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

Politics and government:

Staunton River Middle School in Bedford is one of the schools where a federal judge says state can’t enforce Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s order for masking to be voluntary. — The Roanoke Times.

Former Gov. and Ambassador Jim Gilmore to speak to Amherst Republicans about Ukraine. — Lynchburg News and Advance.

County to spend $600,000 to provide cell service for hiking trail. — Bristol Herald Courier.

Major solar project proposed for Charlotte County will have hearing before supervisors on April 19. — South Boston News & Record.

Tazewell County considers pandhandling, loitering ordinance. — Bluefield Daily Telegraph.

Economy:

Liberty Trust hotel opens in downtown Roanoke. — WDBJ-TV.

Covid:

Virginia covid cases tick up slightly. — Bristol Herald Courier.

Covid cases in region levelling off. — Farmville Herald.

Culture:

Roanoke’s transportation museum and science museum announce new directors. — The Roanoke Times.

The Prizery arts center in South Boston names new director. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian and South Boston News & Record.

Dixie Softball says transgender females can’t participate. — WSET-TV.

Parasitic gill lice discovered infecting trout in Smyth and Wythe counties. — WCYB-TV and WJHL-TV.

Other:

Tornado confirmed in Carroll County, damaged two homes. — The Roanoke Times and Galax Gazette and WSLS-TV.