Good morning, Charlottesville.

Aidan Peters, a Charlottesville High School graduate who lost his battle with cancer two years ago, is being honored through a fundraiser called Aidan’s Lights—his final wish—to install new lights at Pen Park for Central Little League.

The project, with a price tag of about $170,000, will let teams start earlier and play later for improved safety.

Rebecca ‘Becky’ Kinney, a former student, led efforts to restore the historic Rosenwald school in Albemarle County into the St. John Family Life and Fitness Center while preserving its original design and features—grant funds and local church members helped cover the $500,000 cost. The center now hosts community programs and keeps the legacy of the school alive for future generations.

Bryan Page of Central Virginia Violence Interrupters said Charlottesville faces worsening youth violence as younger people handle guns and residents feel too scared to leave home — though police report a 40% drop in gun violence, he urged the community and parents to take action to support local youth.

The University’s Summer Language Institute started on June 16 and will end on August 8 and has reached a record enrollment of 120 students this summer.

For the first time in its 45-year history, the institute now offers both four-week and eight-week sessions—replacing its prior all-eight-week program.

Charlottesville resumed its 2024 Development Code but is still not accepting zoning applications until it gets written court guidance—city officials are negotiating with the plaintiffs and will appeal the decision if a settlement is not reached.

Longtime state delegate Todd Gilbert was sworn in Monday as the new U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia—he ended a 20-year legislative career and left his private law practice—to return to prosecutor work.

He was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi after recommendations from Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and replaces Chris Kavanaugh, who resigned after his wife joined the bench.

Since July 1, a new Virginia law stops sellers from sharing personal sexual and reproductive health information without permission — Walmart now shows a pop-up that warns shoppers when they view or buy items like condoms, birth control or menstrual products.

UVA Health cardiologist Dr. Todd Villines warned on Morning News that hot weather can be hard on your heart and urged residents to exercise wisely, drink enough water, and not skip meals.

He said signs like dizziness + nausea may point to heat exhaustion, especially for those with heart problems or on diuretics.

Six more Virginia baseball players were selected on Day 2 of the MLB draft on Monday, giving the program its most draft picks since 2015 — following infielder Henry Godbout’s second-round selection by Boston.

The players were chosen by teams including Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Texas and the New York Yankees.

Lukas Nelson Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience GRAMMY Award-winning artist Lukas Nelson deliver an unforgettable live performance.

David Wax Museum: Golden Hour

8 PM – 12 AM — Fry's Spring Beach Club — Cost info not provided — Experience the globally recognized sound of David Wax Museum live in Charlottesville.

Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn

7-9 p.m. — The Bebedero — Free entry — Enjoy lively gipsy rumba music every Tuesday evening.

Virginia Wine & Oyster Celebration

5-8 p.m. — Eastwood Farm and Winery — Cost varies — Enjoy fresh oysters and live music by Matthew O'Donnell in a beautiful winery setting.

Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn

7-9 p.m. — The Bebedero — Free admission — Enjoy lively gypsy rumba tunes every Tuesday evening.

Berto & Vincent - Wild Gypsy Rumba Night

7 p.m.-1 a.m. — The Bebedero — Cover charge applies — Experience wild Gypsy Rumba fused with Latin and Cuban rhythms as Berto & Vincent take the stage.

Cars & Coffee Charlottesville

8-10 a.m. — Barracks Road Shopping Center — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant display of diverse cars in a friendly atmosphere every first and third Saturday of the month.

Psi Games 2025

10 AM – 6 PM — Omni Charlottesville Hotel — Experience a day of mind-bending challenges and competitions.

Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn

7-9 p.m. — The Bebedero — Free entry — Enjoy lively gypsy rumba music every Tuesday evening.

Wild Gypsy Rumba Night with Berto & Vincent

7 PM – 1 AM — The Bebedero — Free entry — Experience the electrifying fusion of Gypsy Rumba and Latin rhythms from talented musicians Berto & Vincent.