Podcasts about charlottesville

A talk for the Agape adult education class by Fr. Sean McDermott on the Stations of the Cross on March 4, 2026 at All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Thus far, Donald Trump has sent six military members - six of America's sons and daughters - to their death, in what is, by all rational accounts, an unlawful and unconstitutional war. And just so there's no mistake about the fact that we ARE in a war, Pete Hegseth just said at a press conference, "The terms of this war will be set by us." I just sat down with military law expert Dan Maurer. Dan is a law professor and retired Army LTC JAG officer. Dan taught constitutional law and criminal law at West Point, and was an instructor at the Army's Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dan explains why we are - indisputably - in an unlawful and unconstitutional war.Find Dan on Substack: danmaurer1.substack.com Find Glen on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thus far, Donald Trump has sent six military members - six of America's sons and daughters - to their death, in what is, by all rational accounts, an unlawful and unconstitutional war. And just so there's no mistake about the fact that we ARE in a war, Pete Hegseth just said at a press conference, "The terms of this war will be set by us." I just sat down with military law expert Dan Maurer. Dan is a law professor and retired Army LTC JAG officer. Dan taught constitutional law and criminal law at West Point, and was an instructor at the Army's Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dan explains why we are - indisputably - in an unlawful and unconstitutional war.Find Dan on Substack: danmaurer1.substack.com Find Glen on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kyle is back on Trip Tales! You may remember him from a previous episode where he shared about his family's all-inclusive ski trip to Club Med Charlevoix outside Quebec City. This time, Kyle, his wife, and their two boys (ages 9 and 14) from Charlottesville, Virginia traveled in December 2025 to Germany and Austria.Their adventure included exploring Munich, visiting charming small Bavarian towns, wandering Christmas markets, and skiing in the Austrian Alps. Kyle shares why skiing in Europe can actually be easier and more affordable than a typical U.S. ski trip, plus tons of practical tips for families who want to make a trip like this happen.This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you'd like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.comBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:- Flying Dulles to Munich- Erding Therme indoor pool and spa in Erding, Germany- Bad Tolz: Christmas Market, glühwein, kinderpunsch, Lake Tegernsee Christmas Markets- Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, Schlossbrauhaus in Schwangau- Garmish-Partenkirchen: Dorint Sporthotel, Christmas Market, Zugspitze- Innsbruck, Austria- Niederau, Austria: Hotel Staffler, Skiing in Hopfgarten, Westendorf, Kitzbuhel- Munich: Dachau, Novotel Munchen City, Hofbräuhaus MünchenTrip Tales is a travel podcast sharing real vacation stories and trip itineraries for family travel, couples getaways, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. Popular episodes feature destinations like Marco Island Florida, Costa Rica with kids, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani in Hawaii, Beaches Turks & Caicos, Park City ski trips, Aruba, Italy, Ireland, Portugal's Azores, New York City, Alaska cruises, and U.S. National Parks. Listeners get real travel tips, itinerary recommendations, hotel reviews, restaurant recommendations, and inspiration for planning their next vacation, especially when traveling with kids.

Jonah and Tristan Fishel are the authors of The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying and The Game Master's Handbook of Collaborative Campaign Design. Jonah Fishel has been playing TTRPGs for nearly twenty years, and has game mastered far more than his fair share of campaigns. Away from the gaming table, Jonah is a learning differences tutor. He lives in Charlottesville, VA with his wife, daughter, and dog. For some reason, Jonah has a degree in Storytelling. Tristan Fishel is an author and RPG writer living in Newport News, Virginia. Tristan has written several adventures, rules expansions, and other content for both 5e and a few of his other favored systems. In his spare time, Tristan enjoys running home games for his friends, writing fiction, and serving as a devoted caretaker to his beloved cat, Cupcake. Please check out these relevant links: The Game Master's Handbook of Proactive Roleplaying The Game Master's Handbook of Collaborative Campaign Design Game Master's Laboratory Media Lab Books Welcome to Dice in Mind, a podcast hosted by Bradley Browne and Jason Kaufman to explore the intersection of life, games, science, music, philosophy, and creativity through interviews with leading creatives. All are welcome in this space. Royalty-free music "Night Jazz Beats" courtesy of flybirdaudio.

A sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent on March 8, 2026 by Fr. Kyle Williams given at All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia lawmakers are on the cusp of changing medical malpractice law  General Assembly kills bills for certifying high-power facilities  Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan  Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027  Heads up, Richmond: 2026 River City Half and 5K road closures, ‘no parking' zones    Other links:  Virginia joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration over new global tariffs (Virginia Mercury) Hopewell city manager hopefuls include two recently fired administrators (The Progress-Index)* FOIA Files: 2025 Loudoun Crime Stats Release Would Cost $600, LCSO Says (Loudoun Now) Richmond councilwoman threatens to subpoena Mayor Avula (The Richmond Times-Dispatch)*    *This outlet uses a paywall  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes author and former teacher Sara Goodman-Confino to Set Lusting Bruce to talk Bruce Springsteen, fandom, and fiction. Sara shares her path from 21 years teaching to writing full-time, her Springsteen origin story rooted in hearing “Atlantic City” during a difficult college week, and her family's deep reading culture. She recounts seeing Bruce live (including being pulled onstage in Charlottesville in 2012 with a “Can I dance with Jake?” sign), attending dozens of shows, favorite songs and albums (especially Born to Run and “Backstreets”), and sending Bruce a copy of her novel Don't Forget to Write featuring a brief Bruce cameo. They discuss Sara's focus on humorous, intergenerational stories with strong female characters and “Jewish joy,” including why she writes Jewish characters beyond suffering narratives and how her novels highlight the recentness of women's legal and social limitations. Sara previews upcoming projects, including her June 9 release Off the Record about a young woman in a 1960s newspaper typing pool who uncovers a Cuban spy plot, plus a planned 2027 novel centered on the Beatles' first U.S. concert after Ed Sullivan. Find more about her and her books here - https://saraconfino.com/ 00:00 Welcome to Set Lusting Bruce + Meet Author Sara Goodman Canino 00:53 From Teacher to Full-Time Writer: Beyond the Palace Origins 03:54 Growing Up with Books & Classic Rock (and Early Bruce Memories) 05:24 The Springsteen Mix CD That Got Her Through Grief 10:13 Writing Strong Women & Finding Her Voice (Humor, Publishing, Historical Fiction) 13:29 Jewish Joy on the Page: Representation Beyond Trauma 16:28 Intergenerational Healing: The Mother-in-Law Story Behind Good Grief 19:24 New Release Spotlight: Off the Record—Jewish Romcom Meets Cold War Spy Thriller 23:00 Why the Early '60s Still Matters: Women's Rights, Research, and Remembering History 27:34 Why These Stories Matter (Especially for Younger Readers) 29:04 Next Novel Tease: The 1964 DC Beatles Show + A Photographer's Big Break 31:12 Switching Gears to Bruce: The ‘Dance with Jake' Sign & Getting Pulled Onstage 34:20 Counting Shows & Favorite Springsteen Songs (Born to Run, Backstreets, Sandy) 37:29 Have You Met Bruce? Mailing Him a Book + The New Jersey Cameo 39:27 Family Concert Memories: Dad, Uncle, and the Legendary Ticket Scores 42:46 What's Next as a Writer: Secret Projects, Building an Audience & Future Horror Book 44:09 Thunder Road Debate: Does Mary Get in the Car? (Plus ‘Waves' vs ‘Sways') 44:58 Where to Find Sara: Socials, Website, Buying Options & Final Wrap-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Read more from VPM News:  Supreme Court of Virginia greenlights April 21 referendum again  Del. Josh Thomas wants to put Virginia's boys and men on a better path  Lawmakers advance bills to set up child care cost-sharing pilot  Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan    Other links: GW sold Virginia campus for $427 million to Amazon for data center development (The GW Hatchet)  Why a 6-year-old with diabetes is pushing for change in Virginia (WTOP)  Wintergreen emergency exit bill passes U.S. House (CBS 19) Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa shares how she stitched up the perfect travel wardrobe for her trip to Ghana. From breathable fabrics to comfy dresses and practical pants, she breaks down how to balance style, culture, and comfort all while rocking handmade looks. Because nothing travels better than an outfit you made yourself.Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant===========Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

