AP National News

The Latest: Pot-for-shots plan stumbles in Washington state

By The Associated Press
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by Rayos Syndication User

SEATTLE — Washington state’s new “joints for jabs” vaccination incentive program is off to a rough start. Seeking to get more people to get the coronavirus shots, officials announced this week that the state’s nearly 500 licensed marijuana retailers could begin hosting vaccine clinics and offering a single, free pre-rolled marijuana cigarette to those who get a shot. But cannabis…

JBS settles Muslim discrimination lawsuit for $5.5 million

By THOMAS PEIPERT - Associated Press
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by Rayos Syndication User

The second-largest producer of beef, pork and chicken in the U.S. will pay up to $5.5 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed the company discriminated against Muslim employees at a processing plant in northern Colorado. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed the lawsuit in 2010. It claimed Muslim employees at JBS Swift & Company’s beef processing plant in Greeley were disciplined more harshly than other workers, were harassed when they tried to pray during their breaks and were called offensive names. JBS says it doesn’t admit liability in the settlement and “is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.”

The Latest: Melbourne’s 4th pandemic lockdown to end Friday

By The Associated Press
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by Rayos Syndication User

MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia’s second-largest city will emerge from its fourth pandemic lockdown Friday. But some restrictions will remain and the 5 million residents of Melbourne won’t be allowed to travel to regional centers in surrounding Victoria state. State officials say the lockdown is being ended after two weeks following only one new coronavirus case being detected in the latest…

Amorous cicada blamed for causing car crash in Cincinnati

AP
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by Rayos Syndication User

Police are blaming an amorous cicada for causing a car crash in Ohio. Cincinnati police say the insect flew through an open window, striking the driver in the face on Monday night. The motorist drove off Riverside Drive and crashed into a utility pole, damaging the vehicle. The driver sustained minor injuries, but the car was heavily damaged. Cicadas are swarming across the Cincinnati area. They’re part of Brood X, which emerge from the ground every 17 years to mate. Police are advising motorists to keep their windows closed for the time being.