Maryland’s Democratic leadership, ever intoxicated with the heady vapors of their own ideological ambitions, has once again foisted upon the citizenry an energy proposal that, far from alleviating the ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs

Easton Council Highlights: The future of inclusionary zoning
The one outstanding highlight from last night's Town of Easton Council meeting was a discussion by council members about the timing of a workshop ... [Continue Story]
- Public Engagement: A chat with Talbot County’s Sarah Kilmon on new era of community Input
- A new president and immigration policies changes: A chat with ChesMRC’s Matthew Peters
- Maryland deploys icebreaker to clear channels for watermen
- Easton cannabis store location debate: Should dispensaries be only 150 feet apart from each other?
- Easton Town Council Highlights: Meeting the new chief of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department
- Easton Council President Race Begins: Don Abbatiello Files
Spy Highlights

From and Fuller: Trump Gazaland and the Muse DOGE Peeks into Federal Payment Systems
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 Fuller discuss President Trump’s idea of having the United States take over the Gaza Strip and develop the region for waterfront development. Is this a strategy of distraction? Al […]
- Chicken Scratch: What Do We Do Now?
- From and Fuller: Trump chaos and RFK Jr. confusion
- Have another? By Roger Vaughan
- From and Fuller: The Trump executive order blitzkrieg
- Equal and opposite, summer-winter, and poor man’s fertilizer by Dennis Forney
- From and Fuller: A Middle East Cease Fire and the Legacy of the Biden Years
The Arts and Local Design

A Work of Heart: How Museums Can Strengthen Your Relationship by Daedelus Hoffman
It's a Tuesday night in February. The dinner plates have been cleared, the glow of the TV remote feels uninspiring, and the winter chill outside makes ... [Continue Story]
- TAP Takes on Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite: A Chat with Maureen Curtin and Brian McGunigle
- Elizabethan and chamber music virtuosity by Steve Parks
- MSO International Concerto Competition and more by Steve Parks
- Cars as movie co-stars and museum artworks by Steve Parks
- Ten new things at the Academy Art Museum to kick off the new year by Daedelus Hoffman
- The Avalon is alive with the Sound of Music for the holidays
Chesapeake Ecosystem

Intense Maryland Energy Debates in Annapolis Fill a Single Afternoon
For the last few years, the nuclear energy industry has stood on the precipice of the Maryland energy policy debate, waiting for its ... [Continue Story]
- Md. leads in carbon emissions reductions – Maryland Matters
- 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
Maryland News

Moore delivers State of the State address that lays out ‘tough choices’ for lawmakers
Gov. Wes Moore used his third State of the State address to call for bipartisan cooperation from lawmakers to solve the mounting fiscal challenges ... [Continue Story]
- Hundreds of developmental disability advocates rally against DDA budget cuts
- O’Malley’s bid for DNC chair falls well short; Ken Martin new chair
- No survivors found in crash between military helicopter and jet over Potomac
- State leaders scramble to understand impact of Trump’s surprise funding freeze
- Get ready for a dizzying debate on energy policy
Health

Mid-Shore Health: The role of forensic nursing with survivors of sexual and physical assault
For the Spy's continued interview series with UM Shore Regional Health, we asked Shannon Temple, their long-tenured forensic nurse coordinator, to ... [Continue Story]
- Qlarant Foundation takes a big step forward with first executive director Amanda Neal
- 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
Education

Wood Foundation awards $100K grant to Radcliffe Creek School
Radcliffe Creek School (RCS) was recently awarded a generous grant from the Kathy and Jerry Wood Foundation to support needs-based scholarships for ... [Continue Story]
- Morgan State professor fined for presenting himself as licensed architect
- 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
Food & Garden Highlights

Wine of the Week: Terrazze Toscana IGT
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Terrazze Toscana IGT ($19.50) from the Beconcini winery in San Minato, near ... [Continue Story]
Brevities

Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Heading over to Dawkins Market
Maybe you have some history stories to be shared about these buildings? The first building which looks like it’s two here is located on the corner of ... [Continue Story]
Commerce

