News Briefs for Issue 03

Libyan women hope to maintain power

On Feb. 15, a protest was held in Benghazi, Libya by the female relatives of massacred Abu Salim prisoners. Libyan women have begun to rise to power from all corners of life: Hweida Shibadi, a family lawyer and Aisha Gdour, a school psychologist. These female rebels struggle to keep hold of their power.

Read original story in The New York Times | Monday, Sept. 12, 2011

US grapples with homosexuality in school

In recent months, the debate on how to approach homosexuality in the classroom has become more heated.  Particularly under scrutiny is  Michelle Bachmann‘s (R, MN.) Congressional district, in which anti-gay bullying has been overlooked in favor of teachers maintaining neutrality where sexual orientation is concerned. The Minnesota Family Council any positive representation of homosexuality in the schools.

Read original story in The New York Times | Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011

Cancer killed by immune system?

An experimental new treatment may be the cure-all for cancer. Conducted by Dr. Carl June of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania, the experiment involved three patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia, all of whom lacked further chemotherapy options due to the disease’s progression. Two of them have gone into remission successfully, while the third has gone into partial remission. Their treatments involved removing a billion T-cells from each of their bodies, and is not available outside of studies.

Read original story in The New York Times | Monday, Sept. 12, 2011

Windows 8: Microsoft’s Last-Minute Ploy to Attract App Developers

In order to jump in on the pioneering software race, Microsoft has announced this week that they plan to release Windows 8, which will include compatibility with Samsung smartphones and tablets. They have adopted a “touch-first” philosophy with this new business model, claiming that, whether an individual is using a tablet, smartphone, or PC with functioning keyboard, the touchscreen technology will be equally available and adaptable.

Read original story in The New York Times | Monday, Sept. 12, 2011

U.S. Embassy in Kabul Under Attack by the Taliban

The capital of Afghanistan experienced several attacks, most notably a five-hour-long assault on the U.S. Embassy. The Taliban’s siege, which utilized guerilla tactics, is said to have been a demonstration to instill doubt about the government’s ability to keep its citizens from harm, rather than a murderous crusade.
Read original story in The New York Times | Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011

Mormon Temple to be built in center city

The construction of a Mormon temple between 18th and Vine Streets will begin in the spring of 2012. Being Pennsylvania’s first temple built for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it will share Logan Square in Center City with the Barnes Foundation museum, the Free Library, and the Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

Read original story on Philly.com | Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

Downingtown’s STEM Academy Cultivates Innovators

The STEM Academy in Downingtown, Pa. opened its doors for the first time. A magnet high school, its specialized curriculum includes science, technology, engineering and mathematics, each  representing a corresponding initial in the school’s name. Students are able to choose their area of study during their junior and senior years. In addition to the curriculum of college-level and advanced high school courses, however, they must also work in internships with local businesses and partake in community service projects.

Read original story on Philly.com | Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

White house adviser headlines domestic violence symposium

Lynn Rosenthal, the White House adviser on violence against women, will be a  speaker at the domestic and dating violence education symposium on Tuesday, Oct. 4.  The symposium will help participants identify and address domestic violence.

Read original story on Cabrini.edu | Sept. 2, 2011