Democratic performance down in Virginia, even for reelected candidates

After a turbulent and historic Election Day, most results are in across the commonwealth. From the White House to Town Council, here’s the Virginia Department of Elections’ unofficial results for how locals voted in the 2024 election. Amid a disappointing night for Democrats, Virginia’s 13 electoral votes went to Vice President Kamala Harris. Voters in […]

Neighbors oppose private school in Albemarle’s rural area

The Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia projects that Albemarle’s population will grow from around 116,000 now to more than 155,000 people in 2050, generating the need for services in a county where growth and development is only allowed on 5 percent of the land mass.  One service is day care, a function […]

Charlottesville officials and activists discuss potential pedestrian safety improvements

After two pedestrian fatalities in October, safety for Charlottesville-area walkers and cyclists has been top of mind for local leaders and community members. While city officials are putting forward proposals and taking emergent action, some activists are frustrated with the long timelines and dismissive attitudes. The first fatality occurred on October 3, when 64-year-old Charlottesville […]

In brief 11/13/2024

Looking ahead  In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize. For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with […]

Charlottesville Symphony channels unique makeup for talent, longevity

When the schedule for this year’s 50th-anniversary season of the Charlottesville Symphony hits the desk of Elizabeth Roberts, the orchestra’s principal bassoonist eyes the first piece in the first show. It’s Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and she’s played it many, many times. For professional players like Roberts, seeing Beethoven 5 on the setlist is like […]

Charlottesville City Schools present redistricting plan

For the first time in more than 50 years, Charlottesville City Schools is undergoing comprehensive redistricting, hoping to address issues regarding disparities in capacity and to anticipate ones that may arise in the coming years.  The redistricting process is part of CCS’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, an initiative to improve the city’s education system with upgrades […]

Upfitting a West Main building for new kind of donut shop

While the city may have recently abandoned an expensive plan to upgrade West Main Street to be more of a destination, those who want to take a risk on business continue to make investments.  At least that’s what a Chesterfield-based firm did when it purchased 917 W. Main St. for $1.3 million in August 2022.  […]

In brief 11/06/2024

Culture of care The Women’s Initiative received a grant of $50,000 from Sentara Health, according to an October 31 press release. The grant will support the organization’s culturally responsive mental health care offerings, including Sister Circle, Bienestar, and LGBTQ+ programs. Founded in 2007, The Women’s Initiative is a Charlottes­ville-based nonprofit supporting women and others affected […]