Cat Murphy
Verified
Grad student at UMD’s @merrillcollege | Quinnipiac ‘24 | All opinions are my own
Articles by Cat Murphy
Maryland leaders call for UMD student's release from ICE detention
WASHINGTON - Maryland leaders are expressing outrage over the detention of Maria Flores Garcia, a 19-year-old University of Maryland freshman arrested at her mother's routine immigration check-in in Baltimore last week. U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., on Thursday called President Donald Trump and his administration "beyond depraved" for detaining the mother and daughter, who are originally from El Salvador .
Van Hollen challenging Schumer for majority leader
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., is launching a bid to challenge U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for Senate majority leader . Van Hollen cited last week's blue wave election in explaining his decision to run, arguing that voters called for a "change from the status quo." "This is not about any one person - it's about answering the call of the American people," Van Hollen said in a statement late Thursday.
With less than 60 days left in power, Republicans focus on confirming federal nominees
WASHINGTON - On the fourth floor of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, 10 nominees for ambassador spoke at a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. One floor up, the Senate Judiciary Committee was holding back-to-back meetings on judicial nominations. In all, seven different Senate committees held hearings Tuesday to vet dozens of President Donald...
MTSU celebrates Homecoming amid ‘Camp Blue’ theme, hard-fought victory against WKU [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — It was a Homecoming 2026 to remember at Middle Tennessee State University last weekend as the Blue Raiders defeated longtime rival Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers 51-42 in Floyd Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Rep. Andy Harris bucks blue wave to win again, but redistricting looms
For the second time in eight years, Republicans found themselves staring down a blue wave. And for the second time in eight years, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., proved he could swim. “The blue wave did not hit the 1st Congressional District,” Harris told a group of reporters at his private watch party in Cambridge on election night as early returns signaled an all but certain victory for Maryland’s lone Republican member of Congress.
Andy Harris survived another blue wave. But what now?
By Cat Murphy CAMBRIDGE — For the second time in eight years, Republicans found themselves staring down a blue wave. And for the second time in eight years, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) proved he could swim. “The blue wave did not hit the 1st Congressional District,” Harris told a group of reporters at his private watch party in Cambridge Tuesday night, as early returns signaled an all but certain victory for Maryland’s lone Republican member of Congress.
Van Hollen calls for Democratic debate before choosing next Senate leader
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., is calling on Senate Democrats to hash out the party's agenda before choosing their next leader, a spokesperson told Capital News Service on Friday. Although Van Hollen's name has surfaced in Democratic circles as a potential candidate for the position, he is "not looking at the majority leader role," the spokesperson told CNS.
Maryland’s Harris survives blue wave; now what?
You must be a member to read this story. Join our family of readers for as little as $14.99 per month and support local, unbiased journalism. Already a member? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Maryland’s Harris survives blue wave; now what?
You must be a member to read this story. Join our family of readers for as little as $14.99 per month and support local, unbiased journalism. Already a member? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Andy Harris survived the blue wave. But what now?
CAMBRIDGE - For the second time in eight years, Republicans found themselves staring down a blue wave. And for the second time in eight years, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., proved he could swim. "The blue wave did not hit the 1st Congressional District," Harris told a group of reporters at his private watch party in Cambridge Tuesday night as early returns signaled an all but certain victory for Maryland's lone Republican member of Congress.
‘Chasing Eclipses’ at MTSU’s First Friday Star Party on Nov. 6
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Experience the cosmos this Friday night at Middle Tennessee State University during the Department of Physics and Astronomy’s First Friday Star Party. This month’s Star Party features a lecture from John Wallin, director of the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in computational and data science. Wallin’s academic research at MTSU includes parsing gravitational interactions in the universe. He will discuss chasing eclipses at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov.
Maryland Democrats celebrate reelection victories as party regains control of Congress
COLLEGE PARK – Most of Maryland’s Democratic lawmakers were confident late Nov. 3 that they’ll be heading back to Capitol Hill when the new Congress is seated in January, but they were also eagerly eyeing an even bigger prize – Democratic majorities in Congress. Democrats were hopeful a blue wave would flip the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, giving them power to try and check the actions of President Donald Trump during the second half of his term. On Nov.
Maryland Democrats pick up more power to draw congressional districts in future elections
COLLEGE PARK – Gov. Wes Moore ran two successful campaigns this fall: one for his reelection and one for Question 3. The ballot question passed on Nov. 3, according to the Associated Press, giving the party in power the right to redraw the state’s congressional map. On a night of big wins for their party, Moore and other Maryland Democrats were excited to score the added bonus.
