Here are some of the top headlines from around Southwest and Southside:
Omicron variant could fuel covid surge three times higher than record. — Danville Register & Bee.
Child vaccination rate in Southwest Virginia less than one-half of Virginia, national average. — WJHL-TV.
Danville casino project waiting on bid proposals for general contractor. — Chatham Star-Tribune.
“Gaping holes” in Liberty University police reports about sexual assaults on campus; one case involved Jesse Matthews, later convicted of killing two people. — WSET-TV.
Solar ordinance moves forward in Franklin County. — The Roanoke Times.
Lack of high-speed internet in Pittsylvania County limits learning. — Danville Register & Bee.
Governor Northam cancels lay-offs of drinking water monitors who were scheduled to be cut; some were in Abingdon, Danville and Lexington. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.
James Lane leaving as state superintendent of public instruction. — Richmond Times-Dispatch and Virginia Mercury.
LewisGale in Salem plans to build NICU after years of seeking state approval. — The Roanoke Times.
One in six police jobs in Roanoke is vacant. — The Roanoke Times.
Permit approved for explosive waste incinerator at Radford Arsenal. — The Roanoke Times.
Averett University professor to march in the Rose Parade. — Danville Register & Bee.
Gelato store set to open in Farmville. — Farmville Herald.
Lynchburg Hillcats player dies in Florida. — Lynchburg News & Advance.