The LuLac Edition #4,798, September 1st. 2022

 BIDEN VISIT A HIT

(Photo: Erica Acosta)

Wilkes-Barre hosted Joe Biden and his visit was a hit. More than 500 people crowded into the Wilkes gym and Biden was on fire.

IF PROSECUTORS DECIDE TO INDICT TRUMP, THEY'LL WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE NOVEMBER MIDTERMS TO DO SO: REPORT

Trump

If DOJ decides to indict Trump, it will likely wait until after the midterms, Bloomberg reported.

The move would be in accordance with longstanding policy that bars prosecutors from taking overt steps that could affect the outcome of an election.

AG Merrick Garland also recently introduced new restrictions to "maintain public trust" in the DOJ.

If federal prosecutors decide to charge former President Donald Trump with a crime, they'll wait until after the November midterm elections to do so, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Justice Department is currently investigating if Trump violated three federal laws, including the Espionage Act, when he improperly moved government records to Mar-a-Lago upon leaving office and resisted turning them over for more than a year after. Prosecutors are also said to be zeroing in on Trump as part of a separate, ongoing investigation into the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and events surrounding it.  (Business Insider)

 

GEORGE CONWAY STUNNED BY TRUMP’S ‘INSANE’ SPECIAL MASTER REQUEST: BASICALLY ASKED THE DOJ TO ‘PUNCH THEM IN THE FACE’

CNN contributor George Conway (Photo: CNN)

George Conway reacted to the Department of Justice’s response to what he called an “insane” request filed by Donald Trump to appoint a special master to review the documents seized in the Aug. 8 search at Mar-a-Lago, saying that the former president’s attorneys had “basically asked for the Justice Department to punch them in the face.”

Earlier this month, Judge Bruce Reinhart ordered the release of a redacted version of the affidavit used to obtain the search warrant for Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago, and that redacted affidavit was posted to the online court file last Friday.

The ex-president has gone through some very public struggles to retain a top-notch team of criminal defense attorneys, and the motion they filed on Aug. 22 in Judge Aileen M. Cannon’s court demanding that the DOJ’s review of the seized documents cease until a special master could be appointed raised a lot of eyebrows among legal experts, many of whom pointed out the thin legal arguments. The delay in filing of two weeks after the Aug. 8 search was especially notable with many commentators observing that the standard practice for attorneys who are legitimately trying to protect privileged documents is to file such motions as soon as possible.

The DOJ’s response to Trump’s motion was filed late Tuesday evening, and Conway was part of the panel on Don Lemon Tonight to share his reactions with host Don Lemon right after the motion had been filed.

The DOJ’s response to Trump’s motion was filed late Tuesday evening, and Conway was part of the panel on Don Lemon Tonight to share his reactions with host Don Lemon right after the motion had been filed.

Former federal prosecutor Elliot Williams highlighted a quote from the motion that the documents were “concealed and removed from the storage room [at Mar-a-Lago] and efforts were likely taken to obstruct the government’s investigation.” This  was “laying out the standard for 18 USC § 1519,” referring to the federal statute making it a crime to destroy, alter, or falsify documents, records, or other evidence “with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States.”

The motion made it clear, Williams continued, that the DOJ was “not talking here just about the sort of possession or even mishandling or destruction of documents,” but also about “trying to thwart the efforts of the Justice Department, or any other authorities, to carry out an investigation.”

This was not yet a formal criminal charge, Williams noted, but it was “serious” and “strong language, quite significant.”

“Why would Team Trump want this information out there?” Lemon asked Conway. “Why would they even ask for a special master, knowing what the evidence is?”

“It’s insane,” Conway replied. “They asked for — basically, they asked for the Justice Department to punch them in the face. And that is what the Justice Department did in this brief.”

The DOJ motion also included the certification from Trump’s lawyers claiming there were no more classified documents in response to the subpoena, Conway pointed out, but it turned out “there were documents in his office, there were documents all over the place. And tons of them! I mean, they have — this factual recitation has him dead to rights.”

“There is just no question about it,” he told Lemon, saying that it “explains a lot today about what we are seeing” about Trump’s furious reaction on Truth Social, his “social media platform that’s failing.”

“He was basically just freaking out all day, and the reason is this evidence,” concluded Conway. “This evidence shows, he is guilty as sin. He did this. He hid these documents, he had the lawyers lie about it. It’s incredible.” (CNN, MSN)

 

FAKE ELECTOR WORKING AS RON JOHNSON STAFFER

One of Wisconsin's "fake electors" has been working as a paid staffer for Sen. Ron Johnson’s re-election campaign.

