The Invisible Kingdom is a book that chronicles Meghan O’Rourke’s struggle with an undiagnosed auto-immune disease. She describes the decade-long journey to get treatment for an autoimmune disorder ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
County Council Update: Lakeside Resolutions Discussed and More
The Talbot County Council held their regular meeting on April 9, 2024, at 6 p.m.; all Council members were present. Proclamation: National Public ... [Continue Story]
- House, Senate Send $63 Billion Budget to Governor
- Maryland House and Senate leaders Say They have a Budget Agreement
- Going on 15 Years: A Chat with Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s Julie Lowe
- 1st District Candidate Forums Announced for April 21 at Chesapeake College
- Revitalizing Tradition: Deena Kilmon’s Vision for the Waterfowl Festival
- The Campaign to Expunge Old Cannabis Convictions: A Chat with Shore Legal Access’s Laura Chafey
Spy Highlights
From and Fuller: Speaker Johnson’s Foreign Aid Pickle and Trump Trapped in the Courtroom
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 Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s challenge of his chamber’s votes on aid to Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and border security as some conservative Freedom Caucus members begin […]
- Dedicating the Original Choptank River Bridge with FDR and the Sequoia
- Let’s Talk About It: Human Trafficking on the Mid-Shore with Beth Anne Dorman
- A New Steward at the Academy: Meet AAM Curator Lee Glazer
- Spy Review: Zackary Lucky Brings His Sad, Powerful Songs to the Stoltz
- From and Fuller: The Trump Abortion Position and How Important is Money in 2024?
- The Eastern Shore Trail Network Vision with ESLC’s Owen Bailey
The Arts and Local Design
Spy Review: They’re All Winners in this Contest by Steve Parks
A trio who got together barely nine months ago – late in the summer of 2023 – came away with the top prize of $10,000 in the 11th biennial Chesapeake ... [Continue Story]
- TAP Time: Tred Avon Players Liz Clarke and Cavin Moore on “Vanities”
- Two Art Grants Programs that Might Change Lives with Talbot Arts’ Joan Levy
- Spy Music Review: Concerto to Die For by Steve Parks
- Spy Arts Diary: A Stands for Art in April by Steve Parks
- Spy Concert Review: The Final 3 in MSO Concerto Playoff by Steve Parks
- Spy Review: Jonathan Richman at the Avalon by Mark Pelavin
Chesapeake Ecosystem
Maryland’s Oyster Sanctuaries Show Promising Signs by Joe Zimmermann
At first, oyster biologists were concerned. Monitoring efforts at some restoration sanctuary reefs in 2022 weren’t pulling up many oysters, even ... [Continue Story]
- Deena Kilmon Appointed Executive Director of Waterfowl
- The Eagle’s Owl Nest: After Years of Teasing, This Great Horned Owl Couple Finally Delivers
- Mid-Shore Ecosystem: Record Breaking Farm Land Saved by QAC but Future Funding Looks Bleak
- Md. Offshore Wind Project Loses Energy: Developer Announces ‘Repositioning’ Of Project
- A Conservation Journey From Cordova to Palaka and Back to Delmarva by Norman Greenhawk
- Environmental Reclamation and Sustainability for the Bay: The Poplar Island Project
Maryland News
Here are Some Bills to Watch on the Final Day of Session
The General Assembly session began on Jan. 10 with dire news over projected deficits. It will end Monday with a total eclipse of the sun. In ... [Continue Story]
- Should People with Severe Mental Health Needs get Court-Ordered Treatment?
