Nation briefs

Mother, daughter send care packages to troops

HARRISBURG, Ill. -- Some soldiers get so tired of bugs and sand, they wear pantyhose under their uniforms. Others are so bored they watch fights between spiders. Since the start of war in Iraq, Kathy Williams and Amy Oxford have made it their mission to send whatever help they can to soldiers. The mother and daughter have sent thousands of care packages containing everything from the requested queen-size stockings to beef jerky to magazines and toys. The packages have gone to more than 500 U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Oakland's pot club boom may spur new regulations

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Since California voters approved a state ballot measure legalizing medical marijuana in 1996, "pot clubs" have popped up in San Francisco, Hayward, Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, among other California cities. Oakland has the highest concentration of such clubs, and its city council is set to vote as early as next week on several proposed restrictions, after complaints from some business owners concerning the smoke and the escalation of street violence.

U.S. Mint officials seek artists to design coins

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Mint is looking for American artists who'd like to put their designs to work on U.S. coins. Under its new "Artistic Infusion" program, the Mint is seeking to create a pool of 40 artists it can call upon to submit designs for circulating coins, as well as for non-circulating commemorative coins and medals.

AARP: From insurer to $636 million empire

WASHINGTON -- AARP's fight for legislation giving private insurers a new role in Medicare surprised many Democrats, but in fact the giant retiree group has long been in the health insurance business itself. In 45 years, AARP has grown from a program founded to insure retired teachers to a more than $636 million-a-year empire that pays its chief executive a half-million-dollar salary and lends its name to things such as pharmacy services and Medicare supplemental insurance, and discounts for hotel rooms, car rentals, shopping and cruises.

-- From wire reports