bring a bill to redraw Maryland's congressional districts to the floor on Feb. 5, 2026. (Hannah Gaskill/The Daily Record)
Feb 5, 2026

Lone state senator protests Ferguson’s decision over redistricting bill

A Maryland senator staged a protest, during a quorum call, until lawmakers vote on a midcycle congressional redistricting bill.

Senate President Bill Ferguson watches as lawmakers debate legislation to combat the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Maryland on Feb. 3, 2026. (Hannah Gaskill/The Daily Record)
Feb 3, 2026

Redistricting unlikely to move forward in MD Senate, Ferguson says

Senate President Bill Ferguson indicated that the bill to redraw Maryland’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 primary election will not advance.

Sen. Shaneka Henson, D-Anne Arundel, was selected as the first vice chair of Maryland's Legislative Black Caucus. (Submitted photo)
Jan 26, 2026

MD Legislative Black Caucus announces new leadership

Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus elected new leaders after former leadership were appointed to head standing committees.

This map concept was recommended by the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission in a vote Jan. 20, 2026. (Office of the Governor)
Jan 23, 2026

MD House committee to hear bill on new congressional map

Maryland lawmakers move forward with a midcycle congressional redistricting bill as critics raise concerns over timing and constitutionality.

Gov. Wes Moore joined Daily Record government affairs reporter Hannah Gaskill for the 2026 Eye on Annapolis Summit on Jan. 14, 2026. (Maximillian Franz/The Daily Record)
Jan 20, 2026

Moore to introduce bill to ban ‘predatory’ dynamic pricing in MD stores

Gov. Wes Moore said he plans to introduce legislation to end the practice of dynamic pricing in grocery stores in Maryland.

Senate President Bill Ferguson and recently confirmed House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk speak at the 2026 Eye on Annapolis Summit on Jan. 14, 2026. (Maximillian Franz/The Daily Record)
Jan 15, 2026

‘Offensive to humankind’: Peña-Melnyk, Ferguson support MD legislation to limit ICE

Presiding officers in the Maryland General Assembly plan to advance legislation to limit ICE action in Maryland.

Gov. Wes Moore joined Daily Record government affairs reporter Hannah Gaskill for the 2026 Eye on Annapolis Summit on Jan. 14, 2026. (Maximillian Franz/The Daily Record)
Jan 14, 2026

MD leaders outline 2026 priorities, signal disagreement on redistricting

Maryland leaders open the 2026 session facing a $1.2 billion budget deficit, Trump administration threats and tensions over redistricting.

Senate President Bill Ferguson and recently confirmed House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk speak at the 2026 Eye on Annapolis Summit on Jan. 14, 2026. (Maximillian Franz/The Daily Record)
Jan 14, 2026

‘Maryland is going to be all right’: Full coverage from the 2026 Eye on Annapolis Summit

The Daily Record's 2026 Eye on Annapolis Summit featured live conversations on the most prominent issues facing the state.

The Maryland State House in 2019. (Maximilian Franz / Special to The Daily Record)
Jan 14, 2026

9 notable figures in the 2026 MD General Assembly session

With the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session set to begin Wednesday, here are nine individuals worth keeping an eye on.