The LuLac Edition #3458, March 30th, 2017

TRUMP AND COAL

President Trump made an announcement this week about the return of coal. Many on the right say that the over regulation by the Obama administration nearly did in the industry in states like West Virginia and Kentucky.
The future of the industry remains unclear. Many ripped Trump's executive order as bad for the environment and claimed it would not actually bring coal jobs back.
The regulation didn’t help but coal’s biggest hurdle is the abundance of cheap natural gas.
Gas prices have fallen, making it much more attractive than coal. Another problem is technology. As coal companies have gotten more efficient at extracting coal, fewer workers are needed. Coal’s presence in America’s power market has fallen to 32 percent from about 50 percent a decade ago.
Trump's bid to ease regulations is boosting morale, giving coal-mining communities across Appalachia a shot at rebuilding. But if coal comes back, most jobs might fall to automation.
One more thing too. I asked 10 young men between the ages of 19 through 29 if they would accept a job for $25.00 an hour in private business.
They all said yes.
I then told them it was mining coal.
Only one said he’d do it.
The scar of coal as well as the wounds are still here. Even for generations AT LEAST IN THIS AREA,  far removed from Knox and the newspaper ads that said “Idle”, the price is still too high.

HOWEVER

REP. CARTWRIGHT HELPS LEAD BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL BILL TO REVITALIZE COAL COMMUNITIES

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

Congressman Cartwright joined his Republican colleagues a less flashy but more sensible approach by re-introducing a bill to revitalize coal communities devastated by the decline of the coal-mining industry. The Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investment More (RECLAIM) Act would enable states and Native American tribes to facilitate sustainable economic development projects on Abandoned Mine Land (AML) sites. The RECLAIM Act was led by Congressman Rogers (R-KY), Congressman Jenkins (R-WV), Congressman Griffith (R-VA), and Congressman Thompson (R-PA); companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) and Senator Capito (R-WV).
The RECLAIM Act releases $1 billion from the existing AML Fund to boost economic growth in regions that have relied on the coal industry. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) estimates that releasing $1 billion over the next five years would create jobs for equipment operators and other jobs necessary for mine reclamation.
“The coal-mining industry is vital to the history, character, and economy of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The decline of coal production impacted families whose livelihoods depended on these jobs, benefits, and pensions,” said Rep. Cartwright. “We must also address the often devastating environmental legacy of abandoned mines. Addressing abandoned mine sites and utilizing the reclaimed land for economic development will improve our environment, create jobs, and reinvigorate coal-mining communities. I have appreciated working with Congressman Rogers on this important bill for the past year, and I believe the bill introduced today goes a long way towards addressing the needs of communities affected by abandoned mines. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to improve the language as it moves through the legislative process over the coming weeks.”
In Pennsylvania’s 17th District, there are $174 million worth of abandoned mines. Under this legislation, nearly $300 million is expected to be distributed within Pennsylvania over the next 5 years. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, more than 3,300 miles of streams in Pennsylvania are impacted by acid mine drainage as result of mine and coal refuse pile discharges reaching waterways.
“After working with local leaders and stakeholders, we will be able to provide additional support for vital environmental reclamation, economic development, and job training in Appalachia,” said Sen. McConnell.
“Over the last eight years, we’ve lost more than 13,000 coal mining jobs in Kentucky alone, and through this bill, we have an incredible opportunity to make sure that our coal producing states can access funding that is readily available to restore our land and revive our economy,” said Rep. Rogers.

PA. GAMBLING

CREDIT CARDS AND CASINOS?

Currently there is a move afoot in the State Legislature to allow gamblers to use credit cards at The Casinos. A few things here. I believe that we in Pennsylvania should have many of the amenities and conveniences other states have. As a matter of fact for the most part we do.
I understand that there are casinos around the world that accept plastic. But I think this is a really bad idea for the state. Here’s why:
1. Most of the money that gambling was supposed to bring in for Property tax reform never got to the average home owners. We are being screwed by high school taxes. If there is an adjustment to any more gambling money, I want to see it dedicated for Property taxes.
2. Gamblers who are really into these so called leisure activities already have enough ways to lose their money. Credit cards are just a quick ride to bankruptcy much faster.
3. The state has a moral obligation to protect some residents from their excesses. You can call that a nanny state or whatever. But to allow credit cards in casinos is detrimental to the individual as well as the industry. There will always be high rollers who have money to burn. Then there will be the fools who think Lady Luck will smile on them just because.
In this case, we need to protect the fools.

BARLETTA VOTES TO RESTORE LOCAL CONTROL OVER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

HOUSE T&I COMMITTEE PASSES BILL REPEALING OBAMA RULE TO CONSOLIDATE METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS

Congressman Lou Barletta (LuLac archives)

Congressman Lou Barletta voted for bipartisan legislation that would ensure Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are able to plan infrastructure projects that best meet the needs of their local populations. H.R. 1346 repeals an Obama Administration rule requiring MPOs in the same urbanized area to submit jointly prepared transportation plans, which forced smaller communities to compete with larger municipalities for funding, while also diminishing the ability of local planners to provide input into the regional planning process. H.R. 1346, which Barletta co-sponsored, passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by voice vote and now goes to the full House for consideration.
“After speaking with several MPOs in Pennsylvania about their unique infrastructure needs and the steps they are already taking to coordinate with one another, it became clear that the Obama Administration rule was a proposal in search of a problem,” Barletta said. “The rule essentially means that areas like Harrisburg and Hazleton would have to compete with cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston for transportation funding. Congress has never given the Department of Transportation the authority to do this, so it appears to be yet another example of executive overreach.”
Last year, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration issued the final rule “Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform,” which requires MPOs in the same urbanized area to merge, adjust their boundaries, and produce a single set of plans for infrastructure projects. In August of 2016, Barletta joined Reps. Tom Marino (PA-10) and Scott Perry (PA-4) in sending a letter to former U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx requesting that the department withdraw or significantly alter the one-size-fits-all rule. H.R. 1346 repeals the rule and restores local control over decision making and infrastructure investment.

