I headed south for the winter this week. The cold weather let me know that it was time. When I travel to Florida, I fly with two sweet little dogs. ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Maryland Projects $1.4 B Shortfall for Next Year — Five Times April Estimate
Legislative budget analysts are warning of a $1.4 billion budget gap for fiscal 2027, driven by federal economic policies, that is projected to grow ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- Longtime and Beloved Minister of Easton Church Arrested by ICE
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
Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: An Annapolis Future with a Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk
Every Wednesday, but this week on Friday, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell discuss the politics and personalities of the ... [Continue Story]
- From & Fuller: What Was Lost During The Government Shutdown?
- From and Fuller: The Real Impact of the Big Democrat Election Victories
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Moore and Ferguson Not Eye-to-Eye on Redistricting
- Giving and Growing: Robbin Hill Reflects on 24 Years at Mid-Shore Community Foundation
- From and Fuller: The Government Shutdown and a Dangerous Political Game of Chicken
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The Children’s Hunger Crisis in Maryland
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
The Next Chapter for ShoreRivers
After an extensive search and hiring process, ShoreRivers is proud to announce the selection of Scott Budden as the organization's next Executive ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- The Solar Land Rush—A farmer’s perspective with Judy Gifford
- Intense Maryland Energy Debates in Annapolis Fill a Single Afternoon
Maryland News
Field Of Hopefuls in Speaker’s Race Clears for Peña-Melnyk
The next speaker of the House of Delegates will likely be a woman and immigrant. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel) ... [Continue Story]
- Low-income Marylanders, Local Officials Left to Navigate ‘Roller Coaster’ of SNAP Disruption
- Moore pushes for Congressional Redistricting, sets up Confrontation with Senate
- Honoring Talbot County’s Uncle Nace Hopkins: The Day Freedom Came in Trappe
- Judge Appears Skeptical of Claim that Unaffiliated Voters Can Sue Maryland Over Closed Primaries
- Maryland, 14 Other Democratic States Launch Public Health Alliance to Counter Trump, Rfk Jr.
- Undocumented Residents’ Access to State Health Insurance Marketplace Delayed From 2026 to 2028
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
Resilience, After All, Is a Gift By Katherine Emery General
Much of my recent writing has been concentrating on the fact that 2025 has been a difficult year for almost everyone. There is a heaviness in the air ... [Continue Story]
- Finding Light in a Heavy December By Katherine Emery General
- December 2025 Sky-Watch By Dennis Herrmann
- The Slow Unfurling of Christmas By Katherine Emery General
- Using the Good China By Katherine Emery General
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Waterfowl Festival 2025
- Under the Beaver Moon By Katherine Emery General
Community News
Queen Anne’s Court Verdict Protects Vulnerable Kent Island Ecosystem from Development
Court agrees Queen Anne’s County Commissioners’ approval of Chesterhaven Beach development plan is against state law In a win for clean water and ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- The Top 5 Things to Get Excited about Waterfowl Festival 2025 with Deena Kilman
- County Commissioners Request State Assistance for MD 405 and US 301 Safety Improvements
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
AAM Joins the Fun of Artful Ingenuity at Easton’s Holiday Parade
The Academy Art Museum delivered one of the more imaginative moments at this year’s Easton Holiday Parade, presenting a float that blended ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- Violist Paul Laraia Discusses The Catalyst Quartet’s “Cinematic Refuge” By Maria Grant
- Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Presents Its Annual “Holiday Joy” Concerts
- Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore Hosts Fourth Annual Handmade Market
Ecosystem Notes
Adkins Arboretum Hires Suzy Moore as Director of Advancement
Suzy Moore of Easton has recently been hired as the Director of Advancement at Adkins Arboretum. Moore, who was previously the Artistic Director at ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- ESLC Conservation Videos Connect Clean Water to Conservation
- Pairing Herbs, Food, and Wine with Chesapeake Bay Herb Society
Education Notes
Benedictine Recognizes Dedicated Staff and Announces Dugan Residential Hall
Benedictine hosted its annual milestone awards luncheon on December 4th in Heritage Hall on the Ridgely campus. The milestone luncheon celebrates the ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- Gunston School’s 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast Raises $150,000 for Campus Technology Overhaul
- Four Gunston Students Honored with National Merit Commended Recognition
Health Notes
Frosty’s Holiday Village Event Rescheduled for Friday, December 12
For All Seasons has rescheduled Frosty’s Holiday Village event for Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Anchor Church at 620 ... [Continue Story]
- For All Seasons Participates in National Rural Health Day Bus Tour
- Frosty’s Holiday Village Event Expands to Offer More Family Fun and Resources
- Talisman Therapeutic Riding Sleigh Celebration is Bringing Broadway to Maryland
- Choptank Health Recognizes National Rural Health Day
- UM Shore Medical Group-Cardiology Welcomes New Interventional Cardiologist
- McKenna Gillen, MS, OT, Joins University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Teams at Denton and Queenstown Locations
Food Friday
Food Friday: On Your Marks!
I stopped by the post office early yesterday morning, before 9:00, before the counter was open, to pick up some stamps from the machine in the lobby, ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Our Lady of Guadelupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas. The celebration of her feast day on December 12 dates back to the 16th century. Her story can ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
House of the Week: Treasure in Trappe
Several of my friends who wanted to purchase historic houses and found Easton’s Historic District too costly have discovered Trappe. Being a history ... [Continue Story]
From and Fuller Podcast
From & Fuller: What Was Lost During The Government Shutdown?
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]
- 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
- From and Fuller: Is Trump Winning the News Cycle and Governor Newsom Pulls the Trigger on Redistricting for 2026
- From and Fuller: The Political Impact of RFK Jr.s MAHA Agenda and Texas Redistricting Part 2
- From and Fuller: Ending ICE Madness and an Epstein Tipping Point?
- From and Fuller: Elon Musk’s 3rd Party and the Epstein Files MAGA Civil War
Columnist J.E. Dean
The Self-Destruction of Trump by J.E. Dean
Donald Trump is his own worst enemy, far worse than the lunatics, communists, RINOs, and Democrats he believes are out to get him. The damage done to ... [Continue Story]
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
Steppingstones By Jamie Kirkpatrick
I was upstairs folding laundry when I heard a knock at the front door. It doesn’t take much to make me forget about folding laundry so I headed ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
The Righting Life By Laura J. Oliver
Confession time. As a creative writing instructor, I’m super selective about the examples I use to demonstrate craft. If I’m going to share an excerpt ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Flying Dogs By Angela Rieck
I headed south for the winter this week. The cold weather let me know that it was time. When I travel to Florida, I fly with two sweet little dogs. ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Will Humans Become History’s Losers? By Al Sikes
Is intuition obsolete? What about our accumulated layers of information and feelings or what we might call seasoning? Including, of course, the ... [Continue Story]
Opinion
Character Is Policy by Johnny O’Brien
Perhaps you—like me and most of my friends—have a grave difficulty discussing politics in our hyper-partisan nation. We often report that civil ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- New report reveals value of resource conservation for Shore businesses by John Horner
- History of US Territorial Acquisitions By Tom Timberman
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: An Abundance of Cruelty
Have you noticed how often, how persistently, the word “cruelty” is showing up in the news? I was reading about the prison built in the Everglades by ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- Letter to Editor: Representative Harris snubs the ‘Beagle Brigade’