Alexa Henning, a spokeswoman for Johnson, R-Wis., confirmed to NBC News Wednesday the campaign's employment of Pam Travis, one of 10 Wisconsin Republicans who signed bogus paperwork claiming to be an elector backing then-President Donald Trump in an alleged plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Travis’ LinkedIn page indicates she's worked for Johnson since March, and Federal Election Commission financial reports show the campaign has paid her just over $10,200 since April, as well as more than $3,500 in reimbursements for mileage costs between May and July.

Travis, an active member of the Wisconsin GOP, is serving as the vice chair of the 7th Congressional District. (CNN) 

 

REP. CARTWRIGHT ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright  announced $1,639,392 for the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for their Child Care Partnership Grant for their Head Start program. Head Start provides high quality, comprehensive early childhood education for low-income children and their families to prepare them for a successful transition to elementary school.

“Head Start programs ensure that children from low-income families have every chance of succeeding in school and beyond. I’m grateful for the work the Agency for Community EmPOWERment do to provide quality education for Northeastern Pennsylvania families,” said Rep. Cartwright. “I am proud to support this funding that helps our youngest citizens start their education off on the right foot because an investment in our young people is an investment in our future.”

“Studies show that Pre-K education is fundamental to a successful learning experience, and the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA is ensuring 1,200 children in four counties have that important educational foundation,” said Jim Wansacz, Executive Director of the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA. “We’re thankful to Congressman Cartwright for his continued support for federal funding to support partnership grants that deal with early childhood education so all children have the opportunity to attend pre-school.”

Head Start programs provide low-income families with educational services focused on early learning, health and family well-being, and children’s growth and development while actively engaging parents in their child’s education. Head Start serves 1 million children and pregnant women in communities across the country. These services are funded and overseen by the Office of Head Start (OHS) within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership (EHS-CCP) initiative brings together the best of Early Head Start and child care through layering of funding to provide comprehensive and continuous services to low-income infants, toddlers, and their families. EHS-CCP enhances developmental services and supports for low-income infants and toddlers, and their families, by providing strong relationship-based experiences and preparing them for the transition into Head Start and preschool.

 

 

CASEY ANNOUNCES $7.25 MILLION FOR WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

FUNDING WILL BE USED TO EXTEND TAXIWAY

WITH THIS FUNDING, WILKES-BARRE/SCRANTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS RECEIVED NEARLY $10 MILLION SINCE THE START OF 2021

Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Senator Bob Casey  announces that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is receiving $7,257,967 in new infrastructure funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This grant is an award from the Airport Improvement Program.

“This $7.25 million award for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport adds to the flow of much-needed funds for the airport that connects Northeastern Pennsylvania to the country and the world,” said Senator Casey. “As the airport makes critical infrastructure upgrades, this funding will ensure its taxiways keep aircraft moving swiftly and efficiently.”

This funding will be used to extend the airport’s taxiways to ensure smooth operations. With this funding, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport has received a total of $9,727,967 in federal investments since the start of 2021.

 

GOVERNOR WOLF ANNOUNCES $7 MILLION IN FUNDING TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTHY SNACKS IN PA SCHOOLS

Governor Tpm Wolf (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Tom Wolf today announced that 266 elementary schools will receive $7 million in grant funding to provide students with fresh fruit and vegetable snacks during the school day. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP).

“Healthy foods are essential to children’s growth, learning, development, and well-being, and this funding will help more students access nutritious food while school is in session,” Governor Wolf said. “The fresh fruits and vegetables offered through these grants will help students establish healthy eating habits, grow stronger, and stay focused and engaged in the classroom.”

A list of the 2022-23 grant recipients is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) School Nutrition Programs webpage.

FFVP’s goals are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables students experience, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and positively impact students’ present and future health. The program was implemented in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now available in all 50 states.

Funding priority is given to schools with the highest rates of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Grantees are required to spend most of their funding to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables and must develop a plan to establish partnerships to reduce other costs. Schools are also required to provide nutrition education to students but cannot use FFVP funding to purchase nutrition education materials.

During his time in office, Governor Wolf has prioritized combating hunger. In 2015 he established the Food Security Partnership, a group comprising the secretaries of the departments of Aging, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Education, Health, and Human Services; unveiled the commonwealth’s food security plan – Setting the Table: A Blueprint for a Hunger-free PA in 2016; and introduced the Governor’s School Breakfast Initiative in 2017.

Earlier this summer, the Wolf Administration also announced the PA Hunger-Free Campus initiative to help students at risk of hunger to access free, healthy food on college campuses across Pennsylvania.

For more information about Pennsylvania’s education policies and programs, please visit the Department of Education’s website.

