Nation in brief: Regulators begin cadmium probes

LOS ANGELES – Federal and state watchdogs opened a new front Monday in the campaign to keep poisons out of Chinese imports, launching inquiries into high levels of cadmium in children’s jewelry while Wal-Mart pulled many suspect items from its store shelves.

A day after the Associated Press documented the contamination in an investigative report, the top U.S. consumer safety regulator warned Asian manufacturers not to substitute other toxins for lead in children’s charm bracelets and pendants.

Melissa Hill, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., called the AP findings “troubling.” She said the company had a special responsibility “to take swift action, and we are doing so.”

Members of Congress voiced anger about the imports. Sen. Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat, said he’s reviewing the law that regulates such substances to decide if a fix is needed.

Legislature OKs medical marijuana

TRENTON, N.J. – The Legislature on Monday approved a bill that would make the state the 14th to allow chronically ill patients access to marijuana for medical reasons.

Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine supports the legislation and could sign it before leaving office next week, making it law.

The bill allows patients with ailments such as cancer, AIDS and multiple sclerosis to buy up to 2 ounces of marijuana a month at state-monitored dispensaries.

Driving while high would continue to be against the law.