Drought delays the Batteau Festival, but fireworks and new music are still lighting up Staunton. Virginia wines battle French rivals in Paris, while Veritas serves up supper. UVa names a new Darden dean and keeps De Ridder for another season as college recruiting heats up. Affordable housing gets a bipartisan boost with manufactured homes in the spotlight. Chris Johnson’s daughter revives the Ice Bucket Challenge, and Taylor Swift’s rumored July 3 NYC wedding sparks buzz. Waynesboro students’ bookmark designs shine nationally, and the June Strawberry Moon adds celestial flair.

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Eating on a budget in Charlottesville doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or convenience—especially on campus. From affordable meal-exchange spots like Blenz Bowls and Marco & Luca Dumplings to cozy coffee hubs like Grit Coffee and Atlas Coffee, students are finding tasty, wallet-friendly eats right where they study and socialize. Places like Crozet Pizza and Pavilion XI blend affordability with vibe, offering trivia nights, quick bites, and familiar favorites—all without draining your wallet. Whether you’re grabbing a bagel or savoring a smoothie bowl, campus dining is evolving into a smart, delicious game.

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Montpelier’s leadership is undergoing a major shift as Kelley Fanto Deetz takes the helm as executive director, bringing deep institutional experience and a bold vision for telling the estate’s full, complex history—including its legacy of slavery. With historic sites nationwide rethinking how they present difficult truths, Deetz’s appointment signals a pivotal moment for Montpelier’s future, as the foundation continues its mission to honor the lives of those who lived there and engage a new generation of visitors.

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Governor Abigail Spanberger just vetoed a sweeping bill that would have forced Virginia’s public-sector workers into mandatory collective bargaining — a move that could’ve rewritten 50 years of state law and triggered massive budget crises for local governments. The legislation would’ve granted unions exclusive bargaining power, something last seen in Virginia since 1977. While Democrats had allowed localities to opt-in, most resisted formal negotiations, fearing the fiscal fallout. The real concern? Public unions can negotiate with taxpayer dollars, creating a dangerous incentive for politicians to reward unions with costly benefits — not to mention campaign cash — at the expense of fiscal responsibility. Spanberger even tried to delay the bill until after her term, but when lawmakers refused to compromise, she stood firm. Her veto is being hailed as a victory for taxpayers and local budgets — a pragmatic, fiscally responsible stand that may disappoint union advocates but aligns with her core campaign promises.

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Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall turns 50—and it’s still the heartbeat of the city. Since opening in 1974, this iconic pedestrian hub has evolved from shopping destination to living history, now celebrated with a special exhibit, walking tours, and a vibrant present that proves its legacy is far from over.

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Student Council just wrapped up their first summer meeting — packed with big moves, budget cuts, and a controversial bill. After delays caused by the president’s postponed inauguration, they unanimously confirmed all cabinet and department heads. The summer budget? A solid $59,250 — down from last year’s $67,341.46 — with major cuts to coalition and admin expenses, while representative committee funding rose slightly. Still, $29,000 goes to contracted independent orgs (CIOs) for events and swag, plus a new $3,000 arts fund — but some committees got zero funding. They also tabled a bill to ease emergency meeting calls outside the academic year, shifting from unanimous to two-thirds approval — sparking debate over whether that threshold is too high. New CIOs were also approved, delayed from spring. Next up: August 25th.

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Milly Alcock delivers a raw, emotionally layered performance as broken-down Supergirl Kara Zor-El, whose grief over Krypton’s fall and her mother’s dying wish to “be good” fuels her self-destructive spiral—complete with red sun trips and booze. While her cousin Superman survives, Kara’s trauma is real, and her reluctant heroism ignites when Krem poisons her dog Krypto. The film’s gritty, Mad Max-inspired visuals and indie-punk soundtrack set a moody tone, but shaky action choreography and a dull aesthetic undercut its ambition. Jason Momoa’s chaotic Lobo steals scenes, while Krem’s underwhelming menace weakens the stakes—making this a visually bold but technically flawed take on a fractured hero.

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