Trial by fire in the Senate, a Bay Trust shuffle and more help for Howard, in political notes

Senate President Bill Ferguson names a new senior adviser just days before the start of the special session, Jana Davis steps down at the Chesapeake Bay Trust and St. Mary's College joins schools extending a hand to Howard University students, in political notes.

By: Maryland Matters Staff

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: August 1, 2026

Words: 1,019

Last Updated: 1 day, 5 hours ago

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Well, it’s fair to assume Alexandra Smith won’t be bored in her first week on the new job.

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) announced Friday that Smith will join his office as the senior adviser for strategy and external affairs — just days before lawmakers return for a special session on the contentious issue of congressional redistricting.

She won’t need a lot of time to get to know the new boss: Smith served as …

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