Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:
Politics:
U.S. Senate approves omnibus spending plan to keep federal government open; House vote set for Friday. — The Washington Post. (See background story “Federal spending bill includes $7 million for Coalfields Expressway, plus other projets in Southwest and Southside.”)
State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, changes position, now says he’ll file legislation to ban assault rifles. — Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism.
Jennifer McClellan wins Democratic nomination for 4th District congressional seat in a landslide. — Virginia Mercury.
Democrat Trudy Berry enters race for state Senate seat that covers Charlotte County, Danville, Halifax County, Pittsylvania County, Mecklenburg County, Nottoway County and part of Prince Edward County. Republican Frank Ruff is the incumbent. — The Farmville Herald.
Economy:
Roanoke City Council adopts new economic plan that calls for more development of northwest and southeast Roanoke. — WDBJ-TV.
Halifax County planners OK 80-megawatt solar project that would involve 1,061 acres of land. — Halifax Gazette-Virginian and South Boston News & Record.
Halifax planners also back meat processor. — South Boston News & Record.
State Corporation Commission reduces Appalachian Power’s rate increase request. — The Roanoke Times.
Education:
Pittsylvania County schools to adopt 10-point grading system. — Chatham Star Tribune.
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Criminal justice:
Augusta Correctional Center inmate dies; suicide suspected. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Culture:
Ongoing excavations in New London reveal new insights about the past. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
Weather:
Appalachian Power warns water levels downstream from Claytor Lake and Leesville Lake could rise quickly because utility will be generating more power during cold weather. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV.
For more weather news, follow weather journalist Kevin Myatt on Twitter at @kevinmyattwx and sign up for his free weather email newsletter. His weekly column appears in Cardinal News each Wednesday afternoon.
Also: Myatt is interviewed on the Cardinal News Update — Blue Ridge PBS.