I am a bit of a clean freak. I keep my home relatively pristine. Nevertheless, I recognize that the best things in life are messy. Families are ... [Continue Story]
Spy Highlights
Maryland Caucus: Mid-Shore “Sanctuary” FUBAR and Wes Moore’s Trip to South Carolina
Every Wednesday, Maryland political analysts Len Foxwell and Clayton Mitchell discuss the politics and personalities of the state and region. This ... [Continue Story]
- From and Fuller: Trump’s Beautiful Bill in the Senate and Presidential Pardons
- The Maryland Caucus: Moore Vetos, Harris Present, and RIP for Twinny’s Place
- From and Fuller: The House Passes a Controversial Budget and the Biden Age Redux
- The Maryland Caucus: Moody’s Rating Blues and Reparations on Hold
- From and Fuller: Trump’s Big Beautiful 747 and Spotting Democratic Early Birds
- The Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The Maryland Energy Crisis
Public Affairs
Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras
At Monday's town council meeting, Chestertown Town Manager Larry DiRe provided a detailed timeline of renewed efforts to complete the town’s ... [Continue Story]
- Oh Never Mind: Homeland Security Removes Talbot and QAC from Sanctuary List
- “Community Conversation” with Chestertown Police Chief to Address Crime June 5
- Talbot County Named a “Sanctuary Jurisdiction” by Trump Administration
- Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties named as Sanctuary Jurisdictions by Trump Administration
- Celebrate the Summer Solstice with ShoreRivers
- Modular Homes Set on Prospect Street: Kent Attainable Housing Marks Major Milestone in Affordable Housing Project
The Arts
Spy Concert Review: National Music Festival Opening Night by Steve Parks
The National Music Festival opened its 13th annual season with a rousing full-house concert that may prove 13 is a fortunate number for the festival ... [Continue Story]
- The Spy’s Laura Oliver Returns to the Avalon June 4th with More Stories
- Marc Castelli exhibition “The Brutal Elegance of Log Canoes” at MassoniArt June 3 – 30
- Just in Time: The Juilliard String Quartet Comes to the Mid-Shore in June
- Chesapeake Music Celebrates its 40th Year Anniversary—A Time for Reflection and Celebration By Maria Grant
- Chestertown’s 2025 National Music Festival Includes Something for Everyone
- Spy Concert Review: MSO Season Finale by Steve Parks
Chesapeake Ecosystem
Federal Cuts Could Threaten Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a Kent County Treasure
The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, one of Kent County’s most prized natural and recreational resources, is facing an uncertain future due to potential federal funding ... [Continue Story]
- FEMA Cancels $1 Billion for Flood Prevention Projects in Chesapeake Bay Region
- Bay Journal: USDA shuts down ‘climate smart’ program
- The Solar Land Rush—A farmer’s perspective with Judy Gifford
- New polling finds strong Eastern Shore support for offshore wind
- Bay Journal: Nonprofits, states scramble as Trump administration pauses funding for many Chesapeake restoration programs
- Invasive catfish, west coast oyster shells fueling Chesapeake renaissance
On the Hill at Washington College
$4.5 Million Gift to Washington College to Create Two Endowed Chairs, Support Athletics
Richard and Tara Wood, parents of a recent Washington College graduate, have made a substantial gift to the small liberal arts college on Maryland's ... [Continue Story]
- Washington College’s Lifelong Learning Academy Opens Call for New Courses
- Washington College Commencement Recap
- Manassas Native Wins $74k Sophie Kerr Prize from Washington College
- ABC News’ Jonathan Karl to Deliver Washington College Commencement Address
- Six Students Vie For Washington College’s $74k Sophie Kerr Prize
- Community invited to Washington College PoliTalks with Hon. Heather Mizeur
- Upper Shore STRT1UP Roadshow Open to the Public at Washington College
- Chesapeake Changemakers and Natural Maryland Exhibits Coming to Washington College’s MuSE
Health
Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12
Mid-Shore families and individuals in need of a primary care provider are invited to attend a New Patient Welcome Session at Choptank Community ... [Continue Story]
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Mental Health, Parents and Adolescence
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: For All Seasons in All Seasons
- HomePorts: A talk with John Murphy and Karen Carr
- Keys to Treating Stress By Lisa J. Gotto
- Let’s Talk about It: Dare to Lead Training Shapes Mid-Shore Leaders with For All Seasons Beth Anne Dorman
- Mid-Shore Health: Getting to the Heart of Heart Disease with Dr. Ian Davis
Education
‘Life is a Highway’ for KCHS Class of 2025
Every chair and bleacher was filled in Trojan Arena at Kent County High School on Friday, May 30 to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. The rainy days leading up ... [Continue Story]
- WC launches updated Diversity website pages By Heather Fabritz
- MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions
