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

Politics:

Pulaski County sheriff, commonwealth’s attorney quit Democratic Party, will back Republicans. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV.

Franklin County school employees to get retention bonuses. — The Roanoke Times.

Lawmakers still haven’t agreed on how to fill two Supreme Court vacancies. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Environmental group sues to protect type of mussels found in Southwest Virginia. — Virginia Mercury.

Charlotte County Board of Supervisors hits impasse on 3,000-acre Randolph solar project. — The Charlotte Gazette. (Background story: “Is Virginia at a solar crossroads?“)

Economy:

Bristol chamber earns five-star rating. — Bristol Herald Courier.

South Boston Farmers Market turns 35. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.

Education:

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center to start classes on HVAC and welding. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.

Want more education coverage? There’s no full-time education reporter west of Richmond. We’d like to change that. That’s one of the positions we’re raising money for. You can help fund us.

Covid:

Virginia Department of Health redefines “recent” exposure, diverses from CDC. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Want more healthcare coverage? There’s no full-time healthcare reporter west of Richmond. We’d like to change that. That’s one of the positions we’re raising money for. You can help fund us.