Good morning, Charlottesville.

Today, visitors at the downtown mall shared their New Year’s resolutions on staying active, starting businesses and reflecting on personal goals.

Their remarks showcase community optimism for the new year.

A meeting to discuss Humphris Park improvements is scheduled for Jan.

12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Albemarle High School’s Media Center.

Downtown Mall visitors shared their New Year’s resolutions on New Year’s Day, setting goals such as staying active and starting businesses.

A YouGov survey noted that exercising more was the most common resolution (highlighting the community’s focus on health) for 2026.

The Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA) credited strong community ties with its 2025 successes and said it will expand animal care programs later this year to help local pets.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) announced it will lower rates by about one dollar for local customers this year, aiming to ease energy costs in the area.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative lowered its rates by about a dollar starting Thursday, Jan.

1 to pass along savings from lower wholesale energy costs from Old Dominion (as part of plans to boost infrastructure and service) amid rising energy cost concerns.

The U.Va. Board named Scott Beardsley as the new president, and he begins his role today in Charlottesville.

He led Darden School for over 10 years and will work closely with campus leaders (including U.Va. Health and Athletics) to renew trust and focus on high-quality education.

On December 31, the Legal Aid Justice Center filed a motion in federal court to pause an effort to overturn the Virginia Dream Act that allowed over 10,000 non-citizen students to pay in-state tuition.

The group seeks to let affected students share their views before a final decision is made.

The American Skin Association (a volunteer group fighting melanoma) is moving from New York to Charlottesville to boost its local health research.

The organization will focus on community outreach after establishing new operations.

New data from the Virginia Department of Health shows respiratory illnesses drove nearly one-quarter of emergency room visits recently, officials said.

Local hospitals are monitoring the trend to ensure care meets community needs in the coming weeks.

Residents are embracing Dry January to cut alcohol use this new year; Dr. Neeral Shah at UVA says better sleep, energy, and clearer skin may result (and health risks may drop) as renewed health warnings spur this positive trend for the month.

Henry Blosser, the first newborn of 2026 in Charlottesville, was born at 6:01 a.m. on New Year's Day at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital (parents Haley James and Peter Blosser welcomed him).

Virginia Tech beat No. 21 Virginia 95-85 in triple overtime on Wednesday, Dec.

31 — Ben Hammond led with a career-high 30 points amid 17 ties and 20 lead changes.

UVA sports delivered standout moments in 2025 as the women’s swimming team captured its fifth national title + the football team set an 11-win record, while a new men’s basketball coach began rebuilding the program in Charlottesville.

Gia Ray Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes with Gia Ray, highlighting themes of life's challenges and isolation.

NC State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Women's Basketball Game

5-7 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Free trial available — Catch the thrilling showdown between NC State and Virginia in women's college basketball.

Susto Stringband Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket info not specified — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Susto Stringband as they present their debut album.