Colleges are free speech offenders in this year’s Muzzles

“The answer to speech you don’t like is more speech, not censorship.” That was Josh Wheeler’s message to an April 20 gathering for the 10th anniversary of the Free Speech Wall on the Downtown Mall. And it’s a message directed to colleges and universities, 50 of which were the recipients of the 25th annual Jefferson […]

Cheer leader: 48-year-old tries out to be a Saintsation

One local woman proved that age is only a number when she auditioned for the New Orleans Saints’ official cheerleading team, the Saintsations, April 17. A personal trainer at ACAC and a New Orleans native, 48-year-old Gina Ostarly spent last Sunday performing a choreographed dance routine on the Saints’ practice field at its team headquarters […]

Historic hire: Al Thomas is Charlottesville’s first black police chief

City Manager Maurice Jones announced Lexington Police Chief Al Thomas as his pick to head the Charlottesville Police Department, and City Council approved Thomas, who is the city’s first black police chief, April 18. Thomas was one of 63 applicants, says Jones, in a search that was “deep” and involved three rounds of interviews. And […]

Brewery buyout: Big beer company acquires Devils Backbone

Local craft brewery Devils Backbone announced on social media it was being sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev at 10:35am on April 12. By noon, the court of public opinion had tried and convicted the Nelson County company of selling out. Brewery ownership was a bunch of “cowards.” They were “greedy,” looking to “cash in,” sold to […]

In brief: Eramo v. Jackie, Wegmans and more

Eramo v. Jackie Former UVA dean Nicole Eramo fought for months to get discredited “A Rape on Campus” source Jackie deposed for her defamation suit against Rolling Stone. That finally happened April 7, and now Eramo wants the court to throw out “personal attacks” Jackie allegedly made during the deposition, according to April 12 court […]

Welfare check: Burruss lawsuit against Albemarle police moves forward

Does an employer’s request for a welfare check on a man who has a gun but has made no threats to harm himself or others warrant holding him for two hours? That’s what a judge will determine in Benjamin Burruss’ lawsuit against five Albemarle police officers and the county for unlawful seizure, false imprisonment and […]

Council split on Lee Park commission

City Council heard from around three dozen people at its marathon five-hour April 18 hearing on the statue of General Robert E. Lee and the forming of a blue ribbon commission on race, memorials and public spaces. Much like the citizens that spoke before them, the councilors found themselves split on how to move forward. […]

Virginia Flaggers rally to keep the Lee statue standing

In an effort to “Save Lee Park,” the Virginia Flaggers hosted an April 18 rally in front of the park’s General Robert E. Lee monument to advocate for keeping the historic statue in place, after the group made their opposition to removing it known at a rally last month, which was hosted by Vice-Mayor Wes […]

Jason Flom on rock ‘n’ roll and getting the innocent out of prison

Lava Records founder Jason Flom could be the most successful recording executive of this era. But it was his other great passion—for justice—that packed the Paramount at the Tom Tom Festival Founders Summit April 15. Flom, who said he lost his virginity at a Yes concert when he was 15, launched mega-performers like Katy Perry, […]

Felony charges in unlawful filming case stem from Bell bill

Forest Lakes resident Thomas Andrew Eagleson will remain in jail after his attorney, Rhonda Quagliana, told the judge in Albemarle General District Court this morning her client would not be seeking bond at this time. Eagleson, 45, appeared on video from the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail, where he has been since his arrest April 11. […]