A gay old time: Virginia’s march toward marriage equality continues

If there’s one issue absolutely guaranteed to drive social conservatives crazy, it’s the rapidly shifting status of same-sex marriage in America. Once thought so powerful a political weapon that Republicans used it (to great effect) to help increase GOP turnout in the 2004 presidential election, marriage equality has now reached a level of acceptance—in both […]

UPDATED: Fiery, five-vehicle crash on I-64W kills two

UPDATE, 10am Thursday, August 7: State police have confirmed that two people have now died following the five-vehicle crash Wednesday morning. According to police spokeswoman Corinne Geller, a flatbed tractor trailer sparked the collision when it rear-ended a Nissan Pathfinder. The Pathfinder was pushed into a Lincoln Town Car. During the pileup, a Chevrolet Suburban […]

New date set for Weiner sentencing hearing

On Monday, a judge agreed to an October 8 sentencing date for Mark Weiner, the 53-year-old former grocery store clerk convicted for abduction with intent to defile in May 2013. Weiner’s attorneys have raised questions about the evidence used to convict him. They have pointed to expert testimony that contradicts the story that a chemically […]

Sabato on Cantor’s career post-Congress: ‘He’s going to be very, very well paid’

Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor dropped a bomb Thursday when he announced that he’s not only stepping down from his leadership role, but quitting Congress altogether, raising questions about what’s next for the 7th District Republican—and how quickly his successor might assume office. Cantor suffered a surprise defeat in the June primary when he was bested […]

Life, twice: Court rejects Randy Taylor’s last-minute offer

A Nelson County Circuit Court judge sentenced Randy Taylor to two life sentences in prison for the abduction and murder of 17-year-old Alexis Murphy, whose body has never been found. Taylor has maintained his innocence, but during the July 23 sentencing hearing, his attorney said Taylor would disclose Murphy’s whereabouts if the court reduced his […]

Court drama: The McDonnells trial begins

Just how much are we looking forward to the July 28 kick-off of the federal corruption trial of former Governor Bob McDonnell and his wife Maureen? Well, let’s just say that any visitor to Odd Dominion headquarters over the next six weeks will encounter a giant “Do Not Disturb” sign and the wafting smell of […]

Sentencing delayed: Court orders sex offender evaluation for Weiner

Two dozen family members and friends sat in Albemarle Circuit Court July 22 for the sentencing of 53-year-old Mark Weiner, who was convicted of abduction with intent to defile in May 2013 and has been jailed since his arrest in December 2012. But instead of a sentence, Judge Cheryl Higgins ordered a sex offender evaluation […]

What’s happening in Charlottesville-Albemarle the week of July 21

Each week, the news team takes a look at upcoming meetings and events in Charlottesville and Albemarle we think you should know about. Consider it a look into our datebook, and be sure to share newsworthy happenings in the comments section.  The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board meets at 1pm Monday, July 21 in Room […]