Good morning, Charlottesville.

Organizational expert Joshua René, a board member for Charlottesville Tomorrow, shared his vision for creating healthy, safe, and loving workplaces in central Virginia and urged community members to submit ideas for the group's 20th anniversary celebration.

He leads workshops that focus on human-centered leadership.

This week’s calendar lists a blindfold concert at Barn Studio on Jan.

1, a two-night Railroad Earth show at Jefferson Theater on Dec. 30-31, a UVA Women’s Basketball game at JPJ on Jan. 1, and a go-go gig at Southern Cafe and Music Hall on Jan. 3.

Nana Appouh, a UVA student, left football in January after mental health struggles and launched his TikTok account as Certified Yapper in May to share his views on sports and campus life (supporting underrecognized athletes).

Albemarle County Public Schools received a $1.016 million state grant to build Career Connection labs in middle schools and offer teacher training at local schools in Albemarle, Greene and Charlottesville.

The program will help students explore skills in IT coding, robotics and more under the GO Virginia initiative.

GO TEC Career Pathways will expand in local middle schools in Albemarle County, Greene County, and Charlottesville by using over $1M from GO Virginia grants to introduce biotechnology, coding, robotics + engineering topics that prepare students for future careers.

Lake Monticello repaid its $650K PPP loan on Tuesday, Dec.

30 — a move that underscores local efforts to manage public funds responsibly.

Virginia lawmakers are reportedly pressuring the UVA Board of Visitors at Madison Hall over its presidential appointment as concerns grow in Richmond — further discussions are expected soon.

Local police agencies in Charlottesville are preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations today to ensure safety as residents ring in the new year.

A statewide poll by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association shows that 82% of Virginians rate their local hospitals positively even as rising insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs raise concerns over access.

Pending legislation that cuts Medicaid funding may further affect care in the state.

A Virginia law will require insurance companies to cover out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screenings starting Jan.

1. The measure is set to ease expenses for patients across the state.

Safety advocates in Charlottesville caution drivers to avoid impaired driving tonight as New Year's Eve celebrations continue, urging everyone to arrange a sober ride (or plan alternative transportation) for safe travels.

Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball is set for ACC play as it begins a tough road schedule starting with Virginia Tech, following a big win over American that boosted their record to 11-1.

Coach Ryan Odom said the team is determined to handle higher stakes & stronger conference opponents.

Graduate quarterback Chandler Morris led the Cavaliers to a bowl win at the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Saturday with a standout punt (the first by a Cavalier since 2022), though his eligibility remains uncertain; he may captain the team in 2026.

No. 21 UVA (11–1) opens ACC play today at Virginia Tech (11–2) and Elijah Gertrude is the only scholarship player to log ACC minutes as several newcomers face conference challenges for the first time; the Cavaliers will begin six early road games.

Gia Ray Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Tickets required — Enjoy an evening of soulful tunes with Gia Ray, highlighting themes of life's challenges and isolation.

NC State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Women's Basketball Game

5-7 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Free trial available — Catch the thrilling showdown between NC State and Virginia in women's college basketball.

Susto Stringband Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket info not specified — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Susto Stringband as they present their debut album.