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VDOT HAMPTON ROADS READY FOR HURRICANE IMPACTS - VDOT continues to monitor weather with crews at the ready

SUFFOLK – While landfall of Hurricane Florence is imminent along the North Carolina coast, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton...




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VDOT PREPARED IN HAMPTON ROADS FOR POTENTIAL TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL IMPACTS - Pay close attention to local forecasts and official announcements for safety messages

SUFFOLK– As Tropical Storm Michael approaches, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District stands ready to respond to...




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St Albans theatre company's new show based on film starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith

You’re never too old to fall in love is the heartwarming message of the Company of Ten’s next production, Ladies in Lavender.






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Axe throwing company opens its first UK venue in Wembley Boxpark

When I told people I was going to try axe throwing, I was met mostly with confused expressions. While in America the target sport has fast become a popular pastime, the UK has yet to catch up. That is about to change, however, as the world’s largest urban axe throwing company, Bad Axe, has just opened its first venue outside of North America.





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FLOODING CONTINUES TO IMPACT TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE REGION TONIGHT - Drivers should plan to check Virginia 511 before their Friday morning commute

SALEM – Throughout the afternoon and evening, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation have been responding to the immediate concerns of downed trees, mudslides and high water throughout southwestern Virginia. Crews will continue to monitor roadways overnight. As of 10 p.m., roads in all 12 counties of the district have been affected by the heavy rainfall resulting in numerous closures of primary and secondary roads today. Some of the primary roads affected include portions of Interstate 81, Route 220 through Roanoke and Franklin County, Route 419 in Roanoke, Route 58 in Patrick County and Route 57 in Henry County. As streams and rivers swell and water recedes, conditions will continue to change, so motorists should drive with caution and check the latest road conditions before travelling tomorrow morning. The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . To access the list of flooded roads, look for the text views section of the site and search under road conditions.  VDOT encourages motorists to stay off the roads tonight, if possible, and not to drive through ponding water or around barricades.  As water recedes, VDOT will inspect structures and roadways before they can reopen or be repaired.  Some roads may require lengthy closures depending on the extent of damage and how soon repairs can be completed. To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For emergencies, dial 911. Follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva  for the latest updates on road conditions.




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TRAFFIC ALERT: ROUTE 220 LANE CLOSURES WILL HEAVILY IMPACT TRAFFIC TONIGHT THROUGH NEXT WEEK IN FRANKLIN AND ROANOKE COUNTIES - Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays

SALEM – The recent flooding and heavy rainfall has resulted in several slope and shoulder failures along Route 220 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. During the next week, crews will be working to repair the damage and commuters and travelers will be impacted. Route 220 Southbound between Buck Mountain Road and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County The right lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure on the right shoulder of the road between Buck Mountain and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County.  High water from the heavy rains caused a rock slide that impacted the shoulder of the roadway. The weight caused the shoulder to collapse resulting in the road being pushed out and giving way. The right lane closure will remain in place through Monday evening, weather permitting. Crews are developing a plan to repair the pipe and plan to begin work over the weekend.   Route 220 Southbound at Franklin County Line The left lane of southbound Route 220 has been closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. VDOT crews have been working to determine how a pipe under the road has failed and how to proceed with repairs. At this time, the ground continues to settle and move, therefore, the lane will remain closed through the weekend and into Monday . The lane closure is located approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).  Route 220 Shoulder Repairs There will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound and northbound Route 220 next week, weather permitting, to repair shoulders that have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Drivers using Route 220 southbound and northbound should plan ahead for significant delays during this time until repairs can be made and lane closures are removed. Drivers should plan ahead accordingly. For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .




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FLOODING AND DOWNED TREES IMPACTING TRAVEL THROUGHOUT SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA TODAY

SALEM – The gusty winds and heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Michael yesterday created flooded roads, downed trees and power lines in western Virginia. As of 11 a.m., approximately 140 roads are closed or affected in the 12 counties of VDOT’s Salem District.   Crews are currently clearing debris and assessing roads throughout the region, coordinating with emergency and utility crews and making or scheduling repairs where possible. In some areas, water will need to recede before a road can be investigated or repaired. Their focus today will be to make roads safe and passable for traffic. If extensive repairs are needed, they will be coordinated and scheduled at a later date.  Drivers are encouraged to continue to monitor road conditions in your area prior to traveling.   The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . For information on specific roads, citizens can access the Road Table under the text views section of the site.  To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD.  Drivers who are traveling today are reminded of the following: Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six to 12 inches of water to float a small vehicle. Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety. Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas. Be alert for tree limbs and other debris in the roadway. Even small branches and other debris can damage a car or cause the driver to lose control. If you come across a downed power line, do not try to move it. Contact your local authorities. For updates throughout the day, follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva  for the latest updates on road conditions.




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CLOSURE OF EXIT 143 AT I-81 AND I-581 DUE TO CRASH TO IMPACT MORNING COMMUTE - Drivers will need to seek alternate routes and allow for extra travel time this morning

SALEM – A crash involving a tractor-trailer has closed exit 143 on I-81 this morning. Access to I-81 from I-581 and access to I-581 from I-81 has been impacted and drivers will need to seek alternate routes during the morning commute. I-81 southbound to exit 143 with access to I-581 southbound is closed. Travelers on southbound I-81 requiring access to I-581 will need to use Route 11 to Peters Creek Road or use Route 460 at exit 150 to return to I-581 or to access the downtown Roanoke area. I-581 northbound to I-81 southbound is closed. Travelers on I-581 from Roanoke heading to Salem using I-81 will need to use Peters Creek Road or other side roads for access back to I-81 at exit 141. In addition, drivers traveling on I-81 northbound and from I-581 to access northbound I-81 should expect delays and heavy congestion. The right lane of I-81 northbound at exit 143 is also closed. Drivers should expect delays in this area through at least 8 a.m. and further delays are possible through the morning.