Der Krieg gegen den Iran ist bald eine Woche in Gang und hat sich auf die Region ausgeweitet. Ein Abwehrsystem der Nato fing am Mittwochnachmittag ein Geschoss ab, das im Iran abgefeuert worden war. Dies teilte das Verteidigungsministerium des türkischen Nato-Partners mit. Zuvor hatte der Iran mit Gegenangriffen auf die Golfstaaten reagiert, eine iranische Drohne erreichte angeblich Zypern. Diese Eskalation scheint die Regierung Trump nicht sonderlich zu beeindrucken. Der Krieg könnte vier bis fünf Wochen dauern, sagte der US-Präsident, bei Bedarf sei man aber in der Lage, ihn länger zu führen. Dafür müssten allerdings Waffen und Munition vom Fernen in den Nahen Osten verlegt werden. Unklar ist, welche Ziele die US-Regierung erreichen möchte, zumal sie sich in Widersprüche verstrickt. Der Eindruck verdichtet sich, dass die USA keine kohärente Kriegsstrategie verfolgen. Stimmt das? Oder ist gerade dieses Durcheinander die Strategie? Erreicht die transatlantische Krise einen neuen Höhepunkt, weil die europäischen Nato-Partner zögern, die Amerikaner zu unterstützen? Und wie könnte sich der Ausgang des Kriegs auf die Zwischenwahlen in acht Monaten auswirken?  Darüber unterhält sich Christof Münger, Leiter des Ressorts International, mit dem langjährigen USA-Korrespondenten Martin Kilian. Kilian lebt in Charlottesville, Virginia. Produzent: Noah Fend Mehr zum Krieg im Iran: Die aktuellen Entwicklungen in unserem Newsticker Europa und der Irankrieg: Sánchez sperrt die Basen, Macron winkt ab und Starmer wird brüskiert Analyse: Ein Sturz der Ayatollahs liegt in Europas Interesse Mehr USA-Berichterstattung finden Sie auf unserer Webseite und in den Apps. Den «Tages-Anzeiger» können Sie 3 Monate zum Preis von 1 Monat testen: tagiabo.ch.Feedback, Kritik und Fragen an: podcasts@tamedia.ch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

I have a confession to make. I'm exhausted. In the best possible way after a week in Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I have so much to share with you today! My journey started on the Monday before the show began for a travel day, sound check and confirming the final details form the show. In addition to hosting the KBIS Podcast Studio again this year, moderating a panel on the NEXT Stage and recording conversations for the show, I wanted to help you prepare for the show next February in Las Vegas. But Josh, next February is like 11 months away. That's true, but here's a secret. Come a little closer, it's just us. KBIS is the essential American kitchen and bath show, full stop. It's about learning, seeing, connecting and putting all of the pieces together to understand how the American market is setting up for the next year and the trending ideas that have staying power for the next 5-10 years. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep You can listen to Convo By Design for the conversations with industry insiders. If I were a designer, I would. I believe that this show tells the stories that you should really know to get a feel for directionality of the industry. Specifiers are the plus of the industry and the ideas emanating from the show this year covered the technology revolution taking place from an AI perspective, but there's more. The kitchen is in the midst of a wholesale change. And it's exciting to see it happen in real time. Learning was a key theme this year. If you were not at the show this year, you are behind the curve. I don't say this to scare you, I tell you this so you make the time to get to the show next year. All three days and plan to see as much as you can. But, I wanted to share some of the key ideas from the show this year. For additional details, check the show notes. Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live. Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life. Luxury is durability aligned with intent. Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten. Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit. Luxury is not what you spend. It's what you never have to rethink. The Kitchen as the Primary Investment The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide. Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space. The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home. It represents identity: “I'm a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.” Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories. The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home. Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler's pantries) are rising. Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common. Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements. Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets. Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites. Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design. Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home. Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances. Longevity, performance, and service support define value. Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability. Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals. UX consistency across appliances improves adoption. Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction. Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home. Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity. Flexibility and modular integration are essential. Practical Innovation vs Feature Saturation Most consumers use only a small percentage of available features. Simplification improves usability, adoption, and satisfaction. Innovation must solve real problems—not marketing problems. Appliances as Infrastructure for Daily Life Refrigerators open dozens of times daily, making ergonomic design critical. Dishwashers, washers, and refrigeration now integrate into behavioral routines. Appliances increasingly support lifestyle efficiency, not just task completion. Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence. Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture. Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity. Performance becomes more important than appearance. Identity & Evolution in Design Designers must periodically redefine themselves and their work to remain relevant. Personal growth and evolving priorities shape professional identity and approach. Burnout vs Ambition Burnout is not a badge of honor; it results from overextension and emotional labor. Ambition aligns energy with superpowers and opportunities, creating sustainable growth. Setting boundaries is essential to differentiate productive ambition from harmful overwork. Emotional Labor & Client Management Design work involves managing client emotions, expectations, and second-guessing. Designers act as liaisons between clients, contractors, and teams, absorbing invisible pressures. Managing scope creep and change orders is a practical strategy to protect both energy and profitability. Social Media & Comparison Culture Social media can amplify unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition. Designers often feel compelled to accommodate clients' desires, sometimes overextending themselves to maintain a positive perception. These core themes coming out of the show this year tell a story that cannot be ignored. The thought process is changing. More human-centric at a time when technology seems to be taking over. Interesting times. Shifting away from that, I want to share two conversations from the show. Brandon Kirschner | Azzuro Living – Control the Process, Control the Outcome: Inside Azzurro Living's Design Advantage Brandon Kirshner of Azzurro Living explains how factory ownership, material innovation, and hands-on experimentation are redefining luxury outdoor furniture—and why relationships and resilience matter more than ever. Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, this conversation with Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, explores what it means to design, manufacture, and deliver luxury outdoor furniture with complete control over the process. Kirshner shares how owning and operating their own production facility provides a rare advantage in a crowded marketplace. This vertical integration allows Azzurro Living to oversee every step—from raw material sourcing to fabrication—ensuring performance, durability, and design integrity in extreme climates. The conversation also explores the realities of modern product manufacturing: navigating global instability, breaking through to specifiers in an oversaturated marketplace, and the renewed importance of in-person relationships. At its core, this is a story about design leadership, material obsession, and maintaining optimism in a rapidly shifting industry. Vertical Integration Changes Everything Full ownership of production facility ensures quality control Ability to experiment directly with materials and fabrication Eliminates reliance on third-party manufacturing limitations Material Innovation Drives Luxury Performance Products engineered for extreme heat and harsh winters Hands-on experimentation with rope, wicker, and aluminum Performance and longevity are core to brand value Design as the Core Differentiator Industrial design roots shape product philosophy Focus on original forms rather than “me-too” furniture Design enhances lifestyle, not just aesthetics Relationships Still Drive Specification Trade shows like High Point Market remain essential Face-to-face interaction builds trust and long-term partnerships Education through sales teams and specifier outreach is critical Resilience and Optimism in a Volatile Industry Navigating tariffs, supply chains, and global uncertainty Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset Viewing disruption as part of long-term growth In luxury outdoor furniture, control isn't just an operational advantage—it's a creative one. For Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, ownership of the manufacturing process is the foundation of everything the company does. Unlike many competitors who rely on outsourced production, Azzurro Living operates its own factory, giving Kirshner and his team direct oversight of every detail, from raw materials to finished form. This control allows for something rare in today's manufacturing environment: true experimentation. Working directly with fabricators, Kirshner explores new weaving techniques, tests material durability, and refines structural details. The result is furniture engineered not just to look refined, but to perform in punishing environments—from desert heat exceeding 115 degrees to unpredictable seasonal extremes. Kirshner's path into furniture design began with industrial design studies, where exposure to iconic modernist designers revealed furniture as both functional object and artistic expression. That perspective continues to shape his work today, where innovation isn't driven by trend cycles, but by material curiosity and structural integrity. Launching Azzurro Living in 2020 presented immediate challenges, from supply chain disruption to economic uncertainty. Yet Kirshner views volatility as inevitable rather than exceptional. Experience has taught him that adaptability—not stability—is the constant in product manufacturing. Equally important is maintaining strong relationships within the design community. Trade shows, in-person meetings, and direct engagement remain essential tools for connecting with specifiers and building trust. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Azzurro Living's approach is clear: control the process, push material boundaries, and let design lead. The result is furniture that reflects not just luxury, but intention. “Owning our factory gives us complete control—from raw material to finished product—and that changes everything.” “Design is the reason people invest in luxury furniture. Performance just makes it last.” “You can't innovate from a distance. Being hands-on with materials is where real progress happens.” “Trade shows and face-to-face interaction still matter because this industry runs on relationships.” “No matter what challenges come—tariffs, supply chain, geopolitics—we'll figure it out. That mindset is essential.” This is Cathy Purple Cherry – Founding Principal | Purple Cherry, freshly installed in the Convo By Design Icon Registry, we caught up at KBIS for a fresh take. Human-Centered Architecture, Resilience, and the Responsibility of Design Cathy Purple Cherry reflects on architecture as a lifelong act of care—supporting people through turbulence, embracing multigenerational living, rejecting trend culture, and using design as a tool for healing, connection, and growth. Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, this conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects explores architecture not as a moment of visual impact, but as a lifelong framework for human support. Purple Cherry shares her philosophy that architecture must evolve alongside the people it serves, especially during times of societal turbulence and personal change. Her work is grounded in human-centered thinking, emotional durability, and the belief that design can create stability amid chaos. The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into deeper territory—resilience shaped by hardship, the responsibility of creatives to provide clarity and options, and the importance of giving back. Purple Cherry also addresses the rise of multigenerational living, generational shifts in work culture, and the dangers of trend-driven design thinking. At its core, this conversation reveals architecture as both a professional discipline and a personal calling—one rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and service. Architecture as Long-Term Support, Not Momentary Expression Design must serve people across decades, not just visual moments Architecture provides emotional stability during uncertain times Human-centered design is becoming essential, not optional Growth Through Challenge and Adversity Personal and professional hardship builds resilience Lessons learned shape better architects and stronger leaders Teaching and mentoring are essential responsibilities Multigenerational Living as a Cultural Shift Economic and social changes are reshaping American housing Families are staying connected longer Architecture must adapt to evolving family dynamics The Responsibility of Creatives in Times of Tension Architects provide clarity and solutions amid chaos Design can serve as a “relief valve” for societal stress Creatives help people reimagine how they live Rejecting Trend Culture in Favor of Lasting Design Trend cycles are often superficial and misleading True architecture transcends short-term aesthetic movements Enduring design comes from purpose, not prediction Giving Back as a Core Professional and Personal Value Sharing knowledge strengthens the profession Service to others creates deeper meaning in creative work Design is both a gift and a responsibility For Cathy Purple Cherry, architecture has never been about creating a moment. It's about supporting a lifetime. As founder of Purple Cherry Architects, with offices in Annapolis, Charlottesville, and New York City, Purple Cherry has built a practice grounded in the belief that design must evolve alongside the people it serves. Architecture, she explains, is not about solving for a single moment, but about creating environments that support human life over time. That perspective feels especially relevant today. As social, economic, and cultural turbulence reshapes how people live and work, architecture has taken on a new role—not just as shelter, but as emotional infrastructure. Spaces must provide calm, clarity, and flexibility, particularly as multigenerational living becomes more common and families remain connected longer under one roof. Purple Cherry rejects the idea that architecture should chase trends. While the industry often focuses on forecasting aesthetic movements, she believes true design transcends these cycles. Lasting architecture emerges from purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Her perspective is shaped not only by decades of professional experience, but by personal adversity. Hardship, she explains, builds resilience and strengthens one's ability to serve others. That philosophy extends into her commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back—values she sees as inseparable from meaningful creative work. For Purple Cherry, architecture is both discipline and calling. It is a lifelong process of learning, teaching, and refining. And in a world defined by rapid change, her message is clear: the most important role of design is not to impress, but to support the people who live within it. “Architecture isn't about solving for a moment. It's about supporting people over time.” “Through suffering, we become stronger—and that's what allows us to better serve others.” “Anything in the built environment that can calm us and organize our lives becomes essential.” “Design should never be driven by trends. It should be driven by purpose and people.” “The meaning of life is discovering your gifts. The purpose of life is sharing them.”

