In the News

May 2006

Billiards, Theater On Tap for West Side
The Baltimore Business Journal - May 26

Redevelopment plans for the west side include a pool hall, a theater, restaurants and entertainment. The University of Maryland, Baltimore is mentioned since developers seeking to renovate the west side want to attract the University's students and employees to its proposed projects.

Critical Areas Act Not Working, Report Concludes
Bay Journal - June 2006

A new report from the School of Law's Environmental Law Clinic confirms what many Chesapeake Bay advocates in Maryland have concluded from years of personal observation: The two-decade-old Critical Area Act, one of the first major pieces of legislation to protect the Bay, isn't working very well. Kerry Rodgers, JD, visiting associate professor of law, worked with four student attorneys at an Environmental Law Clinic to explore the outcome of the legislation.
www.bayjournal.com

More Trials Hinge on Virginia Permission
The Baltimore Sun - May 31

John Allen Muhammad's conviction in Montgomery County clears the way for murder trials in other jurisdictions where bullets from the sniper's gun allegedly claimed victims-including Louisiana, Alabama and the District of Columbia. Abraham Dash, JD, a professor at the School of Law who is not involved in the case, said he would be surprised if any other state seeks to put Muhammad on trial for crimes in its jurisdiction. "I doubt anyone else will want to go to the expense of trying him," Dash said.
www.baltimoresun.com

Raid on Congressman Jefferson's Office
WUSA-TV, 9:10 a.m. - May 31

Michael Greenberger, JD, a professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, discussed the raid of Congressman William Jefferson's Capital Hill office and the fact that both Congress and academics are considering whether the search violates the speech and debate clause and separation of powers. Greenberger also spoke about the Supreme Court's ruling on whistle blowers and whether they are protected under free speech rights.

Sniper Trial Ends With Six Murder Verdicts
The Chicago Tribune - May 31
The Baltimore Sun - May 31

John Allen Muhammad was convicted Tuesday of murder in the 2002 sniper rampage that killed six Maryland residents, ending a trial in which his claim of being framed was eclipsed by his protege's portrayal of Muhammad as creator of a scheme to terrorize the nation. Abraham Dash, JD, a professor at the School of Law who was not involved in the case, said that Muhammadýs decision to represent himself turned the defense into something of a 'farce' but it probably did not affect the outcome of the trial.

Sniper Trial Ends with Conviction
WBAL-TV Ch 11, 11 p.m. - May 30

The murder trial of convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad ended in Montgomery County May 30 with the jury returning a verdict of guilty on all counts. The trial is unlikely to leave many grounds for appeal, said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.

UMB Plans Public Health Program
The Daily Record - May 31

The field of public health has grown, and the University of Maryland wants to get in on the action. Just 37 accredited schools of public health currently operate in the U.S. and University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of Maryland, College Park are deep into plans to become the 38th. The school likely would operate initially from both campuses with a separate dean at each campus, said the probable choice for the Baltimore dean, J. Glenn Morris Jr., MD, a professor of medicine and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the School of Medicine.
www.mddailyrecord.com

A Hero in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Baltimore Magazine - June 2006

Angela Hartley Brodie, PhD, professor at the School of Medicine, and a researcher at the University of Marylandýs Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, is profiled for her groundbreaking and award-winning work in developing aromatase inhibitors, a new class of breast cancer drugs. "What Dr. Brodie has done is the single most important advance in the treatment of breast cancer in her generation," said Kevin Cullen, MD, director of the Greenebaum Cancer Center.

Enron CEOs Found Guilty
WTOP-FM, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. - May 25

Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and former director of markets and trading at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, discussed the conviction of two former top Enron executives on charges including fraud and conspiracy.

Howard Co. Prostitution Trial Postponed
The Baltimore Sun - May 26
The Baltimore Examiner - May 26
WJZ-TV, Ch. 13, 5 p.m. - May 25

The trial of a former University of Maryland, Baltimore County assistant professor charged with running a prostitution service out of her Ellicott City home has been postponed after her lawyer, Chris Flohr, JD, an adjunct professor at the School of Law, asked for more time to prepare the case.
www.baltimoresun.com
www.examiner.com

Sniper Trial Continues
The Baltimore Sun - May 26
The Los Angeles Times - May 26

With his murder trial entering its final days, convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad said he would complete his defense presentation today and decide whether to call himself as a witness, a risky tactic that would open him to questioning by prosecutors. "He's going to testify and say he didnýt do it? And then on cross-examination they will make him look like an idiot," said Abraham Dash, JD, professor at the School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com
www.latimes.com

Unlike Enron CEOs, Fraud Not Going Away
The Baltimore Sun - May 26

The convictions yesterday of Enron's chief executive officers, Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling, were widely described as providing closure to an era of accounting scandals that brought down several companies and executives in recent years. Richard Booth, JD, professor at the School of Law, said the prospect of being criminally liable for a company's fraudulent downfall could be viewed by corporate directors as rationale for boosting CEO pay and by executives as reason to deter risk-taking that has defined American enterprise.
www.baltimoresun.com

Chronic Nursing Shortage Threatens Patient Safety
CBS Evening News - May 24

"Eye on America" correspondent Wyatt Andrews reported on the national shortage of nurses and how it threatens patient safety. He also reported on the shortage of nurse faculty members. Janet D. Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, told Andrews that "the School had to turn away more than 400 qualified applicants due to the lack of faculty members to teach them."

Old Friends Differ on Attorney Generalýs Race
The Baltimore Examiner - May 25

When former U.S. Sen. Joseph Tydings introduced Montgomery County State's Attorney Doug Gansler last week as his choice for attorney general, he said, "No person since Steve Sachs has run with the qualifications of Doug." But in the Democratic race to succeed retiring Attorney General Joseph Curran, at least one knowledgeable person disagrees with Tydings: Steve Sachs, the two-term attorney general before Curran. Sachs is backing Gansler's opponent, Montgomery County Council member Tom Perez, JD, MA, assistant professor at the School of Law.
www.examiner.com

Police Held Negligent, But Not Liable in Speed Chase
The Washington Post - May 25

A Prince George's County jury has decided that county police acted negligently when an off-duty officer chased a van at a high speed without activating his emergency lights or siren, but that the officer's negligence was not responsible for an ensuing fatal collision. Steven Schwinn, JD, assistant professor in the School of Law, said police officers are sometimes not forthcoming in lawsuits alleging officer misconduct. "They may want to avoid responsibility for their behavior," he said, adding that some officers may try to minimize their actions to shield their department from liability.
www.washingtonpost.com

Malvo's Testimony Against Muhammad
WUSA-TV, Ch. 9, 9 a.m. - May 24

Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, discussed the testimony of Lee Malvo, the young Jamaican prosecuted as John Muhammadýs accomplice in a deadly sniper rampage in 2002.

