Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:

Economy:

Mountain Valley Pipeline loses permit to cross Jefferson National Forest. — The Roanoke Times and Virginia Mercury.

Solar projects proposed in Pittsylvania County. — Danville Register & Bee.

Patrick & Henry Community College committee recommends new leadership on board. — Martinsville Bulletin.

Politics:

Charlottesville Republican chair Dan Moy to challenge Rep. Bob Good for GOP nomination in 5th District. — WCAV-TV.

Community calls for more teachers in Pulaski County. — Southwest Times.

Covid:

Southwest Virginia’s covid rate hits another record. — WJHL-TV.

Covid hospitalizations in Ballad Health system near record. — WJHL-TV.

Health care leader pleads for help as Southwest transmission rate leads state; 20% of staff now infected. — Bristol Herald Courier and WCYB-TV.

Halifax school board spends five hours on masks, decides to let parents choose. — South Boston News & Record and Halifax Gazette-Virginian.

Virginia halts contact tracing for covid, shifting focus to cases in high-risk settings. — WSLS-TV.

Roanoke health leaders weigh in on options if masking is optional. — WSET-TV.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, tests positive for breakthrough case of COVID-19; symptoms called “extremely mild.” — Statement from Warner’s office.