Volume CXXXI, Number 24 May 3, 2002 f

News briefs

The Healthy Campus Committee of Colby College met last week to discuss the possibility to outlaw the use of tobacco products on campus. Because of the risks associated with smoking, and with second-hand smoke, the committee feels that outlawing the use of tobacco throughout campus would create a healthier environment for students.

Some members of the Colby community are in agreement with this potential measure, as they feel it is in the best interest of the college. Others, smokers and non-smokers alike, oppose the measure, as they feel threatened by the administration making decisions regarding the lifestyles of students.

A United States Military airplane landed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Wednesday, delivering thirty-two captured Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters. These prisoners increase the number of those detained in Cuba to 332. This shipment of detainees is the first since February 15.

The new arrivals will fill some cells of the newly constructed prison, with 76 cells ready for the next shipment of captured fighters. 204 additional cells are currently under construction.

The design contract for the Navy's new line of ships, the DD(X), went to Ingalls Shipbuilding Inc. of Pascagoula, Mississippi, threatening the job security of many Bath Iron Works designers. The Ingalls proposal is estimated to cost the government $2.9 billion.

Many Bath Iron Works employees feel that the loss of the contract could result in a loss of jobs. Had they been picked to design the new fleet, it would have created roughly twenty new positions.

When construction on the DD(X) begins in 2005, Bath Iron Works will most likely place a bid for the construction of the new ships.

Twenty horses and their jockeys will assemble at the starting line this Saturday to compete for the most illustrious title in horse racing. This Saturday marks the 128th running of the derby, which takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. The race begins at 6:04 p.m. eastern time.

A House vote of 280 to 141 passed a farm bill Thursday, raising the payments of subsidies for cotton and grain farmers, environmental and conservation programs, and would provide a greater number of food stamps for working families.

The bill will move on to the Senate, which will most likely vote on Tuesday. President Bush indicated that he would sign the bill, which would raise subsidies for farmers throughout the United States.