Perez Announces Attorney General Bid
The Washington Post - May 24
The Baltimore Sun - May 24
The Business Gazette - May 24
WBAL-AM - May 23 and 24
WJLA-TV, Ch. 7 ý May 23
WBFF-TV, Ch. 45 - May 23
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11 - May 23
Newschannel - May 23
WUSA-TV, Ch. 9 - May 23

Montgomery County Councilman Thomas Perez, JD, MA, assistant professor at the School of Law, announced his candidacy for Maryland attorney general on Tuesday, vowing to be an aggressive consumer advocate while promising leadership in the fight for civil rights, affordable health care, and environmental protection.
www.washingtonpost.com
www.baltimoresun.com
wbal.com

Poorer Teens More Apt to be Fat
The Baltimore Sun - May 24

Teenagers who live in poverty are 50 percent more likely to be overweight than those from wealthier families, a gap that has appeared in the past two decades and could be tied to inactivity, soft drinks, and even skipped breakfasts, scientists said. Maureen Black, PhD, professor at the School of Medicine, said many youths live in a culture that encourages poor eating habits and discourages physical activity. "When youýre surrounded by large servings of junk food, it's hard for any of us to resist," she said.
www.baltimoresun.com

Sports Drinks and Dental Health
The Chicago Tribune - May 23

Sports drinks are worse for your teeth than cola, according to Joseph VonFraunhofer, PhD, a professor and director of biomaterials research at the Dental School. In a study published in the journal General Dentistry, he reported that although most cola drinks contain acids, energy and sports drinks contain additional organic acids that can speed damage to tooth enamel. VonFraunhofer advises taking occasional sips from a drink or using a straw to minimize the contact with your teeth, and resisting the urge to brush your teeth after consuming a sports drink.
www.chicagotribune.com

Baltimore Unveils New City Slogan
Baltimore Business Journal - May 22 (and 10 more newspapers)

The Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association announced that "Get In On It" is the city's new tagline after a nine-month, $500,000 branding campaign. James Astrachan, JD, adjunct professor at the School of Law, said the slogan sounds like it "would be associated with a lower-priced retail store more than a travel destination. But I hope it works."
baltimore.bizjournals.com

Greater Baltimore Committee Praises Progress, Looks to Future
The Daily Record - May 22

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is praising the regionýs progress, particularly in the GBCýs priority areas of biotechnology, transportation, and minority business. Also noted in the region's success is the UMB BioPark, which opened its first building in October and began construction on the second in March.

Sports Drinks and Dental Health
AMonline.com - May 22

Sports drinks are worse for your teeth than cola, according to Joseph VonFraunhofer, PhD, a professor and director of biomaterials research at the Dental School. In a study published in the journal General Dentistry, he reported that although most cola drinks contain acids, energy and sports drinks contain additional organic acids that can speed damage to tooth enamel. VonFraunhofer advises taking occasional sips from a drink or using a straw to minimize the contact with your teeth, and resisting the urge to brush your teeth after consuming a sports drink.
www.amonline.com

Top 100 Women
The Daily Record - May 19

In this special advertising supplement, Karen H. Rothenberg, JD, dean of the School of Law, is featured in pictures from the 11th annual Marylandýs Top 100 Women celebration on May 8 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Janet D. Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, and LaFrance Muldrow, MSW, a field instructor at the School of Social Work, were also named to the list.
www.top100women.com

Employers Have a Role in Fighting Drug Abuse
St. Louis Daily Record - May 20
St. Charles County Business Record (Missouri) - May 20

Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, presented the School of Pharmacy's 2006 Ellis S. Grollman Lecture in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. Volkow said it is up to doctors, pharmacists, family members, and employers to be aware of the signs of drug abuse. "The drugs are appealing for recreational use because they are guaranteed clean and pure, unlike possibly contaminated street drugs," said Anthony Tommasello, PhD, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy and director of the School's Office of Substance Abuse Studies.

Hospitals, Airport, Military, University Conduct Mass Casualty Transportation Drill
WBFF-TV, Ch. 45, 10 p.m. - May 20
WBAL-AM - May 20
The Associated Press - May 19
TheWBALChannel.com - May 19
FoxBaltimore.com - May 19

A joint military and civilian exercise was conducted at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on May 20 to test systems to transport patients from a mass casualty incident to Maryland civilian hospitals using military aircraft. The exercise had been in the planning for more than a year under the guidance of Colin MacKenzie, MD, former director of the School of Medicine's Charles McC. Mathias, Jr., National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems and a professor and vice chair of anesthesiology at the School of Medicine.
www.thewbalchannel.com
www.examiner.com

Perez OKýd in Race for Attorney General
The Baltimore Sun - May 20

Montgomery County Councilman Thomas Perez, JD, MA, an assistant professor at the School of Law, has practiced law in Maryland long enough to be eligible to run for the stateýs top legal office, according to an attorney generalýs opinion. "It's an unmitigated validation and vindication of what I've said all along, and that is that I'm clearly eligible to run for attorney general," said Perez, who plans to officially announce his candidacy Tuesday.
www.baltimoresun.com

A City's Rebirth
The Gazette - May 19

Baltimore city leaders say projects worth a total of almost $11 billion have been completed since 2000, or are under way or in the planning stages. Officials say one of the major driving forces of the city's redevelopment is the UMB BioPark, which opened its first 120,000-square-foot building last year, and plans to have more than 1 million square feet of office and lab space.
www.gazette.net

Disability as a Law Firm Diversity Issue
The Daily Record - May 19

Next week, the American Bar Association and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will hold the first-ever National Conference on Employment of Lawyers with Disabilities. Andrew Levy, JD, an adjunct professor at the School of Law who will speak at the conference, says firms don't necessarily have to change their standards when making hiring decisions.

