Who knew? There is still a Blue Dog Caucus in the Democratic Party, even as New Yorkers elect a socialist as Mayor of America’s largest city. The Caucus is said “to be an official caucus in the House ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
ICE Activity Raises Community Concerns in Talbot County, Police Board Says
Concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Talbot County figured prominently in discussions before the Police Accountability ... [Continue Story]
- Easton Planning Commission Highlights: A Pause on Form-Based Zoning
- Easton Begins Review of Zoning Changes to Set Limits for Large Housing Projects
- A New Era and a New Challenge for the Neighborhood Service Center: A Chat with Chuck Callahan and Andy Hollis
- Easton Council Highlights: Downtown Parking
- Spy Longform Interview: A Case Study in Affordable Housing with Fello’s Ross Benincasa
- County’s Short Term Rental Bill 1622 Dies After Sponsors Withdraw Support
Spy Highlights
Spy Review: Joe Pug at the Avalon
When Joe Pug sang, “I’ve come to test the timber of my heart,” Friday night at the Avalon Theatre’s Stoltz Listening Room, it sounded less like a lyric than a mission statement. His stripped-down set was built on faith, doubt, and passion that demanded — and rewarded — close listening, treating belief less as […]
- From and Fuller: A New Year of Foreign Conflict and an ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
- 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
- Spy Art Review: 100 Years/100 Feet of Rauschenberg at the Academy by Steve Parks
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Top Maryland Stories and a Few Winners and Losers in 2025
The Arts and Local Design
Looking Back and Forward with Talbot Arts: A Chat with Director Joan Levy
As Maryland faces ongoing budget pressure and uncertainty about future state support, arts organizations across the Eastern Shore are watching ... [Continue Story]
- Shrek the Musical Comes to the Avalon Just in Time for the Holidays
- Spy Review: A Choral Rose for Christmas by Steve Parks
- Spy Review: MSO’s Opera-Flavored ‘Holiday Joy’ by Steve Parks
- AI is Coming for the Music Industry
- Spy Review: Cinematic Classical Gas, by Steve Parks
- A Waterfowl Weekend with Artist Sandy Alanko
Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast
The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker Lance Kramer
This year, the Spy is expanding its commitment to the Chesapeake Film Festival by co-producing a monthly podcast with CFF Executive Director Cid ... [Continue Story]
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker and CFF Artistic Director Cid Collins Walker
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Filmmaker Monda Raquel Webb
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Casting Director Kimberly Skyrme
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Director/Producer Ted Adams
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Rebekah Louisa Smith
Chesapeake 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 Director to Step Down, Search for Successor Begins
- FEMA Cancels $1 Billion for Flood Prevention Projects in Chesapeake Bay Region
- Intense Maryland Energy Debates in Annapolis Fill a Single Afternoon
- Md. leads in carbon emissions reductions – Maryland Matters
Maryland News
Poll: Moore Approval Numbers Continue Downward Trend Even as Most Voters Would OK Second Term
Roughly half of Maryland voters said they would vote to reelect Gov. Wes Moore to a second term, even as the first-term Democrat’s job approval ... [Continue Story]
- More than 3,300 Marylanders Detained by ICE in 2025, Twice the Number of Preceding Years
- Delegate Proposes Bill to Bar ICE Officers From State Law Enforcement
- Transportation Officials Approve Rough Plans on Chesapeake Bay Bridge Replacement
- 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
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]
- Mobile Dental Care Team Expands Access for Dorchester County Students
- 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
- Working on “The Conversation” about Dying : A Chat with Jo Merrill and Dot Mayorga
Brevities
A Lifetime of Tea By Katherine Emery General
The year I turned nine, Granny dresses were everywhere. For Christmas that year, I had received my first hip hugger skirt in blue plaid with a patent ... [Continue Story]
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Hoopers Island by Air
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Thinking About Next Summer
- Reclaiming Winter By Katherine Emery General
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: The Court House is Closed for New Years
- January 2026 Sky-Watch By Dennis Herrmann
- Gratitude in the Hardest Seasons By Katherine Emery General
Education
Dorchester Education Foundation Launches Wyatt Scholarship
The Dorchester Education Foundation launched its first major public event on Saturday, November 8, with a waterfront fundraiser that combined ... [Continue Story]
- Good News and Not So Good News: Talbot County Schools Gets their 2025 Report Card
- Benedictine’s Next Chapter: A Chat with Executive Director Scott Evans
- Bryan Matthews Returns to Steady the Helm at Washington College
- John Lewis: Guiding Gunston’s Next Generation
- Getting to Know The Country School’s New Head Jay Parker by India Smith
Food & Garden Highlights
Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage Opens Talbot Tour Ticket Sales
Early Bird tickets are now available for the Talbot County Tour of the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage. Organized by the Talbot County Garden ... [Continue Story]
- Wine of the Week: Umbria IGT Grechetto from Argillae Winery
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Talbot Co. Garden Club January 27 Lecture Will Savor All Aspects of Coffee
- Wine of the Week: Vino Rosso Gaio Gaio 2022 from Calabretta Azienda Vinicola
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
Commerce
A Great New Year — Shopping, Exhibits and Events at The Market at Dover Station
