John O’Connor
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Illinois political writer for The @AP. Credentials? A dog named Shadrach. (@Shadrach_Bond) joconnor@ap.org
Articles by John O’Connor
The attempt to steal Lincoln’s body
The city was electric. Downtown Springfield was crammed on the night of the century’s closest presidential election. Two miles to the north, in the crisp autumn silence of Nov. 7, 1876, an audacious, if preposterous, scheme was unfolding. Thugs had broken into Abraham Lincoln’s tomb to steal his body.
Trump needs to make the 15-second case for Iran being worth $4 gas — and fast
While the critical importance of the Iran conflict is obvious to experienced national security experts, the unprincipled political opposition has been louder and more attractive to normal citizens whose only immediate concern is gasoline prices. In a world of 15-second attention spans, lacking any evidence of sequential thought, the overwhelmingly stronger pro-conflict case must be spoon-fed to the electorate as midterm elections approach. Stay informed.Stay ahead.
Deep Run, UR alum Christian Parker directs Dallas defense vs. Commanders on Sunday
RICHMOND — Bob Trott entertained grandchildren on a summer afternoon in North Carolina, with a beach trip on the horizon. The former University of Richmond defensive coordinator (2010-15) was contacted regarding a former Spiders player buried on the UR all-time roster that includes thousands. kAm%9:D 6I\C646:G6C^5676?D:G6 324< ?6G6C >256 2==\4@?76C6?46] }6G6C DE2CE65] qFE H96? }u{ EC2:?:?8 42>AD @A6?65 =2DE >@?E9[ >2?J 7@@E32== 72?D 7@4FD65 @?
How Democrats and their media allies hid Saddam Hussein’s involvement in 9/11
Perhaps the most horrifying acts of anti-American terrorism were the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, which killed 2,977 innocent people, took out both towers of the World Trade Center in New York, struck a corner of the Pentagon building, and could have struck the White House if not for the brave passengers downing Flight 93 in rural Pennsylvania.
‘Nixonmaxxing’ is real: How Gen Z discovered the deep state’s original coup
For over 50 years, the establishment media has cemented in our modern history a simplistic view of former President Richard Nixon as a criminal villain. This cartoonish assessment stands in contrast to serious research showing that partisan media fraud forced him out of office. In the wake of the media-enabled Russiagate hoax, Gen Z, in a movement known as “Nixonmaxxing,” has begun to question the established anti-Nixon narrative.
Leash Vance, unleash Israel: Trump’s only path to victory in Iran
Common sense tells us that the enemy of our enemy is our friend, and as well the converse: the friend of our enemy is our enemy. In dealing with Iran, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz, abiding by these simple truths would largely solve America’s issues and restore political viability to the conflict.
DJ Carter Baldwin tunes up CarMax Park, across lot from where dad ran R-Braves
The resident DJ for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Carter Baldwin, feels quite comfortable at a ballpark. That makes sense since he is the son of Bruce Baldwin, the general manager of the Triple-A Richmond Braves from 1987-2008. kAmr2CE6C q2=5H:?’D 49:=59@@5 :?4=F565 D62D@?2= 8@@5 G:36D 2E %96 s:2>@?5[ 2?5 ?@H 96 96=AD 4C62E6 E9@D6 :?
Trump’s gift to Iran that keeps on giving — his name is JD Vance
President Donald Trump grew up in Queens and likely observes the street credo, “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.” In the ceasefire memorandum of understanding, Trump was clearly fooled once by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which played his vice president like an Iranian flute. Will Trump allow himself to be fooled again? The reality of Islamic jihad, waged where Islam does not reign, for 1,400 years, did not seem to enter into the vice president’s thinking.
Deep Run, UR alum Christian Parker, now Dallas DC, asked right questions as Spider
Bob Trott entertained grandchildren Sunday afternoon in North Carolina, with a beach trip on the horizon. The former University of Richmond defensive coordinator (2010-15) was contacted regarding a former Spiders player buried on the UR all-time roster that includes thousands. This ex-receiver/defensive back never made all-conference. Never started.
