Well, Virginia’s special election came, and it went—and, as usual, people landed on both sides. The only thing that doesn’t divide a crowd? Whether to enjoy a cookie. The answer there is always yes.
The short answer is, the referendum passed. The majority of Virginians voted “yes.” Whichever “side” of the redistricting referendum you found yourself on when you voted, I appreciate the fact that you made your voice heard. Now, it’s time to remember that it takes all of us—not just one or the other—to foster a beautiful, vibrant, diverse commonwealth. And whether this one went “your” way or didn’t, I’m so glad you’re here.
P.S. We’re rebranding our website tomorrow. Your next Dogwood newsletter will arrive Friday, April 24. Stay tuned for the new homepage!
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The Potomac River provides drinking water to thousands in Washington, DC, and other communities. (Adobe Stock)
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By Zamone Perez
Here’s what you need to know: An iconic Virginia river was just listed as the “most endangered” river in the country, and clean water advocates urge more action to be taken in order to prevent further threats to drinking water.
Top facts:
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A new report by the American Rivers group listed the Potomac River as the most endangered, facing several pressing threats. Earlier this year, a sewage line failure spilled more than 250 million gallons of untreated sewage into the river.
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In the area around the sewage spill, bacteria levels were more than 12,000 times higher than the recreational limit. The Potomac River basin is home to more than 6 million people across the Commonwealth and four other states.
- Adding to the issue, little information has been gleaned on how water consumption from hundreds of data centers will impact the Potomac.
Want to know more? We’ve got the details at the link below.
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The Virginia State Seal, adopted in 1776, depicts Virtus conquering Tyranny with the phrase “sic semper tyrannis,” meaning “thus always to tyrants!”
Curious about more state symbols? We’ve got the details at the link below.
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YouTube screenshot of “Save My Soul” lyric video by Noah Rinker. (YouTube/Noah Rinker)
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By Amie Knowles
When I need some wind-down time at the end of the day, I enjoy scrolling through Instagram reels. The short videos are often set to music, and it’s a neat way to hear new songs.
One of my favorites reeled in from that formula is “Save My Soul” by Noah Rinker. I’d never heard of the singer-songwriter from California’s Yosemite region beforehand, but I’ve been going through his discography and, boy, if this guy doesn’t make it “big time,” it’ll make me second-guess everything I know about good music.
His voice, lyrics, and overall style are what I’d call “folksy.” In my humble observation, it’s not quite the steel guitar you’d hear in country and not the vibe you’d find in indie, but it’s got all of the harmonica solos and intuitive feelings you could ever hope to hear.
I wasn’t expecting to find his songs when I did. And maybe that’s the beauty of quick little Instagram clips discovered late at night. I’m happy to share them with you, too.
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Job: Natural Resource Specialist Senior
Location: VA Department of Transportation in Salem
Salary: $65,198-$105,946/year
Qualifications:
- Considerable knowledge of federal, state, local transportation, environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices
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Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations
- Experience in wetland delineation and permitting
- Experience reading highway engineering plans
- Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts
- Skill in the use of computers and software applications
- Training and experience in construction inspection, asbestos safety awareness and hazard communications
Job description on jobs.va.gov: “To support VDOT construction and maintenance programs and to protect the natural environment by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services.”
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Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes a story from Zamone Perez via Public News Service. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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