Local Leads: 08/23/2010

News you need to know

The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:

On First Day of School, Class Size a Concern

Summer vacation ended Monday morning for hundreds of thousands of students in the Washington region, and early reports indicated few problems.  Parents at the newly opened Barack Obama Elementary School in Prince George's County were excited for a new year at a fresh facility, but many were worried about cutbacks. Average class sizes are two students larger for every grade except pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.  "I am a little concerned," said Danielle Smith of Upper Marlboro, whose son Davon, 10, is starting the fifth grade. "At this point I don't know how big his class will be." (Washington Post)

Watching Out for Kids on First Day

With school opening in the District and Prince George's County on Monday, police are reminding drivers to be aware of students making their way to their first day of class. "Motorists need to be reminded that, as area students return to school, there will be an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic," said Prince George's police Chief Roberto Hylton. "Therefore, the safety of our students will be a top priority for officers assigned to area school zones." (Washington Examiner)

Louisa Shootout Leaves 3 Dead

Three people are dead and four are injured after a shootout that involved two Louisa County deputies. According to Sgt. Thomas Molnar of the Virginia State Police, the Louisa County Sheriff's Office received a call about a shooting on Twigg Road about 5 p.m. yesterday. When two deputies arrived, they became involved in a shootout with a suspect, Molnar said. The suspect was shot and killed. The deputies were unharmed, Molnar said. Four other people were injured and transported to University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Molnar said. One of the four was taken by helicopter with serious life-threatening injuries, he said.  (Fredricksburg.com)

Doggie Distraction 

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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information

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The American Automobile Association's latest report shows nearly 60 percent of pet owners admit they've been distracted while driving with their dogs, and one in five has allowed his dog to sit on his lap while behind the wheel. The online study has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. It included a sample of 1,000 dog owners who said they drove with their pet in the past 12 months.  "More than half have pet their dog while driving, one in five allowed their dog to sit in their lap, 7 percent confess to engaging in other distracting behaviors, such as giving food and water to their dog, and 5 percent admit to playing with their dogs while driving," AAA reported. (InsideNoVa.com)

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