Here are some of the top headlines around Southwest and Southside:
More than 4,000 Afghan refugees could arrive at Fort Pickett in coming week. — The Blackstone Courier-Record (Shannon Watkins had a story about the Afghans arriving at the military base last week.)
Lawsuit aims to stop 21,000-acre solar farm in in Charlotte County. — The Mecklenburg Sun.
Mecklenburg County planners reject 800-acre solar farm. — The Mecklenburg Sun.
Hollins University offers tuition-free education for qualifying young women in Roanoke area. — The Roanoke Times
Wise County at epicenter of Southwest Virginia covid surge. — WJLH-TV
Masks urged for fans at high school football game that could draw 10,000 in Bluefield. — Bluefield Daily Telegraph
New poll shows governor’s race in statistical tie. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Empty storefronts belie Roanoke’s record-low retail vacancy rate. — The Roanoke Rambler.
Longtime journalist Mike Allen named editorial page editor of The Roanoke Times. — The Roanoke Times.