The following stories are brought to you by the fine folks on the News4 assignment desk.
STUDENT CRITICAL AFTER ACCIDENT
Free Lance-Star: "A seventh grader at Chancellor Middle School was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital after being struck by a vehicle shortly after school dismissed this afternoon, schools spokeswoman Sara Branner said.
The boy was struck on Harrison Road at Meadow Park Drive, according to Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Mike Timm.
He was hit some time after he was dropped off by his school bus, Branner said. He was not struck by a bus."
OCCOQUAN INVITES BELL RINGERS TO TOWN
Inside NoVA: "At least for one night, Salvation Army bell ringers will have a new location for their red kettles.
Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta has invited the Salvation Army to collect in the town during its Holiday Open House Friday.
Porta said he extended the invitation after learning Giant Food was cutting back the number of hours the Salvation Army bell ringers were allowed to operate in front of their stores."
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
FOUR LOKO BAN SPIKES DRINK POPULARITY
Washington Examiner:"The Food and Drug Administration cracked down on the sale of alcoholic energy drinks on Wednesday as a growing number of people have reported falling violently ill after consuming the cocktails.
The FDA sent letters to four companies threatening seizure of their products for violating food safety laws if they don't fix the problem, triggering an effective ban on the drinks. The companies have 15 days to respond.
Now Four Loko is disappearing from store shelves faster than ever, said Shashi Sharma, a cashier for A-1 Wines and Liquors on K Street Northwest."
"WOODIES" THE SENTIMENTAL FAVORITE
Greater Greater Washington: "For many longtime Washington residents, The Woodward & Lothrop department store, or Woodies as everybody knew it, is a touchstone for memories of easier days and simpler pleasures when Washington was much younger.
The looming 9-story building at 11th and F Streets, NW, taking up virtually an entire block in the heart of old downtown, served as the stage for many happy moments and a reminder that shopping has long been a key form of entertainment in the nation's capital."
