Shortly after the Maryland General Assembly convened in January for their 2025 session, I wrote a commentary with the title -- Doing the right thing and consequences in Annapolis. My example of ... [Continue Story]
Public Affairs
Spy and Avalon to Host Easton Election Town Hall Meeting on April 29th
The Spy and the Avalon Foundation will continue their tradition of hosting town hall meetings for local election candidates on April 29th at 6 p.m. at ... [Continue Story]
- County Council Highlights: Keep Solar Farm Regulation Local
- Watermen Closing Out Wild Oyster Season
- Congressman Jamie Raskin Speaks at Cambridge Town Hall
- Budget agreement could generate more than $1 billion in new revenue
- Our Cold, Snowy Winter could Benefit Rockfish Population
- Talbot Council Highlights: Proposal to Remove DEI Statement Fails on 2-3 Vote
Spy Highlights
Beyond Cinderella: Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks by Anke Van Wagenberg
Working at the American Federation of Arts is just about as exciting as an art curator’s job can be curating international and American exhibitions, publishing catalogs, and related travel (while living in beautiful Talbot County). Bringing art to a wide public has been the AFA’s non-profit mission as the leader in traveling exhibitions internationally, since […]
- Spy Concert Review: All-Mozart, Start to Finish by Steve Parks
- From and Fuller: Trump Liberation Day and Wisconsin Election Results
- Dorchester Community Services and Daycare: A Chat with CEO Andy Hollis and Daycare Director Petrae Simpson
- Sci-Fi Comes to Oxford: A Chat with The Man from Earth Director Cece Storm
- Chicken Scratch: I want to tell you… by Elizabeth Beggins
- Promises kept: Tom Ryan’s Mission to save Feral Cats
The Arts and Local Design
Studio B Check in: Betty Huang with Artist Diz Hormel
Studio B Art Gallery is thrilled to announce its participation in the return of the First Friday Gallery Walk for 2025, featuring a special exhibition ... [Continue Story]
- Earth Music: Two Painters, One Song
- Cuban Links in Cambridge by Anke Van Wagenberg
- It’s Springtime at Oxford Community Center: A Chat with Liza Ledford
- Rembrandt Comes to America by Anke Van Wagenberg
- Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld
- Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism by Anke Van Wagenberg
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
Sheriffs defend cooperation with federal officials on immigration enforcement
Supporters of a bill that would force sheriff’s departments to cancel agreements with federal immigration officials said deputies could still enforce ... [Continue Story]
- Tensions boil over in shouting match during final House vote on fiscal 2026 budget
- Ferguson warns of ‘Maryland Recession’
- Federal layoffs pose workforce threats beyond Prince George’s, Montgomery counties
- Services tax added to ‘menu of options’ as state grapples with budget deficit, looming federal cuts
- Maryland has reported high child fatalities for years. Now they say they’ve overreported.
Health
Let’s Talk about It: Dare to Lead Training Shapes Mid-Shore Leaders with For All Seasons Beth Anne Dorman
The opportunity to participate in For All Seasons’ Dare to Lead™ training last month opened my eyes to learning who I am as a leader and how I want my ... [Continue Story]
- Mid-Shore Health: Getting to the Heart of Heart Disease with Dr. Ian Davis
- Let’s Talk About It: A Different kind of Valentine with For All Seasons CEO Beth Anne Dorman
- Mid-Shore Health: The role of forensic nursing with survivors of sexual and physical assault
- 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
Education
MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions
A Senate committee advanced parts of Maryland’s sweeping education reform plan Friday, splitting the difference between versions of the bill advanced ... [Continue Story]
- Wood Foundation awards $100K grant to Radcliffe Creek School
- 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
Food & Garden Highlights
Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the photo
Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured below: The answer to last week's mystery is American sycamore seeds, Platanus ... [Continue Story]
Brevities
Agent 7 Review: Caroline’s Table in Denton worth the Drive
It was a nice day for a weekend drive to lunch. For many, Denton is a place they drive by, but it is increasingly a place to visit and explore. ... [Continue Story]
- The Spy and Avalon Launch New Series with Craig Fuller: Good Dog with Meg Daley Olmert
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Flying Easton Airlines