Hayden Senate Hearings Begin
WYPR-FM - May 18

At his confirmation hearing yesterday to become the head of the CIA, the Senate Intelligence Committee grilled Gen. Michael Hayden about the National Security Agency's warrantless surveillance program and its huge telephone call database. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the School's Center for Health and Homeland Security, says there may be information overload at NSA's Fort Meade headquarters, which employs 15,000 people.
www.publicbroadcasting.net

Health Care Awards
The Daily Record - May 18

The respiratory therapist training program at the University of Maryland Medical Center received an Encore Award yesterday from the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board, which honors programs that do everything from teach workplace skills and etiquette to train employees for traditionally hard-to-fill positions. The program won the Innovator Award, said Jo-Ann Williams, who manages the hospital's employee development services, because it aims to train both current and prospective employees.

Hospitals, Airport, Military, University Prepare for Mass Casualty Drill
The Baltimore Examiner - May 19
The Washington Examiner - May 19

Preparations are underway for a joint military and civilian exercise at BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport to test systems to transport patients from a mass casualty incident to Maryland civilian hospitals using military aircraft. The exercise has been in the planning for more than a year under the guidance of Colin Mackenzie, MD, former director of the National Study Center for Trauma and EMS and a clinical professor of anesthesiology at the School of Medicine. It is supported through a grant from the U.S. Army Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center at Fort Detrick.
www.examiner.com

Katrina Survivor Gets Lifesaving Heart Pump in Maryland
WJZ-TV, Ch. 13, 5 p.m. ý May 18

A Louisiana woman has returned to Baltimore to see the doctor she credits with saving her life. Dianne Clay has suffered from heart failure for 10 years, and when her home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, she lost everything. Mandeep Mehra, MD, who had been Clayýs doctor in New Orleans and is now professor and chief of cardiology at the School of Medicine, arranged for her to come to Baltimore to receive the Novacor heart pump. "Her pump is working rather well. It's taken over the operation of a good portion of her heart," said Mehra.
wjz.com

Law Graduate Seeks Political Office
The Daily Record - May 19

Paul Lang, who graduates today from the School of Law, is running for a Pennsylvania state Senate seat in Bucks County. While serving on a Coast Guard cutter in Alaska in November 2000, Lang was disabled in an accident that affected his ability to walk. Forced to look for another career, Lang turned to law school, believing that "the legal profession was always open to people with disabilities or people who had other limitations."

Sports Drinks and Dental Health
The Times (UK) - May 19

Sports drinks are worse for your teeth than cola, according to Joseph VonFraunhofer, PhD, a professor and director of biomaterials research at the Dental School. In a study published in the journal General Dentistry, he reported that, while most cola drinks contain acids, energy and sports drinks contain other organic acids that can speed the damage to the enamel. VonFraunhofer advises taking occasional sips from a drink or using a straw to minimize the contact with your teeth, and resisting the urge to brush your teeth after a sports drink.
www.timesonline.co.uk

The Shortage of Nurse Faculty Becomes Critical
WAMU-FM 1 p.m. - May 19

Mary Etta Mills, ScD, RN, FAAN, CNNA, professor and associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Nursing, discussed the critical levels of the shortage of nurse faculty members and the disparity in salaries between health care facility settings and academia, saying that the shortage has forced the School of Nursing to turn away more than 400 qualified applicants.

A Nurse's Way Into Medical School
The Baltimore Sun - May 18

Four and a half years ago, Helen Hui-Chou was dressing the wounds of captured Al-Qaida operatives, wondering why she had to treat men who'd helped plan the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole and, quite possibly, helped plot the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Tomorrow, she and 149 classmates will graduate from the School of Medicine. Hui-Chou said her four years at Maryland were "the culmination of everything Iýd been hoping for."
www.baltimoresun.com

Bernanke Adopts Greenspan's Opposition to Hedge-Fund Regulation
The Standard - May 17

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke, who pledged to continue the policies of his predecessor, is sticking close to Alan Greenspan's opposition to regulation of hedge funds. "For the head of the Fed to try and continue to draw the federal government away from any transparent observation of this market is playing with matches," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law, who was director of markets and trading at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Clinton administration.
www.thestandard.com.hk

Bernanke Adopts Greenspan's Opposition to Hedge-Fund Regulation
WTIC-AM (Hartford, Conn.) - May 17
WTIC-FM (Hartford, Conn.) - May 17
WPRI-TV (Providence, R.I.) - May 17

Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and former director of markets and trading at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, was interviewed about the possible manipulation of oil futures markets affecting gasoline prices.

For-Profit Funding May Bias Clinical Trials
Forbes - May 16

In a new study published in the May 17 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that clinical trials funded by drug companies and other for-profit entities were more likely to report positive findings than similar trials funded by nonprofit groups. ýIým not surprised that that is the case,ý said Adil Shamoo, PhD, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the School of Medicine and co-founder of Citizens for Responsible Care and Research, which lobbies for the rights of patients and clinical trial participants.
www.forbes.com

Bernanke Adopts Greenspan's Opposition to Hedge-Fund Regulation
Bloomberg News - May 17

Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke, who pledged to continue the policies of his predecessor, is sticking close to Alan Greenspan's opposition to regulation of hedge funds. "For the head of the Fed to try and continue to draw the federal government away from any transparent observation of this market is playing with matches," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law, who was director of markets and trading at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Clinton administration.
www.bloomberg.com

Malvo Helping Prosecution
The Baltimore Sun - May 17

Lee Boyd Malvo, the young Jamaican prosecuted as John Allen Muhammad's accomplice in a deadly sniper rampage in 2002, has provided information to police in recent months, indicating that a deal might be close for Malvo to testify against Muhammad. "It doesn't necessarily mean that Malvo will testify. But it does mean he might," said Abraham Dash, JD, professor at the School of Law.
www.baltimoresun.com

New Technology for Treating Cancer
WBAL-TV, Ch 11, 5 p.m. - May 16

New technology called the Trilogy system is being used at the University of Maryland Medical Center to help cancer patients. "It is the most accurate system you can have available to patients and a large part of the accuracy is defined by the fact that this system takes pictures of the tumors while the patient is being treated," said William Regine, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the School of Medicine.
www.thewbalchannel.com