MEDIA MATTERS

SEAN SPICER GOES NUTS

White House Press Secretary is way over his head and is pretty much melting dow. Check this out:

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine. Brian Hughes speaks with David Chianese, CEO of LESMA, the Law Enforcement Supporters for Media Accountability about a police shooting in Lackawanna County, as well as police shooting cases around the country.
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Nick & Tara from Autism Awareness NEPA about their "Taste of the Valley" kickoff event this Sunday from 1 to 5pm in Pittston.
An encore of Frankie's interview with Kyle Pelkey about a Run/Walk to benefit the National Stuttering Foundation coming up on Sunday at College Misericordia in Dallas.
And an encore of Brian's interview with March back from AARP about scams that target senior citizens.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

ECTV Live hosts Rusty Fender, David DeCosmo, and Director Mark Migilore host Mark Murphy from the University of Scranton to the program during the week of April 3rd to outline several events planned around this year's celebration of Earth Day! 

ECTV Live is seen three times daily on Comcast Channel 19 (61 in some areas). ECTV Live is hosted by David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender and is Directed by Mark Migilore.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1400/1440 am and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and he heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!

Bobby's show is back again live this Sunday @6PM on The River.

1977

Our 1977 logo.

IAW Women's Basketball Tournament, Delta State beat Louisiana State University 68-55 in Minneapolis…….583 die in aviation's worst ever disaster when two Boeing 747s collide at Tenerife airport…..Sandra Palmer wins LPGA Kathryn Crosby/Honda Civic Golf Classic…. 39th NCAA Men's Basketball Championship: Marquette beats NC 67-59…. The 1977 Academy Awards ceremony is notable for Peter Finch becoming the first posthumous winner of an Oscar for acting, a feat matched only by Heath Ledger 32 years later. Beatrice Straight set another record by becoming the actor with shortest performance ever in a film to win an acting Oscar, with only five minutes and forty seconds of screen time in Network. 

"Network," along with "All the President's Men," were the two biggest champs of the ceremony with four Oscars each; however, John G. Avildsen won Best Director, presaging Rocky's eventual Best Picture victory.

Piper Laurie was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "Carrie" (1976), her first acting role since her Best Actress-nominated performance in "The Hustler" (1961), thus being nominated for two consecutive roles, 15 years apart……in Philadelphia the city of Brotherly Love goes crazy over the “Rocky” win…..in Luzerne County Senator Martin L. Murray tells fellow Democrats to remember he is up and running for re-elation in 1978 putting to rest rumors he will retire and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas. 

The LuLac Edition #3457, March 29th, 2017

WRITE ON WEDNESDAY

MAUREEN DOWD'S TAKE ON TRUMP

I'm posting a fascinating article from the New York Times Maureen Dowd regarding President Trump's recent association with his REPUBLICAN Congress on the Health Care Bill. Here's a bit of what she wrote as well as the link for the rest. 

WASHINGTON — Dear Donald,

We’ve known each other a long time, so I think I can be blunt.
You know how you said at campaign rallies that you did not like being identified as a politician?
Don’t worry. No one will ever mistake you for a politician.
After this past week, they won’t even mistake you for a top-notch negotiator.
I was born here. The first image in my memory bank is the Capitol, all lit up at night. And my primary observation about Washington is this: Unless you’re careful, you end up turning into what you started out scorning.
And you, Donald, are getting a reputation as a sucker. And worse, a sucker who is a tool of the D.C. establishment.
Your whole campaign was mocking your rivals and the D.C. elite, jawing about how Americans had turned into losers, with our bad deals and open borders and the Obamacare “disaster.”
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/03/25/opinion/sunday/donald-this-i-will-tell-you.html

The LuLac Edition #3456, March 28th, 2017

TRUMP APPROVAL AT 36%

President Donald Trump now has an approval rating of 36%. He has reached that level faster than any President in polling history. For the week of March 20-26, an average of 39% of all Americans approved of the job Trump was doing as president, the lowest weekly average approval rating of his term. The period included a personal low 36% three-day rolling average approval rating for Trump in March 24-26 interviewing, the first three days after Republicans were unable to pass legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Trump's job approval remains at 36% in the latest three-day rolling average. (CNN)
The big news in the poll is that Trump’s support among white men is waning.
Trump's support has now fallen below the majority level among men, those ages 50 and older, married Americans and all non-Hispanic whites.
But I’m sure we’ll hear all of this is fake news.

MEDIA MATTERS

PAB AWARDS

It’s that time of year again when the Statewide broadcast awards are announced. This market had some big winners. Here’s a list:

WNEP

Outstanding Feature Reporting Reporter Nikki Krize and Videographer Tom Durant for story on people in Central PA dealing with the death of Randy Budd, the husband of the woman who was badly injured when a group of teens tossed a rock on the family car as it was headed on I-80 to New York. 

This is not a new thing for Krize and Durant who have won the award three times in four years.

Dave Bohman once again has distinguished himself as a dogged reporter with his outstanding story about former State Representative Frank Farina.
Outstanding Investigative Reporting -- Investigative Reporter Dave Bohman and Videographer Lou Romeo on Free Penn State Tickets for Lawmakers, and how Representative Frank Farina took the free tickets AND submitted the trip with his family as a business expense to state taxpayers. For the intrepid Bohman, this is his fourth award in five years.

WBRE

Outstanding Documentary Program: “What Happened to the Girl Next Door?” 

Laurie Monteforte hosted this and it was a gut wrenching story of how drug addiction can affect even the people we least expect.

Outstanding Investigative Reporting, “Luzerne County Rental Scam” . This was a win for the famed WBRE Eyewitness I Team headed by Andy Mehalshick.

WOLF

Outstanding Coverage of a Local Sporting Event: Fox 56 Basketball.

WILK

Outstanding Local News coverage  For Broadcast on 5/26/16.


Congrats to all. These awards tell us all just how media rich we are here in NEPA and the quality of people working in this market.