Email prevented potential tragedy at Flying Squirrels' fireworks show that went sideways
An assistant Richmond fire marshal, John Washington, was concerned with what he saw at some Flying Squirrels’ postgame fireworks shows this season at CarMax Park. kAm{2DE |@?52J[ 96 D6?E 2? 6>2:= E@ E96 s@F3=6\p 7C2?49:D6[ C6>:?5:?8 :ED >2?286>6?E E62> :? C65 :E2=:4D E92E @?=J E96 :?5:G:5F2=D 56E@?2E:?8 E96 7:C6H@C<D D9@F=5 36 @? E96 7:6=5 5FC:?8 7:C6H@C<D D9@HD[ 7@C D276EJ C62D@?D]k^Am kAm“x 86?6C2==J D6?5 E92E EJA6 @7 6>2:= H96? x D66 E96C6’D 2 ?665 E@ 4@CC64E 2? 24E:@?
Email prevented potential tragedy at Flying Squirrels' fireworks show that went sideways
An assistant Richmond fire marshal, John Washington, was concerned with what he saw at some Flying Squirrels’ postgame fireworks shows this season at CarMax Park. kAm{2DE |@?52J[ 96 D6?E 2? 6>2:= E@ E96 s@F3=6\p 7C2?49:D6[ C6>:?5:?8 :ED >2?286>6?E E62> :? C65 :E2=:4D E92E @?=J E96 :?5:G:5F2=D 56E@?2E:?8 E96 7:C6H@C<D D9@F=5 36 @? E96 7:6=5 5FC:?8 7:C6H@C<D D9@HD[ 7@C D276EJ C62D@?D]k^Am kAm“x 86?6C2==J D6?5 E92E EJA6 @7 6>2:= H96? x D66 E96C6’D 2 ?665 E@ 4@CC64E 2? 24E:@?
JD Vance handed Iran $6 billion — American soldiers paid the price
As he first announced the terms of the memorandum of understanding with Iran, deceptively so, Vice President JD Vance flippantly told Megyn Kelly that if the 60-day negotiations with Iran failed, “the straits are still open … and … really, you know, we can get on with our lives as a country.” If only that were so.
‘No deal’: JD Vance’s Iran fantasy could cost America everything
The naivete of a sophomore isolationist vice president in JD Vance has at the least proven that the United States has no chance to reach a satisfactory agreement of peace with Iran. Is seeking Iran’s de facto surrender our only successful strategy? It appears so.
Virginia State’s Henry Frazier takes firm stance on transfer portal
Politely close the door. Then lock it. kAm%92E’D 2 =6DD@? 7@FCE9\J62C k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^8@GDFEC@;2?D]4@>^DA@CED^7@@E32==Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm':C8:?:2 $E2E6k^2m 7@@E32== 4@249 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^8@GDFEC@;2?D]4@>^DE277\5:C64E@CJ^5C\96?CJ\7C2K:6C\:::^`f_Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qmw6?CJ uC2K:6Ck^2m D2:5 96 =62C?65 C682C5:?8 @?6 2DA64E @7 E96 EC2?D76C A@CE2=] uC2K:6C :? AC6G:@FD @77D62D@?D H2D ~z H:E9 '$& A=2J6CD 6?E6C:?8 E96 A@CE2=[ AC@3:?8 2?5 E96?
VSU coach's 'line in the sand' prohibits portal entries from rejoining program
Politely close the door. Then lock it. kAm%92E’D 2 =6DD@? 7@FCE9\J62C k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^8@GDFEC@;2?D]4@>^DA@CED^7@@E32==Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm':C8:?:2 $E2E6k^2m 7@@E32== 4@249 k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^8@GDFEC@;2?D]4@>^DE277\5:C64E@CJ^5C\96?CJ\7C2K:6C\:::^`f_Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qmw6?CJ uC2K:6Ck^2m D2:5 96 =62C?65 C682C5:?8 @?6 2DA64E @7 E96 EC2?D76C A@CE2=] uC2K:6C :? AC6G:@FD @77D62D@?D H2D ~z H:E9 '$& A=2J6CD 6?E6C:?8 E96 A@CE2=[ AC@3:?8 2?5 E96?
