It would be difficult to pinpoint the moment when a banned substance—marijuana—became “recreational”. Right along there with swimming and jogging. ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Spy Longform Interview: A Case Study in Affordable Housing with Fello’s Ross Benincasa
If there has been any progress over the last few years on the Mid-Shore in terms of affordable housing, much of the credit must go to Fello. The ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Projects $1.4 B Shortfall for Next Year — Five Times April Estimate
- Thousands of Maryland Seniors Notified of the End of their Medicare Advantage Plans
- Maryland Unveils ‘Historic’ $340 Million Settlement with Conowingo Dam Owner
- Spy Chat: The Release of Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal and his Future with Len Foxwell
- Update: Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal is Home
- Protest for Detained Pastor Draws Dozens in Easton
Centreville Highlights
Kent Island Has Its Day by Brent Lewis
This year’s Kent Island Day, an annual family-friendly event organized by the Kent Island Heritage Society to celebrate the historical and cultural ... [Continue Story]
- Spy Minute: Is the Millstream Trail One of the Best on the Mid-Shore?
- Hitting the Mark: QAC’s 4-H Marksmanship Club at 50
- “God of Carnage”: A Chat With CHT Director Michael Whitehill
- Eastern Shore Democratic Summit Held
- Mrs. Madelyn Hollis Takes a Bow: A Celebration of a Teacher’s Life
- The Road from Here: A Chat with Eastern Shore Land Conservancy President Steve Kline
Spy Highlights
From and Fuller: A New Year of Foreign Conflict and an ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news of the moment. This week, From and ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The 3 Top Maryland Issues to Watch in 2026
- Those Winter Sundays by Robert Hayden Read by Sue Ellen Thompson
- From and Fuller: A 2025 Year in Review
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Top Maryland Stories and a Few Winners and Losers in 2025
- The False Nostalgia of Movie Theaters by Hugh Panero
- From and Fuller: The Trump 2026 Election Strategy and FIFA Peace Prize
The Arts and Design
Spy Review: A Choral Rose for Christmas by Steve Parks
Easton Choral Arts Society played its annual Christmastime songfest, “A Winter Rose,” before a full house in its new concert venue, St. Mark’s United ... [Continue Story]
- Spy Review: MSO’s Opera-Flavored ‘Holiday Joy’ by Steve Parks
- Spy Review: Cinematic Classical Gas, by Steve Parks
- A Waterfowl Weekend with Artist Sandy Alanko
- Spy Review: MSO Salutes 3 of the All-Time Greats by Steve Parks
- ESWA Launches First Holiday Book Festival at Cult Classic Brewery, Dec. 13
- Spy Review: Dracula’s Brides Seek Vengeance by Steve Parks
Ecosystem
Conowingo Dam Appeal Dropped, Allowing $340M Settlement To Go Forward—Maryland Matters
Maryland’s $340 million settlement with the owner of the Conowingo Dam can now move forward, after a group of Eastern Shore counties dropped their ... [Continue Story]
- Dorchester and Kent Drop out of Challenge to $340 million Conowingo Settlement
- The Next Chapter for ShoreRivers
- ShoreRivers Hiring Executive Director
- ShoreRivers Director to Step Down, Search for Successor Begins
- Washington College Earns High Flyer Status for Bird Conservation
- Bay Journal: FEMA Cancels $1 Billion for Flood Prevention Projects in Chesapeake Bay Region
Maryland News
Transportation Officials Approve Rough Plans on Chesapeake Bay Bridge Replacement
The Maryland Transportation Authority Board gave preliminary approval Thursday to a long-range plan that would replace the current Chesapeake Bay ... [Continue Story]
- Let the Great Redrawing Begin: Redistricting Commission Votes to Move Forward on New MD Congressional Map
- The New House Speaker: Forged By Poverty, Fueled By Empathy
- Peña-Melnyk One Step Closer to House Speaker’s Rostrum
- Moore Pledges No Taxes in Coming Session as State Faces Another Massive Budget Gap
- Field Of Hopefuls in Speaker’s Race Clears for Peña-Melnyk
- Low-income Marylanders, Local Officials Left to Navigate ‘Roller Coaster’ of SNAP Disruption
Shore Health
Demystifying Palliative Care with Shore Regional Health’s Christina Ball
In a recent Spy conversation, Christina Ball, MS, AGACNP-BC, the director of UM Shore Medical Group-Palliative Care, broke down one of the most ... [Continue Story]
- Lets Talk about It with Beth Anne Dorman: Making Sure Our Veterans Get the Help They Need
- Senior Nation: Nature’s Multicolored Autumn Farewell by Susan Covey
- A Spy Chat with Shore Regional Health’s New Clark Breast Center Director Dr. Kathryn Kelley
- Lets Talk about It with Beth Anne Dorman: The Riddle and Some Answers for ADHD
- A Bad Diagnosis, Remarkable Recovery, and Giving Back: A Chat with Andrew Dorbin
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Keeping your Mental Health During Tough Times
Mid-Shore Education
Benedictine’s Next Chapter: A Chat with Executive Director Scott Evans
It can never be said enough times how lucky the Mid-Shore is to have such a remarkable place as Benedictine in our region. And that is the reason we ... [Continue Story]
- Washington College President Michael Sosulski Steps Down
- Wetlands 101: Sultana Education Foundation Presents an Evening of Interactive Science
- MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions
- Gunston celebrates Class of 2025 college-bound athletes
- Wood Foundation awards $100K grant to Radcliffe Creek School
- Morgan State professor fined for presenting himself as licensed architect
Brevities
Reclaiming Winter By Katherine Emery General
Spiritually, winter is often described as a sacred pause, a time for deep inner reflection, rest, and renewal. It is the season that invites us to ... [Continue Story]
- January 2026 Sky-Watch By Dennis Herrmann
- Gratitude in the Hardest Seasons By Katherine Emery General
- Christmas 1962: Oliver’s Bicycle-A True Story of Giving By Phillip W. Hoon
