Eastern Shore Bureau Chief

Josh Davis

Josh Davis covers the Lower Eastern Shore for The Baltimore Sun, reporting on breaking news, politics, and community issues across Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties. He brings more than 20 years of experience in journalism and communications, including award-winning reporting as news editor for the Ocean City Today and Bayside Gazette. Before joining The Sun, Davis directed public relations and marketing for the Ocean Pines Association, where he modernized outreach and launched new digital platforms. His work has also appeared in outlets such as Time Out New York, and he is the author of several novels, poetry, and short stories. A lifelong Eastern Shore resident, Davis volunteers with the American Red Cross, plays drums and sings with the band Last Ghosts, and is an avid Orioles and Ravens fan. Email him at jdavis@baltsun.com.

The Dorchester County Circuit Courthouse in Cambridge, where Judge S. James Sarbanes heard arguments Thursday over Maryland’s Question 3 redistricting amendment.

Police: Dorchester feud led to shooting that killed 5-year-old

August 31, 2026 at 5:38 p.m.

“Evidence supports a conclusion that the shooting at 3928 Ocean Gateway was committed as an act of retaliation stemming from the shooting at 108 Goldrush Lane,” police wrote.

Ashley Todd Silverman, 28, a mother of four and former softball player and coach, is shown in an undated photo. Maryland State Police announced Friday that Jason Timothy Simpson was charged with second-degree murder in her death. (Courtesy of Lori Silverman)

Murder charge filed 70 days after Cecilton mother’s death

August 29, 2026 at 1:07 p.m.

Medical examiner ruled the 27-year-old mother of four died by asphyxiation; Jason Timothy Simpson is being held without bond.

Police tape on an canopy building near the Wicomico River in downtown Salisbury.

Man charged in Dorchester County shooting that killed 5-year-old

August 28, 2026 at 5:33 p.m.

Anthony Harris faces murder and attempted murder charges after a 5-year-old girl was killed and her father wounded in a Linkwood shooting.

Talbot County Council campaign signs line the lawn outside Gay’s Seafood & Deli in Easton.

Eastern Shore town pauses enforcement after MAGA sign dispute at restaurant

August 28, 2026 at 4:19 p.m.

Easton will allow political signs at Gay’s Seafood through the election and resume enforcement Jan. 1 after a boycott call and partisan backlash.

The front entrance of the Wicomico County Courthouse in downtown Salisbury, Maryland. (Kevin Richardson/Staff)

Salisbury developer expands $5M lawsuit against city

August 28, 2026 at 5:36 p.m.

“Downtown development in Salisbury, Maryland is dead,” Developer David Layfield said Friday. “It died the day Randy Taylor took office.”

Advocates and community members rally outside Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury on Thursday. (Lana Foley/Courtesy)

Wicomico nursing home dispute escalates at competing press conferences

August 28, 2026 at 12:36 p.m.

Julie Giordano defended Wicomico Nursing Home leadership as advocates raised concerns about staffing, retaliation and resident care.

The Dorchester County Circuit Courthouse in Cambridge, where Judge S. James Sarbanes heard arguments Thursday over Maryland’s Question 3 redistricting amendment.

Eastern Shore judge weighs Maryland redistricting ballot challenge

August 27, 2026 at 5:14 p.m.

A Dorchester County magistrate questioned whether lawmakers followed election rules and accurately described Maryland’s redistricting amendment.

Hundreds marched across Route 50 and through downtown Salisbury Wednesday in support of Wicomico County’s Haitian community and amid reports of increased federal immigration activity. Demonstrators later gathered outside the Wicomico County Government Office. (Josh Davis/Staff)

Salisbury marchers rally around Haitian residents

August 26, 2026 at 9:08 p.m.

Hundreds marched through Salisbury in support of Wicomico County’s Haitian community amid reports of increased federal immigration enforcement.

Ocean City adopts AI policy amid legal, privacy concerns

August 26, 2026 at 4:54 p.m.

Ocean City adopted its first AI policy, setting rules for town workers, sensitive data, approved tools and wearable devices as the technology spreads.

Somerset school board president Matthew Lankford at in-person meeting discussing audit and report card issues

Teachers’ union seeks Somerset school board chair’s removal

August 25, 2026 at 5:42 p.m.

Teachers union seeks Somerset school board chair’s removal after a contentious meeting over a disputed school library policy now under state review.