Good morning, Charlottesville.

Officers from Central Virginia joined Special Olympics athletes in a torch run on Thursday to raise funds ahead of the state games.

CPD Chief Michael Kochis said he will light the ceremonial torch in Richmond tomorrow.

Today at Charlottesville High School track, the free Walk Party and Parade Fitness Festival will run (5 to 9 p.m.) and feature a community walk, parade, food trucks, music, and fitness activities (benefiting the Elite Empire Dance Program and Charlottesville Black Knights Youth Program).

Law enforcement agencies joined Special Olympics Virginia athletes for a 3.2 mile Torch Run on Thursday starting at Albemarle County Police and ending at Charlottesville Police as they supported fundraising for the Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Richmond on Friday, June 5.

Bama Works has announced its 2026 spring cycle grants—donating roughly $900,000 to about 160 local nonprofits—and will open applications for a new grant cycle on July 1 with a deadline of Aug.

13.

Law enforcement agencies joined Special Olympics Virginia athletes on Thursday for a 3.2-mile Torch Run – highlighting community inclusivity – that started at Albemarle County Police Department and ended downtown Charlottesville.

The event also featured a friendly fundraising competition among local departments in support of Virginia athletes.

James Monroe’s Highland hosts its fifth annual Descendants Day today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2050 James Monroe Parkway (free to attend) where community members, descendants and historians join for panel discussions, live music and the Calling of the Names ceremony honoring those enslaved at the site.

UVA has received a $43 million gift to build a new early childhood learning center on campus.

The center will serve children up to age 5 and give students hands-on classroom training.

UVA Health's Urology Clinic reminds men to visit the doctor for early checkups and treatment for fertility issues and declining testosterone.

The clinic notes that one in six men faces fertility challenges and that testosterone drops by about one to two percent each year after thirty.

Virginia extended softball coach Joanna Hardin’s contract through June 2029 after a 40-15 season and third straight NCAA appearance; her leadership (marking the first 40-win season since 2002) sets a promising path for the program.

Former UVA coach Brian O’Connor led Mississippi State to sweep a regional game and advance to the Super Regionals with five former UVA players on the roster.

The Bulldogs will face Georgia in Athens Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.

UVA men’s basketball will host Kentucky on Dec.

2 in the SEC/ACC Challenge — its first meeting since 2002 and UVA’s first time hosting Kentucky since 1965, while the women’s team will take on Mississippi State on Dec. 3 under new coach Aaron Roussell.

Justin Speros, a Great Falls native with longtime ties to Tony Elliot (dating back to Clemson), has been promoted to UVA Football General Manager after the 2025 season; Cory Martin is named Assistant General Manager, and the team will open on Aug.

29 at Scott Stadium against North Carolina State.