Videos Released of Plane Crashing Into Pentagon
The Washington Post - May 16

The split-second image of the hijacked airplane slamming into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, filled computer screens around the nation yesterday as the Department of Defense for the first time officially released two videos of the terrorist attack. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the School's Center for Health and Homeland Security, said the videos are "an important reminder for the American people of the continuing need to keep our guard up."
www.washingtonpost.com

Researchers Testing Bird Flu Vaccine
TheWBALChannel.com - May 15

Clinical trials are under way at the School of Medicine that could provide an effective treatment for the avian bird flu. "We don't know whether this particular virus currently circulating in birds will be the one to jump into humans, but whether it's this one or another, we all feel likely there will be an influenza pandemic," said James Campbell, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the School of Medicine. "I just thought it would a good cause," said Rachel Bongiorno, PharmD, assistant professor at the School of Pharmacy.
www.thewbalchannel.com

Pain Killer Addiction Growing
WMAR-TV, Ch 2, 6:45 a.m. - May 16

In the wake of two television interviews with local sportscaster Keith Mills concerning his addiction to painkiller medicine, Anthony Tommasello, PhD, was a guest on the morning newscast to talk about the growing problem of painkiller addiction and strategies to deal with it. Tommasello is an associate professor in the School of Pharmacy and the director of the School's Office of Substance Abuse Studies.

Phone Record Surveillance
WAQY-FM (Springfield, Mass.), 7 a.m. - May 16

The U.S. government's secret collection of Americans' phone records may not breach the Fourth Amendmentýs privacy guarantee, legal analysts say, but it could violate federal surveillance and telecommunication laws. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the School's Center for Health and Homeland Security, noted that it's unclear how the government is using the records it collects

Scientists Await Stem Cell Research Funding
Baltimore Business Journal - May 15

Scientists in Maryland who work on human embryonic stem cell research could get some of the $15 million the state has set aside to fund the controversial field by early next year. James Hughes, vice president for research and development at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, said he was "delighted" that the state provided money. David Trisler, PhD, an assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine, said he intends to seek state funding for his research into how adult bone marrow cells can be used to repair damaged nerve cells in the brain.
baltimore.bizjournals.com

The Coming Conflict Between Same-Sex Marriage and Religious Liberty
The Weekly Standard - May 15

Religious-liberty scholars are examining the question of the impact of gay marriage on the freedom of religion. Robin Wilson, JD, associate professor at the School of Law, predicts "a concerted effort to take same-sex marriage from a negative right to be free of state interference to a positive entitlement to assistance by others."
www.weeklystandard.com

An Advertiser's Guide to False Advertising-and How to Avoid It
The Daily Record - May 12

James Astrachan, JD, an adjunct professor at the School of Law, concludes his series about commercial speech, false advertising, and constitutional protections under the law with an outline of the damages available in a false advertising case.

Biosciences Facilities Update
The Baltimore Sun - May 12

At a breakfast meeting sponsored by The Greater Baltimore Committee, updates will be given on the University of Maryland Baltimore BioPark, the Science and Technology Park at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Baltimore County TechCenter.
www.baltimoresun.com

Commentary: More Isn't Always Better
The Daily Record - May 12

Andrew Baida, JD, an adjunct professor at the School of Law, wrote an opinion column about how "good advocacy focuses on the key portions of a relevant case and articulates, generally in no more than a few sentences, the reasons why that case is relevant and compels the result you are asking the court to reach."

Conflict Resolution Can Curb Violence
The Baltimore Sun - May 13

In this letter to the editor, Roger Wolf, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Dispute Resolution at the School of Law, "applauds the Sports4Kids program, which helps Baltimore students learn to use conflict-resolution techniques, and the Open Society Institute for its generous support of school conflict-resolution programs."
www.baltimoresun.com

Hopkins To Launch Nanotech Research Center
Baltimore Business Journal - May 12

With $6 million in initial funding, Johns Hopkins University is launching a new institute designed to study how the emerging science of nanotechnology can used in medicine. Nanotech holds great promise for biotechnology, communications, and manufacturing, proponents say. But commercial applications have been limited. Last year, the University of Maryland's Baltimore and College Park campuses formed the Center for Nanomedicine and Cellular Delivery, a joint nanotechnology group.
baltimore.bizjournals.com

Names in the News
The Baltimore Sun - May 12

Jon P. Burns, a senior information technology executive with more than 20 years of health care experience, has been appointed senior vice president and chief information officer for the University of Maryland Medical System. Burns comes from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Cleveland Clinic Health System, where he was senior executive for information technology.
www.baltimoresun.com

Phone Record Surveillance
WMAR-TV, Ch 2, 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. - May 13

The U.S. government's secret collection of Americans' phone records may not breach the Fourth Amendment's privacy guarantee, legal analysts say, but it could violate federal surveillance and telecommunication laws. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the School's Center for Health and Homeland Security, noted that it's unclear how the government is using the records it collects.

Sniper Defense Dwells on Minutiae
The Baltimore Sun - May 14

Several veteran lawyers familiar with his case say it is unlikely that convicted sniper John Muhammad's apparent legal strategy-finding small discrepancies, getting prosecution witnesses to acknowledge that they didnýt see the shooters-will sow the seed of doubt in jurors. "In the long run, is this going to advance the ball for him? No," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.
www.baltimoresun.com

Summit to Take Aim at the Flu
The Baltimore Sun - May 14

In an effort to make sure emergency plans are in place well ahead of any flu pandemic, Howard County officials and the Horizon Foundation will hold an invitation-only summit Tuesday in Columbia to begin educating the countyýs leaders to respond to a widespread medical disaster. Experts who will speak include J. Glenn Morris, Jr., MD, MPH, TM, chair of the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine at the School of Medicine, and Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.
www.baltimoresun.com

Gathering Data May Not Violate Privacy Rights
USA Today - May 11
BBC News - May 11

The U.S. government's secret collection of Americans' phone records may not breach the Fourth Amendment's privacy guarantee, legal analysts said Thursday, but it could violate federal surveillance and telecommunication laws. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the School's Center for Health and Homeland Security, noted that itýs unclear how the government is using the records it collects. He said it could resonate with Americans because it involves records of tens of millions of people with no ties to terrorism.
www.usatoday.com
news.bbc.co.uk

Pharmacist Helps With Medicare Drug Plan Enrollment
WMAR-TV, Ch 2, 5:50 a.m. & 6:12 a.m. - May 12

Millions of people, mostly senior citizens, must figure out by midnight Monday which of the numerous prescription drug plans is best for their medicines under the new Medicare Part D guidelines. Nicole Brandt, PharmD, director of clinical and educational programs at the Peter Lamy Center for Drug Therapy and Aging at the School of Pharmacy, was a guest on two segments of the morning newscast and answered questions from viewers about the different plans and the enrollment process.

