Twelve newly passed laws on alcohol and tobacco are going into effect in Virginia on July 1. The age requirement for buying tobacco and nicotine products will be raised from 18 years old to 21 years old. Virginia ABC stores can open two hours earlier on Sundays (10 a.m.) and new types of licenses have been created for establishments across the state. (Washington Business Journal)
Washington, DC is considering a bill that could allow minors the opportunity to choose to be vaccinated, despite their parents’ potential disapproval. DC minors can already give consent for several medical procedures, including birth control and abortion. Supporter and Councilor Mary Cheh expects the bill to go up for a vote in the fall. (WUSA9)
Four new retail shops have opened on King Street in Leesburg. The Lucky Knot, The Sunflower Shack, Misguided Angels and Brick and Mortar are all locally owned businesses that sell gift items, accessories and more. (Loudoun Times-Mirror)
An endangered red panda cub was born at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal on June 12. The next few weeks are critical for the newborn cub, whose keepers hope will grow and prosper with the help of his mother, Moonlight. The species has declined in population by 50% in the past 20 years. (Smithsonian National Zoo)
