Charlottesville

Charlottesville Environmental Group Leads Legal Battle Against Federal Fund Freeze Impacting Multiple Cities and Nonprofits

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — An environmental legal group headquartered in Virginia has launched a lawsuit against the current administration for halting federal environmental funding that multiple cities and nonprofit organizations depend on. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), which represents these groups, argues that the action to freeze these funds contradicts congressional directives. The SELC’s litigation efforts include representation for a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from environmental initiatives like the Alliance for Shenandoah and the Sustainability Institute to city governments such as Baltimore and Nashville. These entities have historically relied on federal support to manage … Read more

Charlottesville Residents Demand Action as Misplaced Utility Poles Create Hazardous Sidewalk Conditions

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In Charlottesville, Virginia, concerns have emerged regarding ongoing violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) due to the placement of utility poles. These placements often force wheelchair users and other pedestrians to divert into the street, posing significant safety risks. Tom Vandever from the Independence Resource Center highlighted that some sidewalks are too narrow to meet ADA requirements, which stipulates a minimum pathway width of 36 inches, with a possible exception down to 32 inches under specific conditions. Vandever pointed out, “When you force people who use wheelchairs out into the street, you’re just … Read more

Jury’s Multimillion-Dollar Verdict Against White Nationalists in Charlottesville Case Partially Restored by Appeals Court

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RICHMONd, Va. — Four years following the tumultuous and violent 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, justice has been sought through a pivotal legal battle. Recently, a federal jury determined leaders and groups associated with the white nationalist movement are liable for over $26 million in damages, acknowledging the physical and emotional harm inflicted on several individuals. This substantial judgment captured headlines mostly for its punitive damage component initially set at $24 million. However, this figure was later reduced significantly by a judge to only $350,000 shared among eight plaintiffs. In a turn of … Read more

Federal Court Reinstates Millions in Damages Against White Supremacists for Charlottesville Rally Violence

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Richmond, Va. — A federal appeals court on Monday overturned a previous decision that had substantially reduced the damages awarded to plaintiffs who suffered during the violent Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in 2017. The court’s decision reinstates over $2 million in damages, initially granted by a jury to victims who endured physical and emotional distress caused by prominent white supremacists and hate groups. In 2021, a jury awarded $24 million in total damages to eight plaintiffs for the hardships endured during the rally. However, this amount was later cut down by a judge … Read more