University of Maryland
Coverage of University of Maryland in the Nexus archive.
- Maryland football player gets probation after death threats, 92 calls to girlfriend
University of Maryland cornerback Dontay Joyner received three years of supervised probation after pleading guilty to telephone misuse and harassment, including 92 calls to his girlfriend and death threats. The judge described his language as offensive and inappropriate.
- Americans agree on more than we think, new public opinion data shows
A new poll reveals Americans share more agreement than commonly assumed. Dr. Steven Kull, director of the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation, discusses the findings with CBS News.
- The DC area is the perfect place to live and raise a family — if you’re a tick
The DC area is experiencing a growing tick population due to hot and humid conditions, longer springs and falls, and an abundance of white-tailed deer. Researchers note ticks' high reproductive rates, with some species laying up to 8,000 eggs at once, and advise precautions like wearing long clothing and checking for ticks after outdoor activity.
- ‘There’s a bear on the deck’: What DC-area area homeowners should know about black bears
A Maryland homeowner encountered a black bear on his deck, prompting advice from wildlife experts on safely deterring bears. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommends making noise to alert bears without startling them, while removing bird feeders to avoid attracting them during active seasons.
- The ‘super El Niño’ is here. What happens next could upend food systems worldwide.
The 'super El Niño' has begun, with NOAA predicting it could be the strongest in this century. It is expected to cause extreme weather events, including severe droughts and heavy rainfall, disrupting global agricultural production and food security.
- Surging inflation making it harder for Marylanders to make ends meet
Inflation in Maryland reached 4.2% annually in May, driven by rising fuel prices and global energy market disruptions, making it harder for families to afford essentials like food and utilities. Energy costs, including gasoline and fuel oil, increased significantly, with gas prices up over 40% nationally. Aid organizations report increased demand for assistance as higher costs strain local food distribution networks.
- Minor edits to AI skills can make agents go rogue
Researchers highlight security risks in AI agents where minor modifications to text-based 'skills' can enable prompt injection attacks, allowing malicious actors to bypass safety measures. Studies show 13.4% of skills on platforms like ClawHub contain critical vulnerabilities, including malware and exposed secrets. The issue arises as agents automatically fetch third-party skills, making them susceptible to adversarial manipulation.
- Kennedy fires heads of task force that sets insurance coverage rules
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired the co-chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which could open the task force up to more political influence. The move comes as the administration prepares to vet new applicants to the committee. The expert panel recommends which health services insurers must cover at no cost to patients under the Affordable Care Act.
- USA Fencing transgender saga takes ironic twist as org defends banning trans athlete from women's event
USA Fencing has banned a transgender athlete from competing in a women's event, prompting a civil rights complaint. The organization amended its policies to comply with President Donald Trump's executive order. The incident is related to a previous controversy involving a female fencer who refused to compete against a trans opponent.
- Innovation will provide solutions to Long COVID — the new chronic disease of our time
Long COVID affects an estimated 18 million Americans and is a growing public health crisis, with Senator Todd Young pushing for more research and Secretary Kennedy committing to continue efforts to identify biomarkers. The disease causes various symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction and extreme fatigue. There is currently no molecular diagnostic test or definitive therapy.
- Trump picks qualified, normal health leader to head CDC; experts still cautious
President Trump nominated Dr. Erica Schwartz, a qualified public health official with a background in preventive medicine and federal service, to lead the CDC. The choice contrasts with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance, which the administration views as politically damaging.