Week in Review

Local

Rhode Island Legalizes Marijuana

The state of Rhode Island has taken another step in following the example of America's northern Canadian neighbors. The medical marijuana legislation became law in January of 2006 on a one year trial basis, but then became official over the summer despite Governor Carcieri's veto, according to The Providence Journal.

The legislation, entitled the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act, allows any person suffering a debilitating disease, such as AIDS or multiple sclerosis, to obtain a medical marijuana ID card and posses, at most, 12 plants and 2.5 ounces of the drug while being assisted by a state certified "care giver" who supplies the drug to the patient.

According to the State Department of Health, 302 patients and 316 caregivers are currently enrolled in the controversial program.

National

Gray Whale Killed by Mekah Indians

A hunting party of Mekah Tribal Council members shot a gray whale off the coast of Washington with a twelve gauge machine gun. The tribe is allowed to hunt the gray whale species due to governmental agreements, but the way in which the whale was killed has been deemed "unacceptable" by the U.S. Coast Guard, and CNN has reported that the five men suspected of the act are being held in custody.

A statement the Council released on Sunday read, "We are a law-abiding people, and we will not tolerate lawless conduct by any of our members."

Wayne Johnson, the captain of the hunting party told The Times that he had no regrets.

International

Hurricane Felix Causes Destruction

The effects of hurricane Felix are being tallied up. According to Albelino Cox, spokesman for the Regional Emergency Commitee of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, 95 Nicaraguans have perished in the category five hurricane so far. Nicaragua felt the greatest effects of Hurricane Felix, although neighboring Honduras was also devastated by flooding.

According to BBC, it is feared that many more bodies will be found in the ocean and along the shore. The natives of the area, the Miskito Indians, derive most of their income from lobster fishing. As a result, many of the victims of the hurricane were on their boats when the it hit.

The United Nations Food Programme has sent more than five tons of food aid to Puerto Cabezas.

Technology

Apple Announces New iPods

Riding on the commercial success of the new iPhone, Apple recently released its newest iPod model, the iPod Touch. This new version employs a touch screen display, a web browser option, as well as the expected musical storage space. As touted on Apple's web site, the iTouch comes in 8GB and 16GB models starting at $299. Also released was the redesigned Nano which now has video capacity. The Nanos also comes in two models, 8GB and 16GB, starting at $149. For those seeking more storage, the classic iPod is now available with 160GB of storage, enough for 40,000 songs. Finally, the Shuffle comes in four new colors.

Steve Jobs also announced a price reduction of Apple's iPhone, to the dismay of many of Apple's loyalist customers. In an effort to curb criticism, Apple is offering those who purchased the iPhone at the higher price a $100 store credit, and a rebate to those who purchased the phones within a certain time period.