{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Maryland Now","title":"The Final Gavel: Why the 2026 Session Felt Different","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2849,"description":"In this season finale \"Roundtable\" edition of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by two highly regarded Annapolis lawyers and lobbyists: Tiffany Harvey of Cornerstone Government Affairs and Sean Malone of the Harris, Jones & Malone firm.\n\nTogether, they break down the highs, lows, and unexpected tensions of the 2026 legislative session. The podcast explores the overarching \"Protect Maryland\" theme that defined the year, analyzing how the House of Delegates, Senate and governor's office navigated complex debates over energy and high-stakes immigration policy.\nThe 2026 legislative session had a unique set of conditions: a new House speaker in Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, new committee chairs, a governor running for reelection and a congresstional redistricting battle that pitted Gov. Wes Moore against Senate President Bill Ferguson.\nThrough it all, the Assembly grappled with issues related to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, the skyrocketing cost of electricity and the need to protecting the rights and ability to vote. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the decisions made this year as lawmakers and the governor head into the June primary and November general elections.\nIn This Episode:\nThe Energy Conversation: A deep dive into the debate over the state’s energy challenges\nThe Immigration Flashpoint: Behind the scenes of the safety-versus-rhetoric debate and the \"local control\" tensions surrounding immigration enforcement\nFriction at the Finish Line: Discussing the evolving dynamics between the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office\nThe \"Smith Island Cake\" Effect: A conversation about the effect of cumulative legislative decisions on Maryland’s business competitiveness and revenue picture.\n\nConnect With the Show:\n\nQuestions or Story Ideas: Email us at marylandnow@blendedpublicaffairs.com.\nProduction Credits: Audio and technical support by Nate Carper of Carper Creative.\nMaryland Now is brought to you...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/cWPrI2HtFRFi4-cEgG9AilW5PwDl7N2ksf_B2iAK6ck/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9mMjlm/MWRkNGZkYjQxNzZh/ZjI0NTRjNmVmNTg2/NjBjMC5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}