In brief: L.A. to prosecute pot dispensaries

Los Angeles – Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley said Thursday he will prosecute medical marijuana dispensaries for over-the-counter sales, targeting a practice that has become commonplace under an initiative approved by California voters more than a decade ago.

Cooley and Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich recently concluded that state law bars sales of medical marijuana, an opinion that could spark a renewed effort by law enforcement across the state to rein in the use of marijuana.

It comes as polls show a majority of state voters back legalization of marijuana, and supporters are working to put the issue on the ballot next year.

Republican ahead in Virginia race

Richmond, Va. – Republican Bob McDonnell holds a lead of 9 percentage points over his Democratic rival in Virginia’s governor’s race 27 days before the election, according to a Washington Post poll published Thursday.

The results suggest McDonnell is pulling away from Democrat R. Creigh Deeds in one of the only two gubernatorial contests in the nation this year.

Both are being closely watched as early voter verdicts on President Barack Obama and a Democratic Congress.

In New Jersey, Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine is trying to fend off Republican challenger Chris Christie.

Woman killed at retirement village

Trenton, N.J. – A resident of a southern New Jersey retirement community stabbed three people Thursday, killing an 88-year-old woman who had recently moved out because she was afraid of him and was among a group of neighbors who had accused him of disturbing the peace, authorities said.

Anthony Milano, a 65-year-old resident of the Village at Linwood, is in custody and faces murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges, Atlantic County Prosecutor Theodore Housel said.

Milano often acted erratically and feuded with his neighbors, and police had responded to calls in the area many times.