HOUSE PASSES BARLETTA’S BILL TO HELP COMMUNITIES REBUILD AFTER DISASTERS

DISASTER SAVE ACT STREAMLINES DISASTER RECOVERY ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Congressman Lou Barletta. (Photo: LuLac archives)

The House passed by voice vote legislation introduced by Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) directing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to expedite assistance to local communities recovering from disasters and provide them with greater flexibility to serve their residents. Barletta’s bill, the Disaster Simplified Assistance Value Enhancement Act (Disaster SAVE Act), H.R. 1214, temporarily increases FEMA’s simplified projects threshold for disaster assistance to $500,000 and removes red tape to allow local governments more autonomy in managing recovery efforts. The bill, which now goes to the Senate for consideration, will streamline the efficient and effective delivery of assistance for small disaster recovery projects without reducing oversight.
“In one of the townships in my congressional district, FEMA reversed its prior approval and has been fighting for years with a local government over whether or not they should have paved a temporary access road that was built after a major flood,” Barletta said. “The cost of the gravel road was $230,000. The extra cost to pave it, which the community covered with its own funds, was about $50,000. The amount of money FEMA has wasted in salaries, administration, and legal fees trying to take back the $230,000 likely exceeds the entire project cost. This is red tape out of control, and it does not serve the taxpayers well. My bill would prevent other local governments from facing this nightmare.”
“We need a federal government that is more efficient and works smarter,” Congressman Bill Shuster, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said. “I support this bill and thank my colleague, Rep. Barletta, for introducing legislation that seeks to support good government and reduce needless red tape and bureaucracy from the disaster response process.”
Under current law, FEMA runs disaster assistance recovery projects under $130,100 similar to an insurance settlement. These projects include a review of the damage, a cost estimate, and issuance of a repair grant. The local government is then responsible for managing the grant on time and on budget. In exchange, local governments have greater flexibility in how they rebuild and can enhance a project with their own funds. This approach dramatically cuts administrative costs, rebuilds infrastructure faster, eliminates the risk of cost overruns for federal taxpayers, and gives local governments the flexibility to rebuild in a way that best meets their needs. Barletta’s bill would raise the project cap for this program from $130,100 to $500,000, because 98 percent of all public infrastructure repair and reconstruction projects following a disaster cost less than $500,000. This threshold increase would sunset on September 30, 2021.

The LuLac Edition #3455, March 25th, 2017

THE BROADCAST LEGACY OF STEVE CORBETT

Steve Corbett (Photo: Citizen's Voice)

The news came this week that 10 year WILK Radio Journalist Steve Corbett was let go. Corbett stormed back into this market in 2007 just in time for the Judicial Scandals that rocked Luzerne County. The timing was perfect for his debut years because there were many people not very happy with the status quo in this region. His style was brash, combative but always accurate in his presentation of the facts.
When he arrived Corbett had numbers that went through the WILK roof. However as time went on, inevitably the ratings declined. Not enough mind you to stop people from listening and hear what he had to say on various topics.
During his tenure there have been three Pennsylvania Governors, Four Pennsylvania Senators as well as various changes in positions in local government. Supporters and critics of Presidents Bush, Obama and now Trump were exposed to his thoughts on those individuals. The common denominator between Corbett and the aforementioned was that none of them were ever assured of his unwavering support. Like other hosts on WILK elected officials found no safe haven with him. Some like Senator Bob Casey and Representative Matt Cartwright called anyway knowing full well at some point they’d get a rebuke for something Corbett found was off with them. Others like Pat Toomey, Lou Barletta as well as Tom Marino chose other venues on the station to reach the public. That’s their right to pick and choose but also was Corbett’s to call them on it. Through the years he certainly did so.
Most Talk Radio stations and hosts have a shelf life. WILK’s lack of turnover of personnel has been remarkable. Most of that has to do with each show seeming to have its niche of supporters. Some we are all familiar with. You listen to Sue Henry and you know you’ll get Ray from Mountaintop, Bob from Wilkes Barre and other right leaning callers. With Tarone there will be Angela from Wilkes Barre, Luciano from Berwick, Dave from Nanticoke and Toby from Wilkes Barre. Some will have partially formed opinions of their own, but the rest they’ll get from somewhere else. The issue with these callers is that they operate in their own echo chamber where only they are right and everyone else is wrong. Or their opinion is superior to others. In most cases the hosts will even call them on their thoughts but it doesn’t matter. They will believe what they will believe.
Corbett’s approach to callers was to initially give them a chance to state their opinions. It was the conflict between those callers and the host that led to his departure. Here’s why:
1. CRITICAL THINKING: Very few of Corbett’s callers were prepared to make their case. They usually started out by trying to attack the host, spout off a falsehood and then whine when he either called them out or put them on hold. I learned long ago when Corbett was a guest on my little Sunday Morning Show on WBAX in the 80s that when you spoke to him, you had better be prepared. When they were not, Corbett, in their estimation hurt their feelings on his show. Then then tried to retreat to the other shows and whine about how rude he was.
2. THE TIMES CHANGED, THE CALLERS DIDN’T: When Corbett came to WILK, callers were outraged by the local scandals. Corbett’s tenacious following of those stories were just what his audience wanted. But then the National agenda changed. A woman ran against a black man for President. That man was elected President. Conservatives as well as the Tea Party came out of the woods and got more vocal. It was this wing of the Conservative movement that decided they were more American, more patriotic, more freedom loving than those who were more Liberal.
There was always an edge to the callers but between the Obama ascendancy as well as Immigration, the white, old, Christian values of WILK listeners came busting through. Predictably Corbett busted back. The audience of hard coal country listeners became offended when they were called out.
3. 2016 AND THE HATRED OF HILLARY: Corbett mentioned to a newspaper that his support of Hillary Clinton vs. Donald Trump might have been one of the reasons he lost his job. He was correct in that because anyone who supported Clinton was vilified. Corbett went full blown on Trump supporters who were encouraged to bully by their candidate. Callers did not call him to argue or persuade. They called to spout lies. They did so with arrogance and authority. Some even tried to trick Corbett into an admission of such untruths. It never worked. Then they were shocked when he dispatched their lunacy to the dial tone.
All three of these forces pretty much got Corbett canned. It was the perfect storm. These freedom and liberty lovers had no problem with opinion or truth, as long as it reflected their own ideals.
With all that said, Steve Corbett leaves a legacy for local Radio broadcasting. He never buckled to the pressure of the great unwashed. His principles stayed intact. He held the mirror of ignorance, racism and sexism that permeates this community and let the blowhards try to see themselves in that looking glass.
There are those who know full well that Corbett could be frustrating, irascible and at times a tad inhospitable. But this is an area that is supposed to pride itself on bare knuckles politics. For those callers, listeners who complained to the station personal and other hosts, where oh where was that toughness you portrayed? Where was your certainty?
Steve Corbett will be remembered as a talk show host who never took any crap from his audience when they chose to attack. His show will be remembered as factual, funny, ironic, satirical, entertaining and tough minded. That’s his legacy.
What is more problematic though is that by hurting the itty bitty feelings of those anti-government supporters in an area that has benefited mightily from those entities, Corbett’s dismissal tells us that we here in Wilkes Barre, Scranton and Hazleton have a long way to go.
To quote Harry Truman: “I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was hell.”
Corbett told the truth and by doing so offended those who had their own warped version of it. He might be gone from the airwaves but his true legacy is that he exposed just how much some local ingrates really feel about their local community. Me first and the hell with the rest! 

