Here are some of the top headlines around Southwest and Southside:

Second Amtrak train from Roanoke to Lynchburg and points north may be just months away. — The Roanoke Times.

Virginia’s wake-up call: Democrats ignore rural voters at their peril. — Christian Science Monitor (story is based in Pulaski County).

Buckingham County supervisors approve special use permit for solar project. — The Farmville Herald.

Hotel, restaurant and event space proposed for downtown Lynchburg. — Lynchburg News & Advance and WSET-TV.

Some House Republicans open to speeding up retail sales of cannabis. — Virginia Mercury.

Highland County schools spark controversy by briefly going without chocolate milk. — WSLS-TV.

After 50 year pursuit, McDowell Presbyterian Church in Highland County gets a historical marker. — The Recorder.