Welcome to Episode 2 (Season 3) of The Mitchell Pehlke Lacrosse Show presented by Duke Cannon! In this episode, the boys recap their experience at the Ohio State-Georgetown game, react to Princeton's big weekend, and break down Maryland's shocking 1-3 start. Marcus Holman joins Kev and Doogs on-site from Championship Series in D.C., and Kylie Ohlmiller joins the show to highlight her early WLL takeaways. 0:00 - Intro 1:30 - College Lacrosse Recap 53:24 - On-Site at Championship Series 1:18:00 - Marcus Holman joins the show 1:29:30 - Doogs' Trading Corner 1:39:30 - Kylie Ohlmiller talks WLL 1:57:30 - Ball Knower & Buckets Challenge

Wow.A short 72 hours ago, Syracuse failed to get off the bus in Princeton and No. 1 North Carolina held serve at Penn.Then, on Saturday, a heavy noon slate featured Richmond handing Cornell its first loss in 17 games, Notre Dame setting off the alarm bells in College Park and Ohio State putting in a rounded effort to top Georgetown. Then, with all eyes on Charlottesville in the late afternoon slot, Johns Hopkins did its best impression of the Undertaker meme, scoring 10 of 12 goals to turn an 11-4 deficit into a 14-13 win.To cap it off on Sunday, Princeton topped the No. 1 Tar Heels and 'Cuse avoided a three-game losing streak by topping the Quakers in overtime.IL's Terry Foy, Nick Ossello and Larken Kemp are back to discuss it all, in addition to the PLL Championship Series, which saw its first weekend unfold at The St. James in Springfield, Va.

Read more from VPM News:  Richmond police extend contract with Flock Safety for license plate readers  Henrico EDA head Tretina outlines vision for growth  Richmond-area faith leaders speak out on federal immigration enforcement  On the agenda: Budget discussions for Richmond and Charlottesville schools    Other links:  For some neighborhoods, it's covenants — not zoning — that decides what gets built (The Richmonder)  At General Assembly, defense of Confederate statues sparks outrage (The Virginian-Pilot)  Army Corps plans to fast-track infrastructure priorities, including in Virginia (Virginia Mercury)  Novartis settles with estate of Henrietta Lacks over use of 'stolen' cells (The Associated Press)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Can anyone prove that February 10, 2026 was the last time there was an audio edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement? Turns out it is not that difficult as there is clearly a link and the day in question was a Tuesday. This podcast version consists of some stories from recent weeks and links to them if you've not read them yet.The next actual newsletter may or may not be out this afternoon depending on how well a new month's energy sustains itself throughout the pre-spring day.In this edition: * Greene Supervisors appoint former member to fill vacancy (learn more)* Albemarle Planning Commission wants to see another design for Windy Knoll (read the story)* Albemarle Supervisors take action on Boulders Road project (need to produce)* Charlottesville PC looks ahead to next set of zoning changes (need to produce)* No tax rate increases included in proposed $724M Albemarle budget for FY2027 (read the story)First shout-out: WTJU Puzzle Hunt returns on March 14In today's first shout-out: Cville Puzzle Hunt is back! Organized by WTJU 91.1 FM and designed by Puzzled Bee, the event is a citywide cerebral puzzle for teens and adults of all ages. The Cville Puzzle Hunt works like an escape room, but all of downtown Charlottesville is the “room.”This year's event takes place Saturday, March 14, 2:30 - 6 p.m. The Puzzle Hunt starts and ends at IX Art Park, with puzzles to solve at various downtown locations. Those participating will have a wild afternoon running around trying to untangle five diabolical, large-scale puzzles inserted into the urban landscape.Advance registration is requested at CvillePuzzleHunt.com. The event is free and a $10 a person donation is suggested or $20 if you want to sponsor someone else.Thoughts at the end of CCE-1007AThings have been off since the end of January culminating in a trip away from the place where I am best set up to be productive. But there were other odd things I'd like to mention to those who make their way to the ends of this newsletters.* It felt off to make a transition from #999 to #1000. I have a hard time believing I've actually been doing this for five and a half years.* The WTJU fundraiser pre-empted me for a week which threw off the rhythm.* Something happened to my recording equipment. For one, the audio gain in my headphones was off so I couldn't hear myself doing narrations. For another, something about the microphone isn't processing certain frequencies. Today I have to fix that, hence this podcast edition.* I've taken the first steps toward a new way people can support the work. I don't have any sort of campaign planned to promote this, but I'm dropping the link.* I learned I had to go away three days before the trip, which led to me taking some time off to get ready * Being the sole proprietor and sole employee means there are a lot of levers that have to be pushed and it's just me with arms that can do the work. I was sick for a couple of days and that means some work got displaced.* I do two stories a week for C-Ville Weekly which has a harder deadline than audio work that is consumed by far fewer people. Today I'm making myself do this before I write this week's stories. Friday was my last day with the family and I needed space.A reality is that if the audio is to continue, I need to have help doing the work. One day I will have a plan to train people who would like to learn, but managing people takes up the most time of all for a former extrovert turned full-on introvert. Still, maybe one day. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

A sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent by Fr. Kyle Williams on March 1, 2026 at All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

On the latest episode of Now, Appalachia, Eliot interviews author Matt Jones about his new book A RECKONING UP BLACK CAT HOLLOW. Matt is the author of six critically acclaimed novels and several screenplays. Three of his novels, A Single Shot, Deepwater and Boot Tracks have been made into major motion pictures. He has taught writing at a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Virginia, Randolph Macon College and Lynchburg College. He grew up on a horse and dairy farm in rural upstate New York and currently lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

On the latest episode of Now, Appalachia, Eliot interviews author Matt Jones about his new book A RECKONING UP BLACK CAT HOLLOW. Matt is the author of six critically acclaimed novels and several screenplays. Three of his novels, A Single Shot, Deepwater and Boot Tracks have been made into major motion pictures. He has taught writing at a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Virginia, Randolph Macon College and Lynchburg College. He grew up on a horse and dairy farm in rural upstate New York and currently lives in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Here's my 2017 conversation with CHIP BERLET, investigative journalist, research analyst, activist - and friend - who died January 30, 2026. Over the last 50 years, Chip was one of a handful of folks who consistently tracked and organized against right-wing extremism. As MAGA grew and metastasized from its roots in the Silent Majority and the Tea Party, Chip was on the beat. Can't say he didn't warn us. Berlet was part of a team at the National Lawyers Guild who revealed the COINTELPRO program, in which US security and military forces disrupted left-wing movements for years, and co-authored (with Matthew N. Lyons) Right-Wing Populism in America: Too Close for Comfort a year before 9/11. We recorded this conversation two months into Trump One and five months before Tiki Torches in Charlottesville.

