I finally succumbed to learning Mahjong. A number of people had asked me to join in Mahjong games and I was recalcitrant. I remember the senior women ... [Continue Story]
Spy Highlights
From and Fuller: A Rough Week for Trump in Court, with Russia and China, as Epstein Returns as the Front Page Story
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]
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: The Governor’s Exchange with Trump and his Italian Vacation with George Clooney
- Remembering Author Roger Vaughan
- From and Fuller: What is Obama Doing in California and Newsom Starts Using Trump Playbook
- Foxwell and Mitchell: Ed Hale, Larry Hogan and the GOP Primary for Governor
- Maryland Caucus with Foxwell and Mitchell: Moore Approval Numbers take a Dip and Van Hollen Heads to Iowa
- From and Fuller: Is Trump Winning the News Cycle and Governor Newsom Pulls the Trigger on Redistricting for 2026
Public Affairs
Citizens Connect Meets September 15th
Please join us for the next meeting of Citizens Connect on September 15th. What are the root causes of polarization between rural and urban ... [Continue Story]
- Shelter Alliance to Hold Innaugaral Event
- National Music Festival Appoints Hallie Emerson as Deputy Director
- Chestertown Jazz Festival 2025
- Celebrate September First Friday with Non-Profit Showcase, Live Music, and College Welcome
- Spy Chat: The Release of Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal and his Future with Len Foxwell
- Update: Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal is Home
The Arts
Water’s Edge and the Underground Railroad by Steve Parks
As remarkable and important as the Water’s Edge Museum collection of Ruth Starr Rose paintings and prints may be, its provenance is even more so. ... [Continue Story]
- Author Carole Weatherford to Speak in Chestertown for One Maryland One Book
- Mainstay Honors Jimmy Buffett August 31
- Garfield Center Announces Cast and Creative Team for The Elephant Man
- The Spy-Chesapeake Film Festival Podcast: A Chat with Casting Director Kimberly Skyrme
- Spy Review: ‘Edge of Your World’ and More at AAM, by Steve Parks
- The Art of Surf: Zach Gallery’s ‘Summer Salt’
Chesapeake Ecosystem
ShoreRivers Hiring Executive Director
ShoreRivers protects Maryland’s Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, education, and engagement. We are seeking a leader who can compassionately ... [Continue Story]
- ShoreRivers Safe to Swim Weekend Report: 8/8
- ShoreRivers Director to Step Down, Search for Successor Begins
- Washington College Earns High Flyer Status for Bird Conservation
- 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
On the Hill at Washington College
Acclaimed Southern Gothic Author Wiley Cash Named 2025-2026 Patrick Henry History Fellow at Washington College
Washington College’s Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience is thrilled to announce the 2025-2026 Patrick Henry History Fellow, ... [Continue Story]
- Washington College Film Series Explores Resistance
- Washington College President Michael Sosulski Steps Down
- 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
Health
Let’s Talk About It: Human Trafficking with For All Seasons’ Susan Ahlstrom
The Spy is continuing its partnership with For All Seasons this month to shed a light on the mostly hidden and often misunderstood issue of human ... [Continue Story]
- A New Era in Women’s Health: A Chat with Shore Health’s Dr. Audrey Bowes Drummey
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: When Summertime is a Downer
- Tick Bites: There’s More to Worry about than just Lyme Disease
- Let’s Talk About It with Beth Anne Dorman: Adolescence on Film and About Parents
- 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
Education
Plans for New KCMS to be Unveiled September 11
Kent County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mary Boswell-McComas invites everyone to a special presentation of the plans for a new Kent County Middle School. A community ... [Continue Story]
Maryland News
Hershey Forms Exploratory Committee, Will Weigh Run for Governor
Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey (R-Upper Shore) has formed an exploratory committee to weigh a 2026 bid for governor, citing the need for ... [Continue Story]
- Poll Finds Majority Concerned That Increases in Food Costs are Outpacing Income
- Hale Cites Pragmatism as He Switches Party Affiliation to Run For Governor
- People with Developmental Disabilities Seeing Medicaid Coverage Lapse More Often
- ‘Mess With Texas’: Plane banner brings Texas redistricting fight to Annapolis
- Lawmakers Must Be Allowed Immigration Detention Visits, US House Dems’ Suit Says
- Maryland Records Most Flash Flood Warnings Since 2020. Here’s why. — Maryland Matters
Brevities
Chestertown Flashback: Massey, Maryland
This undated photo of downtown Massey, Maryland from the turn of the 20th century reveals a peaceful downtown with early automobiles on a still-unpaved central thoroughfare, ... [Continue Story]
Food Friday
Food Friday: Hello, Breakfasts!
