My Dad was a retailer in a small town in Southeast Missouri. Name: Kendall Sikes. In my youth, Dad and his brother had a store that, among other things, sold toys. In our family, Christmas was a ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
County’s Short Term Rental Bill 1622 Dies After Sponsors Withdraw Support
If there were a need for proof that Talbot County Councilmembers do indeed listen to the community before voting on bills before them, last night's ... [Continue Story]
- Talbot Preservation Alliance has Concerns with Easton’s 2025 Comp Plan
- Sobering Community Needs Report Draws Questions from Councilmember Montgomery on Data Accuracy
- On the Street Where You Live: Easton’s Complete Streets Design to Fix Traffic Trouble Spots
- Talbot County Grapples with Contentious Short-Term Rental Bill
- Crab Season Fades, Oyster Harvesting in Full Swing
- Easton Council Approves 2026 Parks Plan
Spy Highlights
From and Fuller: The Trump 2026 Election Strategy and FIFA Peace Prize
Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news. This week, From and Fuller discuss President Trump’s first political speech of the 2026 election and his strategy for a highly competitive midterm Congressional race. Al and Craig also compare notes on the president being awarded […]
- 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
- From & Fuller: Unpacking Trump’s Attacks on Alleged Venezuelan Drug Boats
- Chicken Scratch: The Subtitle of Life — by Elizabeth Beggins
- From & Fuller: Epstein Files Fallout and the Future of the GOP
- The Maryland Caucus: Maryland’s Budget Crisis + Redistricting Plans Set in Motion
The Arts and Local Design
Shrek the Musical Comes to the Avalon Just in Time for the Holidays
When Shrek the Musical stomps onto the Avalon Theatre stage this month, it arrives with the kind of joyful chaos only an Avalon holiday production can ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- Spy Review: MSO Salutes 3 of the All-Time Greats by Steve Parks
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
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 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 Levies Fines on Perdue, Valley Proteins for Environmental Violations
- Bay Climate Adaptation: The TNC Guide in Finding the Money for Major Infrastructure Change
Maryland News
Moore Pledges No Taxes in Coming Session as State Faces Another Massive Budget Gap
Gov. Wes Moore (D) told a gathering of county leaders in Cambridge Thursday that he will not propose tax increases to close a projected $1.5 billion ... [Continue Story]
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
Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: A Spy in New York City
Agent 86 approached management last week and asked if he could receive his Christmas bonus early in order to fund a trip to the Big Apple. 86 wanted ... [Continue Story]
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: I’ll Meet You at Hill’s
- Spy Agent 8 Surveillance: Easton Holiday Parade Report
- Resilience, After All, Is a Gift By Katherine Emery General
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: The New Hospital is Starting to take Shape
- Finding Light in a Heavy December By Katherine Emery General
- December 2025 Sky-Watch By Dennis Herrmann
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
Wine of the Week: Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG from the Cieck Winery
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG ($19.50, 12.5% ABV) from the Cieck winery in San ... [Continue Story]
Commerce
Hines, Westerfield and Lahman Graduate from Leadership Maryland’s Programs
Easton Utilities is proud to recognize three team members who have graduated from Leadership Maryland. John Hines III, P.E., Vice President of ... [Continue Story]
Community Notes
Abbott, Goller and Taylor Graduate from Shore Leadership Programs
Three team members from Easton Utilities graduated from the Shore Leadership program. Aaron Goller, Senior Engineer and Paula Taylor, Director of the ... [Continue Story]
- Rivers & Roads Consulting Completes Strategic Plan for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Easton
- Robbie & Jen Gill to Receive Distinguished Citizen Award from Delmarva Council
- MPT Series Maryland Farm & Harvest Visits Locations in Talbot and Caroline Counties During December 9 Episode
- Town and Country’s Sixth Annual Rare Bourbon Raffle is Underway!