- Wood Foundation awards $100K grant to Radcliffe Creek School
- KCPS Substitute Job Fair Saturday, Feb. 1
- Walls retires after 51 years
- Morgan State professor fined for presenting himself as licensed architect
Maryland News
Potential 2028 Presidential Hopefuls Moore, Walz Steal Show at South Carolina Democratic Weekend
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Minutes before 10 p.m. Friday, after Democratic speakers led the audience in jeers to Republicans’ efforts to slash jobs and health ... [Continue Story]
- Some Good News: Second Bond Rating Agency Reaffirms MD Credit Rating
- Andy Harris stands alone as “Present” for vote on Budget Reconciliation Bill
- Moore Signs Two Energy Bills as June Rate Hikes Loom
- Banker, Blast Owner Ed Hale Preparing a 2026 Challenge to Wes Moore
- Jake Day Eyes Challenge on Eastern Shore to GOP Rep. Andy Harris
- Board of Public Works Reaffirms State Property Tax Rate at Current Rate
Brevities
Chestertown Flashback: Captain Lillie Mae Flowers
In this week’s Flashback Photo, we look forward to summer days on the Chester and the Bay, following the lead set by Captain Lillie Mae Flowers, pictured here circa 1939 ... [Continue Story]
Food Friday
Food Friday: Blueberry Harvest
Suddenly they are everywhere — blueberries. June is about to be busting out all over, summer is almost here, and if you listen carefully you’ll hear the blueberries ripening. ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Patricia Tobacco Forrester
Patricia Tobacco Forrester was born in 1940 in North Hampton, Massachusetts, and she died in 2011 in Washington, DC. When her grandfather, bearing the ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella
Design with Jenn Martella: Landscaping at The Miracle House
Since one of my criteria for selection of a House of the Week is Landscape Design, I always look forward to featuring the work of Landscape Designer ... [Continue Story]
- Design with Jenn Martella: The William Smith House, c. 1794
- Design with Jenn Martella: The Tilley House Redux
- House of the Week: Go Dutch Colonial!
- House of the Week: Captivating Craftsman Bungalow
- Design with Jenn Martella: The Dover, a Sears, Roebuck & Company Design
- Design with Jenn Martella: The (second) empire strikes back
Food and Garden
Adkins Arboretum’s Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo below? The answer to last week's mystery is Copes gray treefrog, Hyla ... [Continue Story]
Delmarva Review
- Delmarva Review: The “Best of” Anthology
- Delmarva Review: Leitmotif by Rita Plush
- Delmarva Review: Arrogance by Katherine J. Williams
- Delmarva Review: A System of Seeing by Colin Jeffrey Morris
- Delmarva Review: The End of the Story by Patty Somlo
- Delmarva Review: Something More Than Winter Weighs (Upon Me) by John Muro
Chesapeake Lens
Chesapeake Lens: “Dippin’ for Crabs” by Tracey Johns
It’s sunrise near St. Michael’s and the late Turk Cannon, Sr. is out on the water. ... [Continue Story]
Commerce
Memorial Day Event to Feature Parade, Entertainment and a Remembrance of Vets Who Died in Combat
Long after the Tea Party tourists have left town, the Memorial Day parade and remembrance on May 26 – long a locals’ favorite – will honor veterans ... [Continue Story]
- Investing in You: A talk with Chesapeake Bank and Trust CEO Bob Altieri
- Kent Attainable Housing Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Homeowners, the Duncan Family
- Kent County and Main Street Chestertown Awarded Grants to Support America’s 250th Semiquincentennial Planning
- Kent County Local Management Board Seeks New Board Members
- Chamber Hosts Post-Legislative Session Discussion with 36th District Lawmakers
- 2025‐2026 Rock Hall Lions Marine Trades offers $1500 Scholarship
Community Notes
Sumner Hall Now Part of the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historic Network
The National Park Service has added Sumner Hall, located at 206 S. Queen St., to its Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. This network, ... [Continue Story]
- Maryland Municipal Government 101—Your Guide to Government Closest to the People
- Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties named as Sanctuary Jurisdictions by Trump Administration
- Commercial Composting Drop off in Chestertown
- Helping Our Neighbors in Need with The Chester Valley Ministers Association
- Rock Hall PorchFest May 25
- Celebrating 13 Years of Leadership, Theresa Snyder Retires as KART Executive Director
Arts Notes
Kent County Chapter of Delmarva Pride Center Hosts “Authentic Selves” Exhibit at Garfield Center
The Kent County chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center is proud to announce that it will host the powerful photo exhibit Authentic Selves: ... [Continue Story]
- Kent County Chapter of Delmarva Pride Center Hosts “Authentic Selves” Exhibit at Garfield Center in Celebration of Pride Month
- All Singers Invited to Join Community Choir Festival
- Bluegrass Favorites, “The High and Wides” Return to The Mainstay
- Bookplate Author Chris Filstrup to Speak June 11
- Announcing Chesapeake Film Festival – The Podcast!
- Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Announces 2025–2026 Season: Bold Voices, Eternal Resonance
Education Notes
Blueprint Gets a Road Map: Two Agencies That Oversee School Reform Agree to Clarify Roles
Local school systems straining to comply with the state’s sweeping Blueprint for Maryland’s Future have had to report to both the Maryland Department ... [Continue Story]
Health Notes
Choptank Health Promotes Bill Baxendale to Facilities Director
Choptank Community Health System’s leadership team recently welcomed Bill Baxendale as Facilities Director. In this role, Baxendale will lead the ... [Continue Story]
- For All Seasons Event Debuts Heart to Heart: Coloring Together
- Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12
- Swimmable ShoreRivers Program bacteria testing program returns!
- Rock Hall PorchFest May 25
- Celebrating 13 Years of Leadership, Theresa Snyder Retires as KART Executive Director
- Memorial Day Event to Feature Parade, Entertainment and a Remembrance of Vets Who Died in Combat
Opinion
Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
Most of us are aware of the damage Donald Trump is doing to government service, freedom of expression, our universities, and democracy. And the moral ... [Continue Story]
- Op-Ed: Anything Goes, but Pete Hegseth May Go First By Aubrey Sarvis
- OP-ED: Mayor and Council: Trust in you has evaporated By Robert Miller
- Kent County and a serious healthcare hit? By Tom Timberman
- Op-Ed: Making American Great Again?
- 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 the Editor: Respecting Arlington National Cemetery
I don’t think about Arlington National Cemetery that often. Living on the east coast much of my life, I have visited it several times, often with ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to the Editor: Praise for the Tea Party
- Letter to Editor: Beware of Homeowner Service Scams
- Letter to the Editor: Let Maryland Voters Decide on Local Control
- Letter to the Editor: When we have lost our democracy, how will we know?
- Letter to the Editor: The Buck Stops Here
- Letter to the Editor: A new gospel
Columnist J.E. Dean
Pardon Me, Mr. President, But Are You Corrupt? By J. E. Dean
Last week, I read a few articles about how Vladimir Putin is turning Trump into a monkey. The “great negotiator” apparently misread his mark and has ... [Continue Story]
- Our President and Bruce Springsteen by J.E. Dean
- Springtime’s Blessings by J.E. Dean
- The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing in the Wind by J.E. Dean
- Trump is Making Us Question Again (Well, at Least Some of Us) by J.E. Dean
- Burn a Tesla? Don’t even Think about It! By J.E. Dean
- Trump 2.0: A House of Cards? By J.E. Dean
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
- 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 Laura Oliver
Shelter by Laura J. Oliver
Editor's note: Join us for Spy Night with Laura Oliver, who will be reading her work in the Stoltz Listening Room at the historic Avalon Theater in ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Ukraine and the 21st Century by Al Sikes
Churchill, Jan. 20, 1940: “Only Finland—superb, nay, sublime in the jaws of peril—Finland shows what free men can do....Everyone can see how Communism ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Messy By Angela Rieck
I am a bit of a clean freak. I keep my home relatively pristine. Nevertheless, I recognize that the best things in life are messy. Families are ... [Continue Story]
Senior Life
Senior Nation: Gardening a Great Boost for Body and Soul by Susan Covey
The calming benefits of being in the natural world are endless and include fresh air, improved mood and concentration, mental clarity, lower ... [Continue Story]
- Senior Nation: April Is Parkinson’s Awareness Month by Susan Covey
- It’s American Heart Month by Susan Covey
- Enjoy the health benefits of Thanksgiving Day by Susan Covey
- Upper Shore Aging Hosts the Re-Dedication of the Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center
- Herb Cain Appointed Executive Director of Upper Shore Aging
- Water, Water Everywhere…For Drinking, Playing And Exercising!