- Music By Katherine Emery General
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: A Longwood Holiday Report
- Threads of Legacy By Katherine Emery General
Community News
Heather Mizeur to Lead Public Conversation on Respectful Civic Engagement
As political polarization continues to strain communities across the nation, residents of Talbot County are coming together to seek solutions, rebuild ... [Continue Story]
- YMCA of the Chesapeake Welcomes Jim Harris and Andy Cheezum to Corporate Board of Directors
- Queen Anne’s Court Verdict Protects Vulnerable Kent Island Ecosystem from Development
- Caroline Foundation Awards $1 Million in Grants to 26 Caroline County Nonprofits
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBSES) Giving Tuesday Celebration: FriendsGiving Bingo.
- Winter on the Chesapeake Returns to CBMM on Dec. 13
- Church Hill Theatre Seeks New Business Manager
Senior Life
Senior Nation: Embrace Your Age, Live Your Best Life by Susan Covey
According to Leading Age, “Active Aging is a worldwide initiative that honors the spirit and contributions of older adults while encouraging active ... [Continue Story]
- The Difference Between Try And Triumph Is A Little Umph! By Susan Covey
- State Officials Launch 10-Year Plan to Boost Supports for Growing Senior Population
- Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey
- Senior Nation: Gardening a Great Boost for Body and Soul by Susan Covey
- Senior Nation: April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Susan Covey
- It’s American Heart Month by Susan Covey
Art Notes
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Presents February Ensembles Series Concerts Featuring Mozart, Schubert, and Penderecki
The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra continues its 2025–2026 Ensembles Series with a set of chamber music concerts taking place February 6 through 8 ... [Continue Story]
- Music Theory for Folk Musicians at Allegro Academy
- The Bay Country Chorus Makes a Difference in the Lives of the Vulnerable Through Song
- AAM Joins the Fun of Artful Ingenuity at Easton’s Holiday Parade
- Academy Art Museum Breaks Ground On Henny and James Freeman Annex and Hormel Research Center at Historic Property on Talbot Lane
- Oxford’s Dan Weiss Becomes New Director of Philadelphia Museum of Art
- New Class at the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore in January
Ecosystem Notes
Adkins Arboretum Hires Visitor Services Manager
Jean Wortman of Easton has recently been hired as the Visitor Services Manager at Adkins Arboretum. Wortman has a breadth of experience in the public ... [Continue Story]
- Masterman Joins ShoreRivers Governing Board
- Adkins Arboretum Hires Suzy Moore as Director of Advancement
- Queen Anne’s County Master Gardeners Celebrate the Growing Success of Their Native Plant Project
- Pickering Creek Revitalizes Junior Naturalist Program
- Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Celebrates 35th Anniversary
- ESLC & Plein Air Easton Alumni Invitational Celebrates Eastern Shore Forests in the Fall
Education Notes
Don’t Miss These CBMM Speaker Events This Winter
Kicking off the new year, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is pleased to share an exciting lineup of Speaker Events in the Van Lennep Auditorium, ... [Continue Story]
- Chesapeake College Announces New Vice President for Administrative Services
- Benedictine Recognizes Dedicated Staff and Announces Dugan Residential Hall
- Benedictine Community Celebrates Construction Milestone
- Blueprint Board Approves Legislative Recommendations for 2026 Session
- Gunston Welcomes 47 Students to the National Honor Society
- Gunston School Transforms Education into Action with Civic Learning Day
Health Notes
First Baby of 2026 Arrives at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton Birthing Center
University of Maryland Shore Regional Health’s first baby of 2026 arrived on the morning of January 2 at UM SRH’s Birthing Center at UM Shore Medical ... [Continue Story]
- For All Seasons Appoints Directors of Finance and Development
- UM SRH Cancer Center Announces Appointment of Ashraf Youssef, MD, as Medical Director of Requard Center for Radiation Oncology
- Frosty’s Holiday Village Brings Repeat Visitors and Newcomers
- Frosty’s Holiday Village Event Rescheduled for Friday, December 12
- For All Seasons Participates in National Rural Health Day Bus Tour
- Frosty’s Holiday Village Event Expands to Offer More Family Fun and Resources
Food Friday
Food Friday: New Beginnings
“Happy New Year,” a cheerful stranger exhorted last weekend as she strode past me in a parking lot. I was a little startled - surely we were done with ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Epiphany
Epiphany was celebrated on Tuesday, January 6, this year. The King James Version of the Book of Matthew tells the story: “There came wise men from the ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
Design with Jenn Martella: Old and New in Rock Hall
When I first moved to the Eastern Shore, I worked part time for another architect in Wilmington until I could establish my own practice. One of my ... [Continue Story]
- Design with Jenn Martella: New Year-New Duplex
- Design with Jenn Martella: A Christmas Card: “The Snuggery”
- Design with Jenn Martella: Royal Oak Mid-Century Modern
- House of the Week: Treasure in Trappe
- Design with Jenn Martella: Contemporary on the Chesapeake Bay
- Design with Jenn Martella: “Friendship House”, circa 1782
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: A New Year of Foreign Conflict and an ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news of the moment. This week, From and ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The 3 Top Maryland Issues to Watch in 2026
- From and Fuller: A 2025 Year in Review
- From and Fuller: The Trump 2026 Election Strategy and FIFA Peace Prize
- From & Fuller: What Was Lost During The Government Shutdown?