Socialistic programs caused the affordability crisis. The DSA wants to double down
There is no doubt that Americans face affordability issues. Capitalizing upon them, especially in blue states, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have been peddling their prescriptions for cure, which are comprehensive socialist “solutions.” These solutions require more government, more taxation, and unprecedented authoritarian force. Thus, more socialism and more autocracy are increasingly popular solutions in populous blue states.
Lost, found, and lost again: the seeking self in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Abstract With a backdrop of increasing cultural awareness of attention -deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and rapidly increasing levels of diagnosis in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, this paper considers the question of ‘attention’ as a diagnostic criterion. In particular, the paper is concerned with an approach to attention that links this to some of the most basic aspects of early relationships and that seeks to reckon with what may be taking place for children so diagnosed.
World Cup has third-place game. So did NCAA hoops tournament. UVa won final one.
Referring to the World Cup as “single elimination” at this stage of the event is as incorrect as applying the label to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament 45 years ago. kAm%96 (@C=5 rFA <:4<D @77 :ED D6>:7:?2= C@F?5 %F6D52J WuC2?46 GD] $A2:?X 2?5 4@?E:?F6D :E (65?6D52J Wt?8=2?5\pC86?E:?2X] %96 =@D6CD 2C6 ?@E 5@?6] %96J >66E $2EFC52J k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]7:72]4@>^6?^E@FC?2>6?ED^>6?D^H@C=54FA^42?252>6I:4@FD2a_ae^D4@C6D\7:IEFC6Dn4@F?ECJl&$U2>AjHEH\7:=E6Clp{{Q E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm:?
The newspaper that ‘saved democracy’ spent 50 years hiding the CIA’s role in Watergate
In our modern world, every worthy scandal has the word “gate” suffixed to it, drawing comparison to the mother of all scandals, Watergate, a political crisis in which Richard Nixon’s administration was accused of covering up the burglary of the Democratic National Committee headquarters located in the Watergate office complex, leading to his resignation.
Trump rightly calls off wedding after Iran’s abusive engagement
After a marriage dissolves because of spousal abuse, those closest to the victim usually decry that pre-wedding red flags were ignored. Since Iran’s conduct early in negotiations with the United States openly reveals early warning signs, shouldn’t President Donald Trump call off the ceremony before he pays the caterer and commits the dowry?
JD Vance: An isolationist sophomore who negotiated victory into humiliating capitulation
“Sophomore” is often quipped to mean “wise fool,” as a play on the Greek root words sophos and moros. With his negotiation of the “agreement to agree” with Iran, Vice President JD Vance offers a fitting modern example of sophomoric ceasefire negotiations. First, some background. The joint American-Israeli bombing of Iran was an overwhelming success. In just five weeks, Iran was on its back.
From Our Archives Archives
Posted inFrom Our Archives An interview with Krisanne Vaillancourt Murphy, the executive director of Catholic Mobilizing Network Posted inFrom Our Archives Bishop John J. O’Connor, then the auxiliary bishop to the Military Vicar, wrote on chaplains in ‘America’ in 1982.
Three cheers on July 1 for UR, W&M, Villanova reconnecting in Patriot League football
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JD Vance is either dishonest or delusional in touting Iran deal
If the Islamabad memorandum is as strong as Vice President JD Vance claims, there should be no reason to portray it inaccurately. But in fact, there is much space between Vance’s rendition of the deal and its actual wording. In hindsight, it should be clear why Vance had earlier gone on a media tour praising the strength of the deal’s structure without releasing the actual text.
UR's Chris Mooney applauds '5-for-5' NCAA eligibility change, but has a concern
The University of Richmond’s basketball practice of redshirting freshmen who the coaching staff viewed as in need of a development year, or were blocked from court time by veterans, has not been a roaring success in the past decade. kAm~7E6?[ E9@D6 A=2J6CD D@@?
