She spent 18 years in central Virginia prisons — and wants the world to know that incarcerated mothers matter
Candace Williams tells her story of being a woman in prison and the challenges of getting out.
More than a month after Zamma Corporation’s sudden closure, many former employees are still without jobs — or answers
The Orange-based vinyl and laminate molding plant shut down without warning on March 2, leaving workers struggling to adapt to the abrupt transition in a difficult job market.
2026 Central Virginia Voter Guide
The 2026 election season is already underway, with a statewide constitutional amendment on the ballot before April 21. Charlottesville Tomorrow’s Voter Guide covers every eligible race in central Virginia — from this spring’s special election through the November general.
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The first step to creating our shared future is imagining it.
For Charlottesville Tomorrow’s 20th anniversary, we are inviting central Virginians to share their visions for the next 20 years.
After student takeover, historic Elliewood bookstore shifts toward community-centered mission
Now operating as Ginkgo Bookshop, the former Heartwood Books plans to host free events, book clubs and more to strengthen ties between the university and local residents.
Charlottesville parents, teachers and activists ask for revote on school resource officers
The School Board has moved ahead with an agreement with the Charlottesville Police Department, but said it will devote an April work session to ‘further discussion’ of the matter.
After two years without independent counsel, Charlottesville’s police oversight board has an attorney to represent its interests to the city
New counsel will review suggested ordinance changes that will shape the Board’s role before a planned meeting with City Council.
The Big Stories
How Virginia’s re-entry system fails formerly incarcerated women — even when they do everything right
Jessica Cook, a single mother from Charlottesville, did everything the court asked. Her life shows how fragile “success” can be after incarceration for women.
Madison County residents demand stronger action after School Board member said Muslims ‘hate America’ and ‘will kill us when given the opportunity’
“He’s been known for making comments for years, so I feel like if they really wanted to find a solution, they would’ve solved it a long time ago and not waited until his term was almost over,” said 2025 Madison County High School graduate Willa Lewis.
From bake sales to big checks, this is how the tiny town of Gordonsville raised millions for a new swimming pool and park
Along the way, the project pushed Gordonsville to reckon with the pool’s segregated past — and gave the town a chance to rebuild something more inclusive in its place.
UVA’s deal with DOJ avoids monetary fines, but lawyers and faculty say it comes at a steep cost
“The underlying theme of what’s happening is that they’re trying to exclude voices and ideas,” Chris Ford, a contracts lawyer and UVA alumnus, said.
From the newsroom
Charlottesville Tomorrow welcomes community leaders as new members of the Board of Directors
Barbara Kessler transitions to her position as chair of the Board of Directors, while Claudine Ebeid, Amel Gorani and Shilpa Davé join as board members.
Come see Charlottesville Tomorrow’s new newsroom at ‘Chamber After 5’ on March 12
In collaboration with the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Charlottesville Tomorrow and the Creator Hub will co-host a networking event and open house.
FIRST PERSON
With the season’s first snow came hateful speech for this Charlottesville resident
Brianna Patten writes about why she doesn’t trust the institutions meant to protect us — and what she worries about for the future.
Listen: She left Yogaville because she says it was a toxic environment
In this First Person Charlottesville podcast episode, former Yogaville resident Brianna Patten speaks up — and helps others do the same.
The inaugural Trans Futures Conference is coming to Charlottesville. Charley Burton explains why this is the right place to host it
We need a community where Black, white, brown, non-binary, trans masculine, trans feminine and allies come together for a common cause, writes Burton.
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