One of the many surprises in the last presidential election was Donald Trump winning in three “blue wall” battleground states -- Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Now that the reality of a ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Easton Council President Race Begins: Don Abbatiello Files
Don Abbatiello has filed to run for Easton Town Council President in the upcoming election on May 6th. He has been the Ward 2 representative on the ... [Continue Story]
- Q&A with Cambridge Mayor-Elect Lajan Cephas
- Council Highlights: Should Talbot County charge overnight visitors a 6% accommodation tax?
- Maryland’s flagging economy and transportation infrastructure linked
- Cephas wins in Cambridge; ex-mayor’s comeback attempt falls short
- High quality oysters, fickle market greeting new season
- Five-year Maryland state budget projection foresees ‘enormous gap’ not seen in two decades
Spy Highlights
Capturing a life in focus with Ruth Wittersgreen
It’s hard to pin down Ruth Wittersgreen, but perhaps that’s the point. In her sun-drenched gallery/office on the third floor of Easton’s Daylight Building at 5 East Dover, walls, hallways, and panels are adorned with the vibrant echoes of her life—wildlife photography. It’s a space that reflects not just her art but also the layered […]
- This week proves PT’s admonition about watermen
- From and Fuller: How Serious to Take Donald Trump and the Great Los Angeles Fire of 2025
- From and Fuller: Remembering Jimmy Carter and 2024 in review
- Publisher Notes: Reader survey results on how to better spying in 2025 and holiday best wishes
- Talbot Mentors – Empowering Youth in Talbot County by Matt LaMotte
- From and Fuller: Budget turmoil and Musk power
The Arts and Local Design
The Avalon is alive with the Sound of Music for the holidays
The Avalon Foundation is presenting the classic musical The Sound of Music starting this week. It’s a family tradition and community experience ... [Continue Story]
- Spy Art Review: Start your engines at AAM by Steve Parks
- Arts community gathers to celebrate Talbot Arts Champion Donna Ewing
- Spy Concert Review: MSO’s Joy to the Season by Steve Parks
- The Magic of Celtic Music: A Chat with Harp and Soul’s Meredith Davies Hadaway
- Step into elegance: The Bugatti Exhibition Preview Gala Reception
- The growing art scene in Easton by Steve Parks
Chesapeake Ecosystem
Md. leads in carbon emissions reductions – Maryland Matters
Here’s some rare good news for Marylanders on climate change: A new analysis of federal government data found that Maryland led the way when it came ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Levies Fines on Perdue, Valley Proteins for Environmental Violations
- Bay Climate Adaptation: The TNC Guide in Finding the Money for Major Infrastructure Change
- Mid-Shore Arts Plein Air Easton and ESLC Pair Up to Promote Land Conservation
- Wild-Caught Chesapeake Blue Catfish Phenomenon Booming: Thank Goodness
- Blue Crab Populations are Down, But Experts are Not Worried
- First Baby Eagles Hatch on Reborn Chesapeake Island
Maryland News
CAN president Chuck McFadden on the group’s past and future
The Cambridge Association of Neighborhoods (CAN) is dedicated to encouraging and assisting community members to be good neighbors. They strive to ... [Continue Story]
- Advocates try again on bill to halt the practice of charging inmates for phone calls
- Poll: Maryland voters back cooperation with feds on immigration enforcement – Maryland Matters
- Services scheduled for former Lower Shore Sen. Richard Colburn
- Lines drawn in advance of 2025 session, budget debate
- State confronting ‘two storms,’ Moore tells county leaders
Health
Qlarant Foundation takes a big step forward with first executive director Amanda Neal
To state that philanthropy is in the DNA of Qlarant is a matter of fact. From the day the company began operations to combat fraud in Medicare and ... [Continue Story]
- Mid-Shore Health: The war against lung cancer with Drs. Rashmi Benda and David Oliver
- Health advocates: Maryland needs to improve screening efforts for lung cancer
- Mid-Shore Health: Domestic violence on the Mid-Shore with Angie Price and Jeanne Yeager
- Let’s Talk About It: The reality of intergenerational trauma with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman
- Let’s Talk About It: Suicide on the Mid-Shore with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman
Education
Morgan State professor fined for presenting himself as licensed architect
The Baltimore Banner reported yesterday that Professor Dale Glenwood Green at Morgan State University was not a licensed architect and had ... [Continue Story]
- Slight increases on Maryland’s annual report card, but changes could be coming
- Radcliffe Creek School awarded grant to support students with ADHD and anxiety
- Spy-WHCP Check in with Dorchester Schools Superintendent Jymil Thompson
- Prekindergarten Expansion For Private Providers Off To A Slow Start
- Spy Survey Summary on Learning for a Lifetime on the Mid-Shore
Food & Garden Highlights
Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Can you guess the photo?
Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in the photo below? The answer to last week's mystery is foliose lichen, ... [Continue Story]
Brevities
Agent 86 Reconnaissance: In the dead of winter
Agent 86 was dispatched to memorialize the recent snowfall from the air. In his report, 86 takes us to Oxford and Town Creek, the Talbot Country ... [Continue Story]
- February sky-watch 2025: Bright winter stars and planets by Dennis Herrmann
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Time to make a Snowman in Royal Oak
- Glimmers by Katherine Emery
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Heading over to Harrisons on Tilghman Island
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: The Bugatti Report
- Happy New Year by Katherine Emery
Commerce
Anthony P. Kern selected as Qlarant Board Chair
Qlarant Inc., a health care data science and technology firm headquartered in Easton Md., has selected Anthony “Tony” P. Kern as its new Board Chair. ... [Continue Story]
- Talbot County Liquor Board 2025-2026 license applications now available
- Rural Maryland Council honors rural community advocates
- Three from EU graduation from Leadership Programs
- Nominations accepted for Talbot County’s Community Impact awards
- US court blocks Kroger acquisition; Harris-Teeter to remain in Easton (for now)
Community Notes
Winterfest EMS 2025 gets ready for another year of excellence in emergency training
Talbot County is once again hosting Winterfest EMS, a premier regional training event for emergency service professionals. Celebrating its 29th year, ... [Continue Story]
- Talbot County crews respond to winter storm to keep residents safe
- Chesapeake Fire & Ice is back For 2025
- Miles River Yacht Club speakers series – January 9
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Talbot County Holiday Assessment
- Mid-Shore Gives 2024 raises $102K in 24 hours
- CBMM Summer Camp registration opens Jan. 2
Senior Life Highlights
December Fitness Feature: Leg Strength
Our legs make up the largest of our muscle groups which include the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Low body strengthening is a vital part of ... [Continue Story]
- Cruisin’ with Christine: Protecting the Londonderry Community with Rich Williams
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon honors its Veterans
- Enjoy the health benefits of Thanksgiving Day by Susan Covey
- Cruisin’ with Christine: Serving the Londonderry Community with Pat Bradley
- Upper Shore Aging Hosts the Re-Dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center
- Cruisin’ with Christine: Erica Hardeo and the Art of Engagement at Londonderry
Arts Notes
Waterfowl Festival & The Ward Foundation present: Maryland State Arts Council Folklife Film & Art Evening
The Ward Foundation, in collaboration with the Waterfowl Festival and the Maryland State Arts Council, is pleased to announce the Folklife Apprentice ... [Continue Story]
- Tuesday, Jan 14, kick-off of Jan-May lunchtime concerts at Brookletts Place
- Improv Easton invites the community to try improv with Improv for All!
- Lyon Rum celebrates new event space with live jazz and cocktails
- Easton Choral Arts invites new singers to join creation
- Within Our Reach: Mixed Media Works by Bridget Z. Sullivan on view through Feb. 28 at Adkins Arboretum
- Working Artists Forum presents local color art show & sale July 17-20, 2025, call to artists
Ecosystem Notes
ShoreRivers now accepting summer internship applications
ShoreRivers is currently accepting applications from college students and recent graduates for two Easton-based summer internships: its Elizabeth ... [Continue Story]
Education Notes
Jen Wagner hosts Intuitive Mosaics with Chesapeake Forum
What better way to chase away the winter blues than with an afternoon spent making art? Join artist Jen Wagner in her downtown Easton studio for a ... [Continue Story]
- Understanding Dementia with Beth Hobson and Chesapeake Forum
- Talbot County Public Schools recognizes advanced placement scholars
- Waterbirds make a splash at Chesapeake Forum
- Chesapeake Forum’s Preview Party lights up post-holidays
- Superintendents seek ‘partnership’ with Moore on changes to Blueprint education reform plan
- Radcliffe Creek School awarded grant to support students with ADHD and anxiety
Health Notes
Bird flu found in Caroline County marks first case in Maryland chickens since 2023
Researchers monitoring H5N1 say risk to public currently low, but could evolve into more serious public health concern Maryland has recorded its ... [Continue Story]
- For All Seasons shines a light on human trafficking this January
- Grace Street becomes Talbot County ‘safe station’ for people needing treatment
- Health Education classes offered in Chestertown
- University of Maryland Shore Regional Health announces winter weather closures
- First baby of 2025 arrives at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton Birthing Center
- Free presentation will offer tips on mindful eating for memory care
Commerce Notes
Anthony P. Kern selected as Qlarant Board Chair
Qlarant Inc., a health care data science and technology firm headquartered in Easton Md., has selected Anthony “Tony” P. Kern as its new Board Chair. ... [Continue Story]
- Talbot County Liquor Board 2025-2026 license applications now available
- Rural Maryland Council honors rural community advocates
- Three from EU graduation from Leadership Programs
- Nominations accepted for Talbot County’s Community Impact awards
- US court blocks Kroger acquisition; Harris-Teeter to remain in Easton (for now)
- Qlarant earns Top Workplaces Award for 5th time
Food Friday
Food Friday: Cozy Winter Dinners
