In brief

Medical directives Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital President Rita Bunch is stepping down on September 13. Bunch has served as division president for the hospital since January 2022, and will be joining the Erlanger health system in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “It has been an incredible honor to serve the Charlottesville community and lead Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital […]

America’s culture war is running right through central Virginia’s schools

On September 28, 2021, former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe said something during the second gubernatorial debate that would spark a movement of conservatives in the state: “I don’t think parents should be telling schools what they should teach.” The Hill would later describe McAuliffe’s statement as “deserving of a top listing in the Hall of […]

VDOT removes left-turn lanes from Hydraulic Road onto Route 29

Starting August 26, motorists can no longer turn left onto Route 29 from Hydraulic Road. The recent closure of the left-turn lanes is the Virginia Department of Transportation’s latest effort to improve traffic flow at the intersection. The change in traffic pattern was completed overnight, from August 25 to 26, with the left-turn lanes from […]

In brief

Deep dish Charlottesville resident Rachel Drame has been charged with arson of an unoccupied structure in connection with an August 11 fire at Vocelli Pizza. The fire caused approximately $30,000 in damage to the pizzeria, and investigators with the Albemarle County Fire Marshal office quickly determined the blaze was suspicious after first responders found the […]

Charlottesville City Council increases salaries and considers ranked-choice voting

At its August 19 meeting, Charlottesville City Council delved into a number of hot-button local issues, including council salaries and ranked-choice voting. Under new legislation from the Virginia General Assembly, city governments can now vote to increase salaries, with pay limits determined by locality population size. A proposed salary ordinance would increase councilors’ annual pay […]

Draft congressional budget bills allocate millions for local projects and organizations

After a tumultuous budget cycle that led to the ouster of former speaker Kevin McCarthy last year, Congress is diving back into budget negotiations for Fiscal Year 2025. Draft bills passed by the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee include more than $3 million in appropriations for local projects supporting Charlottesville and Albemarle County efforts around affordable […]

In brief

Home court Former University of Virginia basketball star Kyle Guy is returning to Charlottesville as Athlete Development Mentor/Special Assistant for the Hoos. “We are thrilled to welcome Kyle and his family back to Charlottesville,” said UVA men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Bennett in an August 7 release announcing Guy’s return. “Kyle is not only one […]