Salt seen on a roadway during snowy weather in the Chesapeake Bay region. (Photo by Valerie Keefer, courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation)Salting roads for snowstorms is a growing source of pollution. Virginia officials are looking for alternatives.Virginia uses rock salt to keep icy roads safe, but officials and environmental advocates warn that the practice is becoming a major source of freshwater pollution as salt washes into rivers, groundwater and drinking water systems.
A bill before the General Assembly would direct the Virginia Department of Transportation to study the pros and cons of current salting practices and possible alternatives.READ MORE
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In November, 53.4% of Virginia Beach voters chose the 10-1 over a “modified” version of the 7-3-1. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette)Eyes on Richmond as bills seek to codify voting system for Virginia BeachVirginia Beach lawmakers have filed bills to update the city charter and state law to reflect the 10-1 voting system that voters approved in a November referendum.
The proposals would replace the 7-3-1 system still in the charter, with some bills requiring a two-thirds vote to amend the charter and others offering a general law change that would only need a majority.
The 10-1 system has been used in recent elections after a federal judge found the old system violated the Voting Rights Act, though court challenges paused its permanent adoption.READ MORE Local journalism is made possible only because of generous WHRO donorsDONATE NOW 
Grady Palmer, attorney representing Manning Road Development Group, said the Lake Pointe neighborhood project should “set a new standard” for rezoning processes in Suffolk. (Photo via the city of Suffolk)Suffolk makes way for 270 homes on once-agricultural landSuffolk City Council voted this week to rezone 113 acres for the proposed 270-home Lake Pointe development, though the project must still complete required road improvements before moving forward.
Some council members and residents raised concerns about traffic safety on Manning Road and the strain the development could place on already overcrowded schools.
The debate reflects broader worries about rapid growth in Suffolk, which opponents say is outpacing infrastructure investments in roads and schools.READ MORE
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