- Oxford Prepares Festive Welcome for Christmas on the Creek
- Oxford Holiday Market Returns December 12-14 to Oxford, Maryland
Senior Life Highlights
Cruisin’ with Christine: A Chat with Londonderry’s Susan Andrews
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]
- 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
- State Officials Launch 10-Year Plan to Boost Supports for Growing Senior Population
Arts Notes
SMAL Announces Winners Of 2025 “Martha Hudson Awards For Excellence In Watercolor”
The St. Michaels Art League has announced the winners of the 2025 Martha Hudson Awards for excellence in watercolor. Martha Hudson was well-known ... [Continue Story]
- SMAL Announces Winners of 2025 “Martha Hudson Awards For Excellence in Watercolor”
- AAM Joins the Fun of Artful Ingenuity at Easton’s Holiday Parade
- CARPE DIEM! ARTS ALIVE! December 9th OCEAN: Song of Solstice. Celtic Revelries for the Holiday Season
- The Art of the Small Painting at The Trippe Gallery
- Academy Art Museum Breaks Ground On Henny and James Freeman Annex and Hormel Research Center at Historic Property on Talbot Lane
- SMAL Presents “Mix It Up” Exhibit at the Saint Michaels Community Center
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]
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
- Shaper’s Poinsettia Sale To Benefit Critchlow Adkins Returns
- Gunston Welcomes 47 Students to the National Honor Society
- Foundation of HOPE Breaks Ground on HOPE Center
- Gunston School Transforms Education into Action with Civic Learning Day
Health Notes
Talbot County Department Offers “Thanks for Giving” Training
The Talbot County Department of Social Services (DSS) offers an annual appreciation event, “Thanks for Giving,” for its resource parents and their ... [Continue Story]
- Frosty’s Holiday Village Event Rescheduled for Friday, December 12
- Mobile Dental Care Team Expands Access for Dorchester County Students
- 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
Commerce Notes
Hines, Westerfield and Lahman Graduate from Leadership Maryland’s Programs
Easton Utilities is proud to recognize three team members who have graduated from Leadership Maryland. John Hines III, P.E., Vice President of ... [Continue Story]
- Taste of Easton Announced for Spring 2026
- Will Mapp Graduates from Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program
- A Delightful December! — Shopping, Exhibits and Events at The Market at Dover Station
- CWDI Announces Hire of Tracy Ward as Chief Administrative Officer
- Easton Prepares For Shop Small Saturday 2025
- Mid-Shore Real Estate with Chuck Mangold: 2025 Still Looking Pretty Darn Good
Food Friday
Food Friday: Happy Holidays!
May the Hanukkah lights find you together with loved ones. We had our first snowfall the other night. It made me wish to be a school child again - not for playing outside ... [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]
Spy Poetry
Spy Poetry: The Journey by James Wright
Editor’s Note: I fell in love with this poem on first reading it. Its simple yet evocative language, the subtle shift in significance and meaning of the word dust, and the unforgettable image of the spider, touched by sunlight, stepping lightly through the accumulations of her wind-blown ruins, as Wright advises us to do. The […]
Food and Garden Notes
Wine of the Week: Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG from the Cieck Winery
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG ($19.50, 12.5% ABV) from the Cieck winery in San ... [Continue Story]
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine of the Week: Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from the Coste Di Brenta Winery
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine of the Week: Rosso del Veronese IGT
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
- Wine(s) of the Week: Thanksgiving Trio 2025
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 buff, I am always curious to know the origin of a town’s name. I learned Trappe was incorporated in 1827 and its name may have been inspired by either wolf traps or […]
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: The Trump 2026 Election Strategy and FIFA Peace Prize
Every Thursday, the Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news. This week, From and Fuller discuss ... [Continue Story]
- 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?
- 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
Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell
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]
- 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
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Can Maryland Democrats Redistrict Out Andy Harris?
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 Hugh Panero
Netflix Makes a Blockbuster Move for Warner Bros by Hugh Panero
Last week, Netflix announced a blockbuster deal to purchase Warner Bros., including the film studio, the HBO MAX streaming service, and HBO, for $72 ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- The Awkward Gentrification of Bellevue 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
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
Write the Damn Book By Laura J. Oliver
Twenty-three years before Tom Clancy would die of congestive heart failure at the age of 66, and at the height of his skyrocketing publishing career, ... [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
“Character Is Destiny” by Al Sikes
My Dad was a retailer in a small town in Southeast Missouri. Name: Kendall Sikes. In my youth, Dad and his brother had a store that, among other things, sold toys. In our family, Christmas was a really big deal—earthly and beyond. Beyond the transcendent part, our Church was important. Mom, Marcia Sikes, was the […]
Opinion
“Fail First” is a Failure Always Ali Asghar Kassamali
Imagine walking into a health care clinic only to find that our loved one cannot receive the medication their doctor recommends, not because it is ... [Continue Story]
- 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
- I Support Don Abbatiello for Easton Council President by David Montgomery
- Maryland’s Budget Crossroads Demands Unity, Not Division by Patrick Firth
- The Political is Personal: Reflections on DEI by Margaret Andersen
- New report reveals value of resource conservation for Shore businesses by John Horner
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: The Grinch Known as Talbot County’s Short Term Rental Bill 1622
The Grinch Sneaks Policy Down the Chimney or why the late-stage petition to amend Bill 1622 undermines public trust. Just when Talbot County ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Who Should Vote in Oxford?
- How Far can Trump Push his Military Commanders? By Jim Bruce
- Letter to Editor: Councilmember Montgomery Wrong on Bias Claim
- Letter to Editor: Protecting What Makes Easton, Easton
- Letter to Editor: Electricity Rates and Artificial Intelligence
- Letter to Editor: RIP Civility
