WEEK IN REVIEW
March 5-11
Sunday, March 12, 2006; Page C04
Montgomery Reviews Movie BansComplaints Prompt Rethinking of Rules
Since last fall, high school teachers in Montgomery County effectively have been banned from showing R-rated movies such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List" in classes. Middle school teachers no longer can show movies rated PG-13.
But after complaints from teachers, students and parents, Maryland's largest school system has formed a group to revisit the decision.
The 33-member group is considering whether teachers should be allowed to show the movies as long as parents have signed consent forms or whether clips of R-rated movies should be allowed -- provisions similar to those in place in Fairfax County public schools.
Judge Consolidates Sniper CasesDefense Wanted Three Separate Trials
Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge James L. Ryan ruled that prosecutors can try John Allen Muhammad in a single trial for the six sniper slayings he has been charged with in Maryland. The judge rejected the defense's motion to sever them into three trials.
The judge sided again with the state in allowing prosecutors to use evidence of other crimes Muhammad is accused of to demonstrate that the six Maryland killings, part of a series of random homicides in the Washington area committed with a high-powered rifle in October 2002, were part of a broader scheme.
Legislators Tackle Electricity, AgainRates Could Rise as Much as 72 Percent
Seven years ago, the General Assembly rushed to end electricity regulation, allowing power companies to compete with the promise of better deals for consumers.
Now, legislators are scrambling to try to soften planned rate increases of as much as 72 percent that have resulted from the system they created.
Slaying Suspect Shot, Killed by PoliceOfficer Has Record of Misconduct Allegations
A Prince George's police sniper who fatally shot a suicidal homicide suspect in a Seat Pleasant park was identified by police as Cpl. Francis A. Masino, an officer with a history of misconduct allegations.
The man Masino shot, Denard Mason, had just admitted to slaying his girlfriend, a Bowie State University student, and setting a fire to cover up the killing, police said.
Voters May Go Back to the PastHouse Approves Return to Paper Ballots
The Maryland House of Delegates unanimously passed legislation to ditch the state's touch-screen voting machines for the coming election in favor of a system that uses paper ballots.
The 137 to 0 vote in the House and the endorsement of the plan by Republican Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. represent a stunning turnaround for a state that was on the leading edge of touch-screen voting in 2001. The moves also reflect a national shift toward machines that provide a paper record.
Midshipman Testifies at Rape HearingAcademy Quarterback Accused of Offenses
A midshipman told her friends she had been raped but was reluctant to report the incident, according to testimony during the second day of a preliminary hearing for Lamar S. Owens Jr., the U.S. Naval Academy quarterback accused of rape, indecent assault and conduct unbecoming an officer.
A friend of the victim's also testified, saying that making sexual assault accusations at the U.S. Naval Academy can result in ostracism, especially when the accused is a popular football player.
Across the RegionBus Driver Acquitted; Immigrants' Rapid Influx
· An Arlington County jury acquitted a school bus driver of reckless driving, agreeing that she was not responsible for the crash last spring that killed two students. The driver of the trash truck that hit the bus is scheduled to be tried next month on charges of reckless driving and failing to maintain control of his vehicle.
· The Washington region, long established as a magnet for Hispanics and Asians, is drawing those groups faster this decade than in the past and in larger numbers than many large metropolitan areas, according to a report.
· The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington has received the largest donation in its history, a $1.5 million grant from the Freddie Mac Foundation, the organization said.
