The constitutional right to freedom of speech remains protected in one part of the commonwealth.Preview: A man is dead after a police chase and shooting in Botetourt County. The Virginia State Police say a trooper tried to pull over a motorcycle on Route 460 yesterday afternoon for reckless driving. The driver refused to pull over and led the trooper on a chase that ended in a crash on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The man allegedly displayed a gun and was shot and killed by the trooper. A passenger on the motorcycle was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital for treatment. The trooper is on leave pending an investigation into the shooting.
The state of Virginia is getting input on a proposed policy to restrict cellphone usage in schools. The first of eight community conversations on the proposed restrictions was held in Manassas yesterday. Those attending seemed to agree that cellphone usage should be limited, with some exceptions for medical conditions, communication and emergencies. The Department of Education is expected to have a draft of the new policy ready by next month.
Athletes from around Virginia will be in Lynchburg this weekend to take part in the Commonwealth Games. The 35th annual event features more than 30 events and athletes ranging in age from four to nearly 90-years-old. The competition at Liberty University will begin today and wrap up on Sunday.