Maryland Democrats pick up more power to draw congressional districts in future elections
COLLEGE PARK - Gov. Wes Moore ran two successful campaigns this fall: one for his reelection and one for Question 3. The ballot question passed on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press , giving the party in power the right to redraw the state's congressional map. On a night of big wins for their party, Moore and other Maryland Democrats were excited to score the added bonus.
Maryland Democrats confident of their own reelection
COLLEGE PARK - Most of Maryland's Democratic lawmakers were confident late Tuesday that they'll be heading back to Capitol Hill when the new Congress is seated in January, but they were also eagerly eyeing an even bigger prize - Democratic majorities in Congress. Democrats were hopeful a blue wave would flip the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, giving them power to try and check the actions of President Donald Trump during the second half of his term. U.S. Rep.
Live updates from Election Day in Maryland
It's Election Day across the country and in Maryland. Capital News Service reporters are at the polls, talking with candidates and voters, poll workers and elections officials. Follow along on this page all day and after the polls close for live updates from CNS. Follow along on Instagram & X.
Andy Harris hoping for redistricting question's downfall ahead of Election Day
NORTH EAST, Md. - For Maryland's 1st Congressional District, Tuesday's election will likely end in the same way the last eight have: with U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., in Congress. But as Maryland voters consider a constitutional amendment that could set the stage for a redistricting battle targeting the state's only Republican-held seat, the election could spell the end of Harris' tenure in Congress - just not immediately.
Democrat Dan Schwartz probably won't beat Andy Harris. He's OK with that
NORTH EAST, Md. - Eighteen months after quitting his job to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, Democrat Dan Schwartz is approaching the end of his bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, Maryland's only Republican member of Congress. Schwartz knows his chances of ousting Harris are "almost none," but he's holding out hope that the national and local political dynamics could pave the way for a Democratic pickup on the Eastern Shore.
Chemical biologist Espinoza talks traditional medicine, legal rights for bees during MTSU visit
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Rosa Vásquez Espinoza’s curiosity has led her many places. From Peru to Tennessee to across the globe: Beijing, Michigan, the United Kingdom, and recently, to Middle Tennessee State University, where she spoke as honorary chair of the 10th annual Tennessee STEAM Festival. But the award-winning author, chemical biologist and National Geographic Explorer’s journey began in a classroom much like those in MTSU’s Wiser-Patten Science Hall.
MTSU drug, vape take-back diverts 55 pounds of waste from landfill
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s biannual drug and vape pen disposal event took in 55 pounds of vaping devices, over-the-counter drugs and prescription pharmaceuticals this week, according to Tabby Ragland, pharmacy director at MTSU Health Services. “We’ve had a lot of people, especially faculty and staff, who have a parent that either passes away or gets put into assisted living or a nursing home and they need to clean out the medicine that’s in the home,” said Ragland.
Maryland leaders vow to continue to protect voting rights ahead of elections
Maryland lawmakers, activists and other leaders championed voting rights protections and voter mobilization efforts last month at one of the largest public policy conferences focused on issues affecting Black Americans. “Voting rights, we know, right now are under siege,” U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., said.
Andy Harris is talking more about local issues than about Trump
ABERDEEN, Md. - U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., is staying laser-focused on local issues ahead of the midterms as the Republican majority in Washington grapples with a spiraling affordability crisis and an increasingly unpopular president . "I don't represent Baltimore City," Harris said at a recent event in Aberdeen .
Gov. Moore calls for stronger campus sexual assault policies
As high-profile investigations of sexual assault allegations on campuses in New York and Louisiana reveal gaps in how some universities respond, Gov. Wes Moore is directing the state’s higher education commission to examine ways to strengthen sexual assault policies on Maryland campuses. “This is a call to action,” Moore (D) said in a directive to Elena Quiroz-Livanis, interim secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Maryland senators rebuke efforts to gut Department of Education
U.S. Sens. Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats of Maryland, stood with union leaders on Capitol Hill Tuesday to denounce the White House’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the Department of Education. The department, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, has aggressively cut staff and funding over the past 18 months as it looks to fulfill a March 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump to dissolve the cabinet office. “I met with Linda McMahon.
MTSU group selected for prestigious Berkeley Lab learning opportunity
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Five students from Middle Tennessee State University will travel to California this November for an immersive “mini-semester” at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, also known as Berkeley Lab. Nyah Bentley, Addison Berry, Tomy Chet, Sarah A.
