• Vienna residents are pushing back hard on a proposed aquatic center, and the signs say it all. Neighbors have taken to calling the project "Small Pool, BIG Cost," frustrated that the price tag doesn't match what they'd actually get. The debate pits fiscal hawks against families who say the town's current facilities are overdue for an upgrade. Full story from WTOP

• Gov. Spanberger is making a direct play on health care costs, and a new op-ed frames it as her defining issue. James Gelfand argues she has both the political positioning and the policy tools to move the needle on affordability in Virginia. Whether that translates to action in Richmond is the real question. Read the guest column at InsideNoVA

• Robotaxis are coming, and gig workers are paying attention. WTOP dug into how much Uber and Lyft drivers realistically need to worry about autonomous vehicle competition. The short answer: not immediately, but the window is narrowing. Worth a read if you know anyone driving for the platforms. WTOP's breakdown

• Old Town Alexandria has a historical gem most locals walk right past. WTOP's Matt Kaufax went looking for it. Good Tuesday morning rabbit hole. Check it out

• Tonight will be cold. Capital Weather Gang says clear and dry through midweek, but temperatures drop hard overnight. Cover the plants. CWG forecast

• The FFXnow daily debrief from Monday covers the latest Fairfax County threads worth catching up on if you missed yesterday. FFXnow recap

NoVA is in a low-grade fiscal argument with itself. Vienna's pool fight is a microcosm of a broader tension: residents want better public amenities but flinch at the bill. Expect more of that friction as spring budget season heats up across the region.

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