- From and Fuller: The Real Impact of the Big Democrat Election Victories
- From and Fuller: A Rough Week for Trump in Court, with Russia and China, as Epstein Returns as the Front Page Story
Columnist J.E. Dean
What Will Trump’s Legacy Be? By J.E. Dean
President Trump is obsessed about his legacy. He told one reporter, in an offhand comment, that he was building the White House ballroom as a memorial ... [Continue Story]
- Trump Has Killed the Kennedy Center, So Let’s Build a New One By J.E. Dean
- If You Can’t Say Anything Nice… By J.E. Dean
- The Self-Destruction of Trump by J.E. Dean
- The Hegseth “Kill Them All” Order is Trump’s—and America’s—Nightmare By J.E. Dean
- Thanksgiving 2025 By J.E. Dean
- Songs That Could Be About Donald Trump by J.E. Dean
Columnist Howard Freedlander
Out and About (Sort of): Stars in Different Realms by Howard Freedlander
What did Willie Mays and Donald Sutherland have in common? Nothing. Except an overriding desire to excel in each’s craft. Mays was a true wonder ... [Continue Story]
- Out and About (Sort of): Slavery of Thought by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Higher Education on Edge by Howard Freedlander
- Strike for Democracy by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): American Voter by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Hospice Heroes by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): An Apolitical Document Fails by Howard Freedlander
Columnist Craig Fuller
Conversations with Craig Fuller: Ambassador and Author Frank Lavin
My friend and former White House colleague Ambassador Frank Lavin has a book coming out in March about his experience in the White House and ... [Continue Story]
- Midair collision over the Potomac: Week two update by Craig Fuller
- A midair tragedy last night in Washington by Craig Fuller
- The Classic Motor Museum starts a new trip in St. Michaels: Craig Fuller talks to Mike Iandolo
- MPT, the Chesapeake Bay and Viewers Like You: A Chat with Station Manager Steven Schupak
- So Much Money, So Little Time by Craig Fuller
- One Amazing Story by One Amazing Individual by Craig Fuller
Columnist Jamie Kirkpatrick
The Sunset Side By Jamie Kirkpatrick
When one reaches a certain age, it becomes difficult, if not downright impossible, to not contemplate one’s own mortality. One minute, you’re walking ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
The Final Blue By Laura J. Oliver
It takes Earth 365 days to complete one circle around the Sun, while it takes Uranus 84 years to make that trip. Even that isn’t a lot of time ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Riding the Wind By Angela Rieck
When I selected a place to live, I chose a location that was bicycle friendly. Key West is known for cycling and St. Michaels has a nature trail and ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
The Perils of Blowing Up Cultural Protection by Al Sikes
It would be difficult to pinpoint the moment when a banned substance—marijuana—became “recreational”. Right along there with swimming and jogging. ... [Continue Story]
Opinion
Horn Point Cuts Put Chesapeake Oyster Recovery at Risk by Sarah Gavian
Everybody on the Eastern Shore knows oysters matter. They clean the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, support watermen and oyster farmers, and sustain ... [Continue Story]
- “Fail First” is a Failure Always Ali Asghar Kassamali
- Character Is Policy by Johnny O’Brien
- Trump Policies Disrupt the Eastern Shore Soybean Market by Wilson Dean
- As the Supreme Court Term Begins… Some Reflections by Margaret Andersen
- Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
- The Political is Personal: Reflections on DEI by Margaret Andersen
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Lessons from Geese
“Lessons from Geese” is based on the work of Milton Olson and has been used as a leadership development tool; however, its many lessons apply to all ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: An Abundance of Cruelty
- Letter to Editor: A Vanishing Way of Life
- Letter to Editor: How the Big Beautiful Bill Would Affect the Mid-Shore
- These Republicans Are Right – Don’t Blame Governor Wes Moore For Maryland’s Long-Projected Budget Deficit
- Letter to the Editor: Maryland’s Legislature is failing rural communities By Janet Christensen-Lewis
- Letter to Talbot County Council: Keep employee handbook DEI statement