- Agent 86 Reconnaissance Footage: Opening Day at Oriole Park
- Lyrids and morning planets April 2025 sky-watch by Dennis Herrmann
- Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: March Madness
- The healing power of dogs by Katherine Emery General
Commerce
Qlarant Chief Technology Officer selected for Leadership Maryland Executive Program
Qlarant Chief Technology Officer Will Mapp, III joins the Leadership Maryland Executive Program class of 2025. As a member of the 32nd class, Mapp ... [Continue Story]
- Taylor promoted to Director, Customer Experience
- LYON RUM receives Best of Class Designation; Sailors Reserve Rum earns only gold medal awarded in the Rum category
- Tech, consulting businesses will bear the brunt of proposed sales tax on business services
- Connect and Serve Program Addresses Workforce Development, Civic Service
- Qlarant Foundation selects Lamont Thompson as Board Chair
Community Notes
A Talbot County Act of Kindness: Giving A Place in Line
My daughter and her two-year old daughter recently flew to the US from Europe for a visit with us here in Easton. Lugging a large suitcase, along with ... [Continue Story]
- CBMM kicks off 60th anniversary celebration
- Eastern Shore Community Rowers offers free learn-to-row intro sessions
- Kathy Deoudes and Beth Anne Dorman to receive Women & Girls Fund community awards
- Delmarva Community Services offers free tax preparation
- Budget agreement could generate more than $1 billion in new revenue
- Burke & Herbert Bank donates to Delmarva Community Services
Senior Life Highlights
Senior Nation: April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Susan Covey
It is time to spread awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s Disease. This is a chronic condition affecting approximately one million people in the ... [Continue Story]
Arts Notes
The Fiber Arts Center presents Joanne Scott – Inspiration in Fiber
Joanne Scott is more widely known on a national scale for her visual art - watercolor, acrylics, etchings and lithographs. She had many one woman ... [Continue Story]
- Deadline extended for Talbot Day 2025 poster contest
- Shore Lit and the AAM host book talk with acclaimed author Sara Nović, author of True Biz.
- Chesapeake Film Festival’s 18th film festival is now open for submissions
- Trippe Gallery awarded Best Art Gallery 2025 on the Eastern Shore
- Studio B Art Gallery welcomes featured artist, Diz Hormel
- Spy Review: Graham Nash Launches 2025 Tour in Easton
Ecosystem Notes
2025 Waterfowl Community in Conservation Grant Fund open for applications
Easton, MD - The Waterfowl Festival is excited to match resources with environmental needs across the region through its annual “Community in ... [Continue Story]
Education Notes
States ordered by U.S. Education Department to certify school DEI ban or lose funds
This story was updated at 6:44 p.m. EDT. WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education demanded in a letter to state education leaders on Thursday ... [Continue Story]
- Spring gets off to a lively start at Chesapeake Forum’s preview party
- Tech CEO to speak about AI technology for seniors at the Library
- Knights of Columbus Oratorical contest: Saints Peter and Paul students excel
- Cristy Morrell chosen for the Leadership Maryland Executive Program class of 2025
- Delmarva Community Services appoints new Director of Sprouts Early Childhood Learning Center in Cambridge
- Tilghman Watermen’s Museum academic scholarship available
Health Notes
YMCA of the Chesapeake highlights Parkinson’s Awareness Month across the shore
This April, the YMCA of the Chesapeake is proud to recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month by hosting special events and offering vital programs for ... [Continue Story]
- For All Seasons open house celebrates new Chestertown location
- Developmental disability community ‘tentatively exuberant’ at restored funding
- For All Seasons partners with Santé Eastern Shore to offer Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
- UM SRH Health welcomes Ali Tabatabai, MD, as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
- Hummingbird Inn to host A Mother’s Rest, for extra needs moms & caregivers
- For All Seasons office moves to new location in Chestertown
Commerce Notes
Qlarant Chief Technology Officer selected for Leadership Maryland Executive Program
Qlarant Chief Technology Officer Will Mapp, III joins the Leadership Maryland Executive Program class of 2025. As a member of the 32nd class, Mapp ... [Continue Story]
- Taylor promoted to Director, Customer Experience
- LYON RUM receives Best of Class Designation; Sailors Reserve Rum earns only gold medal awarded in the Rum category
