Teacher arrested
Albemarle County police arrested Nicholas J. Clark, a fifth grade teacher at Woodbrook Elementary School, for child pornography on Monday, March 2, following a cyber tip. The Charlottesville resident, 29, was charged with two felonies: possessing child pornography and distributing child pornography.
“We know this news is deeply concerning,” said Woodbrook Principal Christie Isaiah in an email to parents. “The investigation is ongoing, and we are cooperating fully with law enforcement. Mr. Clark will not return to Woodbrook. We are putting plans in place so students in his class can continue learning with as little disruption as possible.”
Clark is being held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail.
Anyone with more information should contact Albemarle police at 296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 977-4000.—C-VILLE Writers
Trending forward
Ahead of its 50th anniversary this July, Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is celebrating a 4 percent increase in visitorship, according to the Office of Economic Development.
In the 2025 OED report, Director Chris Engels said the Downtown Mall saw roughly 2.8 million visitors last year—a near return to pre-pandemic foot traffic. Reported retail vacancy rates were healthy as well, remaining at or below 5 percent, per the February 26 report.
The improved visitation numbers coincide with the city’s investment in the Downtown Mall, including replacement and maintenance of public infrastructure like water fountains and lighting. Brick paver and cross street repairs are expected to begin soon.—Catie Ratliff
Play ball
In its toughest challenge of the season so far, the University of Virginia men’s basketball team fell 77-51 to No.1 Duke on February 28.
Despite the loss, it’s not all blue for the No. 13 Hoos—the team will almost certainly return to the NCAA Tournament later this month, and likely enter the ACC Tournament as the No. 2 seed, receiving a double bye.
At press time, UVA and Wake Forest had yet to hit the court for their March 3 faceoff. Virginia will play its final game of the regular season at John Paul Jones Arena on March 7 against Virginia Tech, who beat the Hoos in triple overtime on December 31. Tipoff for the ACC Tournament is March 10, with the championship game set for March 14.—CR