Let us take a page from Christmas. Don’t panic - we still have a few months to go before we start worrying about that! But summer vacation is over. And school has started. ... [Continue Story]
Looking at the Masters with Beverly Smith
Looking at the Masters: Spain in the Golden Age – Granada’s Alhambra
During the Golden Age of Spain, from 711 until 1492, Muslims ruled Al-Andalus from Cordoba to Toledo and Seville to Granada. The Nasrid Kingdom of ... [Continue Story]
- Looking at the Masters: Spain in the Golden Age – Seville
- Looking at the Masters: Spain in the Golden Age–Toledo and Seville
- Looking at the Masters: Spain in the Golden Age–Cordoba and Toledo
- Looking at the Masters: Spain in the Golden Age – Cordoba
- Looking at the Masters: Camille Pissarro
- Looking at the Masters: Gustave Caillebotte
Design with Jenn Martella
Design with Jenn Martella: Adaptive Re-Use in Chestertown
The original meaning of the adjective “high” meant importance or superior rank. The term “high street” first appeared in use in the 12th century as ... [Continue Story]
- Design with Jenn Martella: New Year, New Construction
- Design with Jenn Martella: Historic Victorian Gem, circa 1910
- Design with Jenn Martella: Coastal Interiors by Hollace Kutay
- Design with Jenn Martella: Royal Oak Flush
- Design with Jenn Martella: The Hosier Farm at Great Oak Manor, circa 1783-1795
- Design with Jenn Martella: “Oyster Cove”
Food and Garden
Wine of the Week: Bricco Lorella Vino Rosato from Antoniolo Societa Agricola
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste a Rose’, the Bricco Lorella Vino Rosato ($24.50, 13 % ABV) from the Antoniolo ... [Continue Story]
- Wine of the Week: Valle Reale Trebbiano D’Abruzzo
- Wine of the Week: Chiantis from Istine Winery
- Milkweed (Asclepias), Native Plant Trifecta By Nancy Taylor Robson
- Wine of the Week: Otto Uve Gragnano Penisola Sorrentina Rosso Frizzante DOC
- Wine of the Week: Azienda Scala Ciro’ Rosato
- Wine of the Week: Tamellini Soave DOC
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: The Start By Dick Bodorff
Log canoe racing isn’t for the faint of heart, but it sure is something to see. “The Start” by Dick ... [Continue Story]
Commerce
Kent County Announces New Website Design
Kent County Government is excited to announce the official launch of its newly redesigned website, created to provide residents, businesses, and ... [Continue Story]
- Memorial Day Event to Feature Parade, Entertainment and a Remembrance of Vets Who Died in Combat
- 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
Community Notes
Citizens Connect Meets September 15th
Please join us for the next meeting of Citizens Connect on September 15th. What are the root causes of polarization between rural and urban ... [Continue Story]
- Historical Society Fall Schedule
- Shelter Alliance to Hold Innaugaral Event
- Invitational Corvette Class Adds Spark to Sept. 28 Concours Event on Kent Island
- New Venues, New Artists, and Champion of Champions at Waterfowl Festival 54!
- Compass’ Camp New Dawn Celebrates 31 Years of Hope and Healing for Grieving Children and Teens
- In Remembrance: James Taylor Buckley, Jr.
