The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
FAIRFAX BUDGET WOES
Fairfax Times: "This spring is likely to bring with it another round of tough budget decisions for Fairfax County officials, with a projected budget deficit of at least $55 million for fiscal 2012.
Revenues from collected taxes are expected to increase by about 2 percent per year during the next three fiscal years, said Deputy County Executive Edward Long. However, anticipated increases in the costs of the county's retirement plan, health insurance and other employee benefits are major contributors to the projected deficit."
SLEEPY STUDENTS
Fairfax County Government: "Fairfax County Public Schools have been asking teenagers about their behaviors for almost a decade in an annual survey. For the first time, the survey included a question about sleep. In the latest survey, 91 percent of eighth graders, sophomores and seniors said they do not get the nine hours of sleep recommended by experts."
RETURNAHOLICS
Fredericksburg.com: "The cashier at a Central Park store was suspicious when the last four digits of a customer's credit card didn't match those on the receipt. The quick call to the Fredericksburg police resulted in the arrest of four out-of-state thieves connected with what also turned out to be a case of identity theft.
They were using a credit card that looked legitimate, but stolen information had been downloaded onto its magnetic strip, said Ron Swaney of the city's community police office."
CAUGHT WITH (POLITCAL) SIGN IN HAND
The Capital: "With less than one week before Election Day, the fight over a controversial referendum on zoning for slot machines at Arundel Mills mall finds groups on both sides accusing each other of vandalism and dirty tricks. A defense industry executive from Glen Burnie was charged over the weekend with stealing and destroying signs for Question A, the ballot question that must pass for the proposed 4,750-slot-machine casino at Arundel Mills to move forward. Yesterday, opponents of the measure said their signs also have been targeted."
