When Gov. Ralph Northam signed the 2021 Cannabis Control Act into law, retail sales of recreational marijuana were supposed to become legal this year. Yet, without establishing the framework for retail sales in the General Assembly, what was billed as a victory three years ago shifted into quasi-decriminalization. But some lawmakers are aiming to make […]
When Gov. Ralph Northam signed the 2021 Cannabis Control Act into law, retail sales of recreational marijuana were supposed to become legal this year. Yet, without establishing the framework for retail sales in the General Assembly, what was billed as a victory three years ago shifted into quasi-decriminalization. But some lawmakers are aiming to make […]
Last week, the University of Virginia swimming and diving team traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina, for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. The women’s team returned to Charlottesville with 17 wins, six NCAA records, and a fifth-straight ACC championship title. The conference meet occurred about a month before the women’s Division I NCAA championship—a showdown with […]
For many years, aspirational plans adopted by elected officials have called for Route 29 to become more than just a shopping destination or a way for travelers to pass through the city. “The Hydraulic Small Area Plan seeks to identify opportunities for a more sustainable mixed-use development pattern that departs from the historic, suburban patterns […]
Call for IMPACT Members of Interfaith Ministries Promoting Action by Congregating Together held a “justice ministry rally” on February 26, calling for city and county leaders to address transit issues and the affordable housing crisis. Started in 2006, IMPACT is an organizing coalition with members from 27 different area congregations of various faiths. The event […]
Trials and tribulations During a February 15 hearing, Shawna Murphy was found competent to stand trial for the alleged murder of Charlottesville author and arts enthusiast Matthew Farrell. Questions about Murphy’s competency were raised shortly after her arrest on October 25, 2022, when she called 911 to report shooting Farrell at his Albemarle County residence. […]
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank served nearly 118,000 people in the last fiscal year, all while relying on aging equipment at the space it rents at 1207 Harris St. The City of Charlottesville is planning to invest $215,000 in unspent federal funds to help the organization solve a crisis. “BRAFB’s current refrigerator unit was […]
The Blue Ridge Community Bail Fund is pushing to increase its funding. The nonprofit, started by students at UVA law school, puts up bail for those awaiting trial, without charging a fee. The bail fund has historically been active in Middle River Regional Jail. Now, the group seeks to expand its capabilities to cover Albemarle-Charlottesville […]
Members of central Virginia’s FrogWatch are putting their ears to the ground and leaping into action. The FrogWatch program—started by the Akron Zoo—monitors trends in frog and toad populations by training volunteers on the calls of local species. The central Virginia chapter of FrogWatch is run collaboratively by the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation […]
On a cold morning following a night with temperatures in the teens, Quincy Scott and Cheryl Burroughs are among the first to gather on the benches that line the Downtown Mall. Tents, sleeping bags, and blankets are pulled snug against the transit center to take advantage of an overhang that juts out slightly and keeps […]
As part of the adoption of the development code on December 18, 2023, a divided City Council set a date of August 31 for when projects would be reviewed under the new rules and would be subject to new affordability requirements. Councilor Natalie Oschrin was in the audience as a community member in December, but […]