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Trump Poised to Offer Bridge Loans to Ailing Oil Companies

The Trump administration may announce as soon as Thursday a plan to offer loans to the ailing oil industry.




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​NTU Singapore unveils Relief Package to help students cope with impact of COVID-19

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​NTU Singapore unveils Relief Package to help students cope with impact of COVID-19

NTU Singapore has unveiled its COVID-19 Relief Package comprising three new coordinated measures to assist students facing hardship due to the pandemic....




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Apache South America Campaign Concludes

Oceaneering International reported that it has successfully completed an integrated rig services campaign for Apache offshore South America.




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Neptune Starts Fenja Drilling Campaign

Neptune Energy announced Tuesday that its drilling campaign on the Fenja field offshore Norway is now underway.




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Fellow passengers rescue visually impaired man from subway tracks

Passengers acted swiftly to save a visually impaired man who had fallen off a platform near an Atlanta public transit rail line.




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Some boys' brains may be wired to make them less empathetic

A new study has found structural brain differences that may account for callous-unemotional traits in boys.



  • Fitness & Well-Being

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TV's impact on the gay marriage debate

Thanks in part to shows like 'Modern Family,' a majority of Americans are now in favor of same-sex marriage.



  • Arts & Culture

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Oil's impact on nature deep and lasting

Video: Larry Schweiger, president and chief executive Officer of the National Wildlife Federation, talks with Rachel Maddow about the extent of damage to Gulf c



  • Wilderness & Resources

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My Gulf Action wants you to reduce your oil impact

ClimateCulture launches a campaign asking individuals to do their part in reducing the need for oil. Not sure this one will go over well in middle America.



  • Research & Innovations

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Casting company looking for deep green parents-to-be

If you are pregnant and love living green, a new TV documentary series might just make you a star.



  • Babies & Pregnancy

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Dwell on wheels: Vintage trailer reborn as low-impact mobile abode

Squeeze on in for a tour of the COMET, a 1960s Avalon camper transformed into a solar-powered mobile abode by Mariah Coz.



  • Remodeling & Design

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United Nations reviewing asteroid impact threat

Discussions about the Russian meteor explosion and Earth's encounter with asteroid 2012 DA14 were high on the Feb. 15 agenda of a UN meeting.




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Studying ducklings to understand the impact of nesting behaviors

Find out what wood ducks are revealing about threats to our fine feathered friends.




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Learning from bonobos and chimpanzees

Video: Peaceful bonobos may have something to teach humans.




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Nissan Leaf launches new ad campaign with Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong joins a new media campaign to market the innovative 2011 Nissan Leaf.




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UCS study examines the impact of charging electric vehicles

A new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists examines an electric vehicle’s total greenhouse gas emissions.




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College students launch campaign encouraging classmates to tinkle in the shower, not the toilet

If there ever was a reason to invest in a decent pair of shower sandals ...




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Impact of Keystone XL pipeline examined in new e-book

Washington Post energy correspondent Steven Mufson traveled the 1,700-mile path of the controversial tar sands pipeline.




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Fracking companies are exploiting the Amish, say reports

The Amish religion forbids lawsuits, locking families into deals that are often not in their favor.




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Warren Buffett could soon own the largest energy holding company in the U.S.

Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to acquire NV Energy, and Sen. Harry Reid wants to help.




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How Typhoon Haiyan compares to the 2004 tsunami

Some have compared the Typhoon Haiyan's devastation to the mayhem caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.



  • Climate & Weather

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Georgia-Pacific unit launches new sustainability campaign

Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, which recently received SFI chain-of-custody certification, has launched a new sustainability campaign.




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Green Books campaign: The Homesteader's Kitchen

Wholesome recipes and motherly advice in a responsibly-printed cookbook.




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Mattel vows change after Greenpeace 'Barbie' campaign

Toy giant freezes purchases from supplier accused of deforestation.



  • Sustainable Business Practices

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'Dear Pluto' campaign asks kids to say 'Hi' to planet

Kids around the world can say hello to Pluto ahead of the first-ever flyby of the dwarf planet this summer.




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ÁPH80: A prefab cabin from Spain that's clean, calming and compact

Madrid-based sustainable architecture firm Ábaton unveils a low-cost prefab housing concept that's as simple as it gets (and interestingly, hypoallergenic).



  • Remodeling & Design

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Cabin DROP XL is shoo-in for low-impact nature escapes

A tent alternative for dedicated glampers and design-conscious holiday-makers, this prefab micro-cabin treads lightly wherever it happens to 'drop.'



  • Remodeling & Design

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A massive impact crater has been hiding under Greenland's ice sheet

Located under the Hiawatha Glacier, the impact crater is one of the largest on Earth.




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Business owners: Recycle your company's cell phones

Communications Wireless Group works with business owners to recycle, refurbish, and reuse old wireless devices while maintaining a zero-landfill policy.



  • Sustainable Business Practices

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Why would a company with an organic food brand oppose Proposition 37?

If organic foods can’t contain genetically modified ingredients, you’d think organic food companies wouldn’t have a problem with labeling foods that conta




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7 organic Champagne cocktails

Try a bubbly drink with an organic twist.




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The solution to plastic pollution isn't beach clean-ups, it's companies taking responsibility

Why are regular citizens doing the work that should be done by the companies that make the disposables?




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Kennedy: Coal companies subvert democracy

Environmentalist Robert Kennedy Jr. is fighting with community activists to save West Virginia's Coal River Mountain from the hands of major coal corporations t



  • Wilderness & Resources

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Massey Energy: Worst mining company ever?

Massey Energy kept two sets of safety log books at their Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, where 29 miners died after an explosion last year— one for the fede