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:

Convicted former Roanoke councilman Robert Jeffrey sues to get his council seat back. — Roanoke Rambler.

This Roanoke neighborhood has one of state’s highest rates of incarerated residents. — Roanoke Rambler.

Tazewell County sheriff stands by religous posts. — Bluefield Daily Telegraph and WVVA-TV.

Economy:

Ridership on Virginia’s Amtrak routes up 28.9%, all-time high. — WSET-TV.

Staunton River Plastics in Hurt to add 200 jobs. — WDBJ-TV.

Official expect tourism to bounce back in Patrick County. — Martinsville Bulletin.

Projects aim to promote growth in South Hill. — South Boston News & Record.

Health care:

Lynchburg-area specialists, survivors speak out about fentanyl — Lynchburg News and Advance.

Halifax locked in high level for virus. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.

Pandemic shuts down South Hill town hall. — South Boston News & Record.

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

Culture:

Pride festival brings 13,000 to Bristol. — Bristol Herald Courier.

Downtown athletic club opens in Halifax — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.