This week in the news, environmental threats could disrupt the ecosystems supporting university mascots’ namesakes, the SGA seeks to donate state flags to the community and new details are released in the Columbia mall shooting.

TERRAPINS, OTHER MASCOT NAMESAKES AT RISK 

Testudo isn’t leaving the sidelines of university games, but the mascot’s real world cousins — and the namesake of this newspaper — might not be sticking around.

According to a report by the National Wildlife Federation, diamondback terrapins are inching closer to extinction and climate change is to blame. The species make their homes in salt water marshes, creeks and wetlands, which are disappearing, succumbing to rising sea levels.

The report, released March 11, also noted that the sex of terrapin hatchlings depends on temperature. Weather that is too warm results in more female hatchlings than male, and the imbalance can cause populations to decline.

This university isn’t the only one with its mascot’s namesake at risk. Syracuse, NC State, University of Michigan and Miami are among the more than 40 schools with threatened mascots. The report advocates stronger wildlife protections and heightened awareness.

SGA TO DONATE COMMUNITY FLAGS

The Student Government Association will donate Maryland flags to local businesses for display during home games.

Catherine McGrath, the SGA’s City Council student liaison, said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting that the SGA hopes to get the local community involved in cheering on university sports teams as the school moves to the Big Ten. The flags will begin to be offered for football and basketball games, McGrath said, and they hope to expand the idea to include lacrosse and soccer games.

“It would be a good way to introduce the Big Ten to the state flag when they come and visit,” College Park Mayor Andrew Fellows said.

NEW DETAILS RELEASED IN COLUMBIA MALL SHOOTING

Howard County police confirmed Wednesday that The Mall in Columbia shooter Darion Marcus Aguilar did not know the two store employees he shot and killed Jan. 25.

In a press event at the mall, officials released more details about 19-year-old Aguilar, who was a College Park resident, and what led to the attack. Aguilar shot and killed Zumiez employees Brianna Benlolo, 21 and also a College Park resident, and Tyler Johnson, 25, and wounded one other person before killing himself.

An extensive investigation of Aguilar’s personal journals and computer revealed an intense fascination with the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Aguilar played video games that allowed him to simulate the Columbine shooting and dressed as one of the shooters in the 1999 attack the day of his own attack at the mall. Police noted that the gun Aguilar used, which was similar to those used at Columbine, was purchased legally.

The investigation also revealed that Aguilar was suffering from mental issues and was aware of them. He had seen a doctor about his homicidal and suicidal thoughts and received a referral to a psychiatrist but did not follow up.

“We’re thankful for the quick actions of the patrons that day and the retailers who sheltered people … to keep them out of harm’s way,” said Howard County Police Chief William McMahon.

The investigation is ongoing.

Senior staff writer Ellie Silverman contributed to this report.