MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION
DENVER (AP) - Voters in Breckenridge are high on pot -- or at least legalizing it. A ballot measure passed overwhelmingly yesterday in the Colorado ski town that would legalize marijuana. Voters gave thumbs-up to the proposal to allow adults over 21 to have up to an ounce of pot. But the voters could just be blowing smoke. Marijuana possession is still a state crime for people without medical clearance. Supporters hope the vote sends a message to local authorities about law enforcement priorities.

7-ELEVEN WINE
UNDATED (AP) - Thank heaven for 7-Eleven -- wine? 7-Eleven is adding wine to its stock of sodas, Slurpees and Slim Jims. The 7-Eleven wine will be sold under the Yosemite Road label, for about four bucks a bottle. It's the company's first entry into what's called the value wine business. There will be a red cabernet sauvignon and a white chardonnay, both produced in California. 7-Eleven senior V.P. Kevin Elliott says the bargain wines should attract consumers who are "really pinched" right now. The wines will be stocked in 15,000 outlets, including 7-Eleven stores in the U.S. and Japan.

HANDWASHING MONITORS
CLARKSVILLE, Md. (AP) - You might think kindergarteners need supervision while washing their hands. But doctors and nurses? State officials in Maryland are creating teams of hospital hand-washing monitors. They'll be hospital staff members who'll secretly keep tabs on their colleagues' hand-washing habits. The idea is to prevent infections from spreading because of improper hand-washing technique. The first-of-its-kind program is funded with $100,000 in federal stimulus money.

NO BONUS
UNDATED (AP) - Don't expect a little something extra from your boss this holiday season. Especially if you work for a small business. A recent survey finds only 31 percent of such companies plan to give their workers a year-end bonus. That compares to 44 percent last year. The prospects of a raise are even worse. Only 16 percent of small businesses plan a pay boost for workers. There's one bright spot, though. The American Express survey finds companies don't plan a cut back this year in time off over the holidays.

VALET FOILS ATTACK
BOSTON (AP) - An umbrella can protect against more than rain. A Boston parking valet armed with an umbrella managed to fight off a knife-wielding purse snatcher. Police report 23-year-old valet Felix Vega came to the aid of a 61-year-old woman. A man had jumped into her car and threatened her with a knife. Police say Vega grabbed an umbrella and started whacking the crook, who ran off. Police arrested Richard Morse nearby. Officers say he still had the victim's purse.

MAYOR OF AMPHIBIVILLE
ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) - Amphibiville has a new mayor. But 7-year-old Claire Kozal wasn't voted into office. She becomes mayor of Amphibiville thanks to an essay contest. Amphibiville is the Detroit Zoo's habitat for frogs, toads and other amphibians. The contest was open to school kids in Michigan ages 6-12. Claire serves a two-year term as mayor. She'll even get her name and picture on a plaque at the amphibian center. Claire says she loves all animals, "even the slimy ones."

by Jamie Friar

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)