A Roanoke Valley landfill plans to take trash, and turn it into something good. The Smith Gap Regional Landfill will repurpose methane gas from trash decomposing into renewable natural gas.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines in Southwest Virginia.

The EPA says landfill gas can be captured, converted, and used as a renewable energy resource

The Roanoke Valley Resource Authority will hold a special meeting today. The New River Valley Public Health Task Force will hold a forum today on the ‘State of COVID-19 in the New River Valley.’ Health, business and education leaders will talk about the response to the pandemic and provide updates on the virus, vaccines and mental health, as well as answer your questions. NRV Cares holds its annual auction starting today virtually. Take part in the New River Valley Livability in Action Regional Exchange today. It’s an opportunity for people in the region to learn about the Livability Initiative and ways to make it a reality.

Today will be a remote learning day for Bedford County Public Schools. To make up for time missed due to vaccines, the Instructional Collaboration Day on April 28th will now be a regular school day. The Steering Committee for the Future of Education Task Force in Lynchburg will meet today. The task force was formed to help drive the long-term success of city schools. AdThe Roanoke Valley Resource Authority will meet today to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

ROANOKE, Va. The city of Roanoke will hold its weekly update on the citys coronoavirus response. Salem City Council will hold a special meeting today in closed session to considered prospective candidates for the Assistant City Manager position. The former Marine, accused of killing his mothers boyfriend, will be in court today in Franklin County for a preliminary hearing. Michael Brown was on the run for 18 days, after being accused of shooting Rodney Brown in front of his mothers home. The search stretched from Franklin County to Clarendon County, S. C. to Roanoke, before Browns arrest at the home in Franklin County.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia. The woman charged in the death of Amber Ross in Roanoke County is expected to enter a guilty plea in court today. The State Corporation Commission holds a hearing today to consider rate increase requests from Roanoke Gas. The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office will hold a ceremony today, celebrating its third reaccreditation by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. The sheriff's office says "this is a much sought and well earned award for law enforcement agencies."