UA In the News — March 26-28

University of Alabama study looks at coping with a child’s cancer
Tuscaloosa News – March 28
Daniel-Logan Allen is like any other 5-year-old. He loves to play, run around in his front yard and climb from his plastic, battery-powered police car into his red fire truck. Watching him play, full of energy, it’s hard to believe that Daniel-Logan was once hospitalized for weeks at a time with a port in his chest to receive chemotherapy treatments. Daniel-Logan, now in remission, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 3 years old on the day his mother took him to the pediatrician to treat an ongoing cold … herwood Burns-Nader, an assistant professor in the University of Alabama’s College of Human Environmental Sciences’ department of human development and family studies, is studying what day-to-day life is like for parents of children who have been diagnosed with cancer within the past six months. The study consists of a seven-day survey where the parent completes an online journal detailing what happened that day and how factors like satisfaction with medical care, being off work, travel, transportation costs and more affected their ability to cope with their child’s condition.

State unemployment rate at 6.2%
Tuscaloosa News – March 25
Alabama’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 6.2 percent, unchanged from January, according to figures released Friday. Amah Ijaz, an economist at the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research said overall Alabama is seeing steady growth in payroll with the state adding around 24,100 jobs during the 12 months ending in February. Employment in state manufacturing, excluding the auto industry, is sluggish primarily due to a downturn in exports, he said.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is in big trouble over his affair allegations
Washington Post – March 25
This week, Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) denied having an affair with his top adviser. But in the face of pretty damning evidence otherwise, it takes a big leap of faith to take Bentley at his word. That leap may be too long for Alabamians — and, notably, Bentley’s allies, many of whom are running from him as fast as they can … Plus, there’s an irony factor, said Richard Fording, the chair of the University of Alabama’s political science department. “One thing he had going for him after he was elected is at least people thought he was a man of integrity,” he said of the governor who was married for 50 years before his recent divorce. “That is all gone now.”

UA Law Professor discusses legal issues surrounding Gov. Bentley’s relationship with adviser
CBS 5 (Mobile) – March 27
One big issue is whether or not anyone involved in the scandal has broken the law. Jenny Carroll is a law professor at The University of Alabama she breaks down the list of possible charges Governor Bentley could face because of his relationship with his adviser Rebecca Mason. She says their relationship doesn’t necessarily have to be physical to cross the legal line.

Appointments, Resignations, Deaths (4/1/2016)
Chronicle of Higher Education – March 27
Appointments – Roland Anglin, senior adviser to the chancellor and director of the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies at Rutgers University at Newark, to dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University … Kay Palan, dean of the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University, to dean of the Culverhouse College of Commerce at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa.

C-Span visits Tuscaloosa 
Washington Journal-C-Span – March 27
We are on the road in Tuscaloosa, exploring the history and literary scenes of this Alabama town. We filmed at The University of Alabama with its rich, historic sites. While we were there we were doing some sightseeing, and community outreach events.

Spring events will boost economy
Tuscaloosa News – March 27
Football season may be the most-talked about season in Tuscaloosa, but the next six weeks hold a multitude of sporting events in the city and nearby area. From the University of Alabama’s annual A-Day Game to the Tour de Tuscaloosa cycling event, West Alabama will be home to many major athletic activities and collegiate events. Beginning next weekend, families across the region will flock to Tuscaloosa in large numbers to attend these events. Jay Kasten, executive director of sports at the Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission, estimates that 120,000 hotel room nights will be filled from April 1 to mid-May, often with more than one guest per room. Kasten said the city can expect a boost in revenue of $12-$15 million in the coming weeks.

College of Communication, Information Sciences career fair connects students, employers face-to-face
Crimson White – March 25
UA’s College of Communication and Information Sciences hosted a career fair Thursday for students looking to find job and internship opportunities while making professional connections. Amanda Ingram, director of operations for the Career Center, said this event and events similar to it provide students with multiple benefits. She encouraged students to get involved in future events that allow them to network and connect with professionals in their areas of interest. “The Communication Career Fair provides the opportunity for students to meet recruiters from a range of industries who have communication related internship and full time opportunities,” she said. Dan Bryan, a graduate student studying telecommunications and film, said the career fair is successful because it encourages genuine interactions between students and future employers.

Alternative spring break trips impact those helped, students
Crimson White – March 25
Spring break is over and UA students are back to school, bringing with them many unforgettable memories of their week off, and, for some, an experience with helping others. Beyond Bama is a program with the University’s Center for Service and Leadership and organizes alternative trips for both fall and spring break, during which students help others through various service projects both nationally and abroad. “These short-term service trips provide an all-inclusive experience for students while providing a learning experience on issues such as literacy, poverty, culture, hunger, homelessness and the environment,” said Cat Cary, a sophomore nursing major and assistant team leader for Beyond Bama. “These trips are fundamentally life-changing for the students and those served.”

OPINION: Things looking up for University of Alabama
Crimson White – March 28
Depending on whom you ask, the best way to measure the success of an institution of higher learning can certainly vary. Is it the number of research publications that are coming out of the University? Is it the school’s ranking on any number of the published lists out there? Is it the year-over-year growth of enrollment and 
degrees conferred? If you ask me, the best way to measure the success of a university is all of those things and more. In nearly every facet of university function that I can think of, Alabama is as well-rounded and upward-trending as any public university in the country, and the University has become shining example of our state’s potential. In 2015, the University conferred a record 8,500 degrees to students and nearly a quarter of a million degrees since its founding in 1831, bringing untold economic and cultural benefits to the well-being of our state and region. (Kyle Simpson is a junior majoring in biology. His column runs weekly.)

Getting multiple tattoos can help prevent colds, study says
CBS Pittsburgh – March 27
A new study says that covering yourself with tattoos might prevent colds. According to UA News, researchers at the University of Alabama found that receiving multiple tattoos can strengthen your immune system, making it easier to fight off common infections. The study found that getting just one tattoo can make you more vulnerable to sickness, but adding more ink helps. Dr. Christopher Lynn, UA associate professor of anthropology, explained that getting a tattoo is physically draining.
WBBM-CBS 2 (Chicago) – March 27
KTVT-CBS 11 (Dallas) – March 27
KRON (San Francisco) – March 27
KPTV-Fox (Portland, Oregon) – March 27
News Channel 8 (Washington, D.C.) – March 27
KTLA-CW 5 (Los Angeles) – March 27