This week, Scott was joined by Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien, Lawfare Senior Editor Molly Roberts, and University of Virginia Professor of Law Paul Stephan to talk through the week's big news in national security, including:“Textual Healing.” On Friday, a 6-3 Supreme Court majority brought an end to at least the current iteration of President Trump's controversial tariff policies, ruling that language in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (or IEEPA) authorizing the “regulation of…importation” doesn't include the authority to impose tariffs. That said, President Trump himself has already indicated that he intends to reinstate many of the tariffs he had installed using IEEPA under other statutory authorities. How big a setback is this for the Trump administration's trade policies? And what might it mean for other aspects of its policy agenda?“Mayhem in Mexico.” Over the weekend, an elite unit of the Mexican army killed one of the country's most powerful drug kingpins, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” His syndicate, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, immediately retaliated, through attacks on Mexican security forces, roadblocks throughout the country, and other measures intended to terrorize the public, particularly in areas frequented by American and Western tourists. The decision to move against El Mencho followed an intense pressure campaign by the Trump administration, which has pushed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to take a hard stand against the cartels. Should this be seen as a win for the Trump administration? Or Sheinbaum? And what could the long-term implications be for the U.S.-Mexico relationship?“Clap if You Believe.” On Tuesday, President Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address, the longest of its kind. Many had braced for a contentious speech, expecting Trump to ridicule the justices seated in front of him and potentially even announce strikes on Iran. But Trump appeared to pull his punches on both of those fronts—he instead saved his harshest words for congressional Democrats and focused on laying out a rose-colored picture of the state of the country. How effective was Trump's speech? And what does it tell us about the current state of his second presidency?In object lessons, Tyler just has this strange sense that you will enjoy the Otherworld podcast. Molly (and her dog) find comfort in the soft, squishy claws of Cthulhu. Scott eased his travel woes with a twist on the Vieux Carre at Birch & Bloom in Charlottesville. And Paul mixed his object lesson with three parts: Peter Suderman's Cocktails if you're into all things shaken and stirred; Mark Galeotti's podcast, In Moscow's Shadow, if you're into all things Russia-related; and Dan Wang's New York Times Best Seller book, “Breakneck,” if you're into all things China-related. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Scott was joined by Lawfare Managing Editor Tyler McBrien, Lawfare Senior Editor Molly Roberts, and University of Virginia Professor of Law Paul Stephan to talk through the week's big news in national security, including:“Textual Healing.” On Friday, a 6-3 Supreme Court majority brought an end to at least the current iteration of President Trump's controversial tariff policies, ruling that language in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (or IEEPA) authorizing the “regulation of…importation” doesn't include the authority to impose tariffs. That said, President Trump himself has already indicated that he intends to reinstate many of the tariffs he had installed using IEEPA under other statutory authorities. How big a setback is this for the Trump administration's trade policies? And what might it mean for other aspects of its policy agenda?“Mayhem in Mexico.” Over the weekend, an elite unit of the Mexican army killed one of the country's most powerful drug kingpins, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” His syndicate, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, immediately retaliated, through attacks on Mexican security forces, roadblocks throughout the country, and other measures intended to terrorize the public, particularly in areas frequented by American and Western tourists. The decision to move against El Mencho followed an intense pressure campaign by the Trump administration, which has pushed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to take a hard stand against the cartels. Should this be seen as a win for the Trump administration? Or Sheinbaum? And what could the long-term implications be for the U.S.-Mexico relationship?“Clap if You Believe.” On Tuesday, President Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address, the longest of its kind. Many had braced for a contentious speech, expecting Trump to ridicule the justices seated in front of him and potentially even announce strikes on Iran. But Trump appeared to pull his punches on both of those fronts—he instead saved his harshest words for congressional Democrats and focused on laying out a rose-colored picture of the state of the country. How effective was Trump's speech? And what does it tell us about the current state of his second presidency?In object lessons, Tyler just has this strange sense that you will enjoy the Otherworld podcast. Molly (and her dog) find comfort in the soft, squishy claws of Cthulhu. Scott eased his travel woes with a twist on the Vieux Carre at Birch & Bloom in Charlottesville. And Paul mixed his object lesson with three parts: Peter Suderman's Cocktails if you're into all things shaken and stirred; Mark Galeotti's podcast, In Moscow's Shadow, if you're into all things Russia-related; and Dan Wang's New York Times Best Seller book, “Breakneck,” if you're into all things China-related. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode No. 747 of The Modern Art Notes Podcast features artist Bethany Collins and curator Edouard Kopp. Collins is included in "Monuments," at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. The exhibition juxtaposes decommissioned Lost Cause monuments with commissioned artworks that address the histories the Lost Cause aimed to whitewash. Collins' contribution to the project is Love is dangerous (2024-25), a sculptural installation that remakes the base of the Stonewall Jackson monument that was installed in Charlottesville, Virginia. The exhibition, which is on view through May 3, was curated by Hamza Walker, Kara Walker, and Bennett Simpson with Hannah Burstein and Paula Kroll. The museum says that a catalogue is forthcoming. On March 5 the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver opens "Bethany Collins: The Deluge," a presentation of Collins works that each address -- and navigate -- an existential storm. Across several media, Collins addresses major literary works such as Herman Melville's Moby Dick, and Sophocles' Antigone -- and the US songbook too. The exhibition was curated by Leilani Lynch and is on view through July 5. Among the many museums presenting solo exhibitions of Collins' work are the Seattle Art Museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Mass., the Contemporary Art Museum Saint Louis, the Van Every and Smith Galleries at Davidson College, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University. Edouard Kopp is the curator of "Wall Drawing Series: Gladys Nilsson" at the Menil Drawing Institute, Houston. The site-specific exhibition features an enormous Nilsson drawing that features fantastical, hybrid beings surrounding one monumental figure engaged in the act of drawing. It's on view through August 9. Nilsson's work has been the subject of dozens of exhibitions, including a 1973 solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her work is in the collection of museums such as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Instagram: Bethany Collins, Tyler Green.

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes author and former teacher Sara Goodman-Confino to Set Lusting Bruce to talk Bruce Springsteen, fandom, and fiction. Sara shares her path from 21 years teaching to writing full-time, her Springsteen origin story rooted in hearing “Atlantic City” during a difficult college week, and her family's deep reading culture. She recounts seeing Bruce live (including being pulled onstage in Charlottesville in 2012 with a “Can I dance with Jake?” sign), attending dozens of shows, favorite songs and albums (especially Born to Run and “Backstreets”), and sending Bruce a copy of her novel Don't Forget to Write featuring a brief Bruce cameo. They discuss Sara's focus on humorous, intergenerational stories with strong female characters and “Jewish joy,” including why she writes Jewish characters beyond suffering narratives and how her novels highlight the recentness of women's legal and social limitations. Sara previews upcoming projects, including her June 9 release Off the Record about a young woman in a 1960s newspaper typing pool who uncovers a Cuban spy plot, plus a planned 2027 novel centered on the Beatles' first U.S. concert after Ed Sullivan. Find more about her and her books here - https://saraconfino.com/ 00:00 Welcome to Set Lusting Bruce + Meet Author Sara Goodman Canino 00:53 From Teacher to Full-Time Writer: Beyond the Palace Origins 03:54 Growing Up with Books & Classic Rock (and Early Bruce Memories) 05:24 The Springsteen Mix CD That Got Her Through Grief 10:13 Writing Strong Women & Finding Her Voice (Humor, Publishing, Historical Fiction) 13:29 Jewish Joy on the Page: Representation Beyond Trauma 16:28 Intergenerational Healing: The Mother-in-Law Story Behind Good Grief 19:24 New Release Spotlight: Off the Record—Jewish Romcom Meets Cold War Spy Thriller 23:00 Why the Early '60s Still Matters: Women's Rights, Research, and Remembering History 27:34 Why These Stories Matter (Especially for Younger Readers) 29:04 Next Novel Tease: The 1964 DC Beatles Show + A Photographer's Big Break 31:12 Switching Gears to Bruce: The ‘Dance with Jake' Sign & Getting Pulled Onstage 34:20 Counting Shows & Favorite Springsteen Songs (Born to Run, Backstreets, Sandy) 37:29 Have You Met Bruce? Mailing Him a Book + The New Jersey Cameo 39:27 Family Concert Memories: Dad, Uncle, and the Legendary Ticket Scores 42:46 What's Next as a Writer: Secret Projects, Building an Audience & Future Horror Book 44:09 Thunder Road Debate: Does Mary Get in the Car? (Plus ‘Waves' vs ‘Sways') 44:58 Where to Find Sara: Socials, Website, Buying Options & Final Wrap-Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards dives deep into the controversial appointment of Dr. RaShall Brackney as Jackson, Mississippi's new police chief. Clay pulls no punches, predicting her tenure will erupt into a "five-alarm woke dumpster fire" before the year ends, citing her past in Charlottesville, Virginia—where she was fired amid low morale, leadership clashes, and accusations of ruling with an "iron fist." He breaks down criticisms of her reforms, like disbanding SWAT and narcotics units, her wrongful termination lawsuit alleging discrimination, and her perceived softness on crime, including calling gangs "social clubs" and focusing on "joy" in policing over aggressive tactics.   Clay also riffs on broader political chaos: Democrats' reactions to the State of the Union, their stance on immigration and "illegal aliens," and ironic defenses of certain files while shielding others. He touches on "woke" language shifts, brain drain in Mississippi, and the need for head-busting law enforcement in Jackson rather than hugs for thugs. Listener calls and texts add fuel to the fire, debating her credentials, JPD's dire state (including stripped patrol cars and officers unable to testify), and why Capitol Police might clash with her vision!   With Clay's signature unfiltered rants, humor, and no-holds-barred takes—calling out everything from furry Democrats to brainwashed liberals—this episode is a raw dose of reality on crime, politics, and Jackson's future. Tune in for the full fiery discussion!  

