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

Politics:

Rep. Ben Cline, R-Botetourt County, and Democratic challenger Jennifer Lewis deliver fiery speeeches at Labor Day event at Buena Vista. — Waynesboro News-Virginian.

Smith Mountain Lake fire department asks for help to maintain aging fleet. — Lynchburg News and Advance.

No good bids mean Bristol will continue to pay regular rate to dump garbage after landfill closes. — Bristol Herald Courier.

Roanoke mayor says city must be “much more aggressive” about combating gun-related violence. — WSLS-TV.

Economy:

Carilion Clinic lost more than $250 million during the pandemic. — The Roanoke Times. (Disclosure: Carilion is one of our donors, but donors have no say in news decisions. See our policy.)

Proposed mixed-use development in Roanoke County stirs debate. — The Roanoke Times.

Education:

Halifax County enrollment up for the first time since 2007. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.

496 children in Halifax County receive books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. — South Boston News & Record.

Amherst County approves six new school resource officers. — WSET-TV.

Bus driver shortage continues in Bedford County. — WSET-TV.

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

Culture:

VDOT warns of traffic woes ahead of this weekend’s Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Halifax County. — Danville Register and Bee.

Halifax ready for festival. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian.

Downtown Bristol businesses prepare for upcoming Rhythm and Roots festival. — Bristol Herald Courier.

World champion auctioneer coming to Wytheville. — Southwest Times.

Rapha Foundation donates $25,000 for flood relief in Wise County. — WCYB-TV.