Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Charlottesville. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marvin L. Townsend (79), a civil rights pioneer who was among the Charlottesville Twelve and a trailblazing officer in local school integration, died recently; his Celebration of Life Service is set for tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Christian Church in Palmyra. 29 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ U.Va. Dine has extended O’Hill dining hall hours and updated its menu options to support Ramadan, offering pre-dawn Suhoor and evening Iftar for all. The schedule runs from Feb. 17 to March 19 and includes changes for Daylight Savings with adjusted Suhoor and Iftar times (from March 8 onward). The Cavalier Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University Writing Center offers personal tutoring at Bryan Hall and satellite locations as students increasingly use AI for writing. Staff advise students to use AI for brainstorming (not as a complete substitute) while encouraging critical thinking and deeper engagement with their courses. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ UVA students have teamed with the Virginia Motor Sports Club on the VA250 Car Project aimed at breaking a stock car speed record, with work underway in Charlottesville + inspiring local innovation. 29 News
- ➤ The University highlights an archive of Black History Month events that honored trailblazers like Rosa Parks with records of speeches and concerts at Old Cabell Hall and other campus spots. These pieces remind us of a legacy of resilience — honoring the community’s commitment to diversity. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ Local musician Ivan Orr will debut his composition 'Ancestral Frequencies (Pt. 1)' tomorrow at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to honor four Black women who advanced education in Charlottesville; the centennial celebration promises ensemble performances that interweave archival history and live music. Charlottesville Tomorrow
- ➤ Albemarle County Public Schools superintendent Matthew Haas has submitted a draft budget request for $311.3 million to expand overcrowded schools and secure staff raises; the Board will discuss the proposal today with a public hearing set for Feb. 26. 29 News
- ➤ Third-year Commerce, College and Batten students Mitchell (president), Pérez (vice president for administration) and Tran (vice president for organizations) are running on the Dream Ahead ticket to boost stability, vision and justice on campus; voting will take place from Feb. 24 to 26. The Cavalier Daily
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marvin L. Townsend Sr. — a civil rights pioneer who served as a longtime police officer — died at 79. A viewing is scheduled at Lake Christian Church in Palmyra on Friday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. with a service at 12 p.m. 29 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ No. 14 Virginia beat Georgia Tech 94-68 in Atlanta — Thijs De Ridder scored 22 points and Malik Thomas added 17, pushing the team’s road win streak to eight games. CBS 19 News
- ➤ Virginia began conference play in Blacksburg with a dominant 7-0 win over Virginia Tech that saw the team drop only one set. The Cavaliers will return to Charlottesville for their ACC home opener against SMU at noon on Sunday. The Cavalier Daily
- ➤ Virginia college sports fans have the potential to boost their teams when they show consistent support; coach Tony Elliott praised the performance at the recent Florida State game (which revealed the power of a charged home crowd). The University community is encouraged to attend future games for a true home-field advantage. The Cavalier Daily
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4th Annual Odds and Ends Film Festival
6:30-9:00 p.m. — Vinegar Hill Theatre — Admission varies — Explore experimental films that defy conventional storytelling at this annual celebration in Charlottesville.
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Cars & Coffee Charlottesville
8:00-10:30 a.m. — Barracks Road Shopping Center — Free entry — An eclectic gathering of car enthusiasts showcasing a variety of vehicles, rain or shine.
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Louisiana Calling Concert featuring Sonny Landreth Band and The Iguanas
8-11 p.m. — Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Louisiana music with lively performances and audience interaction.
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GRAND OPENING - DOOR OPENS AT 11:30AM
The wait is over, Charlottesville. The Fox Den Grand Opening is this Saturday at 11:30 AM, inviting the community to experience a brand-new sports bar built by the team behind Charlottesville Blues FC. Expect big energy, great food, properly poured Guinness, giveaways, music, and the largest watch party screen in town ready for a full day of sports and celebration.
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Alkemie presents "What's Your Sign?"
8-9:30 p.m. — The Rotunda — Check website for pricing — Explore the intersection of astrology and medieval music with Alkemie's unique performance.
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Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year Tour
7-8 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Tickets required — Celebrate a century of spectacular basketball and entertainment with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters.
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The Barons Live Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of melodic tunes by The Barons in a vibrant local venue.
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The Haven's Run for Home 8K Run / 4K Walk
8:00 a.m. — Ting Pavilion — Registration fees apply — Participate in a scenic 8K run or 4K walk through historic Charlottesville and enjoy a post-race breakfast.
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Amelia Day Performance
7:30-9 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy a captivating evening of folk, rock, and pop music from a talented storyteller.
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Kadencia Live
8-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant performance of Kadencia Orchestra in a lively atmosphere.
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