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Voters in North Carolina tribe back adult use of marijuana in referendum

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

CHEROKEE, N.C. (AP) — Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians have backed overwhelmingly the adult use of marijuana on their tribal land, even as they await the opening of a dispensary for those who seek it for medicinal use.Unofficial results show that 70% of voters said “yes” Thursday in a referendum that opens the door to the western North Carolina reservation being the first location in the state where pot for recreational use can be legally purchased, news outlets reported. The question put to a vote by the Eastern Band tribal council asked whether members supported legalizing the possession and use of cannabis by people at least 21 years old, and requiring the council to develop legislation to regulate a market.In 2021, the tribe decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana within the Eastern Band’s 89-square-mile (231-square-kilometer) Qualla Boundary in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tribe also formed a medical marijuana system that includes a tribe-created...

What's the biggest single-season turnaround in Bears' history?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — With the addition of a number of new players, there is a hope that the Bears might be able to turn things around quickly in 2023. After winning an NFL-low three games last fall, there's nowhere to go but up for Matt Eberflus' team as they look ahead to the season opener against the Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field. Expectations fluctuate for the group that has added a number of players this offseason but still has plenty of questions ahead of the start of their 17-game schedule. So what would the Bears' have to do to have the biggest turnaround in franchise history? You have to go back 22 years to find that answer.(AP Photo/Stephen J. Carrera, File)In 2001, the Bears enjoyed one of their more successful and wild regular seasons in franchise history, surprising many to go 13-3 and win the NFC Central division for the first time since 1990. They won eight games by seven points or less and had five comeback victories, including back-to-back wins in late October an...

Expert: Consumers don't want 'bizarre' new car subscriptions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

(NewsNation) — In an era where subscriptions dominate our digital lives, it appears that luxury car manufacturers are eager to jump on the bandwagon.While the concept of monthly car payments has been the norm for many, automakers are now eyeing an additional source of revenue by introducing subscription-based services for vehicle features.While some consumers are enthusiastic about the development, it's earned the ire of others.The trend was highlighted recently by BMW, which showcased its subscription model for vehicle add-ons such as the high beam assistant. With the simple press of a button, BMW owners can now unlock additional features for their vehicles via the "Connected Drive Store," raising questions about the necessity and affordability of such services."It's an interesting concept," said Tom Maoli, CEO and dealer principal of six New Jersey car dealerships. "Everybody's trying to be Apple, that's what's going on. Everybody's trying to get a subscription and our monthl...

WATCH LIVE: Private texts, whistleblower memes revealed in Paxton impeachment trial

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- Whistleblower Ryan Vassar resumed testimony in Ken Paxton's impeachment trial Friday morning, recounting the events surrounding his decision to report Paxton to the FBI for alleged ethical and legal violations.Friday morning began with tense cross-examination from Paxton's defense team.Thursday afternoon, Vassar teared up at Paxton's suggestion that he and the whistleblowers were "rogue employees." That assertion was "contrary to the years that I dedicated my life to the state," he said. Defense attorneys on Friday appeared to attempt to discredit those solemn emotions, referencing text messages Vassar sent in a private group chat of whistleblowers.Paxton defense attorney J. Mitchell Little displayed numerous text messages showing Vassar and other former employees demeaning other colleagues, insulting their intelligence and making light of their difficult experience following the FBI complaint.One text from Vassar included an image of "Going Rouge: The Sarah Pali...

Letters: Extra taxes for increasing profit? Bad idea

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

Unproductive tax ideasA letter writer had a few suggestions about how to fix our national deficits, including the imposition of a corporate tax that taxed corporations 100% of any profit increase that was more than 2% of the previous year.Imagine if a car company invented a new electric vehicle that was 50% the cost of any existing vehicle, had five times the mileage in a charge, had batteries that lasted three times as long before needing replacement, plus other wonderful innovations. With this writer’s idea in place, the company would be allowed to gain 2% more profit this year, but every additional penny of profit would be taken away from them by the government.There might be 10 million customers in line to purchase this wonderful product, but the company would have absolutely no incentive to manufacture vehicles for them. It would be assuming the risk of worker injury in the factory and liability for vehicles on the road, but would receive no benefit for assuming the additional ...

