Basic Procedures Inhibit Spread of Hospital Infections

John Hopkins researchers reported that simple and inexpensive procedures such as hand-washing can have a drastic effect on the spread of dangerous infections within hospitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90,000 Americans die every year from hospital-contracted infections. LA Times, LA Times 12/28/2006Read Article: LA Times

Sierra Club Joins Legal Battle Against Coal Plants

The Sierra Club is trying to join a lawsuit filed by Environmental Defense that would block the TX governor's plan to speed the approval process for the construction of 18 new coal-fired power plants. The lawsuit seeks to overturn an order that would speed up consideration of permits for the plants. Opponents of the plants argue that the TX governor lacks authority to set time limits on decisions by administrative law judges. The Associated Press, Ft. Worth Star Telegram 12/27/2006Read Article: Ft. Worth Star Telegram

Baton Rouge Federal Court Goes Digital

On March 1, 2007, all filings in federal court in Baton Rouge must be filed electronically. Only inmates or persons not represented by a lawyer will be allowed file paper except "special permission cases" as approved by a judge. The clerk's office offers an online tutorial and remote assistance via computer. The Advocate 12/28/2006Read Article: The Advocate