Local Food Hub helps small farmers prep for big changes to food safety laws

The first major update to food safety regulations since the 1930s is coming down the pike for America’s farmers, and the impacts could be big for produce growers—including those in Central Virginia. The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) puts what was previously a voluntary and industry-driven effort to avoid produce contamination under the direct supervision […]

Albemarle County Supervisor showdown: Samuel Miller

As we head into election season proper, we’re taking a look at the four contested races for seats on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. We’ve already introduced the Scottsville and Rio district candidates. Today, we hear from the two vying for the Samuel Miller District seat: Incumbent Republican Duane Snow and Democrat Liz Palmer. […]

UVA demographer’s race map gets national attention

Dustin Cable suspected the online map he built to plot the distribution of the entire U.S. population by race—a color-coded dot for all 308.7 million Americans identified by the 2010 Census—would be interesting, useful, and maybe even important. He didn’t think it would be so beautiful. “I didn’t expect, for instance, the blending of colors […]

Albemarle County Supervisor showdown: Rio

As we head into election season proper, we’re taking a look at the four contested races for seats on the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Yesterday, we introduced the two Scottsville District candidates. Today, we hear from the Rio candidates: Incumbent Republican Rodney Thomas and Democrat Brad Sheffield. Rodney Thomas Party: Republican Age: 69 Occupation: […]

Albemarle County Supervisor showdown: Scottsville

Change is in the wind in Albemarle, and it’s not just the weather. As election season picks up, all eyes are on the four County Supervisor races, where there’s potential for a major shift in the political makeup of Albemarle’s main governing body. At the very least, there will be new blood on the Board: […]

City, County schools’ SOL scores fall

Our regular Education Beat reporting is the result of a partnership with the nonprofit community news platform Charlottesville Tomorrow, which covers growth, development, public education, and local politics.  Both Charlottesville and Albemarle schools saw pass rates drop on Standards of Learning exams in English and science, according to reports from the Virginia Department of Education. Albemarle […]

North Downtown residents discuss misbehavior in parks, traffic safety

During a public forum at City Space last Thursday, about 70 residents gathered with City Councilors and staff to voice their concerns about neighborhoods north of the Downtown Mall. With topics ranging from traffic and pedestrian accessibility to park cleanliness and Downtown police surveillance, officials and staff came away with one common thread: Residents are […]

What’s coming up the week of August 26?

Each week, the news team takes a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings in the comments section. The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority and the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority Board of Directors […]