Buccaneers at Vikings: Here are some things to know ahead of the Week 1 matchup

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

Here are some things to know before the Vikings host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Sunday’s season opener:Vikings vs. BuccaneersWhen: Noon SundayWhere: U.S. Bank StadiumTV: CBSRadio: KFANLine: Vikings – 5.5Over/Under: 45.5A couple of keys for the Vikings— There likely will be opportunities for quarterback Kirk Cousins to push the ball downfield to star receiver Justin Jefferson. Though there’s some talent in the secondary led by Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield, it shouldn’t be too difficult for Jefferson to find some openings.— The unveiling of the new scheme from defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be pivotal in the matchup. He’s going to bring way more pressure than former defensive coordinator Ed Donatell. If the Vikings can make Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield uncomfortable in the pocket, he’s been known to turn the ball over.A couple of keys for the Buccaneers— The impact of Buccaneers receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will go ...

Fall festival dates announced for West Mountain

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Annual Fall Festival is making a return to West Mountain for two weekends in October. Family-friendly activities include scenic hay wagon rides, pumpkin painting, petting zoo and pony rides, and more. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Adult activities include a keg toss and beer and wine tastings. Outside alcohol and coolers will not be permitted.The fall festival will run from noon to 5 p.m. on October 7, 8, 14, and 15. Individuals or businesses interested in vending can complete the Fall Festival 2023 Vendor Application (final) by September 15 and follow further instructions on the application.West Mountain kindly requests pets be left at home for this event. 

Guns N' Roses postpones St. Louis show at Busch Stadium for illness

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Guns n' Roses postponed their concert Saturday at Busch Stadium with the Pretenders due to illness. Tens of thousands of people were planning on attending the concert this weekend.A statement from the St. Louis Cardinals says:"Hang on to your tickets, the event organizer is working to reschedule the concert. You will receive an update via email as soon as the status of the event changes or the new date is announced.Please note, fans who are unable to make the rescheduled date will be eligible for a refund."St. Louis CardinalsThe Cardinals did not elaborate on who was ill or how serious their condition is. Singer Axl Rose issued an apology after a concert in New York earlier this month. He wrote on Twitter that he was "a little horse." The stage appears to be coming down at Busch Stadium Friday afternoon. The next stop is in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 12 with special guests Dirty Honey. FOX 2 photographer run over after community threatens to tow cars The ba...

Disneyland agrees to $9.5M settlement, to pay former Dream Key holders $67.41 each

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

Details have emerged regarding the settlement between Disneyland and a Magic Key holder who filed a class-action lawsuit in 2021.The lawsuit, filed by Jenale Nielsen of Santa Clara County, claimed that the theme park misled and deceived Magic Key holders who bought the most expensive yearly passes into thinking they would get unlimited access to the theme parks only to be unable to secure reservations for certain days. Nevada man files lawsuit against Disneyland after alleged attack by security dog Terms of settlement revealed that a $9.5 million settlement fund will be set up to establish payout for people who bought the Dream Key, a discontinued Magic Key pass type that was the focus of the class-action lawsuit.The Dream Key has since been replaced with the Inspire Key, the resort’s most expensive pass that offers the fewest blackout dates.Disney fans who purchased the discontinued pass will receive an approximate payout of $67.41 without having to fill out any claim submission ...

Psychedelic Decriminalization Bill Passes CA Assembly

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 18:18:02 GMT

The California State Assembly passed this year’s effort at psychedelic decriminalization, sending it off to a Senate that has already passed it previously for a final stamp before heading on to the Governor’s desk. Things look good for psychedelic decrim in The Golden State. Senate Bill 58 would remove criminal penalties for the personal possession of certain naturally occurring psychedelics. The list includes psilocybin/psilocin, Dimethyltryptamine (“DMT”), and mescaline. Peyote is excluded to prevent drug tourism from leading to its extinction in the wild. Indigenous users in California already have federal protections, so they don’t need to worry about it.  Before sending it back to the Senate after its 42-13 vote, the Assembly added amendments to establish a working group under the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Agency. It would be tasked with issuing a recommended framework governing the future therapeutic use of the substances specified in this bill. The w...