Public Health & Safety: Charles County reported a bat and a skunk testing positive for rabies, adding to a string of rabid beaver attacks across Maryland state parks and prompting renewed warnings to avoid contact with unknown wildlife. Health Policy: Maryland AG Anthony Brown won a federal court victory keeping certain gender-affirming care cost protections in place under the Affordable Care Act, blocking a Trump administration rule that would have made coverage less affordable. Child Health & Care Access: Montgomery County officials are alarmed by proposed federal Head Start changes that could cut access and reduce funding for administration, with concerns some centers may have to close. Healthcare Workforce: Maryland launched a $3M zero-interest loan fund for nurses, aiming to strengthen the state’s nursing pipeline. Cancer Communication: A new study finds many cancer stories don’t include practical “what to do next” details—an issue Maryland readers may recognize as awareness without action. Community Health Infrastructure: Montgomery County students and the county executive oppose more artificial turf fields, arguing about health and environmental impacts as MCPS plans replacements and new installs. Local Health Crisis: A Maryland family described severe illness after toxic mold exposure in a city-run homeless shelter, with multiple hospitalizations reported. Medical Research: Preclinical work from Virginia Tech researchers suggests a peptide-plus-milk vesicle therapy could shield healthy tissue during radiation while preserving cancer-fighting effects.