WHAT CONSERVATIVE LOWMAN HENRY REALLY THINKS OF YOU!

Lowman "I'm the only one who has a job and takes care of my family" Henry. (Photo: Patriot News)

L.A. Tarone interviewed Republican Lowman Henry who I used to think was pretty fair minded politico. Conservative but sensible and not given to rhetoric that diminishes people of different views. However, Thursday Henry was telling Tarone that the Right has to become more involved because the new administration will not get everything it wanted right away like the GOP thought. Henry then said, “The reason why conservatives aren’t protesting back with signs is because they have jobs and families to take care of anyway”. He then used the old saw that the protesters against Donald Trump and the REPUBLICAN party were paid.
First off, people who are against REPUBLICAN policies WORK!!!!
They also have FAMILIES THEY TAKE CARE OF!
To suggest otherwise is arrogant, divisive, wrong and really part of the REPUBLICAN playbook. . Here are a few names, Thornburgh, Heinz, Specter, Ridge. Those were just a few members of the GOP I voted for in my life. But I will never, ever vote for another one again. If Lowman Henry thinks only Conservatives have jobs and take care of families, he is badly mistaken. I urge any Democrat, Independent, Leftist, Green Party candidate to prove this guy wrong. VOTE to rid the state of any Republican who thinks like Lowman Henry that they are the only ones who work and take care of families. This guy will think what he will always think. He will blithely spout that line. But for God sake vote against a party that paints everyone with this broad of a brush.
One more thing Lowman, where is the proof that these protesters were paid? Who paid them? Where are the checks? Where did the cash comes? Who was the bag man?
Lowman, you aren’t the only true "Amur-ikhan “ in Pennsylvania who WORKS and RAISES A FAMILY!

THEN THERE'S THIS.....

BARLETTA STATEMENT ON CANCELLATION OF AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT VOTE

Congressman Lou Barletta released the following statement after the House cancelled a vote on the American Health Care Act, H.R. 1628:
“The president and House leadership decided that the best thing to do was to pull the bill. I am disappointed in today’s missed opportunity to provide much needed relief to millions of Americans suffering under Obamacare. This is why the American people are so frustrated with Washington. Obamacare is failing, and it’s only going to get worse. As we move forward, we need to keep in mind that the American people sent us to Congress to work for them.”
Now keep in mind the only reason why Barletta opposed it was not because it raised taxes on seniors, tried getting rid of Medicaid, almost forced baby boomers to foot the bill for their senior parents in Nursing Homes, practically ended counseling for people with emotional issues, hey, he was just fine with saying YES to that bill.
His main concern as stated was his worry that illegal aliens would get tax breaks for the Health Insurance credits.
THAT'S WHAT HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT!

The LuLac Edition #3454, March 23rd, 2017

IF GOP HEALTH CARE PASSES

TRUMP OWNS IT

IT IS TRUMP CARE

This is the guy who will OWN it for HIS REPUBLICAN PARTY!!!!!

The President went to Capitol Hill and lobbied Congress in his REPUBLICAN party to pass the new health care version of the Affordable Care Act. He cajoled some, threatened a few and even listened to a a provision change that concerned Lou Barletta. There are some GOP members trying to save Trump from himself but characteristically he isn’t hearing any of it.
The bill will would, in effect, shift huge costs onto working families, force many to pay more for worse coverage and push millions of American off of health coverage entirely.
All the while, the proposed legislation hands millionaires, billionaires and health insurance CEOs a massive new tax break.
Yep, that is the REPUBLICAN TRUMP PLAN. Remember it in 2018!!!

THIS SHOULD CONCERN BABY BOOMERS

My family had the ability to keep our mothers in their homes essentially a few days before they passed away. My mother died at 89 and was cared for by my sister and her husband. Mrs. LuLac’s mother died at 95 and we took care of her daily needs. At home. Every family member like my sister and brother in law helped. Family involvement was the key.
But not many families have the means, the will or the respective health situations our mothers had. There are many in my age group who have put their elders in long term facilities.
Medicare will pay for a senior UNTIL they are forced or want to go to a skilled facility. Then Medicaid takes over.
The REPUBLICAN health plan wants to phase out Medicaid in the next few years proposing block grants to the state.
To my baby boomer friends who still have aging parents, do you really want to leave the care of your parent’s final days to a block grant?
Remember, this is the REPUBLICAN PLAN.

BARLETTA SECURES WIN AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN MEETING WITH PRESIDENT, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

WILL INTRODUCE BILL TO DENY HEALTH CARE TAX CREDITS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Lou Barletta (Photo: LuLac archives)

Congressman Lou Barletta today released the following statement after meeting with Speaker Paul Ryan and President Donald J. Trump last evening. They discussed Barletta’s concerns that illegal immigrants would receive tax credits under the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Barletta stated Monday that he would vote against the bill unless his concerns were addressed.
“Millions of Americans can no longer afford health insurance under Obamacare, while at the same time, three-quarters of a billion dollars in Obamacare subsidies have been given to illegal immigrants,” Barletta said. “President Trump and Speaker Ryan agreed with me last night that this is wrong and must be fixed. The president gave his full support to legislation I will introduce to deny health care tax credits to illegal immigrants, and the speaker promised to bring the bill to the House floor for a vote. Because my concerns were met, I will vote for the bill with the understanding that my bill will receive full consideration on the House floor next month.”
A Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs report issued last year revealed that, under Obamacare, a half a million illegal immigrants received $750 million in health care subsidies. Barletta’s bill will address this problem by requiring applicants for health care tax credits to provide valid social security numbers, which will be verified by the Social Security Administration, before they receive tax credits.

