SCOTUS stays circuit court’s block of telehealth mifepristone access

The United States Supreme Court indefinitely extended telehealth access to the abortion medication mifepristone on May 14, pending further litigation in federal court. While the challenge to telehealth access comes from Louisiana, the case has already resulted in nationwide impacts—including states with abortion protections, like Virginia. Louisiana argues that a 2023 U.S. Food and Drug […]

Despite holding a trifecta, Virginia Dems split on key legislative issues

In a surprise move, Gov. Abigail Spanberger struck down collective bargaining legislation passed by the Democratically controlled General Assembly on May 14. The governor sent the amended bill back to the legislature on April 13. The House of Delegates returned the bill as originally passed to the governor’s desk on April 23, forcing Spanberger to […]

SPLC faces new legal scrutiny from Alabama attorney general’s office

Legal woes continue to mount for the Southern Poverty Law Center. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a civil investigation into the nonprofit on May 11, four days after it pleaded not guilty on all counts filed by the Department of Justice. The DOJ alleges that SPLC engaged in wire fraud, false statements, and conspiracy […]

Service providers and city leaders say immediate action should be taken to address affordable housing and local unhoused population

At its May 4 meeting, Charlottesville City Council received an update on “The State of Homelessness” from a coalition of service providers. Led by continuum-of-care coordinator Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless, the conversation covered everything from the latest data on the local unhoused population to ambitious plans for shelter and housing programs. Every […]

Congressional candidates figure out next steps after redistricting

On April 21, Virginia voters approved state Democrats’ bid to redraw congressional maps, with roughly 51.64 percent voting “yes” in the special election. While legal challenges to the constitutional amendment persist at press time, congressional candidates are turning their attention to the primaries. The Virginia Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the amendment on April […]

As Virginia moves toward full legalization of adult-use marijuana, we take a look at everything green

It’s official: Virginia’s (finally) opening its adult-use retail cannabis market in 2027, though the exact start date is still being hashed out. The Commonwealth may be late to the legalization party, but the state is the site of the earliest-known cannabis legislation in North America. In 1619, the first Virginia General Assembly not only encouraged, […]

CCS reopens SRO discussion in light of community member concerns

In response to community concerns about the reintroduction of school resource officers—armed police patrolling schools—the Charlottesville City School Board will host a work session at Charlottesville High School on April 16 at 5pm. A coalition including students, community activists, the Legal Aid Justice Center, and the Charlottesville Education Association will hold a rally in opposition […]