“‘Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane Don't know when I'll be back again…” John Denver (“Leaving on a Jet Plane”) They call it Billionaires ... [Continue Story]
Spy Highlights

From and Fuller: Elon Musk’s 3rd Party and the Epstein Files MAGA Civil War
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]
- A Baltimore Banner Tribute to Darren Foxwell
- Publisher Notes: Heartfelt Thanks, Welcome Zack Taylor, Foxwell/Mitchell Back July 9th
- Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy 2025!
- From and Fuller: Is the Iran Bombing a Win for Trump and NYC Politics
- From and Fuller: Trump’s Big Iran Problem, Military Parades and No Kings
- Publisher Note: Just Once for the Chestertown Spy in 2025
Public Affairs

Town Surveillance Cameras Repositioned for Activation
At the July 7 meeting of the Chestertown Town Council, Town Manager Larry DiRe reported that the long-delayed activation of the town’s surveillance ... [Continue Story]
- Rock Hall Looks to Start “Welcome Back Ospreys” Event
- Governor Moore Launches “Just Communities” on Juneteenth to Address Racial Wealth Gap
- How Did the Mid-Shore Community Foundation Donate almost $4 Million for the new Regional Hospital?
- Town of Millington Proclaims June as Pride Month
- Community and Law Enforcement Hold Meeting About Crime Uptick
- Town Manager Outlines Progress and Delays for Town Security Cameras
The Arts

From One Generation to the Next: A Community Mural Reimagined by Val Cavalheri
In 2011, more than thirty kids—participants in a summer camp run through the Academy Art Museum—came together to create a large mosaic mural on the ... [Continue Story]
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Al Bond
- Avalon Donates New Gallery to AAM for Plein Air (Sort of): A Chat with Al Bond and Charlotte Potter Kasic
- Easton Art Galleries Welcome Plein Air by Steve Parks
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: David Grafton As Remembered by Stephen Griffin
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Working Artist Forum
- Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame 2025: Hali and Scott Asplundh
Chesapeake Ecosystem

Washington College Earns High Flyer Status for Bird Conservation
Washington College has successfully renewed its Bird Campus recognition from the Maryland Bird Conservation Partnership, reaching the prestigious High Flyer level. The Bird ... [Continue Story]
- McCown Presented with Shorerivers Award for Environmental Stewardship
- Update: Friends of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
- Federal Cuts Could Threaten Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, a Kent County Treasure
- 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
On the Hill at Washington College

Washington College President Michael Sosulski Steps Down
Washington College announced Monday that President Michael J. Sosulski will step down later this summer to become president of Lake Forest College in ... [Continue Story]
- Undergraduates Reveal a MD House’s Underground Railroad History
- $4.5 Million Gift to Washington College to Create Two Endowed Chairs, Support Athletics
- 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
Health

Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Adolescence on Film and About Parents
As part of our ongoing monthly series on mental health, The Spy welcomes back Beth Anne Dorman, CEO of For All Seasons, to help us navigate one of the ... [Continue Story]
- Erectile Dysfunction on the Shore: A Chat with Dr. Robert McDonough
- The Urgent Call to Expand the PACT Act to Cover VOC-Exposed Veterans in Kent County
- Choptank Health Hosts New Patient Welcome Sessions in Chestertown June 10-12
- 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
Education

Lifelong Learning: A Key Pillar of Active Aging
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers lifelong learning as one of the critical pillars to achieve active aging, together with health, participation, and security. This ... [Continue Story]
- Hemstetter Recognized at State Board Meeting
- Wetlands 101: Sultana Education Foundation Presents an Evening of Interactive Science
- KCHS Messages to Seniors
- ‘Life is a Highway’ for KCHS Class of 2025
- WC launches updated Diversity website pages By Heather Fabritz
- MD Senate Panel’s vote on Blueprint bill straddles House, Administration Versions
Maryland News

State Employees offered $20,000 Buyout
Thousands of state employees were notified by email Thursday of a buyout program, part of a plan by Gov. Wes Moore (D) to reduce the size of state ... [Continue Story]
- Labor Secretary Raises Concerns About Solvency Of State Unemployment Fund
- US House Passes Massive Tax Break and Spending Cut Bill, Sending it to Trump – Maryland Matters
- Buyout Offers, Hiring Freeze Coming for State Government Amid Budget Crunch
- State Officials Urge People to Stay Vigilant, Use Caution Amid ‘Hazardous Heat Wave’
- Amid High Energy Bills, Moore Touts $19 Million in Ratepayer Relief From Exelon
- Talbot County Repeals DEI Language to Ensure Airport Work Continues
Brevities

From Motels to the Mandarin by Katherine Emery
When we were first married, my husband (who flew First Class with his parents and stayed at The Hotel Del Coronado and The Royal Hawaiian as a child) professed his love for ... [Continue Story]
Food Friday

Food Friday: Vacation Dogs
Mr. Sanders, Luke the wonder dog and I are off for a little holiday respite in the mountains of North Carolina for the Fourth of July holidays this week. We are planning to ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith

Looking at the Masters: Jacques-Joseph Tissot
Jacques-Joseph Tissot (1836-1902) was a successful painter and printmaker in the 19th Century. Born in Nantes, a port city in France, he would ... [Continue Story]
Design with Jenn Martella

Design with Jenn Martella: Oxford Historic District Gem
Oxford’s Historic District has been a treasure trove for me whenever I begin seeking a house to be featured. This three bay house was probably two ... [Continue Story]
Food and Garden

