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

Politics and government:

Warner, Spanberger lead push to make Virginia a center for semi-conductor manufacturing. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

South Boston Library holds “read-in” of banned books. — South Boston News & Record.

Controversy unfolds at Blacksburg High School over “Pray for Peace” T-shirts worn by one sports team. — WSLS-TV.

Franklin County won’t change tax rates but funding gap remains. — The Roanoke Times.

Economy:

Benchmark Community Bank, based in Kenbridge, will buy First Community Bank’s branch in Emporia. — Farmville Herald.

Roads to solar farm under construction in Halifax County take a beating from trucks. — South Boston News & Record.

More on Virginia Western’s new biotechnical degree. — The Roanoke Times.

Covid:

Galax ranked first among high-poverty counties for covid death rate. — Virginia Mercury.

Culture:

Abingdon’s $12 million sports complex opens Saturday. — Bristol Herald Courier.

Contract awarded to begin restoration of trail in Pittsylvania County. — Chatham Star-Tribune.

Norfolk Southern will donate N&W archives to Richmond museum. — WDBJ-TV.