The Philadelphia Police officer who was shot during a North Philadelphia robbery died early yesterday morning, and police have increased efforts to hunt down the killer. Chuck Cassidy, who was shot at point-blank range once in the head after walking into a robbery in progress at a Dunkin' Donuts at 6620 N.

Students across the country are falling victim to skin infections, physical injuries and viral diseases, all without even leaving the classroom. At Texas A&M;, for example, lab accidents in which students were exposed to biological weapons terminated research at the school's biodefense labs.

A team of students and faculty from Penn and Lehigh University will compete in California this weekend for the title of a national engineering vehicle contest as one of 11 finalists. "Little Ben," an autonomous vehicle created by the team, will have to drive safely through a 60-mile course in less than six hours and negotiate traffic without human aid to win the 2007 Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Union Challenge.

WILMINGTON, DEL. - After a total of six days of deliberations, the jury still has yet to decide the fate of alleged murderer Irina Malinovskaya. Malinovskaya, a Wharton undergraduate, is accused by prosecutors of bludgeoning to death her ex-lover Robert Bondar's then-girlfriend, Irina Zlotnikov, in December 2004.

Kiss, Soundgarden and David Bowie were rocking out in front of the Penn Bookstore yesterday in a big purple bus. Granted, they were animated and on a screen. The promotional tour for Rock Band, a new MTV video game similar to the popular Guitar Hero, stopped at Penn, where about 100 students tried to be the world's next hit rock band yesterday afternoon.

The Greek scene at Penn just became a little larger. Sigma Pi, a fraternity that left campus in 2005 due to dwindling membership, colonized last night with 13 new members. Colonization is the first step on the way to becoming a University-recognized chartered fraternity.

Glamour readers will see a familiar face in next month's issue: Amy Gutmann. The December issue of Glamour, to be released on Nov. 13, will include a photo portfolio of women like Jennifer Garner, Donna Karan, Elizabeth Edwards and Toni Morrison. Honoring them in its Women of the Year Tribute, the magazine - whose circulation reaches over two million - is also launching the Glamour Women of the Year Fund to raise funds for charities that will support the women and their causes.

Sometimes, it's not very good to give, or to receive. Princeton University is in the midst of a contentious legal dispute with a former donor's family concerning a gift now worth almost $900 million. The lawsuit, which was sent to trial last week, could potentially have an impact that reaches past Princeton's wallet, ultimately affecting donor-university relations nationwide.

Hillary Clinton was declared the "winner" of Tuesday's Democratic debate at Drexel University, but are her opponents strengthening their opposition? This was one of the hot topics discussed at "The Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate: Who Really Won?" hosted by PoliComm, Annenberg's political communications research journal, yesterday at the Annenberg School of Communications.

WILMINGTON, DEL. - The third jury to decide the fate of accused murderer Irina Malinovskaya has now deliberated longer than both past juries, neither of which was able to reach a verdict. Malinovskaya allegedly bludgeoned to death her ex-lover's girlfriend in December 2004.

The dance floor at Smokey Joe's is packed on a recent Saturday night when the song comes on. "YOOOOOOUUUUU!" As soon as the crowd recognizes it, hoots and squeals rise throughout the bar. "Ayy, I got this new dance fo y'all called the Soulja Boy. You gotta punch den crank back three times from left to right."

Rows of desks, stacks of books and middle-aged librarians insisting on quiet: The image of a library is not necessarily the most appealing. But Penn Libraries, the University's umbrella group for all 15 libraries at Penn, may have a solution. Launched at the end of October, Learn to Fish - the official name of a new Penn Libraries campaign - features quirky photographs of students in an assortment of costumes, ranging from preppy attire to a military uniform.

Think you know which musicians should come to Penn? Speak up. The Social Planning and Events Committee released its fourth annual Student Body Survey today in an attempt to gather opinions and recommendations for future mainstream events, like the Spring Fling headliner concert.

A robbery was attempted at the Wachovia Bank located in the Domus apartment complex yesterday morning, Division of Public Safety and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials said. No money was taken and no injuries occurred.

Two heads are better than one. The UA and GAPSA have worked together on several projects this semester, a stark change for two organizations that previously attacked student problems with separate agendas. UA chairman Jason Karsh and GAPSA chairman Dan Grabell have been the main force behind the newfound collaboration.

Nursing faculty, staff and students gathered with outside guests in the auditorium of Claire Fagin Hall yesterday to celebrate the official launch of the NewCourtland Center for Transitions and Health and the landmark $5 million gift from the NewCourtland Elder Services.

Despite tables of chocolate mousse and gallons of apple cider, last night's fourth-annual Halloween party was a letdown for some students. The event, hosted by Penn President Amy Gutmann, was the first to be held at Wynn Commons instead of the President's House at 38th and Walnut streets.