Coping with Heat and Drought by Nancy Taylor Robson
Despite the reprieve from the recent three-day scorcher, we are likely to have repeats throughout the summer with an added bonus of ... [Continue Story]
- Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday
- Wine of the Week: Marangona Chiaretto Riviera del Garda Classico
- Exploring Garden Solutions with Stephanie Wooton: Chesapeake Bay Herb Society Hosts July 10 Clinic
- Wine of the Week: Rouge de Vallee
- Wine of the Week: Dardinello Sicilia DOC Zibibbo 2023
- Adkins Arboretum’s Mystery Monday: Guess the Photo!
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: “Companions” by Jay Fleming
Tangier Island mayor Ooker Eskridge and his crabbing companion Bella shoving out of Cod Harbor at ... [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

Compass’Camp New Dawn 2025 Season Slots Still Open
Camper spots and volunteer opportunities are still available for our 31st annual Camp New Dawn, a grief retreat summer camp. Camp New Dawn is a ... [Continue Story]
- Small Scale Cider Making: Discussion & Sampling
- From Hunger to Hope: Community Responses to Food Insecurity July 17
- The Reverend Sue Browning Retires From Unitarian Fellowship
- Historical Society Receives Preservation Grant from The Questers
- Remembering Theodore “Ted” Holt Chase
- Town Manager Submits Resignation
Arts Notes

Joe Holt, Sharon Sable, Shawn Qaissaunee – The Greatest Songwriters of the 20th Century
On Friday, August 1 Joe Holt, the Mainstay’s resident impresario and piano accompanist welcomes vocalist Sharon Sable and guitarist E. Shawn ... [Continue Story]
- All Aboard for Murder on the Orient Express at Church Hill Theatre
- The Elephant Man auditions to be held August 3, 4, 5
- CHT Green Room Gang to Present Annie Kids and The Sound of Music Youth Edition
- Church Hill Theatre Announces New Season and Elects New Board Members
- Allegro Academy Performs “Jubilate Deo” at Summer Choir Festival
- The Soul Music Sax-Man Comes to the Mainstay July 25
Education Notes

Institute for Adult Learning (IAL) to Host Fall 2025 Course Showcase on August 6, 2025
Interested in the economics of land development or the state of our rivers? Curious to explore new hobbies, enrich your knowledge, or stay active in a ... [Continue Story]
- MSDE Celebrates Teachers of the Year
- KCMS celebrates eighth-grade promotion
- Commissioners Honor Dr. McComas
- 114th Gunston School Commencement Celebrates The Class of 2025
- Blueprint Gets a Road Map: Two Agencies That Oversee School Reform Agree to Clarify Roles
- CBMM’s Shipyard Set for Busy Summer of Programming
Health Notes

For All Seasons Hosts Hoopers Island Migrant Resource Fair
On June 30, For All Seasons sponsored its third Hoopers Island Migrant Resource Fair at the Volunteer Fire House on Hoopers Island in Fishing Creek, ... [Continue Story]
- From Hunger to Hope: Community Responses to Food Insecurity July 17
- Rowan Michael, MD, Joins the Orthopedic Center
- Hope Floats: Area Residents Juliet Taylor and Tim Abeska Partner with Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating to Host Benefit for Hop On A Cure
- For All Seasons Prioritizes Community Needs with Renovation Amid Federal Cutbacks
- Choptank Health Welcomes Bridget Allison, CRNP, to Federalsburg Health Center
- Prioritizing Children’s Mental Health in the Summer
Opinion

The Year of Wishful Thinking and Broken Promises By Aubrey Sarvis
The jubilant House of Representatives leadership claimed their narrow win, 218-214, on the President’s reckless and cruel tax bill was a “wonderful ... [Continue Story]
- Not Normal: Where Are We Going? By Aubrey Sarvis
- Character Rot: Sounding the Alarm by Johnny O’Brien
- 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?
Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Democracy on Ice
On July 3 2025, 218 blind mice in the House of Representatives passed the Big Beautiful Bodacious Bill, the most amazing bill ever, at least since the ... [Continue Story]
- Letter to Editor: A Vanishing Way of Life
- Letter to the Editor: Truth and Consequences
- Letter to Editor: How the Big Beautiful Bill Would Affect the Mid-Shore
- Letter to the Editor: Getting the Bang for the Buck
- Letter to the Editor: Surprise! I Liked The Parade
- Letter to the Editor: Respecting Arlington National Cemetery
Columnist J.E. Dean

The Sad Case of Senator Thom Tillis by J.E. Dean
In Washington, D.C., a city used to surprises, North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis delivered a big one on Sunday. After joining Senator Rand Paul ... [Continue Story]
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 Lisa J. Gotto
Columnist Laura Oliver

Love by Proxy: Bit by Bit By Laura J. Oliver
My friend and I, both writer-editors, have just been served our blackened salmon salads when he reveals something unexpected. “I’ve been using CHAT ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes

Third Party Apostasy by Al Sikes
Shabang! The world’s richest man declares that he is going to start a new political party—America. Thoughts, from a registered Independent. America’s ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck

Bringing Joy Inside by Angela Rieck
It is that time of the year. The hydrangeas are blooming everywhere. Mostly pink, but some blue hydrangeas are brightening our gardens. In my garden, ... [Continue Story]
Senior Life

Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey
Like most people, you’ve probably heard that activity and exercise are good for you. The frailty and decreased energy often associated with aging is ... [Continue Story]
- Senior Nation: Gardening a Great Boost for Body and Soul by Susan Covey
- 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