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:

Economy:

Amtrak ridership increases in Virginia. — The (Fredericksburg) Free Lance-Star.

After legislative limbo, $6M in federal funding for Virginia farmers and food banks released. — Virginia Mercury.

Virginia to ease degree requirements for state jobs. — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Politics:

Appalachian Power to face new regulatory system. — Virginia Mercury.

“Unborn sanctuary” ordinance debated in Grayson County. — Galax Gazette.

Dems try to strip pipeline permits; Good accuses Speaker of “surrender.” — Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Culture:

Virginia bags biggest spring turkey harvest ever. — Virginia Mercury.

Sports:

Roanoke College AD job “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for Pulaski County grad Curtis Campbell. — The Roanoke Times.

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.