In the Nation

COLORADO

First permits to sell recreational pot OKd

The first Denver businesses approved to sell recreational marijuana got their licenses Friday, the owners mugging for pictures and saying they never thought they'd see the day when they'd get a permit to sell pot.

Applause erupted and cameras whirred when the first license was issued from the Department of Excise and Licenses. The city awarded 10 licenses for retail shops, 12 for growers, and 2 for makers of cannabis-infused products such as brownies.

Recreational pot for people over 21 has been legal in Colorado for more than a year, but retail sales aren't allowed until 8 a.m. on Jan. 1. - AP

NEVADA

Cabbie rewarded

A poker player who left $300,000 in a Las Vegas taxi made good on his promise this week, handing over a $10,000 reward to the honest cabbie who returned the stash. Yellow Checker Star Cab Co. chief executive Bill Shranko confirmed Friday that Gerardo Gamboa had been paid by the poker player, whom authorities are not identifying. - AP
WASHINGTON

Deer turns zoo prey

Two cheetahs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo came across unexpected prey Friday. Zoo officials say a white-tailed deer was killed by the cheetahs after it apparently jumped into their enclosure. A spokeswoman called it an "expected reaction." - AP