- MD House Fiscal Leader Can’t Rule Out Extended Session on Budget
- Maryland’s Budget Compromise Languishes As Annapolis Debate Revenues
- A Check in with Cambridge Mayor Steve Rideout: The Resignation of a Highly-Respected City Manager
- Key Bridge Update: Six Workers Presumed Dead
Health
Compass in Review: A Chat with CEO Heather Guerieri
Every year, the Spy makes it a point to talk to Heather Guerieri, the CEO of Compass, the Mid-Shore's largest nonprofit hospice organization, for an ... [Continue Story]
- Working Together on Senior Care: A Chat with Talbot Health’s Carrie Ottey and Upper Shore Aging’s Andy Hollis
- Mid-Shore Health: The Road to Recovery at Shore Medical Center’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Clinics
- Mid Shore Health Improvement Coalition Launches Health Careers Website
- Mid-Shore Health: The New Science of Orthopedic Care with Drs. Myron Szczukowski and Dr. Sheila Taylor
- The Moore Budget Shows $100M for Proposed Medical Center
Education
Horn Point Professors Named U.S. Fulbright Scholars
Early March brought the announcement that Ming Li and Matthew Gray, faculty members of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Blueprint: Implementation in Dorchester County
- Blueprint Implementation Continues: New Plans Reveal Ongoing Challenges For Schools
- Chesapeake Forum’s New Era of Lifelong Learning with James Adams and Claudia Dziobek
- Building a Pathway to Serve with MD’s Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro
- CBMM Panel to Feature Growing Her Helm Community
Food & Garden Highlights
Getting Ready for Chesapeake Bay Week with MPT’s Sarah Sampson
April 21st marks the beginning of Chesapeake Bay Week on Maryland Public Television (MPT). And it is safe to say, as MPT enters the 20th year of this ... [Continue Story]
- Move Over Horny Goat Weed, Here Comes Pollen
- From and Fuller: Speaker Johnson’s Foreign Aid Pickle and Trump Trapped in the Courtroom
- Could Some Auto-Immune Diseases Become a Thing of the Past?
- Spy Review: They’re All Winners in this Contest by Steve Parks
- Opinion: Why did Medical-Aid-in-Dying Bill Stall? By Michael Strauss
Brevities
Move Over Horny Goat Weed, Here Comes Pollen
GRACE CREEK ALMANAC - So, this week’s hot news involves the unique, annual, and sublimely quiet spring storm sifting everywhere around us. No, not ... [Continue Story]
- Earth Day by Kate Emery General
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Waiting for the Train in Royal Oak
- Eclipse by Kate Emery General
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Ok, Now Everyone Say “Cheese”
- Spring Cleaning by Kate Emery General
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: I Hear the Swaines Drove Over for the Orioles Opening Day
Commerce
Getting Ready for Chesapeake Bay Week with MPT’s Sarah Sampson
April 21st marks the beginning of Chesapeake Bay Week on Maryland Public Television (MPT). And it is safe to say, as MPT enters the 20th year of this ... [Continue Story]
- Move Over Horny Goat Weed, Here Comes Pollen
- From and Fuller: Speaker Johnson’s Foreign Aid Pickle and Trump Trapped in the Courtroom
- Could Some Auto-Immune Diseases Become a Thing of the Past?
- Spy Review: They’re All Winners in this Contest by Steve Parks
- Opinion: Why did Medical-Aid-in-Dying Bill Stall? By Michael Strauss
Community Notes
A Powerful Story of The Last Living Twin Holocaust Survivors at Satell Center May 5
Join us on Sunday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m., at Temple B’nai Israel–The Satell Center for Jewish Life on the Eastern Shore, as Marion Ein Lewin recounts ... [Continue Story]
- Envisioning a Community Recreation Center for Queen Anne’s County
- Oxford’s Norm Bell Announces Candidacy for Town Commissioner
- Talbot County Free Library awarded $110,300 donation
- County Commissioners Seeking Members for Several Boards and Commissions
- Oxford 1964: The Times They Were A-Changin’
- Save The Date: Neavitt Flea Market June 8, 2024
Senior Life Highlights
Could Your Core Be Getting Frail? By Susan Covey
As you probably know, a weak core impacts everyday life...but maybe more than you think. If basic functional movements like getting out of bed or ... [Continue Story]
- Working Together on Senior Care: A Chat with Talbot Health’s Carrie Ottey and Upper Shore Aging’s Andy Hollis
- Senior Life: Stepping Out by Susan Covey
- Cruisin’ with Christine: For the Love of Rotary at Londonderry with Robert Grill
- Londonderry on the Tred Avon Welcomes Brian Cotter to Board of Directors
- Housekeeping Team Contributes to Superior Lifestyle at Londonderry on the Tred Avon
- Cruisin’ with Christine: A Kitchen Inspection at Londonderry
Arts Notes
Getting Ready for Chesapeake Bay Week with MPT’s Sarah Sampson
April 21st marks the beginning of Chesapeake Bay Week on Maryland Public Television (MPT). And it is safe to say, as MPT enters the 20th year of this ... [Continue Story]
- Mid-Atlantic Symphony Premiere of “Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue”
- Upcoming Arts Events in Caroline County
- Casting Call! The Hallelujah Girls
- Art Notes: Fundraisers that Feature Fun and Food this Month
- Oxford Community Center: April, May, and June 2024: Overview Of Upcoming Activities
- Main Street Gallery’s Spring Show is “Joy Through Art”
Ecosystem Notes
Adkins Mystery Monday: Guess the Picture!