Arts Notes
Church Hill Theatre Schedules August Auditions for “Clyde’s”
Church Hill Theatre invites actors to audition for Clyde’s, a brilliant play by Lynn Nottage. Directed by Michael Whitehill, the production will run ... [Continue Story]
- Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Opens 2025–2026 Season with Bartók, Mayer, and Beethoven
- Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra Launches 36th Season on September 8
- CFF Opens with Spotlight on Environmental Filmmaking — October 10 to 12
- Mainstay Honors Jimmy Buffett August 31
- Kick-Off Chestertown Jazz Festival with Hilary Gardner at The Mainstay in Rock Hall
- New Classes for a New Year at Allegro Academy
Education Notes
Nicole Sophocles Appointed Head of School at Wye River Upper School
After a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, the Board of Trustees of Wye River Upper School is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole ... [Continue Story]
- Plans for New KCMS to be Unveiled September 11
- Students return to KCPS
- Gunston’s 10th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast Set for October 18
- State Education Leaders to Local Education Officials: Follow State Law
- CBMM’s Shipyard Celebrates Graduation of Shipwright Apprentice Daniel Gutierrez
- Beat the Heat with Cool Classes from Chesapeake Forum this Fall
Health Notes
For All Seasons Launches Suicide Prevention Campaign: “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2023, suicide was among the top eight leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 and the second ... [Continue Story]
- UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program Announces Christina Ball as Director
- Compass’ Camp New Dawn Celebrates 31 Years of Hope and Healing
- UM Shore Regional Palliative Care Program Welcomes Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker
- Building Your Coping Toolbox for Back-to-School Stressors
- University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Announces New Board Members
- University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Cancer Program to Offer Free Prostate Screenings in September
Opinion
Federal Harm Registry Seeks Reports from Citizens Hurt by Trump Policies By Gren Whitman
Last January 20, President Trump raised his hand to swear that he’d “preserve, protect, and defend” the United States Constitution. Upon taking the ... [Continue Story]
- No One Is Coming to Our Rescue By Aubrey Sarvis
- Journalism Is Not a Crime, but Witness Intimidation Is by Will Fries
- It’s Time to Build – Without Burdening Taxpayers By Support Our Schools (SOS), Kent County, MD
- Urgent Request to Prioritize Construction of a New Middle School By John Queen
- The Year of Wishful Thinking and Broken Promises By Aubrey Sarvis
- Not Normal: Where Are We Going? By Aubrey Sarvis
Letters to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: Community Solar in Maryland—Inequality by Design
Community solar was supposed to democratize clean energy — letting families save money, supporting the grid, and sharing the benefits of renewable ... [Continue Story]
- Town Manager Search Needs New Approach?
- Letter to the Editor: Unsafe in D.C.?
- Letter to the Editor: Citizens Connect Meeting a Success
- Letter to the Editor: What Happened to Wilmer Park?
- Letter to the Editor: The Sweet Surprise of Summer: Ice Cream, Sunshine, and Smiles
- Letter to the Editor: Invest in KC Middle School
Columnist J.E. Dean
Trump Fatigue is Real and It Shows By J.E. Dean
Donald Trump has more than seven months under his belt in his second term as president. For six of those months, the President’s supporters regularly ... [Continue Story]
- Is There a Way Out of Our Political Crisis? By J.E. Dean
- About Last Friday in Anchorage . . . And Monday in Washington By J.E. Dean
- FBI Agents on Street Patrol in D.C.? by J.E. Dean
- Why Is Trump Giving America a $200 Million Ballroom? by J.E. Dean
- The Temperature Is Rising by J.E. Dean
- The Sad Case of Senator Thom Tillis 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
Expect Only the Good By Laura J. Oliver
So, this happened. Help me make something good from it. The day before I left for The Netherlands a personal email appeared in my inbox from one of ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Al Sikes
Killing Fields by Al Sikes
Pardon my going back a few years—I will come forward. Forward to the killing field at a church in Minneapolis—the Annunciation Catholic Church. Going ... [Continue Story]
Columnist Angela Rieck
Mahjong By Angela Rieck
I finally succumbed to learning Mahjong. A number of people had asked me to join in Mahjong games and I was recalcitrant. I remember the senior women ... [Continue Story]
Senior Life
The Difference Between Try And Triumph Is A Little Umph! By Susan Covey
September is Healthy Aging Month which is designed to focus attention on the positive aspects of growing older. The mission being to encourage all of ... [Continue Story]
- State Officials Launch 10-Year Plan to Boost Supports for Growing Senior Population
- Strive for Independence, Not Just on the 4Th Of July! by Susan Covey
- 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
