Virginia has joined a number of other states in declaring a state emergency due to Hurricane Helene. Governor Youngkin declared the state of emergency for Virginia, although the storm is expected to hit west of the Commonwealth. Still, the National Hurricane Center says there could be a significant amount of rain and flooding is possible into Saturday. Youngkin urged Virginians to remain vigilant and understand that tracks and impacts can shift. He says Dominion Energy is on standby to provide aid for areas that need it once Helene arrives.
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There are now ten listeria deaths nationwide linked to Boar's Head deli meat. Sara Lee Kessler reports.
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Triple-A is launching a new public service campaign to educate Virginia drivers about the state's left lane law. The organization surveyed Virginia drivers and found that only 26-percent knew that the state has a law that governs driving in the left lane. The law was updated in 2017 and requires drivers to only use the left lane for passing, with a fine of up to 100 dollars for those who don't move to the right when possible. Triple-A says failure to move over has led to dangerous activities like tailgating, aggressive driving and road rage. The organization's "Don't Fumble the Pass" campaign will run through the end of this year.
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Americans are once again able to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. The federal government relaunched the program Thursday. People can go to COVID-dot-gov-slash-tests and order four of the tests. This is the third year in a row the free tests have been offered by the government. Health officials said as Americans begin to move their gatherings indoors, "These tests will help keep families and their loved ones safe this fall and winter seasons."