Good morning, Charlottesville.

Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville is gearing up to pack 200 holiday joy bags for clients this season and is asking local residents to volunteer or donate by dropping off a prepacked bag or assembling one with a full-size bath towel or sheet, a large-print word-search book, a $10 gift card to Food Lion or Giant, a winter-themed ornament, a small tin of Royal Danish butter cookies, and a 4-piece box of chocolates — a way to spread holiday cheer. Julie Cragg, the volunteer manager, said the effort will support clients who may feel isolated or are in need during the holidays.

The Cville Right Now Holiday Guide 2025 lists holiday events in Charlottesville, Albemarle and surrounding counties—helping residents plan local celebrations for the season.

Nine university deans sent a letter to the Board of Visitors on Monday asking the board to pause selecting the 10th president until trust conditions are set — the deans warned that naming a president now could undermine their legitimacy and cited low confidence in current leadership. The letter adds to similar calls from faculty and statewide officials to delay the search process until governance issues are resolved.

The U.Va. Speaking Center reopened last spring and now offers free one-on-one speaking help, workshops, and speaker events to help students improve using clear speech—funded by a $10,000 grant and led by student Jolina Dong.

Appointments are available now on the Center's website for those seeking advice for class presentations and future careers.

Today, county supervisors & the school board met to discuss adding a new high school as part of a capital improvement plan to address growing student numbers.

The project is projected to cost between $230 and $240 million and open for the 2030-31 school year once land is acquired & redistricting is complete.

A local tax option to pay for Virginia school improvements is expected to pass in 2026 as state officials plan needed upgrades.

Federal rule changes have put Virginia environmental work at risk — state leaders are reviewing measures to keep projects on track.

County Executive Jeff Richardson said the planned AstraZeneca plant will transform the county by adding a manufacturing building set to open early 2028 or early 2029 and a larger building for offices and warehousing expected late 2029 or early 2030.

Economic Development Director Emily Kilroy said county training programs will help local workers get good-paying jobs starting at $125,000 — and the plant will use green energy whenever possible.

Interim UVA President Paul Mahoney testified before the State Senate Financial Education Subcommittee on Monday to explain UVA's DOJ agreement and the search for its next permanent president—lawmakers questioned his leadership and noted the risk to federal research funding.

Researchers at the University of Virginia are starting a clinical trial for a COVID drug that treats non-hospitalized adults — the study seeks participants who tested positive within five days and are either 55 or older or have a weakened immune system.

Virginia football safety Antonio Clary played in his final home game where he was honored by coach Tony Elliott for his competitive spirit as he helped the team secure a win over Virginia Tech.

Clary has played seven years and continues battling knee issues (he undergoes weekly fluid drainage) while leading his teammates.

Junior cross country runner Gillian Bushée helped her team qualify for the NCAA Championships last year and placed 70th in a six‐kilometer race — she now works as chief communications officer for Run Charlottesville and serves on the board of Smiles from Sarah to support local kids.

Fifteen UVA football players earned All-ACC honors for the season with running back J’Mari Taylor, who rushed 997 yards, earning First-Team nod—he will try to reach 1,000 yards in the ACC championship game Saturday against Duke—while center Brady Wilson and punter Daniel Sparks were named to the second team. UVA, which went 10-2 and won the regular-season title, will face Duke at 8 p.m. in Charlotte.

Johnnyswim Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Ticketed event — Experience harmonious melodies from the captivating duo Abner and Amanda Ramirez.

Atlanta Rhythm Section Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic sounds of southern rock from Atlanta Rhythm Section.

Tab Benoit Live

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Jefferson Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful Delta swamp blues from Grammy-nominated artist Tab Benoit.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30-9:00 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Family-friendly event — Experience a dazzling holiday spectacular filled with breathtaking performances.

Ramona & The Holy Smokes with Hannah Juanita

7-9 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy a lively Honky Tonk Night with great music from local talents.

Shakey Graves Solo Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unique musical journey of Shakey Graves up close and personal.

Rebirth Brass Band Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Rebirth Brass Band, a New Orleans institution.

Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn

7-11 p.m. — The Bebedero — Check website for cost — Experience wild Gypsy Rumba guitars fused with Latin and Cuban influences in an evening of dynamic performances.

New Year's Eve Dining Experience

New Year's Eve 2025 — 4:00 p.m. onwards — Hamiltons' at First & Main — $95 per person — Enjoy a luxurious four-course dinner crafted by Chef Hunter Harding with a toast to ring in 2026.