Don’t sleep on judgeships
Two people reported to work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Nov. 27, both expecting to lead the bureau. Leandra English, who had been chief of staff to former Director Richard Cordray (he resigned before Thanksgiving to return to Ohio to run for governor), was appointed to the director position by her old boss.
Observing World AIDS Day
“Let us also continue to ensure that our nation responds aggressively and humanely to the needs of people living with HIV and AIDS. Throughout this epidemic, community organizations have taken the lead in the struggle against the disease and in efforts to provide compassionate care to those in need. Across this country and around the globe, generous people perform miracles every day — holding a hand, cooling a fever, listening and understanding. Let us further support their efforts to build a better world by strengthening the partnership between communities and government in the work to stop AIDS.” – President Clinton in 1995 in recognition of World AIDS Day
Impeach Trump
We applaud the chutzpah of Rep. Al Green, a Texas Democrat and member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Lighted boat parade Saturday highlights yuletide events
The yuletide fun continues in Richmond this weekend with the 25th Annual James River Parade of Lights in which boaters decorate and light their watercraft and parade down the James River.
Shaka Smart’s Texas team beats VCU 71-67 at Siegel Center
Coach Shaka Smart has proven he can win as both the home and visiting coach at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Siegel Center.
VSU’s top players know winning formula
Two traits Virginia State University basketball Coach Lonnie Blow III hunts for on the recruiting trail are talent and a winning background. He has hit the bullseye on both counts with juniors Walter Williams and Brandon Holley and sophomore Andrew Corum, members of the current undefeated VSU Trojans. All three have posted glistening statistics during VSU’s 6-0 takeoff this season. And all three arrived at Ettrick with state championship résumés from high school.
Highland Springs hoping for 3-peat at Saturday’s state championship
Highland Springs High School is on the cusp of achieving something seldom done in state football history. Football Coach Loren Johnson’s Springers are one victory from a “three-peat” of the state 5A Virginia High School League title.
Pope names new bishop of Catholic Diocese of Richmond
Bishop Barry C. Knestout has been named the next bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. He succeeds Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo, who died on Aug. 17.
Gay wedding cake meets faith at U.S. Supreme Court
What if an atheist baker refused to bake a cake for a First Communion? What if a college with a religious affiliation didn’t want to rent out its chapel to a gay couple? What if a makeup artist didn’t want to ready a gay couple for their wedding?
Dr. William R. ‘Randy’ Johnson Jr., retired research chemist and public servant, succumbs at 87
Dr. William Randolph “Randy” Johnson Jr. was a pioneering research chemist for Philip Morris who was better known outside the laboratory. He was involved in securing 10 patents for the cigarette manufacturing firm for filters and other related items and co-authored 15 technical papers. He also was a popular figure who was committed to public service and teaching.
Longtime educator Rebecca H.Taylor dies at 90
Rebecca Ham Taylor touched the lives of thousands of children during her 44-year career in education.
Personality: Theo Suber Jones
Spotlight on president of Delver Woman’s Club
The Delver Woman’s Club takes voting seriously. So seriously, in fact, that all members and prospects must be registered voters. “Voting is your civic duty,” says Theo Suber Jones, the new president of the organization whose motto is “Lifting As We Climb.” “Participating in the voting process gives you the opportunity to have some say in who your elected officials are. It is your constitutional right to participate in the process,” Mrs. Jones says.
School Board approves $224.7M for school buildings
The Richmond School Board once again is challenging the mayor and City Council to find money to start replacing or renovating the decrepit public school buildings a majority of students attend.
Creighton Court redevelopment project seeks $4.9M city bailout
The project to transform the poverty-stricken Creighton Court public housing area in the East End into a mixed-income development has run into a glitch — the master developer can’t raise all the money needed to construct the first 105 apartments.
Saint Paul’s College property sold
The former Saint Paul’s College might one day welcome students again to its campus in Brunswick County — but possibly under a different name. Xinhua Education Investment Corp., a Chinese-backed group, purchased the remaining property of the historically black college on Nov. 27, according to county court records.
Task force: Charlottesville officials failed to act on intelligence that rally would be violent
Virginia Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Brian J. Moran said last week that state officials had intelligence indicating that the rally of neo-Nazis and white supremacists in Charlottesville would become violent, and shared that information with local officials in advance of the Aug. 12 event. But Charlottesville officials failed to heed recommendations made by state authorities that may have stemmed the violence and bloodshed that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to dozens more.
Delegate Loupassi seeks recount in 336-vote defeat
With the GOP clinging to a one-seat majority in the 100-member House of Delegates, Richmond Delegate Manoli Loupassi, a Republican who represents the 68th House District, filed last week for a recount in the district that includes parts of Richmond and Chesterfield and Henrico counties. The recount is to take place Wednesday, Dec. 20, according to a Dec. 6 order.
Harmon named chairman of McGuireWoods
McGuireWoods, the state’s largest law firm and one of the biggest in the nation, has chosen Jonathan Harmon as its new chairman. His selection was announced Monday following a vote by the firm’s board of partners.
City employees expected to receive 2.5% bonus
City employees are about to be awarded a 2.5 percent Christmas bonus. Richmond City Council is expected to unanimously vote Monday, Dec. 11, to approve the bonus payments. Mayor Levar M. Stoney and his administration also support the bonuses to be paid Friday, Dec.15.
Former Trump official pleads guilty in special prosecutor’s probe
Former national security adviser Michael Flynn pleaded guilty last Friday to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia, and he agreed to cooperate with prosecutors delving into the actions of President Trump’s inner circle before he took office.