Oxford Bellevue Ferry welcomes new Owner
When it opens for its 343rd season in early April, the Oxford Bellevue Ferry will have a new captain at the helm. Jim Andrews, who holds a 1,600-ton ... [Continue Story]
- Fred Christie completes 2024 Department of Energy’s OT Defender Fellowship
- Registration begins for Easton’s St. Patrick’s Day parade
- Jordan Pearlstein chosen for Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program 2nd class
- Simonsen named Director, Corporate Communications
- Talbot County Business Center demolition scheduled for 2025
Community Notes

Descendants host 207th birthday celebration for Frederick Douglass in Easton on February 22
February is not only Black History Month. It’s also the birthday of famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and his Eastern Shore descendants are ... [Continue Story]
- Council Meeting Highlights, January 28, 2025
- Talbot County Government announces FY2025 Opioid Restitution Fund Community Micro Grant Program
- Miles River Yacht Club Speakers Series, Feb 9th
- Tidewater Rotary Club announces 2025 fundraising events benefiting Talbot Hospice
- Waterfowl Festival announces 2025 Board Members
- Tax cuts, increases part of Moore’s ‘growth agenda’ – Maryland Matters
Senior Life Highlights

It’s American Heart Month by Susan Covey
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. The ... [Continue Story]
- Londonderry’s Satellite Rotary Club continues support for senior supply drive
- Londonderry celebrates Team Service Awards
- December Fitness Feature: Leg Strength
- 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
Arts Notes

MassoniArt Gallery presents new exhibition: Joe Karlik, Kathryn O’Grady and Blake M. Conroy
MassoniArt Gallery is thrilled to present a dynamic new exhibition featuring the works of Joe Karlik, Kathryn O’Grady and Blake M. Conroy, three ... [Continue Story]
- Karen Somerville Trio celebrates Billie Holiday, Feb 11 at Brookletts Place c/o Carpe Diem Arts
- Academy Art Museum announces new Trustees
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon resident, Ken Sadler, wins People’s Choice Award in Queen Anne’s County art show
- Free Poetry Reading with Award-Winning Poet Meredith Davies Hadaway at the Zach Feb 8
- Art at The Ivy opens the first of a series of rotating art exhibits honoring Black History Month
- Easton Shape Note Sing invites singers to “singing school”- February 8
Ecosystem Notes

ShoreRivers shares 2025 legislative priorities
Now that the Maryland General Assembly has reconvened for the 447th Legislative Session, ShoreRivers’ advocacy efforts are in full swing. The ... [Continue Story]
- Waterfowl Festival recognized Waterfowl Festival Volunteer Awards for 2024
- Flock Together for the Great Backyard Bird Count: Find birds in your community and share the joy
- Horn Point Laboratory scientists present Winter Community Science Series
- New report shows natural resources conservation on the Delmarva Peninsula generates $8 billion in annual economic activity
Education Notes

St. Michaels Middle High hosts “real world – Saints edition”
St. Michaels Middle High School (SMMHS) hosted an inaugural “Real World - Saints Edition” event just before winter break. Although the name ... [Continue Story]
- SU announces new CHHS dean
- With a generous donation from Women Who Care Talbot County, Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers expands yoga programming
- Governor’s education bill slows growth of per pupil funding, worrying advocates
- Doug Holly leads Chesapeake Forum’s field trip to the Mall of Museums
- Waterfowl Festival makes donations of 53 guidebooks to Talbot County Free Library
- Gunston welcomes Mike Hardesty as Director of Facilities
Health Notes

Kent SCOT wins award from Chamber of Commerce
Kent Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT) has been honored by the Kent County Chamber of Commerce as recipients of its Community Excellence Award – ... [Continue Story]
- Choptank Health welcomes medical provider in Easton
- 12th Annual Spring Classic Bike Tour: Cycle for a Cause and enjoy great food
- Dawn Gordon named Medical Staff Office Director for University of Maryland Shore Regional Health
- Cancer Center at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health welcomes Adam Goldrich, MD as Medical Director
- For All Seasons is the mental health partner for the 2024 Military Bowl
- Choptank Health welcomes pediatric dentist in Denton
Commerce Notes

Oxford Bellevue Ferry welcomes new Owner
When it opens for its 343rd season in early April, the Oxford Bellevue Ferry will have a new captain at the helm. Jim Andrews, who holds a 1,600-ton ... [Continue Story]
- Fred Christie completes 2024 Department of Energy’s OT Defender Fellowship
- Registration begins for Easton’s St. Patrick’s Day parade
- Jordan Pearlstein chosen for Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program 2nd class
- Simonsen named Director, Corporate Communications
- Talbot County Business Center demolition scheduled for 2025
- Anthony P. Kern selected as Qlarant Board Chair
Food Friday

