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The Rockville council has banned smoking within 40 feet of playgrounds. This means there will be no more cigarette butts in the sand for children playing in city parks.
The city council approved the smoking ban last night. The idea was sparked by complaints from moms, dads and caretakers.
Some residents have pushed for a total ban on smoking in parks. That idea wasn't voted on, but most on the council say they would be open to considering it later.
Burt Hall, Rockville's director of recreation and parks, calls the idea "a no-brainer." He says the city has received no negative feedback about the ban. But Thomas Firey, a regulatory policy analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute and the Maryland Public Policy Institute, says the idea represents unnecessary government interference in people's personal decisions.
Meymo Lyons reports...
China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?
China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify
Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
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