Morning
Charlottesville
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Charlottesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kimberly Sheffield has been named the Jefferson School Foundation’s new executive director (she started Jan. 1) following Bernard D. Whitsett II’s retirement. She plans to expand community programs at the historic school center. Cville Right Now
- ➤ Officials are seeking input on a new pocket park along Hillsdale Drive as project planning is underway and construction is scheduled to begin later this year or early in 2027. CBS 19 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Governor-elect Spanberger appointed Dr. Jeffery Smith as Virginia’s next Secretary of Education. The 32-year veteran, who served as a superintendent in West Point and Hampton, said he supports her Strengthening Virginia Schools Plan. Cville Right Now
- ➤ UVA's new president Scott Beardsley emailed the community Monday morning — pledging to lead without partisanship and hosting a 'First Coffee' at Madison Hall as classes begin Jan. 12. Cville Right Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ City crews are pruning trees along the Downtown Mall for the new year to freshen the area and help it look better. The work is underway. 29 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Virginia Department of Transportation announced that a portion of Arrowhead Valley Road in southern Albemarle County will close on Jan. 12 (for a bridge project) to facilitate repairs. CBS 19 News
- ➤ The UVA Board of Visitors approved Charlottesville resident John F. Harris to join the Health System Board today, a move set to guide local health initiatives. The unanimous decision reflects strong community commitment to effective health leadership. 29 News
- ➤ On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Charlottesville police conducted a training exercise at IX Park to prepare new officers for building searches (focusing on safe entry techniques and local neighborhood insights). The exercise ended at 5 p.m. 29 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Flu cases are rising in Central Virginia — epidemiologist Dr. Costi Sifri from the University of Virginia Health System said it’s not too late for residents to get a flu shot. CBS 19 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Cavaliers earned three podium finishes at the Southern Scuffle in Chattanooga, Tenn as eight wrestlers advanced into Sunday competition after a tough start. They will face No. 9 NC State in a dual in Raleigh on Jan. 9 as nonconference play concludes. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ UVA men's basketball coach Ryan Odom said the team remains in sync after a 12-2 start as they work to refine their style (cohesion is critical). They tip off against Cal at 9 p.m. today and face Stanford on Saturday. 29 News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Lettuce Concert
8-10 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket information available — Experience a genre-busting performance by Lettuce, a six-member musical collective.
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Joe Jordan Live Performance
7-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience engaging storytelling through honest lyrics and live guitar music.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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