Good morning, Charlottesville.

Cville Tulips—a student- and faculty-run group founded in 2022—organizes weekly volunteer programs at Peabody School in Mill Creek to offer English lessons and health education to refugee women and children from Afghanistan and Syria.

Federal cuts in a spending bill passed on March 14th left three local affordable housing projects without the earmarked funds they expected—forcing groups to seek new funding sources.

Leaders from Piedmont Housing Alliance, Habitat for Humanity and Piedmont Community Land Trust say they are now applying for alternative programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit as delays risk slowing home ownership plans.

Dustin Dove, a 23-year-old from McGaheysville, was convicted of first-degree murder in Waynesboro Circuit Court on Wednesday for fatally shooting his best friend — Seth Wallace — during a dispute that began in May last year and was also found guilty of using a firearm in commission of a felony with sentencing set for August 15.

Today, the 37th Annual Fridays After Five returns to the Ting Pavilion on the Downtown Mall at 5:30 p.m. with free admission—headliners Isaac Hadden and street band Elby Brass follow opening acts Jay Pun and Maweena Lasko—and purchases at concession stands benefit local nonprofits as part of a weekend that includes the 13th annual Tom Tom Festival.

Burnley-Moran Elementary in Charlottesville will have a new name and new principal next school year—school officials said the change is part of planned updates to the school.

Charlottesville and VDOT plan to change 5th Street by reducing car lanes and adding protected bike lanes to make the road safer during heavy traffic—VDOT will start a yearlong study on Monday and ask for public input soon.

This effort comes as the city works to ease congestion and address rising crash concerns.

Homeowners in one of Charlottesville’s more affluent neighborhoods filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify the city’s recent upzoning and the case has been cleared to proceed to trial—official records do not list a hearing date yet.

UVA professor Mona El Khafif and city officials are planning to make Charlottesville a biophilic region that weaves nature into every part of the city—leaders will bring a resolution to City Council on April 21 if nearby counties join the effort.

This initiative aims to join a global network of cities focused on incorporating natural design into urban plans.

On April 16, the Alzheimer’s Association held its first volunteer appreciation event in Lynchburg to honor volunteers with up to 15 years of service and presented awards such as Memory Maker, Ally in Hope, Legacy Leadership and Champion for a Cause—acknowledging their work across Western and Southern Virginia. The organization will host events like The Longest Day in June and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Charlottesville on October 26 to encourage more volunteer involvement.

Jefferson Cup Road Race & Cavalier Criterium

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Charlottesville, VA — Check website for entry fees — Experience thrilling racing on stunning courses featuring scenic hills and technical loops.

Tom Tom Festival 3rd Annual Downtown Mall Block Party

5-11 p.m. — Downtown Mall — Free entry — Experience live music and community vibes at this vibrant annual celebration.

University of Virginia Wind Ensemble Spring Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Hunter Smith Band Building — Free entry — Experience an evening of captivating performances by the Wind Ensemble.

Georgetown Hoyas vs. Virginia Cavaliers Baseball

6 p.m. — Disharoon Park — Check local listings — Watch an exciting college baseball matchup between two renowned teams.

Virginia Cavaliers vs. James Madison Dukes

6 p.m. — Disharoon Park — Cost info not available — Cheer on the Virginia Cavaliers as they take on the James Madison Dukes in this exciting matchup.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

12:30 PM – 6:30 PM — John Paul Jones Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in an action-packed live show.

Maya de Vitry Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy an evening of powerful folk music from a talented artist originally from Pennsylvania.

Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn

7-9 p.m. — The Bebedero — Free entry — Experience lively gipsy rumba every Tuesday with local guitarist Vincent Zorn.

Pony Bradshaw Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Buy tickets — Experience a night of folk music with Pony Bradshaw and Will Overman.

Band on the Run

8:00 – 10:05 a.m. — Charlottesville High School — Volunteer opportunities available — Embrace the spirit of community while participating in a thrilling road race.