Toyota's Second Recall

Toyota is in trouble for vehicle malfunctions yet again. The company, once considered one of the highest qualiity automobile makers, had a large recall in 2009. The 2009 recall came in three installments. The first recall began on November 2, 2009, due to the misplacement of floor mats under the gas pedal. Gas pedals were becoming stuck, causing vehicles to accelerate uncontrollably. The second recall took place January 21, 2010, after it was discovered that the floor mats were not the definite cause for the gas pedal's malfunction. In February of 2010, Toyota recalled anti-lock brake systems in their hybrid vehicles. These recalls totaled approximately nine million vehicles.

The latest recall will repair 2.17 million vehicles. Toyota agreed to partake in the recall to close the investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA). Toyota also paid $48.8 million for fines due to its three previous recalls. The latest recall includes 4Runners made between 2003 and 2007, RAV4's from 2006 to 2010, and a variety of Lexus models. Although Ford also recently recalled certain automobile models, it is widely speculated that Toyota only issued this recall to end the NHTSA's investigation of the company.

Conflict in Egypt

For about a month, Egypt has been plagued with protests, violence, and death. A country known for its rich history; Egypt is now topping the news as a place of unrest. Protesters have been calling for an end to the longtime term of President Hosni Mubarak. His regime is known for solving issues with violence rather than sitting down and discussing a logical solution. As the riots began, the police force in Cairo collapsed. The military has stepped in, but has had little success in taming the crowds.

Reporters visiting the region have been targeted. Egyptian citizens blame them for exciting the youths and causing more riots. CNN talk show host Anderson Cooper was repeatedly punched in the head. On Tuesday morning, it was reported that "60 Minutes" reporter Lara Logan was sexually assaulted during a riot before being rescued.While President Mubarak, who stepped down last week, blames the Muslims for the outbursts in Cairo, it is largely believed that economic struggles are behind the riots.

As is the case with the rest of the world, Egypt is struggling during this lengthy recession. The country has begun importing oil. They were once a large exporter. College students are struggling to find jobs, and Mubarak's regime failed to reach out to the working and middle classes.Yemen is currently staging protests in the hope that their longtime leader will also step down. Time will tell how Egypt will be affected by the violence. Currently, former Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi is leading Egypt.

South County Hospital Looks Forward

The MAKO Robot

South County Hospital, recently voted No. 1 for patient satisfaction in the state, unveiled its latest addition Thursday night. It wasn't a new surgeon. It was a robotic arm. The machine is part of an innovative new procedure recently introduced to the United States. The surgery is much less invasive than a total knee replacement, and helps patients recover more quickly.

The procedure, called MAKOplasty, is garnering lots of attention. South County is currently the only hospital in New England to offer this surgical technique. On Thursday evening, the robot was introduced to residents in the South County region. A surgeon was on hand to demonstrate the robot's capabilities. The hospital hopes to bring in new clients with the cutting edge surgery. Another introduction with the robot will be held for hospital stakeholders on February 16.

URI Fights Bar Shuttle

A student home marked by an orange sticker.

The University of Rhode Island will be going to court to fight Rogue Island Jitney's plan to shuttle students from campus to Narragansett bars. The jitney was approved by the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers. The University is concerned about underage drinking and other criminal issues that could arise if students are being transported.

U.R.I. is notorious for its dry campus after being known for decades as one of the country's top party schools. Recently, the school has been battling negative press surrounding the Eastward Look and Bonnet Shores residences occupied by students. Year-round residents have been very vocal about their disdain for the partying happening in their neighborhoods. Students, however, have been voicing their hatred of the orange sticker, a creation of the Narragansett police force and the University. The sticker, often likened to the "scarlet letter", marks houses that have loud parties.

With this issue always causing issues in the community, the University is very concerned about the repercussions of the jitney that will transport students around campus. Political figures are also concerned (http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/news/pr1.asp?prid=6918). Rogue Island Jitney promises to check the identification of all students who use their transportation. The University says the company cut corners when securing its agreement with the Department of Utilities and Carriers. The case is ongoing.