Celebrate the New Year at the Market at Dover Station! Merchandise is restocked and fresh, events flourish, and the fine art beckons. Join Easton ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Lost 25,000 Federal Jobs in 2025, Latest Data Show
- Chesapeake Fire & Ice is Back For 2026
- Fello Secures $500,000 State Grant for Easton Crossing Community
- Business Owners Encouraged to Enroll in Talbot Works Business Academy
- Hines, Westerfield and Lahman Graduate from Leadership Maryland’s Programs
Community Notes
Important Dates Set for 2026 St. Michaels Commissioner Election
The Town of St. Michaels has announced key dates for the 2026 Commissioners election. Residents planning to run for office or to vote in the upcoming ... [Continue Story]
- Hunger in Talbot County: Community Response Meets a Growing Need
- Strong Community Response to Bridging the Divide Forum Prompts Venue Change to Easton Firehouse
- Delmarva Pride Center Hosts Second Annual Town Hall on the Future of LGBTQ+ Protections in Maryland
- Connecting Communities: Talbot Thrive Drives Regional Trail Momentum
- St. Michaels Sets May 4 Election for Town Commissioners
- YMCA of the Chesapeake Welcomes Jim Harris and Andy Cheezum to Corporate Board of Directors
Senior Life Highlights
Cruisin’ with Christine: A Group Chat with Duval Mills, Jennifer Hughes, and Ericka Taylor
Over the last ten years, the Spy and Londonderry on the Tred Avon have collaborated on stories about this unique retirement community, which educates ... [Continue Story]
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Susan Andrews
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Chef, Brendan Keegan, Jr.
- Senior Nation: Embrace Your Age, Live Your Best Life by Susan Covey
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Jennifer Hughes
- The Difference Between Try And Triumph Is A Little Umph! By Susan Covey
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Ken Sadler
Arts Notes
Oxford Community Center Upcoming Activities January, February, March 2026
ONGOING WEEKLY CLASSES Mondays, 1-2:30pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes $150 Mondays, 6pm; Jam Session, ... [Continue Story]
- Easton Choral Arts Invites you to “Come Fly With Us” This Spring
- SMAL Announces 2026 Mixed Media Exhibit Winners
- Carpe Diem Arts Announces 2026 Arts Alive: Second Tuesdays Lunchtime Concert Series at Brookletts Place
- Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Presents February Ensembles Series Concerts Featuring Mozart, Schubert, and Penderecki
- January 6: Twelfth Night or Epiphany
- Still Waters Trio Presents Miniatures on January 11 at The Church of the Holy Trinity
Ecosystem Notes
Black Water Rising to Host Free Composting Workshop Led by Jonathan Williams
Black Water Rising is hosting a free workshop on home and community composting led by Jonathan Williams on Thursday, January 22nd at the Dorchester ... [Continue Story]
Education Notes
New Year, New Courses at Chesapeake Forum
Chesapeake Forum is welcoming the new year with a rich lineup of January programs designed to spark curiosity and bring learners together. From ... [Continue Story]
- Special Free Screen of Film by Ken Burns on American Revolution January 14th
- Don’t Miss These CBMM Speaker Events This Winter
- Come in From the Cold to Enjoy the Forum’s Winter Preview on Zoom
- Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers Celebrates Two Staff Members’ Leadership Milestones
- Kent Island Student Selected as First Recipient of St. Andrew’s Foundation Summer Study Abroad Scholarship
- Chesapeake College Announces New Vice President for Administrative Services
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
- Talbot County Department Offers “Thanks for Giving” Training
- Frosty’s Holiday Village Event Rescheduled for Friday, December 12
- Mobile Dental Care Team Expands Access for Dorchester County Students
Commerce Notes
A Great New Year — Shopping, Exhibits and Events at The Market at Dover Station
Celebrate the New Year at the Market at Dover Station! Merchandise is restocked and fresh, events flourish, and the fine art beckons. Join Easton ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Lost 25,000 Federal Jobs in 2025, Latest Data Show
- Chesapeake Fire & Ice is Back For 2026
- Fello Secures $500,000 State Grant for Easton Crossing Community
- Business Owners Encouraged to Enroll in Talbot Works Business Academy
- Hines, Westerfield and Lahman Graduate from Leadership Maryland’s Programs
- Taste of Easton Announced for Spring 2026
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 such niceties? It seemed ... [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]
Spy Poetry
Spy Poetry: In This Brief World by Deidra Greenleaf Allan
Editor’s Note: In the spirit of the approaching new year and its opportunity for resolutions and personal change, this poem explores the poet’s journey toward self-acceptance and her understanding of the path to happiness. This is the last poem from Spy Poetry for the foreseeable future until more funding can be secured to support this […]
Food and Garden Notes
Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage Opens Talbot Tour Ticket Sales
Early Bird tickets are now available for the Talbot County Tour of the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage. Organized by the Talbot County Garden ... [Continue Story]
- Wine of the Week: Umbria IGT Grechetto from Argillae Winery
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Talbot Co. Garden Club January 27 Lecture Will Savor All Aspects of Coffee
- Wine of the Week: Vino Rosso Gaio Gaio 2022 from Calabretta Azienda Vinicola
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
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 colleagues had a weekend cottage in Rock Hall and encouraged me to discover this charming village that is known as the “Pearl of the Chesapeake”. After that first […]
- 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: Unpacking Trump’s Attacks on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boats
- From & Fuller: Epstein Files Fallout and the Future of the GOP
- From & Fuller: What Was Lost During The Government Shutdown?
Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell
Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Top Maryland Stories and a Few Winners and Losers in 2025
Every Wednesday, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell discuss the politics and personalities of the state and region. This ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: An Annapolis Future with a Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk
- Maryland Caucus with Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell: The Worrisome Case of Kelly Madigan
- The Maryland Caucus: Maryland’s Budget Crisis + Redistricting Plans Set in Motion
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Maryland Redistricting Gets Serious and How the 1st District Could be Cut Up
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Moore and Ferguson Not Eye-to-Eye on Redistricting
- Maryland Caucus Podcast with Foxwell and Corchiarino: Maryland’s Emerging Financial Perfect Storm
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 Hugh Panero
The False Nostalgia of Movie Theaters by Hugh Panero
The battle over Netflix's bid to buy Warner Bros. has triggered fears that it will mean the end of the movie theater. The reaction is based on ... [Continue Story]
- Netflix Makes a Blockbuster Move for Warner Bros by Hugh Panero
- AI is Coming for the Music Industry
- ICE Trauma and Drama on the Shore by Hugh Panero
- Homeland Security Threatens Canada Goose Migration by Hugh Panero
- Balancing the Maryland Budget in Extraordinary Times by Hugh Panero
- The Death of TikTok by Hugh Panero
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
- 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
Columnist Jamie Kirkpatrick
The Third Law By Jamie Kirkpatrick
Last week, Sir Issac Newton would have celebrated his 383rd birthday. Remember Sir Isaac? He was the gentleman who, while “in a contemplative mood,” ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
Love-bombed By Laura J. Oliver
I'm being love-bombed by ChatGPT. I want to hate it, but do I? I just googled a column I recorded for my show, This is How the Story Goes on ... [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
Blue Dogs by Al Sikes
Who knew? There is still a Blue Dog Caucus in the Democratic Party, even as New Yorkers elect a socialist as Mayor of America’s largest city. The Caucus is said “to be an official caucus in the House of Representatives comprised of “fiscally-responsible Democrats who are leading the way to find common sense solutions.” And […]
Opinion
Election 2026: Heather Mizeur and Rick Hughes on Respectful Civic Engagement
As Americans continue to grapple with deepening political and cultural divides, a new kind of gathering is taking root on the Eastern Shore—one aimed ... [Continue Story]
- Horn Point Cuts Put Chesapeake Oyster Recovery at Risk by Sarah Gavian
- This Bears My Love to You Pooh by David Wheelan
- When Money Buys the Right to Be Heard, the People’s Voice Is Drowned Out by Tom Dennis
- “Fail First” is a Failure Always Ali Asghar Kassamali
- Remembering Mike Hiner by Robbie Gill
- 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
- Opinion: Marylanders Need Pro-Business Policies by Jamie McNealy
- Spy Daybook: Just Because You Can; Does Not Mean You Should by Calvin Yowell
- Reflections on the YMCA Legacy of Ellen Rajacich by Robbie Gill
- The Imprisonment of Judge Carmichael and the Suspension of Habeas Corpus by Paul Callahan
- Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
- A Conservative Look at the Trump Tariff Policy by David Montgomery
- The Need to Call Out Gunsallus Falsehoods by Megan Cook
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Renee Good needs a Talbot County Vigil
I would like to propose that residents of Talbot County hold a vigil for Renee Nicole Good by the Courthouse. Certainly, we can pull together to honor ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Regarding a Dan Watson Candidacy for Talbot County Council
- Letter to Editor: Five Years After January 6 the Truth Is Still Under Attack
- Letter to Editor: Trump is Acting like a Dictator
- Letter to Editor: Lessons from Geese
- Letter to Editor: The Grinch Known as Talbot County’s Short Term Rental Bill 1622
- Letter to Editor: Who Should Vote in Oxford?
