An Amtrak train in Roanoke. Bristol officials have been working to get the passenger rail service that runs through Roanoke extended to their city. Courtesy of Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

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

Politics:

Monacan Nation dispute over management heads to federal court. — WSET-TV.

Tennessee law drives homeless people across the border to Bristol. — WCYB-TV.

Economy:

Amtrak’s second train from Roanoke begins service. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV and WSET-TV. (Background stories: “Could Virginia get an east-west train from Chritiansburg to Newport News?” and “No, a train to Bristol isn’t going to cost $1.5 billion.“)

New Radford University president talks priorities. — The Roanoke Times.

Cookie store to open in Lynchburg. — Lynchburg News and Advance.

Union workers continue strike at General Dynamics in Marion. — WCYB-TV.

Casino traffic study underway, Bristol says. — WJHL-TV.

Bristol Casino draws “thousands” in first weekend of operation. — WJHL-TV.

Culture:

MercyMe returns to Roanoke. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV.

Commission to hold hearing on proposed no wakesurfing zone at Smith Mountain Lake. — Lynchburg News and Advance.

Virginia bans water balloons, which puts a crimp in Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days. — Danville Register and Bee.

Former Tunstall High School star now with Arizona Diamondbacks to play in MLB All-Star Game. — Chatham Star Tribune.

Former Halifax County star to pitch in MLB Futures Game. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian

Tickets going fast for Cantalope Festival. — South Boston News & Record.