REP. CARTWRIGHT INTRODUCES BILL TO ENSURE PARITY FOR BLUE-COLLAR WORKERS

Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright re-introduced a bill to ensure parity for federal employees. The Wage Grade Employee Parity Act would guarantee that the percentage increase in rates of basic pay for Wage Grade, or hourly, employees is equivalent to the percentage increase received by General Schedule, or salaried, federal employees.
The Wage Grade Employee Parity Act was previously introduced in both the 113th and 114th Congress. Language from this bill was included in FY15 and FY16 spending bills that were signed into law.
This legislation would ensure that the basic pay increase for prevailing wage employees shall be equal to the percentage increase received by other federal employees in the same pay locality.
“The inconsistency is unacceptable. Federal employees have been underappreciated and undervalued for far too long,” said Rep. Cartwright. “Blue-collar workers deserve the same pay increase that white-collar workers receive. In addition, this bill will help retain key personnel.”
This legislation would affect nearly 2,000 hourly employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot, the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center, and at the Social Security Administration office located in Pennsylvania’s 17th District.

MEDIA MATTERS

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine.
Brian Hughes speaks with Radhika Fox, Executive Director of the Value of Water Campaign, about the need to upgrade he nation's water infrastructure.
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Joe Sheridan from Little Theatre of Wilkes Barre about "In Concert With The
Arts", coming up on Sunday at the theatre.
Brian speaks with Dr. Hari Naidu about a little known heart disease known as HCN, Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy.
And an encore of Frankie's interview with Pennsylvania's Secretary of Banking and Securities, Robin Weissman, about elder financial abuse.
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

ECTV Live hosts Rusty Fender, David DeCosmo, and Director Mark Migilore welcome Eileen Miller to the program during the week of March 27th to discuss Distracted Driver's Month which is observed in April. Mrs. Miller lost her son in an accident involving a distracted truck driver.

ECTV Live is seen three times daily on Comcast Channel 19 (61 in some areas).ECTV Live is hosted by David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender and is Directed by Mark Migilore.
The program airs three times daily on Comcast channel19 (61 in some locations) and is available on Electric City TV's YouTube channel after its initial live airing Mondays.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1400/1440 am and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River.

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and he heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!

Bobby's show is back again live this Sunday @6PM on The River.

1977

Our 1977 logo

The Clash release their first recording "White Riot"……

US restricts citizens from visiting Cuba, Vietnam, North Korea & Cambodia……..Vietnam hands over MIA to US…….Parisians elect former PM Jacques Chirac as 1st mayor in a century…..Indira Gandhi resigns as PM of India…..Elvis Costello releases his 1st record "Less Than Zero"…..Focus on the Family is founded by Dr. James Dobson…….in Pennsylvania rumors swirl that Attorney General Robert Kane might be the subject of a probe……in Hazleton Eugene Duffy mounts a campaign for Luzerne County Prothonotary and forty years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Don't Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston.

Then there was Chuck Berry.

The LuLac Edition #3453, March 20th, 2017

BARLETTA CANNOT SUPPORT AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ACT IN CURRENT FORM

CONCERNED WITH HEALTH CARE TAX CREDITS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Congressman Lou Barletta released the following statement in regard to the American Health Care Act:
“Obamacare is destroying our health care system. The monstrosity of a health care law failed the American people by throwing them off their preferred plans, eliminating access to their favorite doctors, and sending premiums and deductibles through the roof. In fact, the average premium in Pennsylvania increased by 32 percent this year, and in some corners premiums rose as much as 53 percent. That level of cost increase is unsustainable.
I remain as committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare as I was on the day I came to Congress. We must find an alternative that allows consumers to choose their plans, drives down costs, and ensures that Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars are properly distributed only to American citizens.
Unfortunately, after evaluating the text of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), I cannot support the bill in its current form. I am concerned that the bill lacks sufficient safeguards for verifying whether or not an individual applying for health care tax credits is lawfully in this country and eligible to receive them. Under Obamacare, a half a million people received a total of $750 million in health care subsidies, even though the recipients could not prove their lawful presence in the United States. I cannot vote for a replacement plan that fails to address this problem.
I came to Congress to stop illegal immigration. I would have a hard time explaining to families in the 11th District – many of whom are still struggling to put food on the table and foot the costs of their own health care bills – why they should be helping to pay for the health expenses of someone who broke the law to get here and has no right to those federal dollars. The repeal and replacement of Obamacare will be a multi-phase process, but until my concerns are met, I cannot at this point support the bill.”
Ironic that Barletta has no concern about what the bill would do to Medicare, Medicaid as well as the imbalance of tax credits vs the cost of the health care insurance premiums that will rise more than the current program in place.
Not to mention the number of people who will lose insurance.
But let’s get them illegals. 
Here are my questions. 
Does the good Congressman think everyone working here is an illegal? 
If they were an illegal, would they expose themselves to the IRS? ICE? 
And if they are illegals working under the table, does he think they give a shit about a tax credit? 
 

