City spokesman resigns; radio critic claims victory*

 Ric Barrick, the city’s director of communications, abruptly announced his resignation last week, telling WVIR TV that his job had become too stressful and citing the Huguely trial and a recent internal investigation into his conduct as factors. Ric Barrick, the city’s director of communications, resigned last week amidst allegations that he had violated procedure […]

Local MCs struggle to maintain the scene without regular venues

Charlottesville and hip-hop have a troubled relationship; every time a scene gets going, something screws it up. The problem can be traced back to 2001, when the now-shuttered Tokyo Rose ended its hip-hop shows because someone brandished a gun outside the sushi restaurant. The now infamous Outback Lodge also shut down its weekly “Underground Hip-Hop […]

McIntire Park planning—any end in sight?

  This image from the 2004 McIntire Park Master Plan shows how McIntire Park East could be used as a community open space and a transportation anchor connecting the Meadowcreek corridor to Schenk’s Greenway and Downtown. (Courtesy Charlottesville Parks and Recreation) New York’s Central Park. The Boston Common. Hyde Park in London. These world class […]

Your guide to getting hired in Charlottesville and beyond

(Illustration by Matt Pamer) It feels a little like musical chairs, doesn’t it? There are only so many jobs and too many people vying for each one. It’s scary to think that when the music stops, you might be left without. But, if a February statement from President Obama is any indication, things are looking […]

Women's reproductive rights community rallies against GOP legislative agenda

Charlottesville residents Abby Guskind and Jean Burke were among the 31 people arrested at the State Capitol in Richmond last week for protesting a bill that would have required Virginia women seeking abortions to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound. Governor Bob McDonnell signed a modified version of the bill into law on Wednesday, March 6. (Photo by […]

UVA heads to NCAA Tournament short-handed facing long odds

Senior forward Mike Scott has been UVA’s “big horse” all year long, finishing second in the vote for ACC Player of the Year and being named first team All-ACC. (Photo by Matt Riley)  Sunday evening’s announcement that the University of Virginia’s men’s basketball team was returning to the NCAA tournament for the first time since […]

UVA nursing conference explores health impact of intimate partner violence

 Last month two Charlottesville men, George Huguely V and Barry Bowles, were convicted of second degree murder for killing their sexual partners. Huguely’s trial was national news and Bowles’ was an afterthought, but they were shockingly similar cases. Both men had convictions for violence and alcohol abuse, both had choked their victims in incidents prior […]