News

City Council to consider ranked-choice voting ordinance

Charlottesville City Council will formally consider a draft ranked-choice voting ordinance at its August 19 meeting. If approved, Charlottesville would become the second locality in Virginia to adopt ranked-choice voting, and the new voting system will be used on a trial basis in the city’s 2025 election. Under a ranked-choice system, voters can rank candidates […]

Catie Ratliff | August 14, 2024

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Political coverage of Charlottesville seven years after A12

Since August 11 and 12, 2017, Charlottesville has become a national political talking point. With the seven-year anniversary of A12 just around the corner, discussion of Charlottesville continues to be deployed by both national media and political campaigns, especially in the 2024 presidential election. “We are living through a battle for the soul of this […]

Catie Ratliff | August 7, 2024

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Charlottesville City Council discusses housing and salaries

Charlottesville City Council had a jam-packed meeting on August 5, covering everything from affordable housing efforts to potential salary increases for councilors. Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation, introduced by Charlottesville-area Del. Katrina Callsen, which allows city councils to increase compensation for their members. Currently, Charlottesville city councilors receive a salary of […]

Catie Ratliff | August 7, 2024

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Meg Bryce appointed to Virginia Board of Education

Former Albemarle County School Board candidate Meg Bryce was appointed to the Virginia Board of Education by Gov. Glenn Youngkin on July 24. As a member of the VBOE, Bryce is now one of the top education officials in the state despite losing her previous bid for public office. In addition to her appointment to […]

Catie Ratliff | July 31, 2024

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Charlottesville seeks public input on parks’ plan

The Charlottesville Department of Parks & Recreation is currently gathering community feedback and input as it develops a master plan for the future of the city’s public spaces. As part of the master plan—which will guide the department for at least the next 10 years—the city is examining current and emerging community needs through a […]

Catie Ratliff | July 31, 2024

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Local perspectives on Biden dropping his reelection bid

In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden announced on July 21 that he is ending his bid for reelection. The president has endorsed his former running mate and current Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination, but much is still up in the air ahead of the Democratic National Convention next month. Since entering the […]

Catie Ratliff | July 24, 2024

News

21 local athletes head to Paris to compete for the gold

The highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics kicks off July 26, with opening ceremonies officially starting at 1:30pm eastern daylight time. While the actual competition is an ocean away, Charlottesvillians will see several familiar faces representing Team USA and other countries on their small screens. Equestrian Local equestrian Will Coleman is returning to the games for […]

Catie Ratliff | July 24, 2024

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Youngkin issues executive order to ban cell phones in the classroom 

On July 9, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order calling for “cell phone-free education” across Virginia. Rather than issuing a direct guideline, the EO outlines a rapidly paced timeline for stakeholder feedback and policy development. “This essential action will promote a healthier and more focused educational environment where every child is free to learn,” […]

Catie Ratliff | July 17, 2024

News

Updates on the construction and detours at Hydraulic Road and Route 29

As of July 8, through traffic on Hydraulic Road is closed while contractors work on the construction of a roundabout. If you’ve driven anywhere in Charlottesville recently, you’ve probably noticed the wealth of ongoing road work while sitting in heavier-than-usual traffic. Here are the latest updates on the construction status and detours for local motorists […]

Catie Ratliff | July 17, 2024

News

LFH ends Fresh Farmacy deliveries ahead of closure

After 15 years of operations, Local Food Hub will close its doors at the end of 2024. While leaders at the food accessibility nonprofit work to wrap up administrative tasks throughout the rest of the year, LFH’s Fresh Farmacy program will stop deliveries this month. Since 2009, LFH has worked with farmers in and around […]

Catie Ratliff | July 10, 2024