Contract news could mean savings

UVA Athletics Director Craig Littlepage last week faced a decision with a large potential impact on athletic finances: whether to extend the contract for Head Football Coach Al Groh an extra year, through 2011. His decision not to (“The expectations for our program are higher than a 5-7 season,” said Littlepage in an e-mail) could […]

Golf-ball sized lump ruined Thanksgiving

It was one of the first days of Thanksgiving break, and, after a week of especially hurried school work, Staci Raab had planned to finally sleep in. A vivacious UVA junior, Raab awoke in her childhood bedroom in Richmond on Sunday, November 19, ready to enjoy her week of rest. It wasn’t long before she […]

Electrician: No more decorations for me

When Wayne Russell threw the switch that set aglow thousands of string lights across the UVA Lawn for the annual Lighting of the Lawn on November 30, his holiday decorating was officially over for the year. “This is my Christmas decorations,” he said, pointing to the lights. “Besides the tree, I’m not doing any more at home.”

Choir Director charged with sex crimes

A grand jury indicted Jonathan Spivey, choir director at Charlottesville High School, on seven felony counts of indecent liberties with a minor on Thursday, November 30. The charges came after a months-long investigation by Charlottesville Police prompted by reports from school personnel.

No charges for Omni scuffle

The U.S. Senate race between George Allen and Jim Webb may have come to its official conclusion, but some campaign incidents have yet to die—like the October 31 confrontation at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel between liberal blogger (and UVA law student) Mike Stark and George Allen supporters. Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Chapman tried to put the […]

Judgeships become more political

The Virginia General Assembly will have an open judge’s seat to fill next year, given the recently announced retirement of Albemarle Circuit Court Judge Paul M. Peatross. Though lawmakers have called for an open and fair appointment, local lawyers expect the process to reflect increasing partisanship in judicial appointments in the state. Albemarle Commonwealth’s Attorney […]

How to arrest a hooker on Cherry Avenue

When officer Joe Brown returned to work at the Charlottesville Police Department after several weeks off, Sergeant Marc Brake noticed a change in the man’s appearance. Brown “had grown a beard, looked kinda scraggly,” according to Brake. Officer Brown’s appearance was a contrast to his clean, efficient skills: “A lot of tactical experience, experience as […]

Local Planned Parenthood to join NC branch

Contraceptive devices might be getting smaller—patches that are paper thin, hormone pills that are low dose—but Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge (PPBR) is in final negotiations to supersize itself. It wants to merge with a North Carolina affiliate—a move organization officials say aims to help women retain their reproductive rights in Virginia. It’s an […]

Patience, says son of Iraq president

“We should encourage the participation of the communists in Iraq,” said Qubad Talabani. Eyebrows were raised among the roughly 150 people listening. Talabani, with his British accent, pinstripe suit and polished wingtips, is decidedly not a communist. The son of Iraq’s president, he is also the Kurdistan Regional Government’s representative in the U.S. The communists, […]

Free Union VDOT station to close?

As Dick Hayden was driving to his home in Free Union, he thought the flashing roadside sign might caution him of a closing lane ahead. But as he drew closer, he noticed it gave notice of different closure: that of the Free Union area facility for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). It handles day-to-day […]