Episode 171 of A Cork in the Road explores how access, education, and community can reshape the wine industry through the lens of Oeno Camp, an annual immersive multi-day program designed for BIPOC wine professionals and enthusiasts based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Created through a partnership between The Veraison Project and Oenoverse, Oeno Camp blends vineyard visits, cellar experiences, tastings, and workshops with a strong focus on equity, representation, and real-world industry navigation. This episode weaves together three interviews with former campers to highlight several resonating themes and calls to action. You'll hear from Janelle Freeman, Assistant Director of the Eastern Area for The Veraison Project, alongside two recent campers: Brion Cephus, a wine event curator based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Demi Elder, a sommelier at Bridges in New York City. Together, these conversations reflect on why Virginia wine country is the perfect classroom for this type of programming, how experiential learning can unlock confidence and opportunity, and why community-centered programs matter at a pivotal moment for the wine world. This episode is simultaneously a celebration of Virginia wine and a closer look at resource mechanisms that can widen pathways, invest in people, and build a more inclusive future for the wine industry. For the latest insights related to these efforts, you can follow @oenoverse and @theveraisonproject on Instagram, and you can visit www.twoupwinedown.com for more information about the programming. -----------------*** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support this Atlanta-based wine podcast, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and press releases

This year's Indie Short Film Festival runs from March 20 – 22 in Charlottesville. Two directors from the festival talk about their films. Jamal Hodge has 2 films: “Take it to the Grave” and “Mourning Meal” Kelsey Nerrie is premiering her first short “Repurcussion(s)” They'll give us insight into their backgrounds, their inspirations and the challenges for their projects. LINKS Indie Short Film Festival Jamal Hodge website Kelsey Nerri's social media link: @repercussionsfilm2025 The doc on Terry O'Neill of Penny Lane Pub

In Episode 41, the guys chat with friend of the show, Paul Chang. Paul's journey in the game of golf is quite remarkable and has led him to the #1 team in NCAA Division I Men's Golf and to being a Top 40 ranked amateur in the world. Through determination, hard work and grit, Paul is an inspiration and we hope this conversation will reveal the same thing to you.

Record Numbers Shatter Post-Pandemic Expectations Six years after the pandemic first disrupted American life, a troubling trend emerges across rural Virginia. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank now serves approximately 180,000 people every month—a staggering 39,000 more than the pandemic's peak. Les Sinclair, the organization's Communications and PR Manager, reveals this sobering reality during a recent conversation on The Valley Today with host Janet Michael. Initially, food bank officials believed the pandemic would represent the worst crisis they'd ever face. When government assistance programs temporarily lifted many families out of poverty, demand dropped slightly to around 141,000 monthly visits. However, this optimism proved short-lived. "We thought the numbers would never go up beyond the pandemic max," Les explains. "That just didn't pan out." Instead, inflation took hold with devastating consequences. While prices soared across every sector, wages failed to keep pace. Consequently, more working families find themselves unable to afford basic necessities, forcing them to seek food assistance for the first time in their lives. A Massive Rural Footprint The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank operates across an impressive territory that spans 25 counties and eight cities throughout Virginia. Stretching from Winchester and Frederick County in the north to beyond Lynchburg and Bedford County in the south, the organization covers approximately 12,000 square miles—roughly the size of Maryland or one-third of Virginia's total area. To manage this vast region effectively, the food bank maintains four strategic warehouse locations. Their headquarters sits in Verona, just outside Staunton, while additional distribution centers operate in Winchester, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Notably, the Winchester facility alone serves Frederick, Clarke, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rappahannock Counties, including the densely populated Loudoun County. Moreover, the organization represents a groundbreaking experiment in food banking. When founded in 1981, most food banks concentrated on urban areas where dense populations made distribution easier. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, however, pioneered rural food distribution—a critical distinction since nine out of ten food-insecure Americans live in rural communities rather than urban centers. The Partnership Model That Makes It Work The food bank functions as a sophisticated logistics operation, partnering with Feeding America nationally and hundreds of local food pantries regionally. Les compares their role to a Walmart warehouse, buying food by the truckload and storing massive quantities. Meanwhile, local pantries like Winchester CCAP serve as the "customer-facing" locations, directly distributing food to families in need. This partnership proves essential for reaching scattered rural populations. "We couldn't do what we do without them," Les emphasizes. "They couldn't do what they do without us." Furthermore, the organization sources food from diverse channels. Retail grocers contribute 36% of donations through partner pickup programs, where pantries collect excess inventory directly from stores like Food Lion, Kroger, and Giant. Additionally, the USDA provides government-purchased food from American farmers, while large manufacturers donate products with misprinted labels or excess inventory. Local and regional farmers also contribute fresh produce to the network. The Grocery Store Challenge Recently, however, the retail partnership faced unexpected pressure. During October and November, and again during winter snowstorms, consumers cleared grocery store shelves completely. When stores have no excess inventory, they have nothing left to donate. Compounding this challenge, grocery chains have become remarkably efficient at predicting demand. Using AI technology, they now anticipate that shoppers will buy strawberry Pop-Tarts before storms and adjust inventory accordingly. While this efficiency benefits retailers and consumers, it reduces the surplus available for food banks. Simultaneously, USDA food supplies have dropped 30% year-over-year, forcing the food bank to purchase more food directly. Although they cannot fully replace the high-quality proteins and vegetables the government typically provides, they continue prioritizing nutritious options for their partner pantries. Shattering Misconceptions About Food Pantry Users Perhaps the most persistent myth surrounding food insecurity involves who actually needs assistance. Many people assume food pantry visitors are simply lazy and should "get a job." The reality, however, tells a dramatically different story. Most people seeking food assistance are working. They're trying to improve their lives but living on financial margins so thin that a single unexpected expense creates crisis. In fact, more than a quarter of the food bank's guests visit only once per year—they simply need help getting over a temporary hump. Les shares the story of a convenience store worker who injured her wrist on the job. Unable to work while waiting for workers' compensation, she has zero income and cares for a paralyzed son. She's not lazy—she's injured, uninsured temporarily, and desperately trying to survive until she can return to work. Even when workers' compensation arrives, it typically covers only 70% of regular wages and takes considerable time to process. For families living paycheck to paycheck, missing even one payment creates cascading financial disasters. The Government Shutdown Ripple Effect Currently, partial government shutdowns compound these challenges. Federal workers, particularly TSA agents, continue reporting to work without paychecks. They still pay for childcare, gas, and other necessities, but many receive payment only monthly—making it extraordinarily difficult to stretch resources from one paycheck to the next. Contrary to popular belief, landlords cannot always wait patiently for delayed rent payments. Many landlords depend on rental income to pay their own mortgages. When a tenant misses a $2,000 rent payment, the landlord must still cover their mortgage. Moreover, the economic impact extends far beyond government employees. When federal workers stop dining out, restaurants lose business. Wait staff lose tips. Restaurant owners order less food from suppliers like Sysco. Truck drivers haul fewer loads. The entire economic system suffers. Sarah Cohen of Route 11 Chips experienced this firsthand. During COVID and government shutdowns, her sales to DC cafes plummeted because federal workers weren't coming to the office for lunch. These ripple effects reach deep into Virginia's economy, affecting businesses and workers far from the capital. The Impossible Choice: Heat or Eat Winter brings particularly cruel dilemmas for struggling families. Les recently spoke with William, a roofer injured on the job who lives in a mobile home with his dog, Cocoa. Unable to afford heating, William and Cocoa "just sort of curl up" together while he waits for surgeries that will allow him to return to work. Another woman caring for three disabled grandchildren faces $400 monthly electric bills. With both she and her husband experiencing serious health issues and the children's parents out of the picture, they constantly struggle with the impossible choice between heating their home and feeding their family. These aren't isolated cases. Across the food bank's service area, families regularly face this devastating decision. When $600 heating bills arrive after cold snaps, many choose to keep the lights on and visit food pantries to feed their families. Food as Medicine: A Holistic Approach The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank takes a progressive stance on nutrition, viewing food as medicine rather than mere sustenance. They prioritize fresh produce, which comprised 30% of their distribution last year, because they understand that proper nutrition helps people thrive. Nutritious food keeps medical bills down across entire communities. Children pay better attention in school when properly nourished. People can manage chronic illnesses and diseases through better nutrition. Conversely, when families can only afford high-calorie processed foods, they face increased health risks despite consuming adequate calories—debunking the myth that overweight individuals cannot be food insecure. Additionally, access to food reduces stress, which itself functions as a health intervention. When people live on the edge of a financial cliff, they cannot make good long-term decisions. They're too focused on simply not falling. However, when food security removes one major stressor, families can step back from that precipice and begin making better choices for their futures. Quality Food for Everyone Another common misconception suggests that food bank offerings are somehow subpar. In reality, the food distributed through this network maintains high-quality standards. While well-meaning donors sometimes contribute items like ramen noodles during food drives, the bulk of distributed food comes from retail grocers, USDA programs, and direct purchases of nutritious items. The food bank specifically prioritizes produce because people crave fresh fruits and vegetables. Although produce represents one of the most expensive food categories—often making it a luxury for families on tight budgets—the organization believes everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food regardless of their economic circumstances. How Communities Can Help Fortunately, community members have multiple ways to support this critical mission. Volunteering provides valuable assistance, and notably, many food bank guests themselves volunteer, giving back to the community that supported them during difficult times. Financial donations prove particularly effective. Just $1 helps provide more than three meals, meaning $10 supplies a month of meals for someone in need, while $100 provides 300 meals. The food bank's purchasing power and logistics expertise amplify every dollar donated. Beyond time and money, advocacy matters tremendously. Currently, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks—representing all seven food banks across the state—works to promote "food as medicine" initiatives with the state legislature. Community members can support these efforts through the food bank's website at BRAFB.org/actnow or BRAFB.org/getinvolved. Finally, social media engagement amplifies the message. Following the food bank's social media accounts, resharing posts, and commenting helps spread awareness that hunger relief remains an urgent community need. Finding Help When You Need It For individuals and families currently struggling with food insecurity, Les offers an important message: "You're not alone, and we are here with you. We are here to walk with you through this challenge in your life." The food bank's website features an easy-to-use food finder tool. Visitors to BRAFB.org can click "Find Food," enter their address, and immediately see all nearby pantries with contact information, open hours, and everything needed to access food quickly. Alternatively, Virginians can call 211 for phone-based assistance connecting them with local resources. A Community Responsibility As this conversation reveals, food insecurity affects far more people than most realize—one in nine people across the food bank's service area. These aren't strangers or statistics; they're neighbors, coworkers, and community members facing temporary crises that could happen to anyone. The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank stands ready to help, but they cannot do it alone. Through partnerships with local pantries, support from community donors and volunteers, and advocacy for systemic solutions, the organization continues fighting to ensure everyone has enough to eat. In Janet Michael's words, it's "a responsibility I do not take lightly"—and neither should any of us.

