The Coalfields Expressway in West Virginia. Courtesy of Famartin.

Here are some of the top headlines from other news outlets around Virginia:

Politics:

Supporters of the Coalfields Expressway request $7 million federal earmark. — Bluefield Daily Telegraph.

As Virginia budget negotiations drag on, here’s what hangs in the balance. — Virginia Mercury.

State employees’ share of health insurance costs rising. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Economy:

Solar energy’s benefits pitched to local businesses — South Boston News & Record.

Education:

With college enrollment dropping, could 529 savings plans help cover workforce credentials? — Virginia Mercury.

Local government:

Danville announces results of organization-wide pay study. — Chatham Star Tribune.

Board taps Tim Hall as interim Patrick County administrator. — The (Patrick County) Enterprise.

Culture:

Bedford County baker wins Bojangles biscuit baking competition. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Weather:

Bedford County asks governor for disaster declaration for drought. — WSET-TV.

For more weather news, follow weather journalist Kevin Myatt on Twitter / X at @kevinmyattwx and sign up for his free weather email newsletter. His weekly column appears in Cardinal News each Wednesday afternoon.