The LuLac Edition #3452, March 19th, 2017

BOB PRICE

  Bob Price was 27 years old when he passed away on Thursday. I was stunned when my friend Rob Neyhard put up a Face book post writing about a former student of his who died. I was hoping against hope that it wasn’t the same person I knew. But it was. As Mr. Carson on “Downton Abbey” said “Life is short, death is certain”. I always thought it extremely rude to ask a grieving family member of the deceased, “What happened?” The only entities that really know are the one who has passed on and their respective God. Knowing the reason doesn’t change the outcome. No big reveal even for someone Bob’s age takes the sting away of his leaving us.
 However what goes a long way is telling people about the person you knew. So let me tell you about Bob Price.
 As many of you know I do commentary on WBRE TV’s “Pa Live” program, “Eyewitness Newsmakers” as well as some of their newscasts. That’s where I met Bob. He was one of those guys that in his job moved. Whether it be running camera or helping move a cable, Bob was one of the guys who put the broadcast on. For about 6 months I never knew his name. He’d greet me, set me up and slide quietly back to his routine. One day as I was getting seated on “The Newsmakers” set, and Bob was pulling my suit coat down so it wouldn’t bunch up, I asked him his name. After that we were on a first name basis.
 During my work career I have seen enough of those people who make the grand gesture. You know the type, the “atta boy” guy or woman who pays you a compliment, flashes a grin and then sail off on their ways. At my age you notice the small kindnesses that are sometimes all too rare in today’s world. Bob would make sure the nervous guest was comfortable before the hosts got there and he seemed to know that even though he saw broadcasters on various WBRE venues like Dave Kuharchik or Candice Kelly every day, this was the very first time that guest was seeing them. He knew who was nervous and who was not. As for me, he took special care to make sure my cane was out of the camera shot as well as casting a watchful eye as I got off the news platforms. During last year’s election, in a conspiratorial whisper he’d say, “I’m gonna get you a parking spot you're here so often”.
 All that aside, let me tell you when we really bonded. One afternoon before a "Pa Live" program Bob and I were sitting in the studio on these colored metal chairs that I’m certain survived the flood of ’72. Somehow the talk shifted to a comment he heard that the professional wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson might enter politics. He leaned in and said, “You know who he is, right?” I replied, “Yeah never my favorite though, I was always a Kurt Angal guy”. It was a matter of fact comment but I noticed his eyes getting wide saying “You know 
of Angal?”    When I started to sing the iconic Kurt Angal anthem of “you suck” he was momentarily stunned. I saw he was surprised that someone three decades older than he followed the WWF. (He constantly corrected me that it was now the WWE). I told him that when I was in radio sales, The Arena was first starting and I used to get tickets. Bob then proceeded to tell me that he was doing camera work for all the WWE shows and was involved in the sport himself. He told me of the training he went through and how he was excited to learn that he might do more work with the sport he loved. As he walked away to set up the cooking segment, he shook his head, laughed and said “I can’t believe you knew Angal”. I yelled back, “I even had a Steve Austin tee shirt!" He almost collapsed in laughter and what I still think was a little wonderment.
 Our last conversation was before the February 3rd broadcast of “Pa Live” this year. As per usual I got there early and Bob sat down and we talked. He had mentioned that Vince McMahon’s wife was just nominated for a job with Donald Trump and asked “You think she’ll need a metal chair? We laughed and I had mentioned that there was an ESPN documentary about the XFL. The XFL was the football league McMahon and NBC’s Dick Ebersole started to compete against the NFL when the network lost football. We spoke of the second game that essentially doomed the league because of a technical power failure and I think we both realized that while we weren’t friends, we certainly would never be strangers. We were trying to figure out the names of the teams and because it was Friday and tired, we both came up blank.
 Later on that night I texted him via Facebook and wrote “It was the L.A. Extreme and the New York Hitmen”. He texted back, “Why yes! I loved the Hitmen!”
 I never texted back that I indeed owned a “Hitmen” tee shirt too but I’m sure it wouldn’t have surprised him.
 Usually because of my issues with standing I get to a wake early. I see who I need to see and rarely linger. Today after sharing a few stories with his grandmother and Mom as well as those grieving relatives in so much pain, I sat down and surveyed the room. There was a sea of younger women in black mourning dresses. I saw some of Bob’s younger relatives and the Funeral Director asking Bob’s grandmother if she needed any water. Streams of young men and women started to come in and pay their respects.
 I watched them, looked at Bob’s open casket and realized that he was the same age I was when my father died. At the time (pre Mrs. LuLac) I was just starting to date a younger woman who never really lost any significant loved one. In the middle of the wake she quietly came up to me and said, “I never knew you’re father well but I knew he was a good man”. A little annoyed, I asked her how she could possibly know that.
She simply said, “I have never seen so many people, at the same time, feel so bad in one room for the same reason. That’s a good man”.
 Bob Price I’m sure was many things in his all too short life. He was good student, a good friend, a good worker, good son and good grandson.
 But Bob Price was a good man.
 That room told us so today.

The family requests that flowers be omitted and that memorial donations in Bob's name be made to Janet Weiss Children's Hospital, Danville.

Online donations may be made by visiting www.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/donate.

The LuLac Edition #3451, March 18th, 2017

HILLARY CLINTON RETURNS TO THE LAC

Hillary Clinton bounds into her speaking venue in Scranton last night before her first speech since her election night loss. (Photo: Karel Zubris)

Another photo of Clinton arriving with Virginia Doherty McGregor who introduced her last night. (Photo: Karel Zubris)

During the last Presidential campaign, surprisingly or maybe not so, Hillary Clinton was viciously attacked by our genius citizens for pumping up her roots here in Scranton. Look, when your father is buried in a local cemetery, that’s a bit more than being here for a short time as her opponents falsely implied. It was heartening to see the former Senator and Secretary of State return here for her first public speech since the election.
Home to her roots. Again I don’t believe I have to write this over and over but when your father came here, these are roots.
Clinton arrived looking fit and well rested. The speech she gave consisted of memories of her childhood as well as the attributes of the Scranton area. It should come as no surprise that she did not attack the individual who defeated her but she did make this comment according to published reports. “I’m ready to come out of the woods”. This was something I did not expect to read and I’m told this brought the crowd to their feet. My personal feeling is that if Clinton had lost to any other GOP nominee, she would go on with her life and stay away. But the person who defeated her has made it imperative that all Democrats, not only the former Secretary never stay in those woods.
“I ask you all tonight — what can we do to find that common ground — a higher ground — where we can make a difference? I’m not sure it can come out of Washington yet, but I do think it can come out of Scranton, “she said. Clinton urged the assembled multitude of more than 600 to use the lessons of the knowledge passed on by their parents and grandparents as a base to make things better than they were yesterday.
A side note here, some of those grandparents were the children of……………immigrants.
Clinton was a hit but then again she was speaking to a choir that consisted of smart, compassionate, dedicated people who knew a good thing when it literally hit them over the head during last year’s Presidential race. But these people still have their work cut out for them. The comments in the newspaper stories on this were still pretty ugly and personal. No surprise given the ignorant cowards that are among us.
But her speech gives me a mixed bag of emotions. The first, being that we missed a great opportunity in 2016. That’s the bad part. The good part is that America still has people who can still critically think.
The latter is not only good but down right great.

OBSERVATIONS

Much thanks to our good friend Karel Zubris for the wonderful photos you see here…..

Krel Zubris with Jennifer Newland, Legal Assistant to the Pa. House of Representatives. WBRE TV's photo journalist Tony I. is in the background. (Photo: Karel Zubris)

The intrepid Zubris caught up with Shannon Roche Cusick, media volunteer with the Society of Irish Women. Shannon is also a Producer at WNEP TV. (Photo: Karel Zubris)

I understand former Pennsylvania First Lady Ellen Casey was in attendance. It is good to hear that she is out and about. When her husband’s tenure ended in 1995 she modestly said in an interview that her role as First Lady was to support her husband. But she also was heavily involved in promoting literacy and educating women about the early detection of breast cancer. Ironic that those two areas she promoted are now under fire by the individual who defeated Hillary Clinton…..