Food Friday: Purple prose
You’ll have to go somewhere else for your Super Bowl snacks ideas this year - although - between you and me - you really can’t do much better than a party-size bag of nacho ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith

Looking at the Masters: Hendrick Avercamp
A 17th Century Dutch artist, born in Amsterdam, Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634) specialized in winter landscapes. His father Barent Avercamp was the ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella

Design with Jenn Martella: The Fannie Stuart house, c.1885
This street in Chestertown’s Historic District has been featured many times for its gems and the middle house in this colorful streetscape is today’s feature. When the current Owners bought the house, they had been told the three houses were built by a father for each of his daughters, so they would be close to […]
From and Fuller Podcast

From and Fuller: Trump Gazaland and the Muse DOGE Peeks into Federal Payment Systems
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: Trump chaos and RFK Jr. confusion
- From and Fuller: The Trump executive order blitzkrieg
- From and Fuller: A Middle East Cease Fire and the Legacy of the Biden Years
- 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
- From and Fuller: Budget turmoil and Musk power
Columnist J.E. Dean

Trump’s dangerous tariff game is making the world a more dangerous place by J.E. Dean
The world held its breath the morning of February 3, 2025. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese goods were scheduled to go into effect. ... [Continue Story]
- In praise of Inspectors General by J.E. Dean
- President Biden should have walked out by J.E. Dean
- Trump asks Congress to abdicate its constitutional responsibility by J.E. Dean
- Remembering Jimmy Carter by J. E. Dean
- Wishing You Non-Snarky Holidays by J.E. Dean
- Should the press worry about Trump’s threats? By J.E. Dean
Columnist Hugh Panero

The Death of TikTok by Hugh Panero
On Sunday evening, TikTok, the popular social media platform, was executed in the US. Since 2016, swiping through endless short-form videos on your ... [Continue Story]
- The Awkward Gentrification of Bellevue by Hugh Panero
- 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
Columnist Craig Fuller

Midair collision over the Potomac: Week two update by Craig Fuller
There is news in every direction these days, but I still follow the press conferences by the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) concerning the ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- A Community Town Hall focuses on education in Talbot County by Craig Fuller
- 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

Happy Birthday! By Jamie Kirkpatrick
Today is my ninth birthday. OK; so I’m not counting in human years, not even dog years. No; today marks the beginning of my ninth year as a columnist ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver

Book Ends By Laura J. Oliver
`You’re not going to believe this because I couldn’t, but then there are so many facts coming to light nowadays that are, at best, counterintuitive—my ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck

Butterflies are not just pretty by Angela Rieck
Butterflies and moths, with their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, are more than just enchanting creatures flitting through our world. They play ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes

Trump versus free speech by Al Sikes
My time was a generation ago. I chaired the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the George HW Bush administration. Censorship was not on our priority list. Except: for protecting children from “indecent” content as was required by a law passed by Congress. The focal point was Howard Stern, whose morning show was broadcast by Infinity […]
Opinion

The Political is Personal: Reflections on DEI by Margaret Andersen
As the women’s movement was unfolding in the late 1960s, all across the country women gathered in small, informal groups called consciousness raising ... [Continue Story]
- New report reveals value of resource conservation for Shore businesses by John Horner
- Presidential pasts and an impending future by Steve Parks
- Gov. Wes Moore: Now’s the time to fix our fiscal crisis
- Maryland’s fiscal apocalypse by Clayton A. Mitchell, Sr.
- 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
Letters to the Editor

Letter to Editor: NFL Removal of “End Racism” Stencil from End Zones. Say What?
The announcement that Trump will be in attendance at this Sunday's Super Bowl was followed by the NFL’s announcement that it will remove the stenciled ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Representative Harris snubs the ‘Beagle Brigade’
- Letter to Editor: The new Trump administration and our community response
- Letter to Editor: Tolerance, complicity, corruption…and a stepping back on Lakeside
- Letter to Editor: Thanks to the Bridge Family for Snow Removal
- 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