A sermon for Ash Wednesday by Fr. Sean McDermott on February 18, 2026 at All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

A sermon for the First Sunday in Lent by Fr. Sean McDermott on February 22, 2026 at All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, Virginia.

In this episode of Stitch Please, host Lisa Wolfork tackles a critical conversation about anti-fascism, anti-racism, and anti-blackness within progressive craft communities. Prompted by her experience in an anti-fascist knitting subreddit, Lisa addresses the Norwegian Red Hat of Resistance (Melt the Ice pattern), the problematic response to a Black woman's critique, and why anti-fascism without anti-racism is like "a dog chasing its tail." This episode is essential listening for understanding why Black women's critique is not dismissal but observation based on extensive lived experience in predominantly white creative spaces, and why it is so important for us to have our own spaces.Hosted By: Dr. Lisa WoolforkSenior Producer: Krystal HillProducer: Mike Bryant========Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork========Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

In this segment of The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards and blogger Kingfish from JacksonJambalaya.com dissect the controversial hiring of Jackson's new Police Chief, a move that has Clay questioning Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's priorities. Drawing from WLBT reports, Clay labels her as an "extremely woke pro-social justice" figure who checks all the diversity boxes and sued her previous employer in Charlottesville—not for firing, but for not renewing her contract. With a 30-year background at Pittsburgh PD, she was brought in post-Unite the Right rallies to reform a "racist" department, banning SWAT teams and special units, though Kingfish notes she ultimately reduced crime there despite early stumbles, like mishandling a terrorist attack response. They debate skipping internal promotion for respected veteran Wendell White (formerly Gluckstadt's chief) in favor of an out-of-state hire, echoing failed past experiments under mayors like Harvey Johnson. Clay expresses low expectations due to her social justice ties and podcast, while Kingfish suggests a fresh outsider might shake up JPD's 95% Black force—if she collaborates with Capitol Police and avoids purges. The duo weighs her potential success against Jackson's history of external hires flopping, urging listeners to watch how she handles racism claims in a non-diverse department.

Es lief schon besser für Donald Trump. Seine Umfragewerte sind tief. Und, was ihn besonders ärgern dürfte: Viele Amerikanerinnen und Amerikaner bewerten die Amtsführung Joe Bidens rückblickend positiver als jene des amtierenden Präsidenten. Dabei ist Biden alt und krank und nicht mehr im Amt. Es geht auch nicht um ein mögliches Comeback, sondern um einen direkten Leistungsvergleich zwischen den beiden Amtszeiten. (Lesen Sie hier unsere Analyse zu Trumps Baisse.)Fast die Hälfte der Amerikaner bezeichnen Präsident Trump in einer neuen Umfrage, die für die Republikaner voller Warnsignale für die Zwischenwahlen ist, als «korrupt», «rassistisch» und «grausam». Das berichtet das US-Portal «Axios». Dieser Befund könnte eine Folge des rücksichtslosen Vorgehens der ICE-Beamten in Minneapolis sein, durch das eine Amerikanerin und ein Amerikaner getötet wurden. Noch offen ist, ob sich die aktuelle Kritik an Trump auf die Kongresswahlen am 3. November auswirken wird. Obwohl sein Name auf keinem Stimmzettel steht, hat der US-Präsident den Wahlkampf eröffnet, indem er vor einem Sieg der Demokraten warnte. Gleichzeitig hat der Einpeitscher der Maga-Bewegung und frühere Trump-Berater Steve Bannon angekündigt, dass bei den Midterms ICE-Beamte vor den Wahllokalen aufmarschieren werden, um Unbefugte an der Stimmabgabe zu hindern, «damit uns nie mehr eine Wahl gestohlen wird».Wie versucht Donald Trump aus der gegenwärtigen Baisse herauszukommen? Hat er den Epstein-Skandal überstanden, oder kommt da noch mehr raus? Und geht es im November gar um den Fortbestand der amerikanischen Demokratie? Darüber unterhält sich Christof Münger, Leiter des Ressorts International, mit dem langjährigen USA-Korrespondenten Martin Kilian. Kilian lebt in Charlottesville, Virginia.Produzent: Noah Fend  Mehr USA-Berichterstattung finden Sie auf unserer Webseite und in den Apps. Den «Tages-Anzeiger» können Sie 3 Monate zum Preis von 1 Monat testen: tagiabo.ch.Feedback, Kritik und Fragen an: podcasts@tamedia.ch Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time this season, Nick Ossello joins Terry Foy and Larken Kemp to discuss the weekend's action, starting with Syracuse's dramatic No. 1 vs. No. 2 win over Maryland in the Dome on Friday night. From there, they try to balance teams playing their first game — and literally getting up to speed — while not overreacting, diving deep on Penn State's win over Princeton and Cornell's narrow win over Albany. Also, what's going on in Charlottesville?

In the episode, host Clay Edwards reacts to the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at age 84, expressing mixed views on his legacy while focusing on Jackson's criticisms of Donald Trump and his supporters. Edwards highlights several controversial statements from Jackson, including a 2017 response to the Charlottesville events where Jackson accused Trump's rhetoric of fueling "ignorance and hate and fear and violence" from the White House, linking the "Make America Great Again" slogan to "make America segregated again." He cites Jackson's 2016 accusation that Trump voters were "complicit in racism" for supporting a candidate who espoused anti-Semitic tropes, anti-Muslim policies, and anti-Mexican sentiments, stating, "You're on the team... the racist team." Edwards also references Jackson's 2018 claim that the Trump administration advocated "authoritarianism, not decency, and white supremacy, not multiculturalism," and a 2018 column where Jackson contrasted Trump with Abraham Lincoln, accusing him of railing against immigrants, embracing neo-Nazis, assailing the free press, and dismantling governance. Edwards notes Jackson's involvement in pushing LGBTQ issues late in life, which he sees as hijacking the Rainbow Coalition, and mentions Jackson's role in the Jeffrey Dahmer case as a positive contribution. On Trump, Edwards shares the president's Truth Social post calling Jackson a "good man" with "lots of personality, grit, and street smarts" who "truly loved people," while debating whether Trump should lower flags to half-mast—predicting he will for virtue-signaling but hoping he won't, given Jackson's attacks and Democratic double standards. Edwards argues Trump's flaw is appeasing critics who constantly move the goalposts on racism accusations, emphasizing that pleasing Democrats is futile.