How to exit the terrible Iran deal quickly and legally
The more one delves into the details of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the clearer it becomes that this is not the “unconditional surrender” of Iran that President Donald Trump has claimed. It is, however, close to an unconditional surrender, but not by Iran. The details have now been fully mooted and need not all be sickeningly repeated here.
Will Iran invite Trump to its victory celebration?
The terms of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum are now being announced, supposedly “settling” the Iran war. Before this, the Western world had long been clear as to who should get the benefits of a conflict that saw America bringing Iran to its knees economically and militarily. However, the IRGC is wildly celebrating today, accompanied by widespread reports of its bold talk of the future. But shouldn’t it be mourning Iran’s long-presumed humiliating surrender? It is not, and for good reason.
Stablecoins Were Meant to Disrupt Finance. Instead, They Became Idle Cash.
Opinion O’Connor argues that crypto’s clearest success story has scaled as money but not as capital. By John O’Connor|Edited by Betsy Farber Jun 13, 2026, 4:51 p.m. 3 min read Make preferred on Share this article X (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmail Make preferred on (Unsplash/Alexander Grey) Stablecoins are probably crypto’s clearest success story, and rightly so. They became the industry’s monetary primitive; the dollar layer for trading, collateral, payments and settlement.
Le stablecoin erano destinate a rivoluzionare la finanza. Invece, sono diventate liquidità inattiva.
Opinioni O’Connor sostiene che la storia di successo più evidente delle criptovalute si sia sviluppata come denaro ma non come capitale. Di John O’Connor|Editor Betsy Farber 13 giu 2026, 4:51 p.m. Tradotto da IA 3 min read Rendi preferito su Condividi questo articolo X (Twitter)LinkedInFacebookEmail Rendi preferito su (Unsplash/Alexander Grey) Le stablecoin sono probabilmente la storia di successo più chiara nel mondo delle criptovalute, e a ragione.
NBA FINALS: Former The Classic participant Curtis Blair (Patrick Henry-Roanoke) refereeing in title series
University of Richmond graduate Curtis Blair took the striped road from your neighborhood middle-school gymnasium to the NBA Finals. kAmq=2:C[ 2 7@C>6C $A:56CD DE2C 8F2C5 7C@> #@2?@<6 ':C8:?:2[ C676C665 v2>6 ` 36EH66? E96 }6H *@C< z?:4<D 2?5 9@DE $2? p?E@?:@ $AFCD @? (65?6D52J] k^Am kAm%96 @77:4:2E:?8 4C6H H2D D6=64E65 3J E96 }qp #676C66 ~A6C2E:@? >2?286>6?E E62> 32D65 @? E96:C 8C256D 7@C A=2J\42==:?8 244FC24J 2?5 @E96C 724E@CD 5FC:?8 E96 C68F=2C D62D@?
Roanoke native Curtis Blair whistled way to NBA Finals
RICHMOND — Patrick Henry High School and University of Richmond graduate Curtis Blair took the striped road from your neighborhood middle-school gymnasium to the NBA Finals. kAmq=2:C[ 2 7@C>6C $A:56CD DE2C 8F2C5 7C@> #@2?@<6[ >256 9:D 7:CDE 2AA62C2?46 (65?6D52J @77:4:2E:?8 v2>6 ` 36EH66? E96 }6H *@C< z?:4<D 2?5 9@DE $2? p?E@?:@ $AFCD 2E gib_ A]>]k^Am kAm%96 `a\A6CD@? @77:4:2E:?8 4C6H H2D D6=64E65 3J E96 }qp #676C66 ~A6C2E:@? >2?286>6?E E62> 32D65 @?
