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

Politics and government:

House Republicans reject independent oversight of prison system; Del. Jason Ballard, R-Giles County, figures in the action. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Former Pittsylvania County administrators steps in as interim administrator. — Danville Register & Bee.

Progress made on Alleghany County, Covington school merger. — The Recorder.

State park plan still alive in Highland County. — The Recorder.

Scott County votes to provide funding to avoid lay-offs with emergency services. — WJHL-TV.

Economy:

Appeals court throws out another permit for the Mountain Valley Pipeline. — The Roanoke Times.

City changes where medical cannabis facilities will be allowed. — Danville Register & Bee.

Waffle House set to open in Madison Heights. — WSET-TV.

Covid:

Kroger stores with a pharmacy now giving our free N95 masks. — WSLS-TV.

Other:

Fairy Stone Park in Patrick County seeks dark sky park status. — The Enterprise (Patrick County). For background on dark sky parks, see this story we published in October.

Police procession for two slain Bridgewater College officers begins in Roanoke Valley. — The Roanoke Times and WDBJ-TV and WSLS-TV.

Parakeets replace butterfly garden at Science Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke. – WDBJ-TV.