Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Southwest and Southside:
Politics:
New Year’s Eve shooting gives fresh urgency to quell gun-related violence in Roanoke. — The Roanoke Times.
Democrats in General Assembly want more money for schools and mental health. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Reed chosen as new Lynchburg mayor, Faraldi vice mayor. — Lynchburg News and Advance and WDBJ-TV and WSET-TV.
Franklin County supervisors pick new chairman on 4-3 vote. — The Roanoke Times.
Amanda Pillion elected Abingdon mayor. — WCYB-TV.
Bedford re-elects mayor and vice mayor. — Lynchburg News and Advance.
Opposing factions unite to elect Pittsylvania County board chair, vice chair. — Chatham Star Tribune and Danville Register and Bee.
LaCrosse mayor dies. — Mecklenburg Sun.
City did not defame police officer with ‘end racism now’ mural, judge rules. — Roanoke Rambler.
House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott County, says he’ll support reinstating town charter for Pound. — WJHL-TV. (For backstory story, see ‘We ask for the opportunity to prove ourselves.’)
Economy:
Roanoke begins plans for Evans Springs area. — WDBJ-TV.
Education:
For-profit nursing school to open in Roanoke Valey. — The Roanoke Times and WSLS-TV. (For background story, see ‘National nursing shortage highlights challenges of expanding nursing programs.’)
Weather:
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.