Strike up the award-winning Woodrow band
The Wildcat Band at Woodrow Wilson High has come a long way since Chris Evetts took the baton six years ago. The storied 90-year-old campus is now home to a sweepstakes-winning program whose musicians perform with pride and perfection. On Aug. 30, they'll step out at The Star in Frisco to open a season of halftime performances. May they hit every mark and note.
War on terror memorial effort adds a president
If there's anyone who's gotten things done in support of our veterans since leaving the White House, it's George W. Bush. That's why we're pleased to see him chosen honorary chairman of the campaign to build a memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring service members who've fought in the war on terrorism. Bush's involvement enhances the likelihood of success in the fundraising and organization needed to make the Global War on Terror Memorial a reality.
Defense bill passes in brisk fashion
We're pleased to see the bill setting policy for the military pass in near-record time, authorizing nearly $717 billion in spending. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Amarillo, leads the House Armed Forces Committee and played a key role in steering the bill through his chamber and negotiations with the Senate. The law authorizes about 16,000 more military personnel and avoids distracting riders like a bitterly contested proposal involving the sage grouse's place on the endangered species list. Next up, Congress will have to pass spending bills to make good on the visions outlined in the broader law.
Scientists honored, but patients are big winners
Congratulations to the three scientists, including M.D. Anderson's James Allison, who received the Albany Medical Center Prize and its $500,000. Allison, along with Dr. Carl June of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Steven Rosenberg of the National Cancer Institute, were honored for their studies that have led to successful treatments for cancer, HIV and other diseases. Patients are the real winners here, but we're glad to see them recognized.
Officer profiled in Lee’s new movie a Texan
Spike Lee's new movie, BlacKkKlansman, may have an odd title but it's not fiction. Ron Stallworth, a retired detective living in El Paso, was raised in the border town before moving to Colorado. There, he became Colorado Springs' first black detective. Stallworth went on to lead the infiltration and investigation of local Ku Klux Klan activity, exposing what was unknown to police before he arrived. We applaud Stallworth for his bravery and work.
Mystery of Valdez's missing gun must be solved
On the one hand, we're glad to see Lupe Valdez finally decided to discuss her missing gun and the fact that she takes responsibility — considering, after all, it was her gun. Still, we couldn't help noticing that while she released a statement and said she cooperated with the Sheriff's Department, something still appears to be off. If she followed protocol, why did this issue drag on over seven months before the public was made aware? The gun is still missing. Let's hope this gets resolved — and fast.
Wait, I thought you had the charter
We've all heard about ugly battles when family members find competing copies of a will. But those stories have nothing on Plano's recall snafu. City Council members attempted to recall colleague Tom Harrison over an anti-Islam social media post. The effort fell apart when the Texas Court of Appeals ruled the city had pursued Harrison's ouster with the wrong charter. Gee, folks, how hard is to find the right charter?
Dallas GOP, give the political games a rest
We guess it was too much to hope for that a judge's ruling nixing the Dallas County Republican Party's attempt to remove dozens of Democrats from the ballot was the end of this sorry saga. Disappointing news came this week that the Republicans are appealing the decision to try to disqualify at least 82 candidates from the Nov. 6 ballot because the Democratic chairwoman didn't sign their petitions. What unnecessary political gamesmanship. Take your fight to the voters, GOP, and try to win fair and square.
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