The Bristol Casino is the first to open in Virginia since passage of a law that legalized casino gaming. Voters in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Danville also approved casinos; voters in Richmond turned it down. Photo by Megan Schnabel.

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

Politics:

Covington city council transfers financial authority after treasurer charged with crimes. — The Roanoke Times.

Appeals court orders bond be set for former Roanoke city councilman Robert Jeffrey. — The Roanoke Times.

Franklin County supervisors adopt solar regulations. — The Roanoke Times.

Education:

Roanoke County gets more school funding for capital improvement, teacher raises. — The Roanoke Times.

Danville announces $140 million in school capital improvements. — Chatham Star Tribune.

Want more education news? There’s no full-time education reporter west of Richmond. You can help change that. Help fund us.

Economy:

Commonwealth Games expected to have big economic impact in Lynchburg. — (Lynchburg) News & Advance.

Wagers at Bristol Casino top $37 million in first week. — Bristol Herald Courier and WCYB-TV and WJHL-TV. (See background story on the Bristol casino.)

Norfolk Southern increases wages, offering incentives, sign-on bonuses. — WSLS-TV.

Health care:

Localities with the highest covid rates in Virginia: Galax, Bland County and Norton are 1, 2, 3. — The Roanoke Times.

Halifax County hospital receives top rating for heart treatment. — Gazette-Virginian.

Want more health care news? There’s no full-time health care reporter west of Richmond. You can help change that. Help fund us.

Buchanan County flood:

Recovery groups arrive in Buchanan County. — Bristol Herald Courier. (See background story on the Buchanan County flood and flood relief.)