Here are some of the top headlines in other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:
Politics and government:
Kimberly Lowe, who is challenging Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, for 9th District GOP nomination “caught on tape” in showdown with butterfly scientist in Texas. — The Daily Beast.
Buena Vista, Covington, Farmville, Galax among places that would see reduction in police funding under Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposal. — The Virginia Mercury.
State Sen. Steve Newman, R-Bedford County, pushes bill to pay off state debate on now-closed Central Virginia Training Center. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
State Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, pushing bill to put time limit on governor’s powers during state of emergency. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
Rep. Bob Good, R-Campbell County, campaigns in Amherst County, now part of the 5th District. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
Officials in Richmond promise Southwest Virginia, rural outreach. — The Roanoke Times.
Economy:
Grayson County connects its first broadband customer. — The Galax Gazette. (For background on the project, see this story we published in September about the state pilot program that’s bringing broadband to rural communities.)
Blacksburg company beams past crowdfunding goal. — The Roanoke Times.
Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals approves solar farm in Axton. — Martinsville Bulletin.
Caesar’s poised to select general contractor for Danville casino project. — Chatham Star-Tribune.
Popular Bristol restaurant Blended Pedlar opens second location in Abingdon. — WCYB-TV. (For more on Abingdon’s prize-winning restaurant scene, see this story we published in December.)
Covid:
Hospitalizations up 16% as Sovah-Danville nears capacity. — Danville Register and Bee.
Southwest Virginia, northeast Tennessee rank last nationally for rate of vaccinated. — Bristol Herald Courier.
Other:
Cumberland County library now part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. — Farmville Herald.
Three teens now running Galax Conservatory of Dance and Theatre. — Galax Gazette.