Good morning, Charlottesville.

Incoming UVA freshman Zach Klein and co-founder Austin Frankel have launched Talking Stage, an app that teaches social and dating skills through daily lessons plus AI chats.

The tool is designed to boost face-to-face connections and is now available on the App Store.

Recent rains have raised water levels on the Rivanna River, allowing the Rivanna River Company to resume tubing & kayaking for a short time.

The company advises river users to stay alert for downed trees as rentals continue through mid-September before fall activities start.

Local cyclists including Vice Mayor Nate Oschrin call for safer bike lanes following a near miss on 5th Street Southwest near the I-64 interchange; the city will work with the county & VDOT on a restriping plan for Rose Hill Drive and a separate bridge for bikes and pedestrians.

Emmet Street near JPJ is closed today due to a reported gas leak near 400 Emmet St; city Fire Department + Utilities are at the scene, and motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

After severe storms on Friday toppled trees on tents at the Free Bridge encampment, no injuries occurred among the 80+ unhoused residents near the Rivanna River Trail.

The city will clear the encampments and open a temporary shelter at 2000 Holiday Dr around Sept. 1.

A Charlottesville company reported that its new Icarus Medical Ascender knee brace (custom-fit to ease knee arthritis pain) reduced pain by 59% for 113 patients in a study showing 93% of knees improved over four weeks.

A UVA Health doctor developed a new program to manage Type 2 diabetes without relying solely on medication or strict diets — the initiative aims to offer a more flexible treatment plan for patients.

UVA Health Children’s has relaunched the Ronald McDonald House Hospitality Cart, delivering free snacks, drinks and comfort items directly to families every Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m. Volunteers run the cart (serving patients, siblings and parents) in the NICU, cardiology and oncology units to ease long hospital stays.

UVA announced that men’s basketball coach Ryan Odom will lead the team through 2032 after a strong season that saw a 30-6 record and an ACC appearance, with Odom thanking the UVA community for its support in Charlottesville.