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.