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prohibition of some drugs is creating more problems to society than the drug itself," Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro told reporters late Wednesday.
• Fernandez said the bill would soon be sent to Congress, which is dominated by Mujica's party, but that an exact date had not been set. If approved, Uruguay's national government would be the first in the world to directly sell marijuana to its citizens. Some local governments do so.
• The proposed measure elicited responses ranging from support to criticism to humor.
• ___

• NEW YORK (AP) -- In the midst of the first prolonged challenge to its morning supremacy in 16 years, NBC News is discussing a plan to remove Ann Curry as co-host of the "Today" show with Matt Lauer.
• Curry, who has been with "Today" since 1997, replaced Meredith Vieira last June as Lauer's partner. Lauer agreed to a long-term contract this spring to stay with the show.
• It's still uncertain whether Curry, who has discovered a passion for international reporting in recent years, will remain with "Today," according to a source with knowledge of the show who spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the source was not authorized to speak on the matter. The New York Times first reported the discussions about the possible change on Wednesday.

• NBC News President Steve Capus and the "Today" executive producer, Jim Bell, did not immediately return requests for comment.
• Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts the show's third hour, is at the top of the list of Curry's possible replacements.
• ___

• CHICAGO (AP) -- College football has always relied on polls and bowls to crown a national championship. It is an inexact science that has left many fans frustrated and wondering why they can't settle it on the field -- like every other sport -- with a playoff.
• Finally, the people in charge agree with the people in the stands.

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