The answer to last week's mystery is red oak flowers, pictured below. Red oaks flower early in spring, from February to May, ... [Continue Story]
Education Notes
Heron Pickleball Tournament Raises $7,000 for Gunston Athletics
The Gunston School’s first annual Heron Pickleball Tournament was held Saturday, April 13 on the school’s 75-acre campus, bringing together a vibrant ... [Continue Story]
- Darius Johnson Appointed to Maryland Historical Trust Board of Trustees
- Dr. Matthew Kibler Named as QACPS Assistant Superintendent
- Benedictine Programs and Services Receives $1.8 Million 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending Funding
- Author Ginda Simpson to Speak at the St. Michaels Library April 18
- Surprising Stories, Spring Bulbs and Investment Opportunities for Seniors at Chesapeake Forum
- Building African American Minds Hosts Second Annual Career Expo April 20
Health Notes
Talbot Goes Purple will collect medications for National Take Back Day
Talbot Goes Purple this week announced prescription medication collection from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 27, in St. Michaels, as part of National ... [Continue Story]
- Shore Regional Health Celebrates Donate Life Month
- Queen Anne’s County Emergency Services to Host Community Emergency Response Team Training (CERT)
- Habitat Choptank Receives $450,000 Funding for Camper Street Neighborhood Project
- Health Fair Coming to Delmarva Pride Center
- Free Mental Health Screenings Offered in Easton This Month at Grace Street
- For All Seasons Offers Focused Staff Trainings Around Trauma
Commerce Notes
Getting Ready for Chesapeake Bay Week with MPT’s Sarah Sampson
April 21st marks the beginning of Chesapeake Bay Week on Maryland Public Television (MPT). And it is safe to say, as MPT enters the 20th year of this ... [Continue Story]
- Move Over Horny Goat Weed, Here Comes Pollen
- From and Fuller: Speaker Johnson’s Foreign Aid Pickle and Trump Trapped in the Courtroom
- Could Some Auto-Immune Diseases Become a Thing of the Past?
- Spy Review: They’re All Winners in this Contest by Steve Parks
- Opinion: Why did Medical-Aid-in-Dying Bill Stall? By Michael Strauss
- Looking at the Masters: Daisies and Beavers
Food Friday
Food Friday: Presto, Pesto!
Ah, spring! Yesterday it was warm and sunny, with gentle zephyr breezes, and drifts of swirling white dogwood petals. Luke the wonder dog and I sunned ourselves on the back ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Daisies and Beavers
If you were born during the month of April, the daisy is your birth flower. Ancient Egyptians grew daisies for their medicinal value. Eating daisies ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
House of the Week: Four-Square Fabulous
Now that Dorchester County is part of my beat, I am enjoying becoming acquainted with Cambridge’s historic neighborhoods. This house caught my eye for several reasons; its location only two blocks from the Choptank River, its deep lot, and its modified American Four-Square architectural style. Features of this style include its boxy footprint with square […]
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: Speaker Johnson’s Foreign Aid Pickle and Trump Trapped in the Courtroom
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: A Deep Dive into Battleground State Wisconsin and MAGA Move for Trump Airport
- From and Fuller: Trump Antisemitism, Ohio Primary Results, and Hogan Poll Numbers
- From and Fuller: Biden’s SOTU Doesn’t Change Polls and the RFK, Jr. Third Party Threat
- From and Fuller: A Super Tuesday Download and the High Stakes of Biden’s State of the Union Address
- From and Fuller: The Politics of Isolationism and Commander’s Bites
- From and Fuller: Republicans Says No to Border Compromise, Fail to Impeach Mayorkas, and the Trump Defeat on Immunity
Columnist J.E. Dean
Trump’s “Historic Trial” by J.E. Dean
Donald Trump made history Monday in New York as the first American ex-president ever to face trial for a felony. Trump himself said he "was honored" ... [Continue Story]
- The Trump Melt-Down Continues by J.E. Dean
- Keeping Idiots Out of Congress by J. E. Dean
- Pence Declines to Endorse the Man Who Wanted Him Hanged by J.E. Dean
- How is Joe Biden’s Reelection Campaign Going? By J.E. Dean
- What Supporting Trump Says About You by J.E. Dean
- Ten Futures for Donald Trump by J. E. Dean
Columnist Howard Freedlander
Out and About (Sort of): Wondering by Howard Freedlander
