Author Archive for Waldo Jaquith

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UVa. Med Center Settles Billing Case

UVa’s Medical Center is paying the federal government $3M as a result of a Department of Justice probe of their billing practices. Turns out that throughout the last decade they’ve misbilled the government for outpatient clinic costs, though not necessarily intentionally. WINA has the story.

Our Friend Jim Hanchett

Janis Jaquith, regular essayist for the Daily Progress and NPR’s Marketplace (and my mother), has contributed a brief essay on Channel 29 and their habit of personally thanking their “Washington correspondent.” Writes Janis, “Oh, right. Like Jim Hanchett will be at the WVIR Christmas party. I don’t think so.” Read on for her essay.

It’s so embarrassing to watch Channel 29 news these days. Whenever it’s time for the Washington report from Jim Hanchett (obviously some kind of franchise deal – Jim Hanchett is “our man in Washington” for tons of NBC affiliates) you know that the Charlottesville anchor is going to pretend to be in direct contact with ol’ Jim, and say, “Thanks, Jim.”

Oh, right. Like Jim Hanchett will be at the WVIR Christmas party. I don’t think so.

How stupid does WVIR think we are? This kind of thing has been going on for years with a variety of “McReporters”. The reason I can remember Jim Hanchett’s name is that he’s been doing this for several months now.

Whenever I’m watching the Channel 29 news and see Jim Hanchett come on the screen, I start muttering, “Don’t do it Stacey – don’t thank him! It makes you look ridiculous!”

And then I cringe as Jim Hanchett says, “Back to you” and I squeeze my eyes shut as Stacey Horst says, “Thanks, Jim.”

I don’t object to WVIR using other news sources – it’s pretending that the reporter is part of the local news staff that I find insulting.

It makes the whole operation look so rinky-dink…and deceptive. And who wants their news to come from a deceptive source? Think about it.

Election Results Mixed

Democrat Mark Warner has won the governor’s race, Republican Jerry Kilgore has won the race for attorney general, Republican Rob Bell got the 58th district seat in the House, and Democrat Timothy Kaine was elected to lieutenant governor. Bell and Kilgore’s victories were particularly spectacular, each getting 60% of the vote. WVIR has detailed results.

General election today

Will writes: It’s that time of year when we all get to exercise our right to vote! Elections for governor, leutenant governor, attorney general, and a smorgasbord of other positions are underway right now, so mosey on over to your local voting center and cast your votes.

I just know I’m going to get into that booth and be faced with elections that I’ve never even heard of. It happens every year.

Council Approves Living Wage

In a long-awaited vote, City Council has approved the much-debated living wage. The $8/hour minimum wage applies only to businesses contracting with the City. Tim Hulbert of the Chamber of Commerce continues his opposition, even suggesting in an interview with WVIR this evening that it may not be within the City’s power to enact this new law. Also, Council voted in a small raise for themselves, though it doesn’t take effect until the next term.

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