Read more from VPM News: Supreme Court of Virginia greenlights redistricting referendum  Hanover school board approves 2026–27 budget plan  On the agenda: Diamond District, RVA Pay, Charlottesville school budget    Other links:  Bill to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board clears House of Delegates (Virginia Mercury)  Petersburg's temporary casino makes $4.7 million in first 10 days (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Virginia measles cases this year already surpass 2025 total, VDH data shows (29News)  Spring fire season and state-wide burning law begin (CBS19)  *Paywall link Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

On episode 253, we welcome Christopher Mathias to discuss the meaning of fascism and what ANTIFA is, fascism's ideological roots in greed and domination, the Charlottesville protests, fascist masking and the threat of being charmed by appearances, whether we owe it to fascism to allow for open debates, whether fascists care about finding the truth, if it's possible to differentiate between conservatives and fascists at this point, and why members of ANTIFA would disagree with being labeled extremists. Christopher Mathias is a journalist covering the far right. Previously a senior reporter at HuffPost, he's done work for the Guardian, MSNBC, Zeteo, and WNYC. His reporting chronicled the rapid radicalization of the GOP, and has helped unmask white supremacist cops, soldiers, teachers, and politicians. Mathias was a Deadline Awards finalist for feature writing. His new book, available now, is called To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right. | Christopher Mathias | ► Twitter | https://x.com/letsgomathias ► Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/letsgomathias.bsky.social ► To Catch a Fascist Book | https://amzn.to/3OaBNJj Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast  

BEING THOMAS JEFFERSON: An Intimate History (Bloomsbury), is the deepest dive yet into the heart and soul, secret affairs, unexplored alliances, and bitter feuds of a generally worshipped, intermittently reviled American icon from accomplished Jefferson scholar and biographer Andrew Burstein. A prolific historian of early American politics and culture long specializing in the life of the mind in bygone times, Burstein peels back the curtain on Jefferson. He shows the most articulate of the founding generation to have been a seductive, quietly ambitious theoretician who privately wavered “between involvement and retreat, between conviction and irresolution,” he writes.About the author: ANDREW BURSTEIN recently retired from Louisiana State University where he was the Charles P. Manship Professor of History. He is the author of The Passions of Andrew Jackson, Jefferson's Secrets, and numerous other books on early American politics and culture. He is co-author (with Nancy Isenberg) of Madison and Jefferson and The Problem of Democracy. He is on the Advisory Committee of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Burstein's writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and on Salon. He advised Ken Burns's production Thomas Jefferson, and was featured on C-SPAN's American Presidents series and Booknotes, as well as numerous NPR programs. He lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. #andrewburstein#charlottesville#monticello #authorpodcast #speakingofwriterspodcast #books

C'est L'Express qui sonne l'alarme. L'hebdomadaire parle de « la fin d'un tabou » et de « cette ultradroite qui réhabilite Hitler ». « À mesure que la mémoire de la Shoah s'estompe, une nouvelle génération "d'ingénieurs du chaos" banalise la figure du Führer. Sur les réseaux sociaux et chez une partie des trumpistes, l'indicible devient "mainstream" et "cool"», explique l'hebdomadaire. « Comment en est-on arrivé là ? »  se demande L'Express, qui se souvient d'une manifestation organisée par des suprémacistes blancs à Charlottesville, en Virginie, le 12 août 2017, aux cris de « les Juifs ne nous remplaceront pas ». Une contre-manifestation dégénère en échauffourées : raconte L'Express. « Un suprémaciste fonce avec sa voiture dans la foule. Bilan : un mort ». Donald Trump, qui en est à la première année de son premier mandat, déclarera : « Il y avait des gens bien des deux côtés ». En 2023, rappelle encore L'Express, Donald Trump, « alors en campagne électorale, affirme que les migrants empoisonnent le sang des États-Unis ». « Une rhétorique qui fait écho à celle d'Adolf Hitler », remarque l'hebdomadaire, qui ne limite pas son inquiétude aux États-Unis, et rappelle qu'aux Pays-Bas, par exemple, « un jeune sur quatre juge que l'Holocauste est "un mythe" ou une "exagération" ».  L'absence des pères Quelle est la vie des enfants de migrants disparus ? Courrier International s'intéresse à la question et publie un article de la Maison des Reporters. Le média en ligne sénégalais s'est rendu à Thiaorye-sur-mer, ville de pêcheurs à quelques kilomètres de Dakar, qui, nous dit-on, « a vu de nombreux jeunes hommes emprunter la périlleuse route des Canaries pour rejoindre l'Europe, sur de fragiles pirogues ». La Maison des reporters a rencontré « ceux qui restent, les enfants de ceux qui sont partis ». Parmi ces enfants, il y a notamment Daba Diop, 14 ans, dont le père est parti il y a un an, et n'a plus jamais donné de nouvelles. Elle se souvient des « mots d'au revoir » que son père leur a adressés, à elle et à sa mère, « les conseils pour exceller à l'école et la promesse de revenir bientôt après avoir acquis les moyens nécessaires à leurs besoins ». « Maintenant », raconte la jeune fille au « visage triste », « c'est moi qui dois prendre des décisions lourdes : rester sérieuse à l'école, aider mes frères et sœurs, ne pas faire de bêtises ». Fama, elle, a raconté à sa petite fille de six ans que « son père était parti en voyage ». « Je finirai par lui dire la vérité », dit-elle, « car si je ne le fais pas, quelqu'un d'autre dans la rue le fera à ma place ». À Thiaroye-sur-Mer, raconte encore la Maison des Reporters, « les conversations entre voisins tournent souvent autour des départs : les rêves d'un meilleur destin, les promesses de travail à l'étranger, les risques des traversées, et les retours incertains ». « Infinie générosité » L'ancien ministre français de la Culture, Jack Lang, sur le banc des accusés, dans le cadre de l'affaire Epstein. « Jack Lang, le profiteur », écrit Marianne, qui parle de « la chute du pacha ». « Frappé par la tempête de l'affaire Epstein et la révélation de multiples mails démontrant sa proximité avec le milliardaire suicidé en prison, Jack Lang a préféré démissionner de l'Institut du monde arabe. Une sortie peu glorieuse à 86 ans. » Dans les Epstein Files, souligne Marianne, « il n'est pas question de sexe, le concernant, mais d'argent ». Le Canard Enchaîné joue avec les mots et estime que pour Jack Lang, « Epstein n'était pas un ami, juste un Jack pote ». L'hebdomadaire satirique détaille : « Il est question de financements en cadeaux, de petits arrangements en voyages payés, de services demandés en entremises pour remercier ». La Tribune Dimanche, qui l'a interrogé, rappelle à Jack Lang, que dans un message, il a « remercié Jeffrey Epstein pour son infinie générosité ». Jack Lang botte en touche, et évoque le prêt d'une voiture, qu'il n'aurait finalement pas utilisée… Et la joie de vivre Gisèle Pélicot fait la Une du Nouvel Obs. Gisèle Pélicot, rappelle l'hebdomadaire, « que l'on avait quittée en icône mondiale, admirée pour son courage et son immense dignité après qu'elle eut levé le huis clos du procès de son mari et de 51 hommes pour l'avoir violée sous soumission chimique ». Gisèle Pélicot, qui n'avait jamais répondu à aucune interview, se dévoile aujourd'hui. Avec la journaliste Judith Perrignon, elle a écrit un livre intitulé Et la joie de vivre, publié chez Flammarion. Pour le Nouvel Obs, ce livre marque « la naissance d'une féministe ». « Je ne suis pas une militante radicale, explique toutefois Gisèle Pélicot, mais j'ai compris que ce qui s'est joué à Avignon n'était pas seulement mon procès, mais celui de toutes les femmes en attente de réponse (…) Je me suis dit, ajoute-t-elle, que le récit de ma vie pourrait être utile à d'autres victimes. Chacun vit, au cours de son existence, des moments extrêmement douloureux et j'ai eu envie d'expliquer comment l'on pouvait s'en relever, quelle que soit leur ampleur ». D'où le titre de son livre : Et la joie de vivre.

VPM News Host Lyndon German and BizSense Reporter Jonathan Spiers discuss the Richmond region's top business stories. This week they cover the closure of the Saks Fifth Avenue retail store in Stony Point, a Charlottesville restaurant coming to the Manchester area and new housing developments under development in several parts of the city.

This Week on In Stride    Sinead Halpin-Maynard is joined by Irish event rider and sport horse sales professional Lee Maher to talk about finding his own path in the horse world and building a successful sales program.Meet the Guest: Lee Maher  Lee Maher is an Irish event rider and co-founder of EquiSales International. He has competed through the upper levels of eventing, including a top-10 finish in a CCI2*-L and a 7th-place result in a CCI2*-S at Mill Spring International Horse Park in 2025. While Lee brings extensive competition experience to his work, his true specialty lies in sport horse sales, where he focuses on giving horses a solid foundation and matching them with riders who are the right long-term fit. He works alongside his husband, Chris Talley, and they split their time between Ocala, FL and Charlottesville, VA.  In This Episode, Lee and Sinead Discuss:    • Taking the leap from Ireland to the U.S. and building a career without a traditional background  • The principles behind his sales program and why honesty and fit matter more than fast results  • What it's like building a business with your spouse and navigating work, life, and time off  • Putting horse welfare first while managing expectations in sales and competition  Episode Sponsor EquiHealth App Keep your horse's training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: - Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts - Exclusive podcast episodes - Dressage test prep resources - A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Looking for More? Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving?  Dr. Erica Lacher's Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now. -  Save 35% with code POD35 at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals.  -  Listen anywhere: https://pod.link/1776969830