(Photo: Times Tribune) 

and finally a word about our friend Evie Refalko McNulty. She will most likely brain me for writing this but I’m going to do it anyway. McNulty has been a driving force in area politics. She has gotten things DONE. Yet she had been PASSED over twice for jobs at the state level and most recently the county level. Now the State position, I have no issue with because Governor Wolf inherited a bit of a financial shortfall in terms of hiring.
But that County job that was ripped right under from her so that the boy who thinks he’s in charge and hired a triple dipper is quite another thing. While that guy was up in Dickson City yucking it up with all the male cronies, Evie was getting it done accomplishing the biggest “get” there could be for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the area this year.
That’s a Scranton Democratic woman for you. Like the main speaker she refused to hide and cower in the protective shelter of those woods where only the truly righteous and dedicated always emerge to do good.

THE LESSONS OF PAUL KANJORSKI

Your blog editor, then WYLN TV 35 anchor L.A. Tarone and Paul Kanjorski on a rainy Friday night at Riverfest in Wilkes Barre a few years back. (Photo: LuLac archives)

We don’t hear too much about former 11th District Congressman Paul Kanjorski these days. Since his defeat by Lou Barletta a few years back Kanjorski has pretty much kept a low profile. He was kind enough to participate in an interview with WYLN TV during a River fest remote broadcast a few years ago.
Through the years though Kanjorski brought clarity to complex issues. I remember clearly Kanjorski saying that every time you cut federal spending on programs, someone will have to pay anyway. And that somebody will be local and state taxpayers. I thought about this earlier today when heard that Republican Governors John Kasich of Ohio, Rick Snyder of Michigan, Brian Sandoval of Nevada, and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas said this n a recent letter to congressional leaders. They wrote:  “The House approach provides almost no new flexibility for states, does not ensure the resources necessary to make sure no one is left out, and shifts significant new costs to states.”
A lesson from Kanjorski, it’s nice to hear that federal taxes will be cut (well with this crew maybe) but there is still a piper and that entity will still have to be paid. We'll be the ones too.

The LuLac Edition #3450, March 16, 2017

THE MYTH MAKER

MULVANEY JUSTIFIES CUTTING MEALS ON WHEELS

Mike Mulvaney, Budget Director. (Photo: Coloradoindependent)

How about this? White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney on Thursday defended the Trump administration’s proposed deep cuts to social welfare programs such as Meals on Wheels and after-school services, saying it’s unfair to taxpayers if such programs don’t show hard results.
“Meals on Wheels sounds great,” Mulvaney said during the White House news briefing, adding that “we're not going to spend [money] on programs that cannot show that they actually deliver the promises that we’ve made to people.”
Mulvaney described the budget blueprint, which calls for dramatic cuts to domestic spending programs in favor of increased funding for the military, as “one of the most compassionate things we can do.”
He explained that the budget proposal is compassionate to the taxpayer because it stops government spending on programs that he said have been ineffective.
“You're only focusing on half of the equation, right? You’re focusing on recipients of the money. We’re trying to focus on both the recipients of the money and the folks who give us the money in the first place,” Mulvaney told reporters. “And I think it's fairly compassionate to go to them and say, ‘Look, we're not going to ask you for your hard-earned money anymore … unless we can guarantee to you that that money is actually going to be used in a proper function. And I think that is about as compassionate as you can get.”
Wow, okay this guy says that giving money to Meals on Wheels which feeds impoverished and lonely elders is a waste of money while more taxpayer money can be spent on Defense and Tax Cuts for millionaires You have to give them this: Guys like Mulvaney won’t lie to your face, he’ll tell you straight out this administration doesn’t care if old people can’t eat.
Two of my Knights of Columbus brothers, both over 60 are Meals on Wheels volunteers. They deliver the meal (which is not lobster and Steak Tar Tar) every single day. For FREE.
I knew the local director of Meals On Wheels here in this county for years. It was run on a shoe string budget. This statement by a REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT tells you everything you need to know about how REPUBLICANS feel about old, hungry, disabled poor people. He told you straight out by the Trumpees will argue and tell you it is for their own good. (Politico, LuLac)

BARLETTA LEADS HEARING ON IMPORTANCE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANTS

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS, PENNSYLVANIA PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION DISCUSS VALUE OF NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANTS 

Congressman Lou Barletta led a hearing on the effectiveness of emergency preparedness grant programs that allow communities to identify and respond to disasters. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, Barletta discussed the role these grants play in helping communities save lives, property, and resources when dealing with threats to public safety.
“As a former mayor, I know all too well what it means to be a good neighbor and how critical help from your surrounding communities can be in times of emergency,” Barletta said. “No single community can handle every disaster on its own, and no community can afford all of the equipment and personnel to handle every disaster. National preparedness grants make it possible for mutual aid between communities and across our country.”
Barletta specifically highlighted the Nonprofit Security Grant (NSG) Program, which is helping Jewish Community Centers (JCC’s) across the country to combat the recent wave of bomb threats.
“The threats we are seeing at Jewish communities across the country are outrageous and unacceptable,” Barletta said. “This is domestic terrorism and the full force of the law needs to be brought against the perpetrators.”
Michael Feinstein, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bender Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, and William Daroff, Senior Vice President for Public Policy of the Jewish Federations of North America, testified that NSG grants have been instrumental in helping JCC’s respond to bomb threats.
“These funds have been critical for us,” Feinstein said. “These grants make a tremendous difference for our JCC’s and other JCC’s.”
Barletta also touted the success of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program, which allows local fire departments across the 11th District to purchase equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources.
Art Martynuska, President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, said that small and rural departments rely on these grants to operate.
“The basic tenets of fire protection are supported by these grants,” Martynuska said. “In some of our smaller, rural departments, if these grants weren’t available, these departments would go out of existence.”

MEDIA MATTERS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES

Seen at the Wilkes Barre St. Patrick’s Day Parade from l to r, Sue Henry, L.A. Tarone and Karel Zubris.

(Photos: Facebook)

Two Mayors, Wilkes Barre’s Tony George and Hazleton’s Jeff Cusat enjoying a day of calm before the huge snow storm that both had to deal with after Sunday.

