Vote on pot shops could end lingering LA issue

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Voters approved a law limiting the number of medical pot shops in Los Angeles after politicians failed for years to corral the blossoming industry. ( AP 05/22/2013 7:37 PM )

Mexico cartel dominates, torches western state

LA RUANA, Mexico (AP) -- The farm state of Michoacan is burning. A drug cartel that takes its name from an ancient monastic order has set fire to lumber yards, packing plants and passenger buses in a medieval-like reign of terror. ( AP 05/22/2013 7:06 PM )

Pentagon: New record plan won't help vet backlog

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon has decided to buy a new computerized health records system to be able to better share and merge its data with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but officials cautioned that it was part of a "long-term modernization" effort and would not help ease the backlog in VA disability claims. ( AP 05/22/2013 5:55 PM )

FDA panel backs experimental Merck insomnia drug

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal panel of medical experts said that an experimental insomnia drug from Merck & Co. Inc. appears safe and effective, despite evidence from company trials that the pill can cause daytime sleepiness and difficulty driving. ( AP 05/22/2013 5:48 PM )

Path unclear if LePage vetoes Maine hospital bill

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- Even though Gov. Paul LePage's office made it clear Wednesday he'll veto a bill to pay off a $484 million debt to Maine hospitals because of an amendment to expand Medicaid, Democrats professed hope the Republican governor will relent and considered passage a victory. ( AP 05/22/2013 5:15 PM )

Polish man gets quick face transplant after injury

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- A 33-year-old Polish man received a face transplant just three weeks after being disfigured in a workplace accident, in what his doctors said Wednesday is the fastest time frame to date for such an operation. It was Poland's first face transplant. ( AP 05/22/2013 4:22 PM )