Top 100 Women
The Daily Record - 2006

In the recently released annual supplement, Janet D. Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing; LaFrance Muldrow, MSW, a field instructor at the School of Social Work; and Karen H. Rothenberg, JD, dean of the School of Law, were named among The Daily Record's top 100 women in Maryland.

U.S. Spy Agency Has "Call Database"
BBC News - May 11

A United States intelligence agency has been collecting data on the phone calls of tens of millions of Americans, a report in USA Today alleges. Experts disagree about whether the government has the authority to demand the data it is allegedly compiling. "I'm quite confident that if it's true it's illegal," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.
news.bbc.co.uk

Attorney Seeks Students to Join Possible Class-action Suit
The Diamondback - May 10

The Baltimore attorney who represented four students in a court case that determined the University System of Maryland's criteria for granting in-state student status is now fighting to get the names, contact information, and denial letters of students who were denied in-state status for the past five years. Thousands of students may be eligible if a Baltimore circuit court allows him to file a class-action lawsuit.
www.diamondbackonline.com

Employers Have a Role in Fighting Drug Abuse
The Daily Record - May 11
The Baltimore Examiner - May 11

Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health, presented the School of Pharmacy's 2006 Ellis Grollman Lecture in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Volkow said it is up to doctors, pharmacists, family members, and employers to be aware of the signs of drug abuse. "The drugs are appealing for recreational use because they are guaranteed clean and pure, unlike possibly contaminated street drugs," said Tony Tommasello, PhD, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy and director of the University of Maryland Office of Substance Abuse Studies.

HPV Vaccine Nearing Approval
The Baltimore Sun - May 11

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to decide next month whether to approve a vaccine against the human papilloma virus that could eliminate most cases of cervical cancer. "This is a huge step," said Karen Kotloff, MD, professor of infectious disease at the School of Medicine. "They tackled a virus that is known to be required to produce cervical cancer, and the data I've read suggests that it's one of the most effective vaccines available."
www.baltimoresun.com

Testing a Bio-Terror Cure
The Daily Record - May 10

The Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, led by the School of Medicine, is focusing on developing treatments for dangerous contagions such as anthrax and smallpox. James Nataro, MD, PhD, professor at the School of Medicine, said that "while an avian flu pandemic is inevitable, the variety of potential types of biological terrorist attacks-from anthrax in the water to botulism in the food supply-means much work needs to be done."

"Safe" Cigarettes Sometimes Snuffed
The Arizona Republic - May 9

In the past 18 months, lawmakers in at least 15 states have considered bills to require fire-safe cigarettes. But opponents often use procedural maneuvers to block votes on the bills as legislative sessions wind down. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the nationýs second-largest tobacco company, led the lobbying to kill the bill, says Kathleen Dachille, JD, assistant professor at the School of Law and director of the Legal Resource Center for Tobacco Regulation, Litigation & Advocacy, which supports tighter restrictions.
www.azcentral.com

Bird Flu Preparations
ABC News' "Nightline" - May 9

In a follow-up to the ABC movie "Fatal Contact" which depicted the consequences of a fictitious avian flu epidemic, "Nightline" focused on the reality of government and private industry preparations for a possible epidemic. Robert Edelman, MD, associate director for clinical research for the Center for Vaccine Development at the School of Medicine, explained the research investigating whether existing flu vaccine supplies can be stretched.

Lawyers Prepare for High-Stakes Criminal Trial
The Diamondback - May 10

University of Maryland, College Park student Daniel Murray is charged with first-degree arson and first-degree murder in last yearýs death of fellow student Michael Scrocca. Given the fact that police have a confession from Murray, Abraham Dash, JD, professor at the School of Law, said the stateýs case has a strong foundation. However, Murray's lawyer could try to challenge the confession statement. Douglas Colbert, JD, professor at the School of Law, said the expert testimony from police and fire detectives will be crucial to the case.
www.diamondbackonline.com

Mothers Who Give Up Custody of Their Children Face "Scarlet Letter"
Newhouse News Service - May 9

For women who have given up custody of their children, every Mother's Day brings a churn of emotions. Reasons vary as to why women become noncustodial, said Geoffrey Greif, PhD, associate dean at the School of Social Work. "It may be better school districts, or the housing situation," he said. "Perhaps the mother believes a son needs more contact with his father. It's clear that society treats these women more harshly."
www.newhousenews.com

Senate Democrats Seek Greater Energy Trading Oversight
Dow Jones Newswires - May 9

At a Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing on energy trading, it was argued that something more than the market forces of supply and demand are driving up oil, natural gas, and electricity prices, renewing calls for legislation that would shed more light on energy markets. "What is troubling, however, is the argument that has been vigorously advanced in many quarters that market manipulation has nothing to do with this price," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law.

'Safe' Cigarettes Sometimes Snuffed
USA Today - May 9

In the past 18 months, lawmakers in at least 15 states have considered bills to require fire-safe cigarettes but opponents are using procedural maneuvers to block votes on the bills. R.J. Reynolds, the nation's second-largest tobacco company, led the lobbying to kill the bill, says Kathleen Dachille, JD, assistant professor at the School of Law and director of the school's Legal Resource Center for Tobacco Regulation, Litigation & Advocacy, which supports tighter restrictions.

BWI Airport Tests New Priority Security System
WBFF-TV, Ch. 45 5:30 p.m. & 10 p.m. - May 8

Officials at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport are considering the federally managed Registered Traveler program that allows travelers to bypass long security lines, which by paying a fee to use a separate express lane. Kate Christensen, JD, assistant director of the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security at the School of Law, says the security agency "has done extensive background checks" and will be using iris scans and thumb prints to confirm identities.

