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Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check - Jul 18, 2014
July 18, 2014
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Equal time:
Another win for same-sex marriage yesterday in Florida. Circuit Judge LUIS GARCIA overturned Florida's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage after a legal challenge by six gay couples.
However, that ruling applies only to Monroe County, which covers the Florida Keys. Same-sex marriage licenses could be issued as soon as this coming Tuesday. (Pacelli)Guilty Pleasures:
The latest trend in marijuana use is: munchies. No, really: it's becoming an entire industry.
It doesn't matter if it's for recreational or medicinal use, the rise in foods containing marijuana (lookin' at you, pot brownies) is now contributing to a small industry of candies, baked goods, infused oils, cookbooks, and even cooking classes.
ERIK ALTIERI, spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, says, "You're seeing a lot of these types of products like cannabis cookbooks. They've always been popular among a subset of marijuana, but with the fact that more and more people from the mainstream are able to consume, there's a lot more interest."
Many marijuana users prefer the edible variety of pot products for a variety of reasons: not wanting to smoke, needing discretion, or simply wanting variety. From a business standpoint, it's a lucrative business. One business selling pot-infused chocolate bars has been able to raise their prices from $9 to $17 per bar. (AB)Filling a need:
Forget about booking a overrated, expensive country club for your big day --the hottest trend in saying "I Do" is a destination wedding in Hong Kong! The UK's Daily Mail reports brides and grooms in the province are enjoying their grand affair at 15 different McDonald's where they can eat, drink and be merry for a fast-food, budget-friendly price. A basic party will set you back just $377, while the most expensive option features decor, wedding presents, a pair of balloon wedding rings, a bridal bouquet, apple pie cake display, MC and a $1288 price tag.
Unfortunately, the Golden Arches around the corner can't accommodate your wedding party --the bridal services are only available in Hong Kong. (Lee)Trash talk and satellite dish:
CHERYL HINES may want to think twice before saying "I Do" to ROBERT F. KENNEDY Jr. The NY Post's Page Six gossip column reports the legal eagle is a serious womanizer that stored the names of 43 different mistresses in his phone! Apparently he's got lady friends all over the country, Toronto and even Paris, France and keeps them straight by using notations like "airplane," "farm" and "teacher."
Insiders say his fiancee is "desperate" to become a member of the family, but her dashing groom is a sex addict. (Lee)MIKE SORRENTINO doesn't want to be known as "The Situation" anymore. The "Jersey Shore" alum tells In Touch magazine that he's moved on from the nickname and after being sober for the last two years, he's a much sweeter and more sensitive guy. (Myers)
On the Beat:
Hey kids, next time you plan to steal a car make sure there aren't any cops inside first.
An undercover detective in St. Petersburg, Florida, was staking out a part of town after reports that teenagers were breaking into cars. While sitting in the car, the detective spotted three teens trying to open the doors of several parked cars. Then, they actually attempted to enter the car where the officer was hiding. Police spokesman MIKE PUETZ says, "Sometimes you can find yourself in the middle of one of these situations as it's taking place."
The detective arrested two girls ages 13 and 15, along with a 14-year-old boy. Cops say the boy faces additional charges for trying to escape. (Still) -
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