The Night Note: 12/30/10

News you need to know.

The following stories are brought to you by the fine folks on the News4 assignment desk.

STARBUCKS GOES FOR ZERO TOLERANCE ON REFILLS
WTOP: "Starbucks is vowing zero tolerance of refill violators in the new year.
You may notice the sign in your Starbucks. It officially defines what a refill is.

As of Jan. 1, if you leave a store and come back later, or if you buy your coffee at another Starbucks, or if two hours has passed, you're only eligible for a 10-cent discount if you want another cup."

ARLINGTON REQUESTS DISMISSAL OF DOGGIE MURAL LAWSUIT

Washington Examiner: "Arlington officials on Thursday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the county over a mural of cartoon dogs.

Kim Houghton, owner of Wag More Dogs in Shirlington, sued Arlington in early December for forcing her to cover a mural she had painted on a wall outside her store. The 1,000-square-foot painting depicts playful cartoon dogs frolicking amid doggie bones and paw prints.

Arlington officials say the mural is a sign that benefits Houghton's dog day care and grooming business and is subject to the county’s 60-foot limit on sign size."

MARYLAND PREPS FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM

Gazette.net: "Although most Marylanders won't feel the impact of federal health care reform for a few years, the General Assembly likely will begin designing a plan for a public insurance exchange during the upcoming session.

The Maryland Health Care Reform Coordinating Council, headed by Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene John M. Colmers, is recommending the legislature begin creating the framework of Maryland's exchange system during the 2011 session."

MAN STABBED OUTSIDE BLOOM GROCERY STORE

Inside NoVA: "Police have arrested a man in connection with the stabbing. The victim is being transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital's trauma unit as a precaution.

A man was stabbed in the neck in the parking lot of a Montclair grocery store at about 12:10 p.m. today.

According to an eyewitness, two men got out of a car in the Bloom parking lot at the corner of Va. 234 and Waterway Drive."

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