Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:
Clinch Coalition challenges Spearhead Trails in Southwest Virginia over environmental concerns. — Virginia Mercury.
Sales tax bill that would fund new schools in Roanoke County and beyond passes first test. — The Roanoke Times.
Virginia Tech announces planned research center in Blacksburg for information sciences and quantum mechanics. — The Roanoke Times and WDBJ-TV
Harvest Foundation broadens focus beyond economic development. — The Martinsville Bulletin.
Centra sees record covid patients. — The Farmville Herald and WSET-TV.
More than 750 Ballad Health employees out after testing positive. — WCYB-TV and WJHL-TV.
Covid testing center opens Thursday at Valley View Mall in Roanoke. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV.
Pittsylvania County seeks another referendum on sales tax increase for schools; previous one failed by 14 votes. — Danville Register & Bee.
Highland County school superintendent is leaving. — The Recorder.