Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire announced today that they have filed a petition with the Drug Enforcement Agency asking for reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug - on par with dangerous substances like heroin - to a Schedule 2 drug. The idea is that doctors could then prescribe marijuana for medical use.

Well, if you think Google is evil, you have reason to be pleased with your home state today. Rhode Island US Attorney Peter Neronha has announced a mammoth settlement with the search engine. The company will forfeit $500 million after profiting from ads that prompted US consumers to illegally import prescription drugs. From the ProJo:

I'll have a piece in tomorrow's Phoenix about the state of Rhode Island's "compassion center" program.

The Obama Administration has warned officials here and across the country about a possible crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries. US Attorneys have sent sharply worded letters to governors and state legislators to that effect.

Golocalprov's piece on underage drinking at Providence Police Chief Dean Esserman's home has focused attention on the state's "social host" law, which imposes penalties on parents who knowingly allow underage drinking on their property.

Esserman, of course, maintains that he did not knowingly allow underage drinking - that he broke up the party when he discovered the booze.

The Phoenix hits the stands today, a day earlier than usual. And we've got a fun cover story. It's our second annual Thanksgiving list of turkeys: people and institutions who committed crimes against the state this year. We've got a couple of gubernatorial candidates, a talk-radio host, an overzealous police department.

Rhode Island Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse have recommended that President Obama name Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Rhode Island Peter F. Neronha the new U.S. Attorney for the state.

“Peter Neronha is a veteran prosecutor and a dedicated public servant. He is a true professional. His exemplary service in the U.

Here's the release from the Rhode Island senators:

United States Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse today announced they have recommended that President Barack Obama nominate state police Lieutenant Colonel Steven G. O’Donnell to be the next U.S. Marshal for Rhode Island.

“Lieutenant Colonel O’Donnell is a dedicated public servant and an outstanding police officer.