The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
POTHOLES!!!
Following the recent snowstorms, potholes have become a growing concern for commuters, although the hazards will likely not be dealt with until after snow removal has been completed. While a number of factors can contribute to the development of potholes, the problem is particularly noticeable after a snowstorm, said county spokeswoman Esther Bowring. As the remaining ice and snow on roads thaws during the day, water seeps into existing cracks in the asphalt and pavement, only to freeze and expand during the colder nights, contributing to the cavities that have been popping up along state and county roads. (Gazette)
TEENS TAKE BENTLEY
Fairfax County police arrested two boys, ages 15 and 16, on Feb. 10 after they allegedly stole a 2006 Bentley Arnage at around 9:46 p.m. in the 1700 block of Tysons Boulevard in Tysons Corner. (Sun Gazette)
MORTGAGE DELIQUENCIES UP
Mortgage delinquencies climbed for the 12th straight quarter nationwide, according to data released Tuesday by credit rating service TransUnion Corp. The percentage of borrowers 60 or more days past due, grew to 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2009, up from 6.25 percent in the third quarter. (Washington Business Journal)
HEALTHY AREA
Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun are the healthiest counties in Virginia, and Howard, Montgomery and Frederick top the list in Maryland, according to a set of reports to be released Wednesday. The reports rank U.S. counties and cities based on how long people live and how healthy they are. The three Northern Virginia counties get top marks within the state for overall health, but they compare poorly with other parts of Virginia for air quality. Fairfax ranked 132 -- last among Virginia's counties and cities included in the study -- in that category because of the region's horrendous traffic. Fairfax had 37 unhealthy air quality days in 2005; rural counties such as Craig and Cumberland had none. In Maryland, Prince George's County ranked 17 out of the state's 23 counties and Baltimore City for overall health, in large part because the rate of people dying before age 75, which is more than twice that of Howard County. (Washington Post)
CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES DAMAGED
This winter's extra-heavy snowfall has damaged one of the region's top tourist attractions. Along the Tidal Basin near the paddle boats, quite a few of Washington's iconic cherry trees are damaged. (wtop.com)