SUNDAY MAGAZINE

This Week on Sunday Magazine.
Brian Hughes speaks with Dr. Deniz Caglar , co-author of the book "Fit for Growth" about business growth in 2017.
Magic 93's Frankie in the Morning speaks with Dave Skutnik from the Wyoming Valley Red Cross about the chapter's 100th anniversary celebration coming up on Thursday March 23rd at Mohegan Sun Pocono.
Frankie speaks with Tanya from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ne Pa. about their "Bowl For Kids Sake" fundraiser, coming up next Saturday at Stanton Lanes in Wilkes Barre.
And an encore of Brian's interview with Kathy Rosen, who tells her story of how she transformed herself from couch potato to triathlete!
Sunday Magazine, Sunday morning at 5am on NASH-FM, 93.7, 5:30am on 97BHT, 6am on 97.9X and Sports Radio 590, WARM and 6:25am on Magic 93.

ECTV

ECTV Live welcomes Laura Fleming to the program during the week of March 20th. Laura is Director of Active Adult Activities at United Neighborhood Centers in Lackawanna County, She'll be discussing plans for this year's "Seniors Got Talent Show." ECTV Live is hosted by David DeCosmo and Rusty Fender and is Directed by Mark Migilore.
The program airs three times daily on Comcast channel19 (61 in some locations) and is available on Electric City TV's YouTube channel after its initial live airing Mondays.

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Tune in Sunday morning at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on NEPA Sports Radio-The Game 1400/1440 am and 106.7 fm; and at 7:30 on 105 The River

SUE HENRY’S SPECIAL EDITION

Tune in to Sue Henry's "Special Edition" this week as Sue recaps the week's news. The show will run Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. on WILK, and on KRZ, Froggy and Max 102 early Sunday morning.

BUDDY RUMCHEK

Want to hear some great parodies on the news? Tune in to WILK Radio at 6:40 and 8:40 AM on Mondays. As Ralph Cramden used to say, “It’s a laugh riot!”

KAREL ON THE STREET

Tune in Wednesdays on WILK Radio for Karel on the Street. Hear some of the funniest and he heartwarming comments on the issues of the day on Webster and Nancy with Karel Zubris.

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SOCK HOP!!!!!

Bobby's show is back again live this Sunday @6PM on The River.

1977

Our 1977 logo

President Jimmy Carter participates with Walter Cronkite in the Dial-a-President radio program on CBS………The Centenary Test between Australia and England begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. – Tenor Luciano Pavarotti and the PBS opera series Live from the Met both make their American television debuts. Pavarotti stars in a complete production of Puccini's La Boheme……Senator Richard Schweiker works toward adopting a much more conservative voting record; his rating from the Americans for Democratic Action drop significantly in 1977…in Scranton Insurance Executive Eugene Hickey enters the race for Mayor and 40 years ago this week the number one song in LuLac land and America was “I Like Dreamin'” by Kenny Nolan.

The LuLac Edition #3449, March 14th, 2017

THIS CONGRESSMAN ISN'T HIDING!

Congressman Cartwright on the move and not hiding. (Photo: Pottsville Republican)

Congressman Matt Cartwright was the Grand Marshall for the Pottsville Parade on Sunday. As usual the Congressman walked in the Parade this time with county Sheriff Joseph G. Groody in the cold weather.
“For me, it was a high honor to be asked to be grand marshal of this year’s parade,” Cartwright said. “My Irish roots run deep, so something like this means a lot to me, no matter how cold it is today.”
Cartwright is serving his third two-year term representing the 17th Congressional District, which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Northampton counties.
“I like coming to Schuylkill County in general,” he said. “The people are so full of decency and friendship.”
Following the parade, Cartwright joined other local officials and residents at the Humane Fire Company for the Grand Irish Party, where there was live music by Celthart.
Cartwright is the only Congressman in the coverage area of the 10th, 11th and 17th district that doesn’t need an all points bulletin to find him.
The annual Girardville St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held at noon March 25. (LuLac, Pottsville Republican)

CORDORA RUNNING IN LUZERNE FOR MAYOR

John C. Cordara. (Photo: LuLac archives)

John C. Cordora is running on the Democratic ticket for Mayor of Luzerne Borough. There are two candidates running on the Republican side. Voter registration in Luzerne Borough is: 415 Republicans and 1,260 Democrats. Cordora has a core plan to start a Citizen’s Crime Watch in view of the car break ins on Miller, Charles and Williard streets recently.
Cordora is a life long conservative who has never been endorsed by either political party. John is an affable guy, very involved and get this, is running as an outsider. Cordora brings a wealth of experience and can help accelerate many of the efforts of Luzerne to make it a great place to live as well as increase business.

FRANKLIN AND MARSHALL POLL

Franklin and Marshall

Our friends at the Franklin and Marshall poll have delivered some interesting things in the February results.
WHO DO YOU BLAME? Registered voters continue to believe that government and politicians (24%) are the state’s most important problem followed by education at 16%, unemployment and taxes at 11% and taxes at 11%.
Wow, again anti government and anti politico lose in the eyes of those polled yet Pa. rarely changes incumbents!
MINUMUM WAGE: Six in ten (61%) say they favor an increase in the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $12.00 per hour, with 39% strongly in favor and 22% somewhat in favor.
That’s a big jump but tells you that voters feel they are underpaid. Wonder how the business communities feel?
ON TRUMP: LOW: One in three (32%) registered voters in Pennsylvania believes President Trump is doing an “excellent” or “good” job as president.
That means there are more than 68% who don’t agree or have no opinion.
TRUMP HIGH TO MIDDLE: Voters are confident in the President’s ability to handle the economy (51%), but are less confident in his ability to handle immigration issues (41%) and foreign affairs (38%).
The big numbers there are Immigration and Foreign Policy where Trump never made the transition from candidate to President.
A TRUMP TIE: Equal proportions of registered voters say that the media treats the president “very unfairly” (32%) as say the media treats him “very fairly” (32%).
Again this is a snapshot of American government divided.
OBAMA CARE: Only one in four (29%) registered Pennsylvania voters believes that the Affordable Care Act should be repealed entirely; most (60%) believe the law should have a few changes made to improve it.
This flies in the face of the recent dictate by Paul Ryan that he and his Congress need to keep their campaign promises. You have to wonder if our GOP Congressmen Barletta and Marino are going to vote for repeal and endorse the tax credit plan.

The Franklin & Marshall College Poll is produced in conjunction with the Philadelphia Daily News, WGAL-TV (South Central PA), Pittsburgh Tribune Review, WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh), WPVI-TV6/ABC (Philadelphia), Times-Shamrock Newspapers, Harrisburg Patriot-News/PennLive, LNP media group, and the Reading Eagle.