Good morning, Charlottesville.

The local police have launched the Volunteer Corps initiative to build community trust and strengthen public safety through non-enforcement engagement.

The new program invites residents to join efforts to create a safer neighborhood.

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce says the Dominion Energy-NextEra merger could boost jobs, workforce investment, and energy supply, offering four years of residential bill credits + support for low-income households.

Officials will address concerns at a Richmond forum next month as state regulators continue their review.

Emiliano Mercenari is a U.Va first-year on the men’s soccer team who also runs four startups & manages Buo, an AI powered fitness app that raised $50k with over 150 waitlisted users.

He blends athletic discipline from his Inter Miami gap year with local networking to fuel business growth.

Gas prices in Virginia rose nearly 18 cents in a week, with regular gasoline averaging $4.14 a gallon Monday as drivers in Charlottesville faced higher fuel costs.

Albemarle County Public Schools has highlighted over $500 million in building needs for 21 projects, including a new high school to relieve crowding.

The county will propose a 1% sales tax in November to fund construction & renovations for vital updates and accessibility improvements.

At the School of Law on Thursday, Mona Sloane discussed her book on AI and sociology in a panel at U.Va. where she explained that AI should be managed as public infrastructure—through oversight by her Sloane Lab and Student Technology Council.

Westwood Hills Elementary School will reopen on Thursday for students and families after enhanced security measures were implemented, including a VACORP assessment and assigned campus officer.

Staff returned Monday with trauma-informed training and a Family Open House is scheduled Tuesday (3–6 p.m.) as the school prepares for a cautious return.

The University launched a new Program in Digital Humanities and AI to formalize the Digital Humanities Graduate Certificate and boost digital research and teaching; inaugural director Matthew Kirschenbaum invites community input (especially from students) to shape its future.

Albemarle County supervisors approved a performance agreement on Sept.

2 for phase two of the Southwood redevelopment — a project adding affordable homes, a community center, and utility upgrades. Habitat for Humanity will continue developing 11 villages as construction is expected to last 10 years.

Published pricing data shows U.Va.

Health Emergency Department charges some of the highest self-pay fees among nonprofit trauma centers in Virginia. Patients in Charlottesville may pay up to 73.7% more (than the average) because the center offers a lower self-pay discount.

Woodard Properties plans to build two apartment buildings with 84 units on a 4.8-acre site at Willoughby's Harris Rd. entrance, filed under the old zoning ordinance.

Willoughby residents oppose the project, citing safety, traffic, and environmental concerns + potential loss of tree cover.

Virginia increased its pass game against Norfolk State on Saturday as wide receiver Kameron Courtney caught three passes (including a key 29 yard play) while coach Tony Elliott said more opportunities are coming.

The Cavaliers will face West Virginia this Saturday in Charlotte.

Virginia field hockey secured a 7-0 shutout over JMU in their home opener on Sunday, showing strong control throughout and setting up their ACC game against Duke in Durham on Sept.

18.