The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
SMOKING BAN AT OCEAN CITY?
One Ocean City Council member wants resort voters to decide whether to ban smoking on public beaches. Her fellow council members, however, don't think many people are clamoring for any such restrictions. "I really just wanted to send it out to the people," said Councilwoman Margaret Pillas. "If it's a straw poll, that's fine. I want our community to say what they want. It's a question that needs to be asked of the voters." Pillas brought up the issue at the council's Aug. 2 meeting, saying she thinks it should be a ballot question on election day. She also said some resort citizens are telling her they're bothered by secondhand smoke on the beach. Also of concern is the number of cigarette butts left behind on the beach. Mayor Rick Meehan said it's a topic that will be "set aside for future discussion," one more likely to be addressed at a future council meeting than in voting booths.
(DELMARVANOW.COM)
REDSKINS OFF TO A GOOD START
Donovan McNabb needed one series to shake off the newness of his surroundings. Mike Shanahan pronounced himself pleased with his Washington Redskins debut. And Albert Haynesworth played second-string nose tackle, then actually talked about it.
McNabb went 5 for 8 for 58 yards in two series Friday night and hit first-year player Anthony Armstrong for a 4-yard touchdown in the Redskins' 42-17 rout of the Buffalo Bills. It was a first-glimpse preseason game that shows Shanahan is quite a bit further along in his rebuilding project than counterpart Chan Gailey. "It was a good first game," Shanahan said, "and hopefully we can build from here."
(WTOP/AP)
ANOTHER FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT AT METRO STATION
Police break up a knife fight at Gallery Place Metro station hours after a new joint initiative to improve security.
(NBCWASHINGTON.COM)
VCU RAP CONCERT RAISES EYEBROWS
Rap artist Asher Roth loves college, but it's the reasons why that are causing controversy ahead of his performance at Virginia Commonwealth University's Welcome Week for incoming freshmen. Along with fellow hip-hop artist B.o.B., Roth -- whose hit single "I Love College" was all the rage last year -- is set to perform at a Back to School Jam concert Aug. 28 at the Siegel Center.
In keeping with the themes of Roth's other work, "I Love College" extols certain nonacademic portions of the collegiate experience, such as excessive beer consumption, marijuana use and casual sex. At one point, the song devolves into the chanting of the words "chug" and "freshmen." Event price tag: $100,000, to be paid for through student activity fees from Monroe Park Campus students.
(RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH)