Gov. Moore calls for stronger campus sexual assault policies
As high-profile investigations of sexual assault allegations on campuses in New York and Louisiana reveal gaps in how some universities respond, Gov. Wes Moore is directing the state's higher education commission to examine ways to strengthen sexual assault policies on Maryland campuses. "This is a call to action," Moore said in a directive Wednesday to Elena Quiroz-Livanis, interim secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Thanking Cat Murphy Profusely, as Congressman Andy Harris Instructed Reporters
Listen to this article: 16 minutes, read by a synthetic voice (AI narration of the text below). On the evening of Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Cambridge, Maryland, U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) pointed at Cat Murphy, a 22-year-old University of Maryland graduate student, told her she was breaking the law, and called for a law enforcement officer to take her camera.
MTSU joins TN STEAM Festival to offer myriad community learning opportunities
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is again participating in the Tennessee STEAM Festival, back for its 10th year of offering community learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and math across the state. The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro founded the festival in 2016, and over the past decade, it has spread across 25 counties, featuring 618 event hosts. Last October, more than 47,000 people attended a STEAM Festival event.
MTSU joins TN STEAM Festival to offer myriad community learning opportunities
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is again participating in the Tennessee STEAM Festival, back for its 10th year of offering community learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art and math across the state. The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro founded the festival in 2016, and over the past decade, it has spread across 25 counties, featuring 618 event hosts. Last October, more than 47,000 people attended a STEAM Festival event.
More than a dozen states ban this kind of sports wager — except when they don’t
By Cat Murphy — Second of six stories on sports betting and college athlete harassment. Labaron Philon Jr. led Alabama in assists in the second round of March Madness earlier this year. Cameron Boozer scored more than a quarter of Duke’s points in the Sweet 16. Alex Karaban spent all but two minutes on the court for the University of Connecticut in the Elite Eight. Alabama, Duke and UConn won those games.
MTSU Blue Raiders are finding their way to ‘Camp Blue’ for Homecoming 2026
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dust off those hiking boots and grab some s’mores, because the Blue Raiders are headed to camp. Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Government Association and Alumni Association have planned a full week of events and activities for Homecoming 2026. This year’s theme, “Blue Raider Country: Meet me at Camp Blue,” promises a rustic good time.
Banana Ball championship sells out Nats Park
Fornella was one of 41,000 fans who packed into the Washington Nationals' stadium Saturday to watch the Savannah Bananas take on the Texas Tailgaters in the final game of the Banana Ball Championship League's first-ever season . One player is on stilts . Another rides a unicycle . The home plate umpire does the Cotton-Eyed Joe. And seemingly everyone can do a backflip.
Protesters march to White House following Cornell rape case
WASHINGTON - Grace Wankelman had good reason to organize a rally against sexual violence amid the public outrage over the Jane Doe gang rape case at Cornell University. Wankelman, 26, said she was sexually assaulted when she was in high school. "I related just so much to Jane Doe's story," Wankelman told Capital News Service Thursday as protesters gathered near the Washington Monument.
MTSU offering flu shot pop-up clinics, appointments to prep campus for flu season
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As temperatures finally cool, leaves change colors and spiced drinks resume their rightful place on coffee shop menus everywhere, these seasonal shifts signal more than autumn’s arrival. “When it gets cooler, people stay inside more,” explained Middle Tennessee State University professor Anthony Farone, who teaches immunology and microbiology.
Over a dozen states ban this kind of sports wager — except when they don’t
Labaron Philon Jr. led Alabama in assists in the second round of March Madness earlier this year. Cameron Boozer scored more than a quarter of Duke’s points in the Sweet 16. Alex Karaban spent all but two minutes on the court for UConn in the Elite Eight. Alabama, Duke and UConn won those games. But for sports gamblers who lost money betting on these athletes individually, that didn’t matter.
MTSU hosts annual Habitat for Humanity panel build on campus
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The sound of dozens of hammers striking nails echoed across campus Thursday, Oct. 1, as Middle Tennessee State University students traded textbooks for tools, safety goggles and gloves during the university’s annual Habitat for Humanity panel build. “I just built this wall, right there” said world languages and cultures student Elizabeth Garrett, of Hendersonville, gesturing to a panel behind her on the grounds of the Student Union Commons. “I love community service.