When Deb Tyson was recruited to play basketball at Louisburg College in 1974, she had no idea she would also play volleyball. Her head coach, Terry Pettit, had no idea he would coach women's volleyball at the same school, a small junior college in North Carolina. That coincidence changed their professional journeys. Pettit became the head women's volleyball coach at Nebraska, and Deb Tyson became the head volleyball coach at a junior college in Columbus, Nebraska, James Madison University, the University of Virginia, and a decorated high school athletics director in Charlottesville. This is a conversation about her remarkable journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Read more VPM News:  Reforming public university boards is a hot topic at the General Assembly  Richmond Free Press ceases publication after 34 years  Chesterfield teacher's union warns about preparations for ICE confrontations    Other links:  Charlottesville sees decline in opioid overdose calls, though doctors say concerns remain (29 News)  Attorney General Jay Jones joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump's changes to loan forgiveness rules (WRIC)  Va. unemployment claims jump 71%. Those don't include nearly 700 looming Amazon layoffs. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)  After sale of Virginia nursing home, data shows 911 calls spiked by 70% (WTVR)  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

Virginia's recent winter storm brought with it the usual state of emergency announcements along with “the inevitable swooping in” of some politicians going “after anyone who's price gouging.” Price gouging laws basically mean things like “batteries,” “tree removal services,” food and water can't be sold at “unconscionably higher” prices than they were “10 days prior to the storm,” explains Scott Goodman, a defense attorney at The Goodman Law Firm in Charlottesville, Virginia. “The business or the supplier that can open its books and show that this is what it costs them to get the water [for example] and that the percentage of the profit that they're adding on top of that when they sell it to a customer is basically the same as it was prior to the state of emergency, that would again, speak to the fact that they're not price gouging. They're simply passing along a higher cost that they have to the customer.” Follow us on Instagram for EXCLUSIVE bonus content and the chance to be featured in our episodes: https://www.instagram.com/problematicwomen/   Connect with our hosts on socials!   Elise McCue X: https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=EliseMcCue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisemccueofficial/   Virginia Allen: X: https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=Virginia_Allen5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiaallenofficial/   Check out Top News in 10, hosted by The Daily Signal's Tony Kinnett: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjMHBev3NsoUpc2Pzfk0n89cXWBqQltHY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out Christ Episcopal Church, Charlottesville, VA, where David serves on staff.

The Show Must Go On Despite battling the flu for over 10 days, Niki Foster, President of the Front Royal Warren County Chamber of Commerce, refused to miss another episode of The Valley Today. Host Janet Michael awarded her friend the "perseverance award of the year" as they settled in for a conversation about recent community celebrations and upcoming events that have the chamber buzzing with unprecedented excitement. Stargazers Gala Honors Local Leaders The chamber recently hosted its Stargazers Gala, marking a triumphant return to annual dinner awards after a COVID-induced hiatus. The event brought together community members in a mix of elegant cocktail attire and casual work uniforms, creating an inclusive atmosphere that reflected the chamber's welcoming spirit. Among the evening's honorees, Tana Hoffman received Citizen of the Year recognition, while Mayor Lori Cockrell earned the Education Contributor of the Year award. Cockrell, who celebrates 36 years in the public school system before retiring this year, received a particularly touching nomination from a former student who described how the educator followed her journey from elementary school through higher education. Furthermore, the awards recognized Blue Ridge Opportunities as Nonprofit of the Year and entrepreneur Shelly Cook for her community-building efforts. The chamber also introduced a new "Community Spark Plug" award, honoring Jen Avery and Rob McDougall for their energizing presence in Front Royal. Small and Large Businesses Shine In a move that Foster and Michael both celebrated, the chamber now splits business recognition into two categories. On Cue Sports Bar and Grill claimed Small Business of the Year honors, while Rappahannock Electric Cooperative took home the Large Business award. This division allows the chamber to acknowledge that larger businesses often contribute through financial donations, whereas smaller operations typically give their time—both equally valuable yet difficult to compare. Entertainment Elevates the Experience Adding to the evening's magic, literally, the chamber brought in entertainer Chris Michael. Board member Tina Tolliver had originally spotted Michael at a pre-COVID event and finally made her vision a reality five years later. Meanwhile, Brad Minardi from Artsii transformed the venue with spectacular uplighting effects that perfectly complemented the stargazer theme. Wine Festival Registration Breaks Records Shifting to future events, Niki shared staggering news about the May Wine and Craft Festival. By early February, the chamber had already secured 17 wineries—a number they typically reach just before the event itself. Even more impressive, approximately half of these participants are new to the festival, offering attendees fresh tasting opportunities alongside their beloved regulars. Additionally, food vendor spots have nearly sold out, with only three spaces remaining. This early momentum represents an unprecedented shift in the festival's typical timeline. Foster attributes the surge partly to the chamber's strategy of limiting food vendors to encourage festival-goers to support Main Street restaurants and coffee shops. The festival, scheduled for the third Saturday in May, expects around 200 total vendors including wineries, crafters, and commercial exhibitors. All participating wineries hail from across Virginia, from the Eastern Shore to Charlottesville, with local meaderies Honey and Hops and Saga also returning. Bowling for Business and Community Before the wine flows in May, the chamber invites the community to its popular bowling event in March. These twice-yearly gatherings at Rick Novak's bowling alley consistently sell out, offering a low-key opportunity for team building, employee appreciation, or simply an evening out with friends. The event takes on added significance this year as Novak's movie theater recently suffered fire damage and remains closed. Supporting the bowling alley directly helps a local business owner navigate challenging times. Interested participants can register online through the chamber's website or Facebook event page, though Janet jokingly suggested avoiding in-person registration to spare people from Niki's lingering cough. Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead Before wrapping up, Niki highlighted Jenneration Salon's 20th anniversary celebration on February 12th. Owner Jen Nicholson, who relocated from the Martin Shopping Center to her own renovated building on Warren Avenue two years ago, will host a ribbon-cutting at 5:30pm followed by refreshments. Looking to February 24th, the chamber's Business After Hours event will showcase CSM Aesthetics at Blake & Co Hair Spa. Janet marveled at how much the beauty industry has evolved, noting that salons now offer services far beyond traditional cuts and color—including Botox, permanent makeup, and various aesthetic treatments. These networking events remain open to non-members, allowing curious community members to test-drive chamber involvement before committing to membership. A Testament to Community Spirit Throughout the conversation, both women emphasized the difficulty of selecting award winners when so many individuals and organizations deserve recognition. Yet this challenge itself speaks to Front Royal's vibrant business community and the chamber's role in celebrating those who make it thrive. As Foster battles through her illness to share these updates, she embodies the very perseverance and community dedication that the chamber honors. For more information about upcoming events and committee opportunities, community members can visit frontroyalchamber.com or follow the organization on social media.

Today on the show, we're diving into the latest controversy shaking up the country. Donald Trump's social media post depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys has sparked outrage from both Democrats and Republicans.Even Senator Tim Scott called it “the most racist thing I've seen from this administration.”So here's the question: Can we finally agree that Donald Trump is a racist?We're breaking down his long history of racist and divisive rhetoric — from the birther movement to Charlottesville — and asking whether Black MAGA will finally stand up to this kind of behavior.And because America can't seem to agree on anything right now, even the Super Bowl halftime show is dividing us!Will you be tuning in to Bad Bunny's halftime performance or Turning Point USA's “All-American Halftime Show”?It's the biggest sports day in America — and somehow, we're still split down the middle.

This week on Stitch Please, Lisa sits down with creative powerhouse and master maker Mr. Larrie an innovator, educator, and all around joy generator in the crafting world. From crafty kid beginnings to becoming a standout voice in the arts, Mr. Larrie shares how glue, glitter, and self discovery can absolutely change your life (and possibly your furniture).They get real about representation, personal growth, and the not so glam side of the crafting industry, plus how to build brand relationships without selling your creative soul. Mr. Larrie also dishes on his podcast Happy Again, where joy and self expression are always in season.It's inspiration, laughs, and creative truth bombs proof that being fully yourself is the ultimate handmade flex. ====Where You Can Find Mr Larrie! ===========Dr. Lisa Woolfork is an associate professor of English specializing in African American literature and culture. Her teaching and research explore Black women writers, Black identity, trauma theory, and American slavery. She is the founder of Black Women Stitch, the sewing group where Black lives matter. She is also the host/producer of Stitch Please, a weekly audio podcast that centers on Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing. In the summer of 2017, she actively resisted the white supremacist marches in her community, Charlottesville, Virginia. The city became a symbol of lethal resurging white supremacist violence. She remains active in a variety of university and community initiatives, including the Community Engaged Scholars program. She believes in the power of creative liberation.Instagram: Lisa WoolforkTwitter: Lisa Woolfork======Stay Connected:YouTube: Black Women StitchInstagram: Black Women StitchFacebook: Stitch Please Podcast--Sign up for the Black Women Stitch quarterly newsletterCheck out our merch hereLeave a BACKSTITCH message and tell us about your favorite episode.Join the Black Women Stitch PatreonCheck out our Amazon Store

Carolina was in big trouble late in the first half against Virginia, but came back to beat the Cavaliers in Charlottesville (2:15)...Joel Berry joins to talk about the win and the Tar Heel season (14:32)Plus: did Matt Krause sleep in Carmichael to call the WBB game? (41:00), the FB schedule is about to be released (42:08) and, despite what Facebook says, Jones isn't dead (52:19)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.