News

Pipeline politics

The United States Forest Service has approved passage of the Mountain Valley Pipeline through Jefferson National Forest.  First proposed in 2014, the 304-mile pipeline spans from West Virginia into Virginia, with a possible 75-mile Southgate Extension into North Carolina. While proponents of the MVP argue that the natural gas pipeline is a “critical infrastructure project,” […]

Catie Ratliff | May 24, 2023

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Walking the Lawn

The last four years have been anything but conventional for the University of Virginia’s Class of 2023. Ahead of Final Exercises, I spoke to my peers about their unique time at UVA. During spring break of our first year, we encountered our first major challenge with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. That time was […]

Catie Ratliff | May 17, 2023

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Resilient students

On May 10, the first class of students since 2019 will graduate from the Resilience Education program at Fluvanna Women’s Correctional Center. The graduation also marks the first time program participants will receive UVA course credit for their studies. Resilience Education is a business education program designed to provide inmates with the tools they need […]

Catie Ratliff | May 10, 2023

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Good won’t go green

Rep. Bob Good has introduced legislation aimed at blocking U.S. contributions to the United Nations Green Climate Fund.  The bill—No Taxpayer Funding for Green Climate Fund Act—would halt $1 billion promised to the fund by the Biden administration, and stop any future U.S. endowments. “Domestic energy production has helped make America great, but President Biden […]

Catie Ratliff | May 10, 2023

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Homing in

The May 1 Charlottesville City Council meeting included a report on area homelessness, funding for affordable housing, and major budgetary allocations. The session began with a presentation titled Focus on Homelessness: The State of the Unhoused and Unhoused Services, by Misty Graves, director of human services, and leaders from The Haven, People and Congregations Engaged […]

Catie Ratliff | May 3, 2023

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Youngkin’s next picks

Gov. Glenn Youngkin will appoint four new members to the University of Virginia Board of Visitors in June. Among those being considered is a former Jefferson Council advisory board member, according to its executive director.  Responsible for approving the university’s policies and budgets, the BOV is a powerful and storied institution at UVA. The board […]

Catie Ratliff | May 3, 2023

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Resident-led redevelopment

Sen. Tim Kaine visited Southwood Mobile Home Park to tour the redevelopment site and meet with residents and Habitat for Humanity on April 21.  Located just south of Charlottesville, the Southwood community is home to more than 1,500 people, and spans over 100 acres. After experiencing extreme sewage problems and pressures from law enforcement, Southwood’s […]

Catie Ratliff | April 26, 2023

News

Moving forward

On April 15, the University of Virginia football team returned to Scott Stadium for the first time since the murders of three players in November.  Memorials to Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D’Sean Perry were present throughout this year’s Blue-White spring game, from the opening remarks to the field itself. The end zone beneath […]

Catie Ratliff | April 19, 2023