Morning Notes

Inova Prepares for Hospital Construction — “The Falls Church-based health system has filed building permits for both a Springfield hospital at 6330 Lewin Drive in Franconia, about a mile from the Springfield Metro station, and a new Alexandria hospital at 6001 Duke St…Inova expects to start construction ‘on both sites’ in the third quarter of this year, [Inova Realty President Tom] McDuffie said.” [Washington Business Journal]

Washington Post Sees of Exodus of Local Reporters — “At least 240 Post writers, columnists, editors, and others were expected to leave in the final days of 2023, significantly reshaping the paper in ways that aren’t yet fully realized…Unfortunately for readers in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, local coverage appears to have taken the biggest hit” [Washington City Paper]

Bill Would Give Towns Share of Plastic Bag Tax — “Town governments across Virginia would receive a new source of cash flow if legislation cutting them in on plastic-bag revenue makes it through the General Assembly…Fairfax County has three towns — Vienna, Herndon and Clifton — that would benefit if the measure became law.” [Gazette Leader]

Bubble Tea Shop Coming to Fairfax City — “A new bubble tea shop has announced that it will open its doors this coming weekend — January 6 and 7 — in Fairfax. It’s called Pekoe Tea Bar and it’s opening at 9717 Fairfax Boulevard.” [The Burn]

Increased Crime Reported in Mason District — “Crime is up in the Mason Police District in nearly all categories, station commander Capt. Patrick Brusch reported at a community meeting on Jan. 2.” Assaults, burglaries and drug arrests increased in 2023 compared to 2022, though carjackings and vehicle part thefts went down. [Annandale Today]

Mason Neck Pavilion Gets Upgrades — “The multipurpose pavilion at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) in Lorton had gutters and snow bars installed on its roof at the end of December, according to a spokesperson from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).” Utility and parking lot improvements are also planned, along with a pollinator garden. [On the MoVe]

FCPD Offers Business Security Tips — “As we usher in the new year, Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) is committed to helping businesses start 2024 on a secure note. In our ongoing effort to enhance the safety of local establishments, we are excited to share strategic safety tips designed to empower business owners in safeguarding their premises.” [FCPD]

It’s Thursday — Expect a mostly cloudy morning that gradually clears, reaching a high of around 43°F. Night will be clear with a low of approximately 25°F. A northwest wind will start at 6-11 mph and speed up in the afternoon, with potential gusts up to 25 mph. [Weather.gov]