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,” […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Good fight

As the Republican primary in Virginia’s 5th district reaches a conclusion on June 18, a poll released by the Virginia Faith & Freedom Coalition shows Virginia Senator John McGuire(R-Goochland) with a 10 percent leadover his opponent, incumbent Rep. Bob Good (R-VA).  Despite Good’s position as the head of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and his […]

Mistrial declared

After almost seven years of waiting, 14 months of preparation and legal wrangling, and three days of trial before the Albemarle County Circuit Court for Jacob Joseph Dix, Judge H. Thomas Padrick Jr. declared a mistrial Friday, June 7, after the jury spent 12 hours over two days deliberating, only to find themselves hopelessly deadlocked.  […]

Office politics

Few people get into politics for the salaries, but for local and state representatives this rings especially true. Whether they’re on city council, serving in the House of Delegates, or a longtime member of the state Senate, most of Charlottesville’s legislators have a second job. To find out more about compensation for elected officials, C-VILLE […]

Budging the budget

After months of debate, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a compromise budget passed by the state legislature during a special session on May 13. The new budget passed with broad bipartisan support, with vote totals coming in at 94-6 in the House of Delegates and 39-1 in the state Senate. Most of Democrats’ priorities from the […]

Passing the buck

Charlottesville representatives returned to Richmond for the April meeting of the state legislature. The April 17 session was originally intended to address vetoes, amendments, and the state budget, but a jam-packed agenda pushed budget considerations to May. Though he didn’t outright veto the budget, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin put forward 233 amendments to the bill, […]

In brief

Rock solid Dave Matthews Band has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the star-studded class of 2024. Musical acts become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first recording, and are inducted based on voting by more than 1,000 music historians, industry professionals, and current […]