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Week two of Trump brings more questions than answers for organizations receiving federal funds

Chaos and questions were rampant when the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget released a memo pausing all federal financial assistance programs on January 27. The order was eventually rescinded, but future plans for the funding remain unknown at press time. The funding freeze, the culmination of multiple executive orders issued by President Donald […]

Catie Ratliff | February 5, 2025

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UVA Health stops gender-affirming care for patients under 19

Following an executive order from President Donald Trump and a memo from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, UVA Health “has suspended all gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age … [but] remains committed to being a community of healing, compassion, and respect for all,” according to a statement on its children’s transgender youth […]

Catie Ratliff | February 5, 2025

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Run-on sentence

The sentencing of Christopher Darnell Jones Jr. in connection with the November 13, 2022, shooting on the University of Virginia Grounds has been delayed by more than nine months. Jones pleaded guilty to the murders of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry and related charges on November 20, 2024. Jones faces a sentence […]

Catie Ratliff | February 5, 2025

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Leslie Pryor appointed as Rio District School Board Representative

The Albemarle County School Board unanimously appointed Leslie Pryor as the Rio Magisterial District representative on January 23, after a public hearing on the candidates. Pryor was one of seven people vying for the seat, which was left vacant following the death of board member Chuck Pace in December 2024. In a release announcing her […]

Catie Ratliff | January 29, 2025

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Uncertainty emerges around $40 million in already-awarded grants

Researchers at the University of Virginia received two $20 million Community Change grants late last year from the Environmental Protection Agency to advance climate research. The grants, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, support climate efforts in Appalachia and Alaska. Funding for the Appalachian team, which includes researchers at both UVA and UVA Wise, will […]

Catie Ratliff | January 29, 2025

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County school board interviews candidates for Rio District seat

At a special session on January 16, the Albemarle County School Board interviewed seven candidates to fill its Rio District seat, which is vacant following the death of Chuck Pace. The board must appoint a new representative by February 3. Among the applicants is Jim Dillenbeck, who ran for the seat against Pace in November. […]

Catie Ratliff | January 22, 2025

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Tim Heaphy on the lessons of A12, January 6, and misinformation

In his new book Harbingers, Charlottesville resident Tim Heaphy outlines his work as the lead investigator of August 12, 2017, and January 6, 2021, and what the commonalities between the two incidents mean for the future of American democracy. “These two events are linked in history, and I felt like I had this unique ability […]

Catie Ratliff | January 22, 2025

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Mental wellness days to take effect next school year

Charlottesville City Schools will have two mental wellness days each school year, beginning in 2025-26. “I know that it can be very difficult to find a moment’s rest during the academic year,” said Superintendent Royal Gurley in a December announcement. “Teachers are supporting student success not just during the school day but after hours as […]

Catie Ratliff | January 15, 2025

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Two delegates gear up for reelection campaigns, Riggleman considers run

Ahead of the 2025 state legislative session, Dels. Katrina Callsen and Amy Laufer launched their respective reelection campaigns. Both Charlottesville-area delegates have been endorsed by state Democratic party leaders, including Speaker of the House of Delegates Don Scott and state Sen. Creigh Deeds. Callsen gathered supporters at the Virginia Discovery Museum on December 29 to […]

Catie Ratliff | January 8, 2025