Here are some of the top stories from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:
Politics and government:
State Senate rejects House school construction plan, wants conference committee to negotiate differences. — Richmond Times-Dispatch (For background: House budget has school construction plan, how the two budgets differ, House panel rejects allowing localities to raise sales tax for schools).
Montgomery County school board chair apologizes for leaving meeting. — The Roanoke Times.
Judge dismisses suit aimed at trying to convene special grand jury to investigate Charlotte County registrar’s office. — Southside Messenger.
Franklin County schools partners with Ferrum College to fill temporary staffing shortages. — Franklin News-Post.
Economy:
Virginia needs to get serious about “mega-sites,” outgoing Virginia Economic Development Partnership head says. — Virginia Mercury.
Group forms to promote cannabis cultivation in Southside. — The Mecklenburg Sun.
Covid:
Lynchburg makes masks optional for staff and students on buses. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
Covid deaths rises as cases decline in Halifax County. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.
Culture:
National Park Service to hold hearings on how to manage Roanoke Valley’s “triple crown” — McAfee’s Knob, Dragon’s Tooth, Tinker Cliffs. — The Roanoke Times.