Spiders hall of famer Curtis Blair, a Richmond resident, whistled way to NBA Finals
RICHMOND — Patrick Henry High School and University of Richmond graduate Curtis Blair took the striped road from your neighborhood middle-school gymnasium to the NBA Finals. kAmq=2:C[ 2 7@C>6C $A:56CD DE2C 8F2C5 7C@> #@2?@<6[ >256 9:D 7:CDE 2AA62C2?46 (65?6D52J @77:4:2E:?8 v2>6 ` 36EH66? E96 }6H *@C< z?:4<D 2?5 9@DE $2? p?E@?:@ $AFCD 2E gib_ A]>]k^Am kAm%96 `a\A6CD@? @77:4:2E:?8 4C6H H2D D6=64E65 3J E96 }qp #676C66 ~A6C2E:@? >2?286>6?E E62> 32D65 @?
Spiders visiting Hokies in men's basketball, first regular-season meeting since 2009
The University of Richmond men’s basketball schedule will include a trip to Virginia Tech, Spiders coach Chris Mooney said Friday after a team workout at the Queally Athletics Center. Richmond last played the Hokies in a regular-season game in 2009. The programs met in the first round of the 2024 NIT. Virginia Tech, at home, won that game 74-58 over UR, the 2024 A-10 regular-season champion.
Not a starter or closer, RMC catcher Logan Duff establishes value as a 'stopper'
Freshman reliever Cory Fisher was mobbed by teammates who dumped water on him near the mound when Randolph-Macon recorded the final out of the NCAA Division III baseball regional it won Sunday in Schenectady, New York. kAm|2J36 E9@D6 *6==@H y24<6ED D9@F=5 92G6 :?DE625 DE@C>65 E96 A=2E6 2?5 8:G6? E92E EC62E>6?E E@ D6?:@C 42E496C k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^C>42E9=6E:4D]4@>^DA@CED^32D632==^C@DE6C^=@82?\5F77^`dc_dQ E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm{@82?
USPS unveils Route 66 centennial stamps, born from a photographer’s 42 trips
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — You’re standing in the middle of an empty highway, staring off into the fading, golden light of Arizona’s high desert. The soundtrack playing in your mind? Depeche Mode. Industrial-leaning synth-pop strains might seem incongruous with such a vista, but it was the alternative rock band’s homage to Route 66 that seduced David J. Schwartz.
UR's Robins Stadium, its 6,805, expressed strong opinion about lacrosse Saturday
Robins Stadium spoke loudly Saturday night. It expressed a strong opinion about University of Richmond lacrosse and the sport’s expanding area roots. kAm%96 $A:56CD’ k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^C:49>@?5DA:56CD]4@>^?6HD^a_ae^d^`_^>6?D\=24C@DD6\DA:56CD\72==\`e\`c\E@\5F<6\:?\?422\7:CDE\C@F?5\2D\9:DE@C:4\D62D@?\4@?4=F56DQ E2C86ElQ03=2?<Qm`c\`a =@DD E@ sF<6k^2m :? E96 }rpp E@FC?2>6?E’D 7:CDE C@F?5 5C6H e[g_d] %92E D6E 2?
USPS unveils Route 66 centennial stamps, born from a photographer’s 42 trips
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — You're standing in the middle of an empty highway, staring off into the fading, golden light of Arizona's high desert. The soundtrack playing in your mind? Depeche Mode. Industrial-leaning synth-pop strains might seem incongruous with such a vista, but it was the alternative rock band's homage to Route 66 that seduced David J. Schwartz.
USPS unveils Route 66 centennial stamps, born from a photographer’s 42 trips
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — You’re standing in the middle of an empty highway, staring off into the fading, golden light of Arizona’s high desert. The soundtrack playing in your mind? Depeche Mode. Industrial-leaning synth-pop strains might seem incongruous with such a vista, but it was the alternative rock band’s homage to Route 66 that seduced David J. Schwartz.
USPS unveils Route 66 centennial stamps, born from a photographer’s 42 trips
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- You're standing in the middle of an empty highway, staring off into the fading, golden light of Arizona's high desert. The soundtrack playing in your mind? Depeche Mode. Industrial-leaning synth-pop strains might seem incongruous with such a vista, but it was the alternative rock band's homage to Route 66 that seduced David J. Schwartz.
Route 66 Centennial Stamps
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