IN BRIEF: NRC reduces Drexel's fines

The NRC lowered the fine from $6,250 to $5,000 after Drexel denied some of the violations and expressed disagreement with the NRC's assessment of the severity of the situation. Drexel responded to the NRC's Notice of Violation with a request that the civil penalty be reduced. Although the NRC did not find adequate grounds for reversing its previous decision, it did agree to reduce the fine after Drexel made comprehensive corrections to increase safety. The infractions cited against Drexel included the failure of the university's radiation safety officer to periodically review the terms of the facility's license, failure of the radiation safety staff to adequately evaluate the type and amount of radioactive materials at the university, and failure to perform leak tests of sealed radioactive sources. -- Jason Stover U. speech team to compete The University speech team will be attending the Pennsylvania State Championship at York College this weekend, competing against 15 other campuses statewide. Students will participate in 11 categories such as poetry, dramatic interpretation, persuasion and impromptu. The team is hopeful for a victory over last year's winner, West Chester University. "Penn's enthusiasm has placed us in a strong position to capture the state title," said team Vice President and College sophomore Laura Paladino. --Kara Blond