100 Years Ago, 1924: Receiving complaint that drug addicts, one of them wanted by the Wilmington, Del., authorities, were in a shack at the rear of 9 Jeffrey St., Sgt. Miley and Officers Petersons, Bradley, Owens and Handy descended upon the place about 5 o’clock this morning and took into custody four persons. All denied the charge of drug addict, but were ordered held pending further investigation.

75 Years Ago, 1949: Fire which authorities believed was started by fumigation candles caused an estimated $2,000 worth of damage in an apartment in the Fifth Ward Friday afternoon. Firemen had to don masks and ease their way through the thick yellow, sulphuric smoke to fight the blaze in the second floor apartment located at 924 Walnut St. The blaze was discovered shortly before 3 p.m. by Mrs. Dorothy Chapman, who lives next door at 926 Walnut St. She reported she saw smoke seeping from windows on the second floor and she telephoned the Moyamensing Fire Company.

50 Years Ago, 1974: Delaware County employees have been given numbered tickets to attend a Republican organization rally at 8 tonight at the Alphine Inn, Springfield, the reason for the numbered tickets is to “keep out hecklers and anybody who might cause a disturbance,” according to Robert F. Kelly, county Republican chairman. He pointed out the rally was being held in the home town of the major anti-organization candidate, incumbent U.S. Rep. Lawrence G. Williams (R-7).

25 Years Ago, 1999: Baldt Anchor will be among 11 Pennsylvania companies accompanying Gov. Tom Ridge as he embarks on a trade mission to Asia, his second trip there in 18 months. Baldt, a century-old company, today only employs 30 workers at the Chester facility where it manufactures ship anchors and does a lot of business with the Navy. But Baldt is seeking to resume what was once an extensive overseas business. Baldt marketing director Karen Kelly said Baldt is looking to establish contacts in the Asian regions.

10 Years Ago, 2014: Authorities are investigating a carjacking Wednesday night involving the wife of Chester Mayor John Linder, according to a report by 6ABC “Action News.” Mrs. Linder was forced at gunpoint to exit her gold-colored 2005 Ford Taurus at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. After Mrs. Linder got out of her vehicle, the two men jumped inside and drove toward I-95, according to authorities. Mrs. Linder reportedly escaped without injuries. According to Chester Police Commissioner Joseph Bail, three suspects were detained for questioning and the vehicle was recovered.

— COLIN AINSWORTH

The Delaware Judiciary releases an update report to its 2022 Strategic Plan to improve diversity in the Delaware bench and bar.

Nearly two-thirds of the 50 recommendations in the plan have been implemented or will be in the coming months.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Delaware court system Kaelae Shaner says the biggest strides made are in engagement with college and pre-college students, including re-imagining and re-energizing the Delaware Law-Related Education Center.

Shaner emphasizes removing barriers to the bar exam are also significant.

“Like trimming the testing subjects and essays that are part of the bar examination,” Shaner says. “And a huge, huge barrier was the administration of the bar exam being only once per year, now offered twice a year. Also changed some of the fees associated with the bar examination.”

Shaner notes the bar is not just an exam, but an extensive process that also evaluates candidates’ moral and ethical character. She says they are taking a closer look at the way “fitness” to practice law is standardized.

Shaner says for current judges and court staff, they have started providing enhanced training to reduce implicit bias in the court environment.

Overall Shaner says the courts are understaffed but doesn’t think there is a shortage of qualified candidates. She says the courts are also working to unify job descriptions so applicants are more aware of the type of work they’ll be doing.

“Which will hopefully increase our reach and increase interest in qualified candidates for these positions,: Shaner says. “Because it’s great work, it’s rewarding work, and we have a workforce here in Delaware. I don’t think it is a shortage of qualified candidates so much as just increasing our awareness.”

Initiatives still left on the to-do list include some more long-term goals – such as alternate pathways to licensure like formalized mentorships as opposed to the bar exam.

“The biggest issue with bar exams across the country, the conversation is like, does this rogue memorization really help with on the job performance?” Shaner says.

Shaner notes other states like Connecticut and Oregon have successfully implemented a pathway through formalized mentorships.

The report also highlights the recent formation of the Delaware Leadership Council on Legal Diversity by representatives from several large Delaware firms. They are working on recruitment and retention initiatives – and reconvening the Delaware Judiciary’s Access to Justice Commission.