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.