One event represented a divided country, resulting in the bloodiest one-day battle ever carried out on American terrain. This Civil War action had favorable consequences for the Union cause based upon a pivotal decision by President Lincoln. The other occasion unified a polarized nation for two hours. Conversation and attention focused on a celestial phenomenon. […]
- Out and About (Sort of): Calming the Waters in Oxford by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Compromise and Cars by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Noteworthy History by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): Race To Watch by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): No Age Limit on Romance by Howard Freedlander
- Out and About (Sort of): No Comparison by Howard Freedlander
Columnist Hugh Panero
Top 15 Indicators That You Are Too Old For Technology by Hugh Panero
15. You refuse to upgrade your Mac operating system because you are terrified it will have bugs and screw up your computer. You only do it when you ... [Continue Story]
- Dune Part 2 and My Son Got Me Back Into a Movie Theater by Hugh Panero
- Governor Moore is About to Have a Moment by Hugh Panero
- The List of the 15 Most Upside-Down Things of 2023 by Hugh Panero
- New Hospital Dreams and Long ER Wait Time Nightmares by Hugh Panero
- New Hospital Dreams and Long ER Wait Time Nightmares by Hugh Panero
- America’s Crash Course on the Law by Hugh Panero
Columnist Craig Fuller
A Technologically Driven Holistic Approach to Healthcare: Craig Fuller Chats with Dr. Rubin Pillay
In a recent insightful interview with Dr. Rubin Pillay, an innovative voice in modern healthcare, the Spy's Craig Fuller was offered a glimpse into ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Jamie Kirkpatrick
Our Colossus
Maybe it’s due to the fragility of our aging infrastructure made apparent by the tragic demise of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, or maybe it’s just ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
Braveheart by Laura J. Oliver
Laura Oliver will be reading her work at the Stoltz Listening Room at the Avalon Foundation in Easton on April 24th at 6 pm as part of our Spy Nights ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Hunting Demons, the Epilogue by Angela Rieck
Last year, I wrote a column (Hunting Down Demons) about the trauma that I experienced when I moved to Key West and was besieged by life events. To ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Abandonment? By Al Sikes
Abandonment? It is hard to know where to start. How many in the political party of Ronald Reagan can now be said to find Vladimir Putin more persuasive than our enduring friendships and alliances? How those who live in freedom could possibly be interested in supporting, even admiring, the callous Putin. As hundreds of Russians […]
Opinion
When Peace Visited War: A Christmas Story by Tom Timberman
Americans approach Christmas 2023 in a dark angry environment that has divided millions, even families and friends. Bethlehem, even Santa Claus and ... [Continue Story]
- A Christmas Carol 2023 by Maria Wood
- The Carbon Darwin Award by Bob Moores
- America’s Civil War of Weaponized Words and the Middle East by Tom Timberman
- Here’s a Test: Can You Recognize a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing? By Maria Grant
- What Happens Next to Israel, Hamas, Palestinians and the US? By Tom Timberman
- Still No Planning? By Carol Voyles
- America is Losing Control of the Israel/Palestinian Global Narrative by Tom Timberman
- Things To Do In A Deer Stand by Rob Etgen
- Towards A National Directory Of Gun Violence by Stan Salett
- Wars, Political Chaos, Confusion and Anger: What to Do? By Tom Timberman
- Are We Judged by the Company We Keep? By Maria Grant
- October 7 Perspective by Bob Moores
- Rockfish Conservation by Rob Etgen
- Thoughts from the Mayor Of Crisfield on the Tawes Crab Feast and Clam Bake by Darlene Taylor
- The House is Dysfunctional; Where’s the Contingency Plan? By Tom Timberman
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Editor: After reflecting on the bridge disaster in Baltimore Harbor, I have two proposals: First, the bridge’s eventual replacement should not ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Legal Challenge To Striped Bass Regulations Gets Wide Support
- Letter to Editor: Planning Commission Decisions On Lakeside This Tuesday
- Letter to Editor: Your Personal Guide to the Colossal Lakeside Mess and the Way Out
- Letter to Editor: Neighbors Helping Neighbors Journey To Citizenship
- Letter to Editor: Trust the Science; Listen To the Experts
- Letter to Editor: With Memories of Escaping Russia, A Plea for Aid to Ukraine