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

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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

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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

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Potential local impacts of recent SCOTUS decisions

Beyond the literal heat wave sweeping the United States, a swath of hot-button Supreme Court decisions has sent an already tumultuous political landscape into overdrive. To bring this national news to the local level, here are some of the Charlottesville-area implications of recent SCOTUS rulings on abortion access, federal regulations, homelessness, and presidential immunity: Food […]

Catie Ratliff | July 10, 2024

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Abortion access in Virginia two years post-Dobbs

Two years after the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion in Virginia remains protected up to 26 weeks and six days into pregnancy (with some exceptions for maternal health). In Charlottesville, organizations are working to uphold and expand existing protections around reproductive healthcare in the commonwealth and across the country. Despite stringent restrictions […]

Catie Ratliff | July 3, 2024

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Election results for the VA-5 Republican primary still aren’t certified

More than a week after election day, the results of the Republican primary in Virginia’s 5th district remain up in the air. After a campaign riddled with barbs between incumbent Bob Good and state Senator John McGuire, election day saw a razor-thin margin between the two ultra-conservatives. Things in the 5th district have been ramping […]

Catie Ratliff | June 26, 2024

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UVA swimmers dominate at Olympic trials

The University of Virginia will be well represented in the pool at the 2024 Olympics this summer. Several current and former Hoos will swim for Team USA, along with Cavalier commit and Western Albemarle High School student Thomas Heilman. Even before the competition, the pressure was on for former UVA swimmer and Olympian Kate Douglass, […]

Catie Ratliff | June 26, 2024

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The local LGBTQ+ community is thriving in unexpected places

Charlottesville doesn’t have a gay bar, but the local LGBTQ+ community is thriving in less traditional spaces. With the closure of Club 216 in 2012, Escafé in 2018, and Impulse in 2020, Charlottes­ville’s Queer nightlife and drag scene has become increasingly transient, with pop-up events at various restaurants and businesses in the area. The fate […]

Catie Ratliff | June 19, 2024

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UVA withholds degrees from students arrested at encampment

The University of Virginia is withholding degrees from four graduating students who were arrested at the encampment for Gaza on May 4, pending trials by the University Judiciary Committee. Eleven students face UJC trials in connection with the protest, with proceedings seemingly in limbo while students are away for the summer. While UVA asserts it […]

Catie Ratliff | June 18, 2024