Good morning, Charlottesville.

Today, Sir Speedy Charlottesville donated healing journals to UVA Health Children's inpatients, helping support children during recovery.

Shake Shack will soon open a new location at the Shops at Stonefield in Charlottesville.

The chain is beginning to hire staff as it expands with its signature burgers + milkshakes, though no official opening date has been set.

Tracey Love, a veteran of Blenheim Winery, was chosen as the Monticello Wine Trail’s first Executive Director.

She will boost tourism partnerships, expand national media exposure, and foster collaboration among the 40+ wineries following the region’s 2023 Wine Enthusiast award.

Local University has seen a 27% increase in blue book sales since last academic year & several professors now require in-person tests to counter AI use.

Faculty are shifting to traditional writing assessments to keep students engaged and preserve genuine academic skills.

The Jefferson Trust awarded flash grants — capped at $10,000 each — to 17 student-led projects on Grounds this spring, supporting initiatives from medical device competitions to creative arts workshops.

The Trust will review new proposals this fall as funds remain available on a rolling basis.

VDOT released its Statewide Multiuse Trails Plan just in time for Bike Month to enhance safe and accessible spaces for walking and biking — the plan outlines over 1500 miles of trails currently and nearly 2900 miles planned across Virginia.

Albemarle County supervisors approved a grant today to fund an affordable housing project under Albemarle’s Affordable Rental Housing Incentive Program.

The grant—equal to 15% of property taxes each year for 30 years—will support the Premier Circle apartment project for families in need.

The Fire Department is hosting Camp Inspire—a three-day camp from June 24 to 26 for girls in grades eight through twelve to explore fire and EMS careers and gain hands-on training.

Registration will be announced on social media as the agency highlights the field's stability amid technological advances.

Woodard Properties countered a report on the 501 Cherry Avenue design for a grocery store, affordable housing and a Music Resource Center.

A meeting on Monday, May 4 confirmed the design can accommodate local delivery trucks — the firm remains committed after four years of planning.

Virginia softball hosts the ACC tournament at Palmer Park for the first time since 2020.

The team, led by five locals, plays Pittsburgh Wednesday, with a win advancing them to Thursday’s quarterfinal against Virginia Tech — held at a venue built through longtime supporters Fran and Lisa Palmer.

Storytime at the Garden

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Botanical Garden of the Piedmont — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful storytelling session in a beautiful garden setting.

Final Frontier Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of JOURNEY live in concert.