Maryland delegation, Baltimore mayor brace for Medicaid changes
WASHINGTON - With new Medicaid eligibility requirements set to take effect at the beginning of next year, the Maryland congressional delegation says it is working with Baltimore leaders to protect the city's most vulnerable populations. "As I say at any event, we have the best federal delegation to the United States Congress," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott told Capital News Service.
Maryland delegation pushes for Port of Baltimore modernization
Two and a half years after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, members of Maryland’s congressional delegation are vowing to keep pursuing investments into the Port of Baltimore. The lawmakers met Thursday with port officials, members of the Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders to discuss ongoing efforts to modernize the port.
Maryland leaders vow to continue to protect voting rights ahead of elections
U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) speaks to an attendee at the opening day of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16. Maryland lawmakers, activists and other leaders championed voting rights protections and voter mobilization efforts this week at one of the largest public policy conferences focused on issues affecting Black Americans. “Voting rights, we know, right now are under siege,” U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) said.
What is Trump TV? An analysis of the president's new 24/7 streaming channel
WASHINGTON - While CNN and Fox News focused around 2 p.m. Wednesday on Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to Washington, Trump TV replayed the president's address at the National Prayer Breakfast in February. By 3 p.m. , both CNN and Fox News were covering the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump TV aired a March 2025 ad titled "It turned out that all we really needed was a new President" before playing a speech Trump gave to farmers in June.
Maryland delegation pushes for Port of Baltimore modernization
By Cat Murphy WASHINGTON — Two and a half years after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, members of Maryland’s congressional delegation are vowing to keep pursuing investments into the Port of Baltimore. The lawmakers met Thursday with port officials, members of the Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders to discuss ongoing efforts to modernize the port.
Register now for MTSU’s Air Raiders’ ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ Sept. 26 in Shelbyville
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s chapter of Women in Aviation International, the WAI Air Raiders, will host its inaugural “Girls in Aviation Day” event Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shelbyville Municipal Airport. The free event includes activities in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, aircraft displays and women in aviation happy to chat about their experiences in the industry.
Flock cameras face bipartisan skepticism on Capitol Hill
'I think that this is a nonpartisan issue': Senate subcommittee raises privacy concerns about AI-powered surveillance technology
MTSU Nunley Award veteran recipient ‘Mobile Phil’ LaPrad wants to get folks moving
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — This year’s Middle Tennessee State University Joe Nunley Distinguished Veteran Award recipient, military kid turned Air Force veteran “Mobile Phil” LaPrad, was ready to retire. Then the Rutherford County chapter of Vietnam Veterans came knocking. “It started out as a simple plan and it’s expanded quite a bit since then,” said LaPrad during the Saturday, Sept. 19, Veterans Memorial Service in the Tom H.
MTSU makes space for creativity, community with new Student Union Craft Center
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Students eager to spark their creativity at Middle Tennessee State University have a new outlet for expression on campus with the recent opening of the Student Union Craft Center.
Maryland senators rebuke efforts to gut Department of Education
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats of Maryland, stood with union leaders on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Sept. 15, to denounce the White House’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the Department of Education. The department, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, has aggressively cut staff and funding over the past 18 months as it looks to fulfill a March 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump to dissolve the cabinet office. “I met with Linda McMahon.
Maryland leaders vow to continue to protect voting rights ahead of elections
WASHINGTON — Maryland lawmakers, activists and other leaders championed voting rights protections and voter mobilization efforts this week at one of the largest public policy conferences focused on issues affecting Black Americans. “Voting rights, we know, right now are under siege,” U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., said Friday, Sept. 18.
Maryland senators rebuke efforts to gut Department of Education
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Angela Alsobrooks and Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats of Maryland, stood with union leaders on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Sept. 15, to denounce the White House’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the Department of Education. The department, led by Secretary Linda McMahon, has aggressively cut staff and funding over the past 18 months as it looks to fulfill a March 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump to dissolve the cabinet office. “I met with Linda McMahon.
Maryland leaders vow to continue to protect voting rights ahead of elections
WASHINGTON - Maryland lawmakers, activists and other leaders championed voting rights protections and voter mobilization efforts this week at one of the largest public policy conferences focused on issues affecting Black Americans. "Voting rights, we know, right now are under siege," U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., said Friday.
MTSU kicks off True Blue Tour with $71,400 in scholarships at first Middle Tennessee stop
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University launched this year’s True Blue Tour on Sept. 14 with $71,400 in scholarships awarded to incentivize the prospective students and families in attendance at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs to become part of the Blue Raider family.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Cat
Contact Cat, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack