The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
MORE IRISH PUBS AND PIZZA PLACES
Alexandrians know what they like. Pretty soon you won’t be able to throw a rock in this town without hitting an Irish pub or pizza restaurant. Alexandria bartender Mwaanga Liebenthal believes the City approves only certain types of businesses. “City Council knows what works. It’s really hard to start a business in Alexandria, especially Old Town. It’s expensive and you need to make sure you make it in this economy,” he said. (Alexandrianews.org)
PET CEMETERY IN TROUBLE, AGAIN
The county's Humane Society is still struggling to care for Aspin Hill Memorial Park, the historic cemetery for celebrity and local pets on Georgia Avenue. Waist-high grass blankets many graves laid decades ago among cedars and oaks on the 8-acre tract, which is also an oasis amid asphalt for deer occasionally seen loping around the grounds. (Gazette)
CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE
As budget debate wrapped up June 8, Herndon Town Council members realized that without approving an increase in the town's cigarette tax, more cuts would need to be made. On first attempt, the council voted against raising the tax from 50 cents to 75 cents per pack -- leaving the fiscal 2011 budget more than $100,000 short. (Fairfax Times)
DC LIQUOR STORES OPEN ON THE 4TH
Liquor stores in the District will be able to sell booze on July 4, which happens to fall this year on a Sunday, when such sales are usually prohibited. The council approved the exception Tuesday, but not without some protest from members, including Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7), who said, "the Jack Daniels and the firecrackers - that's not a good mix."(Washington Post)