- Tech, consulting businesses will bear the brunt of proposed sales tax on business services
- Connect and Serve Program Addresses Workforce Development, Civic Service
- Qlarant Foundation selects Lamont Thompson as Board Chair
- Lahman and Westerfield chosen for Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader Program 2nd Class
Food Friday
Food Friday: Radishes
Early spring brings us delicious young vegetables: peas, asparagus, garlic, and radishes. Radishes are the pink darlings of early spring. Cherry red, fuchsia, magenta, hot ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Primavera
It is Primavera, or Spring in English. The term is derived from the Latin primus tempus. Spring began this year on March 20, and it will come to an ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
Design with Jenn Martella : Thinking inside the box
This unique house, designed by its Architect/Owner, is sited on a narrow peninsula between the Honga River and the Chesapeake Bay. The 0.9 acre lot includes a dock with a boat lift across the entry road, a driveway that can accommodate two cars and a bayside outbuilding. The aerial shot illustrates the house’s simple form, […]
From and Fuller Podcast
From and Fuller: Trump Liberation Day and Wisconsin Election Results
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: What does the Signal Chat Signal for Team Trump
- From and Fuller: Are the Courts Strong Enough to Push Back Trump and the End of JFK Conspiracies?
- From and Fuller: The Politics of a Government Shutdown and Trade War Impact
- From and Fuller: Ukraine Meets Trump 2.0 and Reviewing the State of the Union
- From and Fuller: The State of Resistance – Is Washington the New Moscow?
- From and Fuller: The Real Impact of DOGE
Columnist J.E. Dean
Burn a Tesla? Don’t even Think about It! By J.E. Dean
Until recently, I had assumed that there were Tesla dealerships on the Eastern Shore even though I had never seen one. There aren’t any. Tesla ... [Continue Story]
- Trump 2.0: A House of Cards? By J.E. Dean
- Worried About Flooding? Donald Trump Doesn’t Have Your Back by J.E. Dean
- Is Andy Harris representing Maryland or Donald Trump? By J.E. Dean
- How to Destroy American Higher Education by J.E. Dean
- Trump 2.0: The good, the bad, the ugly and the insane by J.E. Dean
- Trump’s dangerous tariff game is making the world a more dangerous place 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
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
April Fools By Jamie Kirkpatrick
Harry Truman was my first President. I don’t remember much about him. After all, I was only two months old when he held up that newspaper headline ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Laura Oliver
And then there were three (For Sharon and Andrea) By Laura J. Oliver
I’m at my sister’s horse farm basking in a late-March, Blue Ridge mountain twilight, enjoying a glass of wine around the firepit with my two older ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Scientific revolution by Angela Rieck
Arguably, one of the most important books in the 20th century was Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, published in 1962. Before his ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
“Walking Around Money” by Al Sikes
“Walking around money”, it was called. I was twelve years old and helping my Dad run for a seat on Sikeston, Missouri’s Board of Aldermen. In plain sight, I saw money being given to voters. I was told that it was not uncommon to pay somebody to go vote, and the amount of money was […]
Opinion
Maryland’s Budget Crossroads Demands Unity, Not Division by Patrick Firth
If there’s one thing Republicans and Democrats can agree on, it’s that Maryland is facing a budget crisis. But how we got here – and why it’s becoming ... [Continue Story]
- The Political is Personal: Reflections on DEI by Margaret Andersen
- 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
Letters to the Editor
Letter to Editor: Give Us The Truth
"The truth will out.” While I cannot recall the year, I am certain the first time I heard that expression came from my father. I do not recall if ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: Tell the Community Why Trump Tariffs Make Sense
- These Republicans Are Right – Don’t Blame Governor Wes Moore For Maryland’s Long-Projected Budget Deficit
- Letter to Editor: What is Happening to Our Land of the Free and Home of the Brave?
- Letter to Editor: Maryland’s Program Open Space at Risk
- Letter to Editor: Don Abbatiello for Council President
- Letter to Editor: Don’t Divide Easton Along Racial Lines