Man Financial Sued in Hedge Fund's Collapse
The Philadelphia Inquirer - May 9
Bloomberg News - May 8

Man Group's U.S. brokerage and seven of its employees were sued yesterday for fraud and racketeering by a court-appointed receiver seeking to recoup investor assets lost in the collapse of a Philadelphia hedge fund. "Under RICO, you're not just talking about damages, you're talking about treble damages," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and former director of trading and markets at the CFTC.
www.bloomberg.com
www.philly.com

Prescription Drug Addiction is Widespread
WBFF-TV, Ch. 45 7:25 a.m. - May 9

Several public figures have been in the news recently after acknowledging their addiction to prescription pain killers. Tony Tommasello, PhD, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy and director of the University of Maryland Office of Drug Abuse Studies, says there needs to be a partnership between the patient, physician, and pharmacist to control the addiction and plan for an "exit strategy" off of the medicine.

Washington's Death Teaching Opportunity
Montgomery Advertiser (editorial) - May 9

More than 90 years after his death, Booker T. Washington is still educating. Washington took seriously his status as an example for black Americans and surely would be gratified that an examination of his death provides an important teaching opportunity. Washington's remarkable life, which began in slavery, remains one of the great stories in American history. But that life ended too soon, at just 59, and the circumstances surrounding his death were reviewed recently at a University of Maryland School of Medicine conference that each year examines the death of a noted historical figure.
www.montgomeryadvertiser.com

2006 National Nurses Week
Advance for Nurses - May issue

In a roundup article featuring leaders in the nursing field discussing the diversity of National Nurses Week celebrations, Janet D. Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, is pictured and quoted about her distribution of mementoes to fellow nurses. "Each year, our faculty, staff and students look forward to receiving their Nurses Week pins," she said. "The pins are a small token of our appreciation for their hard work and commitment to the profession of nursing."
nursing.advanceweb.com

Bird Flu Preparations by Hospitals
NBC Nightly News - May 5
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11, 11 p.m. - May 5
WMAR-TV, Ch. 2, 5 p.m. - May 3

The University of Maryland Medical Center is making preparations for a possible avian flu epidemic. According to Chief Medical Officer Timothy Babineau, MD, MBA, FACS, a member of the School of Medicine faculty, the medical centerýs strategy is to keep avian flu patients separate from the rest of the hospital population and examine them outside in a tent. Special isolation equipment for the medical center staff has been purchased to protect their health.

Booker T. Washingtonýs Death Revisited
The Associated Press - May 5
The New York Times - May 5
The Baltimore Sun - May 5 (and 92 other newspapers)

Booker T. Washington died of high blood pressure, a review of his medical records has determined, erasing a cloud over the civil rights leaderýs death. Washington's records were obtained for a University of Maryland medical conference that looks each year at the cause of death of a historical figure. Washingtonýs records show that his blood pressure was 225 over 145, nearly double the 120 over 80 that is considered normal. The records also show that a blood test ruled out syphilis, said Philip Mackowiak, MD, the organizer and creator of the School of Medicine conference.
www.baltimoresun.com

Do-it-Yourself Defendants
Baltimore Sun - May 8

Though three lawyers are serving as his standby counsel, John Muhammad, whose trial on six counts of first-degree murder is under way in Montgomery County, is representing himself, as he did for a small part of his trial in Virginia. Douglas Colbert, JD, professor at the School of Law, believes that those who represent themselves in criminal cases are often mentally impaired or, at least, deeply idiosyncratic.
www.baltimoresun.com

Governmentýs Case Against Moussaoui Suffered From Key Flaw
The Richmond Times-Dispatch - May 7

Despite tapping into the vast resources of American law enforcement, prosecutors could not produce any evidence showing that Zacarious Moussaoui was directly involved in the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks, aside from the defendantýs own boastful claims. ýI think it was a case of overreaching,ý said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security. "The government knew they had a marginal player. But they were anxious to have a trophy to show they were doing something."
www.timesdispatch.com

Market Manipulation Leads to Higher Gas Prices
WTOP, 103.5 FM, 8:30 a.m. - May 8

In an early morning interview, Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, was interviewed about his testimony at a U.S. Senate hearing regarding trading. Greenberger, who was director of markets and trading at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission during the Clinton administration, testified about the changing nature of the energy markets, federal regulation, and national security implications of the current market structure.

Scientists Divided on Arthritis Study
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - May 6

A study recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that the popular dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin helped only subjects with moderate to severe arthritis pain. But Marc Hochberg, MD, professor at the School of Medicine, wrote in an editorial accompanying the article that the researchers used pills that did not contain the identical ingredients or the identical mixture of supplements now available to the public, possibly altering the study's accuracy.
www.ajc.com

Seniors Can Expect More Calculations, Higher Costs as Drug Plan Evolves
South Florida Sun-Sentinel - May 8

May 15 is the deadline to enroll in Medicare's prescription benefit plan this year, but the program will likely change again as early as 2007 and will continue to evolve over the next few years. Bruce Stuart, PhD, professor at the School of Pharmacy and executive director of the Peter Lamy Center for Drug Therapy and Aging, thinks more dramatic changes will come in 2008, as plan rates initially may be unrealistically low in order to lure more customers.
www.sun-sentinel.com

To Bask or Not to Bask?
The Baltimore Sun - May 5

Scientists estimate that excessive sun exposure is responsible for about 60 percent of the 60,000 cases of melanoma diagnosed last year in the United States. More than 90 percent of basal and squamous cell carcinomas-the less-serious forms of skin cancerýare linked to the sun. "The problem with melanoma is that we don't have great treatments once the melanoma has progressed," said Jennifer Cooper, MD, assistant professor at the School of Medicine.
www.baltimoresun.com

Flu Drug Tamiflu Fares Well in Testing
The Baltimore Sun - May 5

The flu drug Tamiflu can prevent deaths in mammals infected with bird flu, suggests a new study that offers clues to the ideal dosage and duration needed for people. But news isn't as promising for human vaccine development, another front in the preparation for a potential flu pandemic. James Campbell, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the School of Medicine and principal investigator for the trial, said worldwide vaccine production capacity is still low, and getting the vaccine where it's needed during a pandemic would be time-consuming.
www.baltimoresun.com

Lax Enforcement of Bay Law Alleged
The Capital (Annapolis) - May 4
WTOP.com - May 4
WTOP, 103.5 FM , 5:30 p.m. - May 4
WAMU, 88.5 FM, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. - May 4
WBAL-TV, Ch. 11, 6 p.m. - May 4
WJLA-TV, Ch. 7, 5 p.m. ý May 4
WBOC-TV, Ch. 16, 7 p.m. - May 4
WMDT-TV, Ch. 47, 11 p.m. - May 4

The Environmental Law Clinic at the School of Law issued a report yesterday saying local governments often fail to enforce a landmark state law designed to protect environmentally critical areas near the Chesapeake Bay. "Local enforcement is almost entirely responsive, instead of proactive, allowing many critical area violations to go unnoticed," said Kerry Rodgers, JD, MES, visiting associate professor at the School of Law. "Routine, small-scale violations threaten the bay with death by a thousand cuts."
www.hometownannapolis.com
www.wtopnews.com

Moussaoui Verdict Highlights Where Juries Fear to Tread
The New York Times - May 5

Legal analysts say the terrorism trial of Zacarias Moussaoui, built on a novel legal theory, was marked by prosecutorial stumbles and involved a defendant whose conduct throughout seemed a determined effort to dig his own grave. Yet the case ultimately followed the pattern of most federal capital cases, with juries reluctant to impose death sentences. "Obtaining the death penalty is not easy," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.

Names in the News
The Daily Record - May 4

Rosemarie Satyshur, DNSc, RN, professor of pediatrics at the School of Nursing, has received the Cynthia Rose Award from the National Committee of Grandparents for Children's Rights. Satyshur is also the first recipient of the Children's Champion Award from the Maryland-based Solutions for Children and Caregivers.

Fat-fighting Beyond Schools
The Baltimore Sun - May 4

As soft-drink distributors were pledging to stop selling calorie-laden sodas in public schools, Maryland released a plan to inspire more fat-fighting initiatives in businesses, communities, and schools. Gathering that information in one place will help the plan succeed, said David Stewart, MD, associate professor at the School of Medicine, who is chairman of the working group that developed the state's plan.
www.baltimoresun.com

Flu Drug Tamiflu Fares Well in Testing
The Associated Press - May 3 (and 53 more newspapers)
CBSnews.com - May 3 (and 21 more Web sites)

The flu drug Tamiflu can prevent deaths in mammals infected with bird flu, suggests a new study that offers clues to the ideal dosage and duration needed for people. The news wasn't as promising for human vaccine development, another front in the preparation for a potential flu pandemic. James Campbell, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the School of Medicine and principal investigator for the trial, said worldwide vaccine production capacity is still low, and getting the vaccine where it's needed if there's a pandemic will be time-consuming.
www.signonsandiego.com
www.cbsnews.com

Hospitals Plan for the Worst
The Daily Record - May 4
WMAR-TV, Ch. 13 - May 4

Baltimore-area hospitals still are in the midst of preparations for a possible avian flu pandemic. The University of Maryland Medical System has spent its share of time and money on the possibility of a bird flu outbreak, reworking its plans for bioterrorist attacks and following the lead of hospitals in countries like Canada and their dealings with the SARS outbreak. "It's evolving," said Harold Standiford, MD, FACP, professor and director for infection control and antimicrobial effectiveness at the School of Medicine.
www.mddailyrecord.com

Lax Enforcement of Bay Law Alleged
The Baltimore Sun - May 4
WJZ.com - May 4
WJLA.com - May 4

The Environmental Law Clinic at the School of Law issued a report yesterday saying local governments often fail to enforce a landmark state law designed to protect environmentally critical areas near the Chesapeake Bay. "Local enforcement is almost entirely responsive, instead of proactive, allowing many Critical Area violations to go unnoticed," wrote Kerry Rodgers, JD, MES, visiting professor at the School of Law. "Routine, small-scale violations threaten the bay with death by a thousand cuts."
www.baltimoresun.com
wjz.com
www.wjla.com

Moussaoui Escapes Death Penalty
USA Today - May 4
The Los Angeles Times - May 4 (and 42 more newspapers)
"The Morning Edition," National Public Radio, 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. - May 4

A federal jury sentenced convicted Al Qaeda conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui to life in prison after failing to reach a unanimous decision that he be executed for his role in the attacks. Several legal analysts said that the federal government essentially gambled on linking him to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks to try to have him executedýand lost. "They never should have tried to go for the ultimate sanction," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.
www.usatoday.com
www.latimes.com
www.npr.org

New Goal for Aging
The Bradenton Herald (FL) - May 4

Not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, warding off diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol may drastically reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and add 10 years to your life, according to the latest results from the Framingham Heart Study. "Cessation of smoking and maintenance of body weight are the two most readily modifiable risk factors," said Mandeep Mehra, MD, professor and chief of cardiology at the School of Medicine.
www.bradenton.com

Celiac Run Promoted
Fox News 7:55 a.m. - May 3

Alessio Fasano, MD, director of the Center for Celiac Research at the School of Medicine, was interviewed about "Making Tracks for Celiacs," the fifth international 5K walk/run for celiac disease scheduled for Sunday, May 7. He also discussed the disease, also known as gluten intolerance, which is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 133 Americans.

Federal Government's Bird Flu Plan
WUSA-TV, Ch. 9, 9 a.m. - May 3

Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, discussed todayýs expected release of the White House's plan for how the government would respond to an outbreak of the bird flu.

Las Vegas: A Terrorist Target?
Vallejo Times Herald (CA) - May 2

According to a Las Vegas Review-Journal report, the U.S. Homeland Security Department recently downgraded Las Vegasý status as a potential terrorist target because it relied on inaccurate data. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, said the mistakes in the Las Vegas data should raise concerns about the accuracy of other Homeland Security Department information.

