4BETTER OR WORSE- The week in review
Worst driving by an Albemarle cop: Officer Eric Kudro, 29, crashes his cruiser into a pickup truck May 16 in Waynesboro, where he lives, according to police. Damage is estimated at $5,000 for the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria and $8,000 for the '96 Ford Ranger. Kudro is charged with failure to maintain proper control, and Albemarle police are investigating the incident.
Last time Officer Kudro was in the news: For Tasing an intoxicated, handcuffed student who tried to flee custody at a UVA football game in November.
Least successful getaway: A suspect is arrested in the woods behind the Seminole Trail BB&T minutes after the May 18 bank robbery, NBC29 reports. The suspect had a gun and cash, and his car allegedly was parked at J.C. Penney at Fashion Square Mall.
Least rushed decision: Judge Cheryl Higgins takes a week to decide whether to unseal what is allegedly her own order to seal the documents in the case against George Huguely, who is accused of murdering his former girlfriend. The Daily Progress, Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Associated Press argue May 18 that the secret order should be open, and Charlottesville Circuit Court Clerk Paul Garrett complains the motion should be dismissed because it's taking up too much of the clerk's time and is not being pursued through the right channels.
Most white ribbons: A UVA student-led effort will distribute 25,000 white ribbons at the May 23 commencement to to raise awareness about violence against women in the wake of the murder of classmate Yeardley Love.
Sweetest victory: The women's lacrosse team wins its first-round game 14-12 over Towson in the NCAA tournament May 16, its first game since teammate Love's May 3 death.
Biggest change of heart: UVA hires a law firm to look at its options in responding to Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's demand for materials pertaining to former climatologist Michael Mann, Brian McNeill reports in the Progress. Critics, including the UVA Faculty Senate and the ACLU of Virginia, say Cuccinelli's demand is politically motivated and stifles academic freedom. The university initially said it had no choice but to comply.
Worst news for Jens Soering: In a letter to U.S. Attorney Eric Holder, Governor Bob McDonnell nixes the transfer former UVA Echols Scholar/convicted murderer to a German prison that former governor Tim Kaine requested before he left office.
Deepest cuts: Albemarle School Board approves a $143 million budget that's $6 million less than last year's and slices 40 positions, including 22 teachers. Brandon Shulleeta has the story in the DP.
Least expected budget news: After grappling with a newly $4 billion deficit, Virginia could post a $140 million surplus at the end of the fiscal year, predicts Finance Secretary Ric Brown.
Best news for snowbound Roy's Place residents: The subdivision that was on a no-plow list over the winter is accepted by the city May 17 and is good to go for the next snow, WCAV reports.
Most zealous people counter: The Rutherford Institute writes Congressman Tom Perriello to demand an investigation into an allegedly intrusive Census worker who sticks his foot in the door of an Albemarle home May 10 and insists that a half-Chinese resident looks Hispanic or Latino, and repeatedly asks where the rest are.
Hempest: Mayor Dave Norris will signal support of Hemp History Week with a May 21 statement at the Free Speech Wall.
Best news for coyotes: Augusta County repeals its $50 bounty on the beast May 12, claiming the $10,000 it pays out a year is too expensive and not very effective, according to an NBC29 story.
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