As the University community mourns the death of College sophomore Anne Ryan, questions and concerns about meningococcal meningitis, the disease that claimed the 19-year-old's life, are circulating around campus.

When it comes to political donations, America's professors are schooling other industries. Penn, too, is taking the lead - and it's mostly Democrats who are benefiting. According to data released last month by the Center for Responsive Politics, the education industry has grown to be a major player in campaign finance.

Just as Penn students are graded on multiple exams, papers and participation, universities are also judged on a variety of factors. U.S. News & World Report puts out an annual ranking of the nation's universities and colleges in an effort to guide readers through the process of choosing which schools to consider.

Wharton student Irina Malinovskaya will begin her third trial Thursday for allegedly murdering her ex-lover's girlfriend. Malinovskaya is accused of bludgeoning Temple University graduate student Irina Zlotnikov to death in the victim's boyfriend's Delaware apartment in December 2004.

Congress passed a new financial-aid bill Friday that will overhaul federal student-aid programs, including increases in grants and the slashing of interest rates on some student loans. The program, which was approved by both houses of Congress, constitutes a major increase in the Pell Grant Scholarships, raising them from a current maximum of $4,050 to $5,400 by 2012.

As Penn and Brandywine Realty Trust are poised to develop the postal lands east of campus, the face of University City is ripe for transformation. Experts seem sold on the University's vision going forward, hopeful that it will provide a successful model for future development based on the partnership of the nonprofit and private sectors.

A research paper by Penn scientists has brought science one step closer to yielding a cure to a devastating disease. In May, an international team of researchers, including five working out of Penn's School of Medicine, released a report that suggests that two forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, are actually two separate disorders that require separate treatment regimens.

Paul Glover says cities are like armies, and Philadelphia is camped way too far from its sources of supply - the average ingredient in a Philadelphia meal comes from 1,500 miles away.

Every spring, over 200 students get locked up. Voluntarily. As part of an introduction to her Forensic Science course, Nursing professor Kathleen Brown leads her entire class behind prison bars. In small groups, students see the "slamming doors, the numerous keys - what the system is like" and speak with inmates about their experiences on the inside, Brown explained.

The University's review of hiring and admissions practices is nearing completion, though it is unclear what specific changes will result from the recommendations.

College sophomore Anne Ryan died early yesterday morning of meningitis after being hospitalized on Saturday afternoon, University officials announced yesterday. It is still unclear how Ryan, 19, contracted meningococcal meningitis, a bacteria infection that affects part of the brain.

You saw her on Hollywood Squares, you laughed at her in Sister Act and you cried with her in The Color Purple. And, if you're lucky enough to score a ticket, you may just get to see her at Irvine Auditorium next month. Whoopi Goldberg will be this fall's keynote speaker, according to a press release issued today by the Connaissance committee of the Social Planning and Events Committee.

For those who have been involved with Penn since the beginning of the ranking system, the University's increase reflects a major transformation within the school - although changes to the ranking criteria have played a role as well.

The Sayre Health Center, based out of Sayre High School at 58th and Walnut streets, had its official grand opening Friday. The health center, which was created out of a partnership with Penn, will act as a community health facility offering both clinical and preventative care for both Sayre students and residents of the area.

An electrical fire broke out at the corner of 41st and Walnut streets Friday afternoon, the second time in a week that a fire has occurred near that intersection.

Common Pleas Court Judge Rayford Means excused himself from the resentencing of former Penn professor Tracy McIntosh, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Friday. McIntosh, who pled no contest to charges relating to a 2002 sexual assault, was originally sentenced by Means to only 11 1/2 to 23 months of house arrest, partly due to McIntosh's societal value as a neurobiology researcher.

Freshmen were already welcomed to Penn during Convocation, but second welcomings were widely available last night. Many Penn students were greeted once again yesterday as a number of Penn's student minority organizations invited the incoming class and returning students.