Sniper Could Face Malvo
The Baltimore Sun - May 3

Convicted sniper Lee Malvo is negotiating a plea bargain in which he would testify against his former mentor John Muhammad, according to sources. Abraham Dash, JD, professor at the School of Law, said that even if Malvo's past inconsistencies are brought out, prosecutors have nothing to lose by having him offer a first-person account of the shootings.
www.baltimoresun.com

Jury Pool for Sniper Trial
The Baltimore Sun - May 2

The difficulty of finding jurors in Montgomery County who have not decided that convicted sniper John Muhammad was responsible for the county's six sniper killings in 2002 became immediately apparent yesterday as the presiding judge questioned the first batch of 300 potential jurors. "Finding jurors willing to take a fresh look at the case could take a while," said Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security.
www.baltimoresun.com

Rules of Conduct for Judges Set
The Baltimore Sun - May 2
The Daily Record - May 2

Prominent members of Maryland's legal community, worried that hotly contested elections for judges could erode public confidence in the judiciary, announced a set of voluntary conduct standards yesterday that they hope will preserve the dignity of the office. "The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states may not prohibit judicial candidates from making campaign pledges or inflammatory remarks," said Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor at the School of Law who helped organize the Maryland Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee.
www.baltimoresun.com

17 Years Later, Furor Over Asbestos Simmers
The Baltimore Sun - April 29

Since 1989, the dispute over Richard Schafer's plan to build an asbestos landfill in a small Harford County town has united residents in opposition, spawned more than a dozen court challenges, and racked up millions in legal fees. "I would hope he would recognize that this is not an appropriate location, pick up his marbles and go home, but we've long since given up hope on that," said Sherrilyn Ifill, JD, associate professor at the School of Law, who has represented the residents pro bono since 1994.
www.baltimoresun.com

First Minimally Invasive Surgery in Afghanistan
TheWBALChannel.com - April 28

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) played a major role in an historic surgery Friday in Afghanistan, when surgeons took part in the first minimally invasive gallbladder surgery ever performed in the country. The surgery took place as part of a partnership between UMMC, the U.S. Army, and several surgical and health-technology firms.
www.thewbalchannel.com

For Biotech Companies, Guarding Concepts is Critical
The Baltimore Sun - April 30
BlackEnterprise.com - April 30
TMCnet.com - April 30

If Alba Therapeutics Corp. didn't have product protection for the 200 patents it has either applied for or been issued, the Baltimore biotech might be $300 million poorer, according to news reports. Speaking from his office at the new UMB BioPark, Blake Paterson, MD, Alba's chief executive officer and co-founder, said, "If you're making that sort of investment, and taking that degree of risk, you need to have a patent on that product. ... It's fundamental."
www.baltimoresun.com
www.blackenterprise.com
www.tmcnet.com

In Maryland Election, Race Is the Name of the Game
The Washington Post - April 30

Political observers say the politics of race in Maryland goes something like this: When one white candidate in the Democratic primary for governor picks a black running mate, as Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley did in December, another white candidate must pick one too, as Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan did last week. "I suspect that OýMalley's decision [to choose a black running mate] was a combination of race and geography," said Larry Gibson, LLB, professor at the School of Law.
www.washingtonpost.com

Maryland Law on Police Misconduct
The Daily Record - April 28

In a guest commentary, Steven Schwinn, JD, assistant professor at the School of Law, urges the Maryland Court of Appeals to use the upcoming rape trial of three Baltimore police officers as an opportunity to clarify police departments' liability for their officers' misconduct.

Maryland's Sniper Trial Begins Today
WBAL, 1090 AM, 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. - May 1

Jury selection begins today in Montgomery County for the Maryland trial of convicted sniper John Muhammad, who is already on death row in Virginia. Michael Greenberger, JD, professor at the School of Law and director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, said putting Muhammad on trial in Maryland is partly to help bring closure to the families of the people killed in the state.

Nurses to Train With Simulation Software
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation newsletter - April 25

The School of Nursing is buying software from Cerner Corp., a health care technology company, to train nurses to work in hospitals that are expected to become increasingly reliant on technology and automation. The School will use Cerner's software in its clinical simulation laboratories. The tools play an important role in how nurses assess patients, plan patient care, document information, and monitor outcomes. "This collaboration will better prepare the future generation of nurses for a workplace that is increasingly automated," said Janet D. Allan, PhD, RN, CS, FAAN, dean of the School.

Region Gets Poor Grade for Air Quality
The Capital (Annapolis) - April 27

The American Lung Association has released its "State of the Air 2006" report and, overall, the Baltimore-Washington region has the 12th-worst ozone, and short-term particle pollution (or "soot") and the 21st-worst year-round particle pollution. But environmental experts expect to see major improvements in the future, as just-passed air quality legislation takes effect. "Hopefully things will change. That's why we all fought so hard," said Brenda Afzal, MS, RN, a project manager at the School of Nursing's Environmental Health Education Center.

Study Finds Citric Acid Eats Into Tooth Enamel
The Examiner - April 14

You may want to think twice before picking up a can of Red Bull or Sprite. The citric acid in these drinks is more harmful to teeth than Coke or Pepsi, according to research conducted by a 17-year-old aspiring dentistýDrew Barnes-who is a senior at Centenial High School in Ellicott City. His work was a follow-up on earlier findings on the effects of soft drinks on tooth enamel by his mentor, Joseph Anthony VonFraunhofer, PhD, a professor and director of biomaterials research at the Dental School.

Study on Preemptive Treatment of Schizophrenia Stirs Debate
The New York Times - May 1

Experts say the first long-term study of early drug treatment for young people who are at risk for schizophrenia but who have not yet developed the full-blown disorder raised more questions than it answered. "Unfortunately, the study's numbers are so small that it cannot be decisive on the key issue, which is whether it's prudent to treat people early when there are uncertainties about the diagnosis, and given the effect of stigma and adverse effects," said William Carpenter, MD, professor at the School of Medicine and director of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center.
www.nytimes.com

University of Maryland Plans $19.5 Million Building on the Westside
Baltimore Business Journal - May 4

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is considering two locations on downtown Baltimoreýs Westside for a $19.5 million administrative building. The move is necessary due to the University of Maryland Medical Centerýs plan for a new $328 million outpatient care center at the current location of UMBýs administrative offices in the 500 block of West Lombard Street. James Hill, the university's vice president for administration and finance, said that there are two potential locations for the 130,000-square-foot administrative building that would employ 300 people.