Winter has arrived. Snow has fallen, and so have the temperatures. I ask my best friend, Alexa, to tell me the temperature throughout the day. She is delighted to tell me the ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: A Victorian Christmas
Christmas traditions we cherish were established during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901). Others are as old as the ancient Roman Saturnalia ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
Design with Jenn Martella: Little giddings
Neavitt is one of my fave villages so I never pass up an opportunity to feature one of the houses that give this village its unique charm. Ironically, last week’s feature was a house transformed by architect Mark McInturff, FAIA, and today’s feature is the home of his sister, who is a good friend of […]
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: How Serious to Take Donald Trump and the Great Los Angeles Fire of 2025
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: Remembering Jimmy Carter and 2024 in review
- From and Fuller: Budget turmoil and Musk power
- From and Fuller: The selection of a new FBI director under Trump and 1,500 Pardons from Biden
- From and Fuller: The Trump agenda and the realities of governing
- From and Fuller: Trump cabinet appointments and the future of “Talking Heads” media
- From and Fuller: The eating of political crow with election predictions and the gender and race impact on the 2024 Election
Columnist J.E. Dean
Trump asks Congress to abdicate its constitutional responsibility by J.E. Dean
After watching several reruns of video of the January 6, 2021 assault on the Capitol, I decided not to write about it this week. President Biden’s ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Hugh Panero
The Awkward Gentrification of Bellevue by Hugh Panero
In 2022, Talbot County first heard about a new fourteen-home luxury housing development in the Village of Bellevue, one of twenty-two unincorporated ... [Continue Story]
- Mr. Biden, It’s Time to Hand Over the Keys by Hugh Panero
- The Mess in Oxford Gets More Messy by Hugh Panero
- Be Like a Cicada and the Catharsis of Dreams by Hugh Panero
- Let’s Retire the Word “Retired” by Hugh Panero
- Top 15 Indicators That You Are Too Old For Technology by Hugh Panero
- Dune Part 2 and My Son Got Me Back Into a Movie Theater by Hugh Panero
Columnist Craig Fuller
A Community Town Hall focuses on education in Talbot County by Craig Fuller
The Avalon Foundation and The Spy collaborated on another in a series of candidate Town Halls with the most recent this week bringing together a live ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- A Presidential Debate: No Commission / No Audience / Perhaps, No Gloves by Craig Fuller
- An Enjoyable and Important White House Story by Craig Fuller
- Biden’s Two Biggest Problems: Perception and Trust by Craig Fuller
Columnist Jamie Kirkpatrick
The Shift By Jamie Kirkpatrick
Horror stories about holiday travel abound. Spoiler alert: this is not one of them… I hope you all got my postcard—the one I sent last week from ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
Unbroken By Laura J. Oliver
Leah is on the rug in the foyer, licking her paws nonstop. The terrier mix is hard at work giving herself a… mani? pedi? Your guess is as good as ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
The polar vortex by Angela Rieck
The recent snowstorm on the Eastern Shore is just the beginning of freezing temperatures due to the polar vortex. These temperatures from the Arctic ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Who is president? By Al Sikes
This is of course now old news (Tweets have a short life). Republicans and Democrats in the United States House of Representatives concluded negotiations on a massive appropriation bill to keep the government operational until March of next year. But recall before going further: “to retain respect for sausages and laws avoid watching them in […]
Opinion
Maryland’s fiscal apocalypse by Clayton A. Mitchell, Sr.
Maryland’s State Budget is teetering on the brink of an unprecedented financial collapse. The refusal to address formula-driven mandatory and ... [Continue Story]
- Consent first, investigate later by Aubrey Sarvis
- Analysis: Moore’s delicate balance as the session gets under way
- Electric Workboats on the Chesapeake? By Rob Etgen
- Reflections on cabinet choices by J.T. Smith
- Balancing Growth and Green: Chestertown’s Greenbelt Plan Faces a Solar Challenge by Steve Kline
- Andy Harris and our right to vote by Heather Mizeur
- Will our history repeat itself? The lessons of Civil War Maryland by Paul W. Callahan
- Striking Out at Camden: How Three Bad Seasons Sent A Once Proud Franchise Into A Decade Long Tailspin
- Moving Ahead on Cambridge Harbor
- Sunset for Sea Stars? By Rob Etgen
- I Have Concerns Over the Route 662 Closure in Hospital Plan by Lynn Mielke
- We’re All Stocked Up on Crazies by Maria Grant
- What Difference Does It Make? By Maria Grant
- Hypocrisy is Alive and Well and Living in America! By Maria Grant
- Let’s Remember the 1964 Republican Convention by Ross Jones
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Thanks to the Bridge Family for Snow Removal
I stopped to thank the guys filling up trucks at Talbot County's "Salt Barn." I specifically spoke to Ryan Holden, an Easton resident employed by the ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Talbot County Council continues to ignore illegal actions
- Letter to Editor: More lies and innuendo from Pay Attention America in Talbot County
- Letter to Editor: Talk with our neighbors
- Poem to the Editor: Times Like These
- Letter to Editor: Don’t attack those whom you disagree with
- Letter to Editor: I’m proudly voting for Kamala Harris