 

MEDIA MATTERS 

GEORGE GRAHAM AND "MIXED BAG" @ 50 

 

This week WVIA FM and other invited guests celebrated George Graham and his dedication to home grown music in the area. Graham holds a unique place in local broadcast history with his longevity, creativity as well as his willingness to promote good music. 

He was feted the other night at the Public Broadcasting Center in Pittston with many friends, followers, listeners and fans. I was honored to be invited. I wasn't going to miss this for the world because I worked with Graham during the Watergate saga. I was the night time newsman on "Mixed Bag" for about three years. It was a great learning experience as well as an exciting time to be a broadcaster in that era. 

 Here is the Graham family, Eric, Bob, George Graham and yours truly on the big night.  

Someone caught a photo of me at the event speaking with WVIA staff. 

CARTWRIGHT HONORS GRAHAM IN CONGRESS 

 

 IN RECOGNITION OF GEORGE GRAHAM FOR HIS 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO WVIA FM

CONGRESSMAN MATT CARTWRIGHT HONORED GEORGE GRAHAM IN RECOGNITION OF HIS 50 YEARS OF SERVICE TO WVIA BY ENTERING THE FOLLOWING INTO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, THE DOCUMENT THAT REFLECTS THE OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. THE ENTRY WAS PRESENTED TO GRAHAM DURING A CELEBRATION HELD AT WVIA STUDIOS ON AUG. 29, 2022.

Madam Speaker, today I honor George Graham for his 50 years at WVIA FM, our region’s NPR affiliate. George was celebrated by his colleagues, family, and friends on August 29, 2022, for his service to our region and public radio. 

George was born and raised in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. After high school, he enrolled at Duke University to study electrical engineering. During his time at Duke, he served as the program director of the student radio station, bringing eclectic, contemporary music radio programming to the Durham, North Carolina-based university. After graduating magna cum laude in 1972, George returned to Northeastern Pennsylvania where he was hired as the first employee of WVIA Radio to do studio design and construction for WVIA-FM. With his impressive background of on-air work at Duke, he soon found himself with a regular on-air spot.

While on the air, he introduced his popular show Mixed Bag which has become the longest, continuously running album adult alternative program in the country. The show features weekly album reviews, new release segments, and a Friday night request show. In 1976, he started Homegrown Music to highlight regional artists from a variety of genres including rock, folk, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and World Music. Performances have been held in the studio weekly with a monthly concert for a live studio audience. George also hosts All That Jazz, which also highlights and provides live radio coverage of regional jazz festivals from the Delaware Water Gap and Scranton.

When WVIA acquired Chiaroscuro Records, a 50-year-old jazz label, in 2010, George was appointed the director of artistry and repertoire, overseeing the extensive archive and production of new recordings and reissues. With his impressive background in the industry, he has written for many regional publications and lends his time and expertise as a freelance recording engineer, producer, and mastering engineer.

George has been an essential voice over the air waves championing regional musical talent, and generations of music connoisseurs and casual fans alike have tuned in to discover new music and listen to George’s impeccably curated shows. I am honored to recognize George for his five decades of service to Northeastern Pennsylvania public radio and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

 

WALN TV

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

FRANK ANDREWS SAYS GOODBYE OR JUST "SO LONG" 

WILK'S Frank Andrews will host his last show on Friday September 2nd. Andrews no stranger to the medium ends a nearly 5 year run on WILK with an audience that adored him. I loved Frank's broadcast style but couldn't stand his new political bent. LuLac constantly called him out on it. But I remember the dignified news anchor as well as the erstwhile newly elected state rep who celebrated his win alone with a pizza (Colarusso's he tells me) and sitting in front of church for guidance ahead of his task. He was/is a man of faith and while his politics has radically changed, we wish that family man health for himself as well as his family. Love him or hate him, Andrews made a difference in the broadcast fabric of LuLac land.

 

1975

Our 1975 logo

USAF Lieutenant General Daniel "Chappie" James was promoted, becoming the first African-American four-star general. General James, who was named the commander of NORAD, and would retire on February 2, 1978. Sadly, he died 24 days after his retirement……..Space: 1999, a syndicated science fiction program, produced in the United Kingdom by ITC Entertainment and the Italian company RAI, made its first appearance worldwide. Authorized for release worldwide in the month of September, the show was broadcast on some television stations on the first day of the month, including WGAN, channel 13 in Portland, Maine, which premeired it at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time.According to ITC, the show was distributed to 101 nations and was syndicated to 148 U.S. television markets alone. In most of the United Kingdom, Space: 1999 debuted on September 4 at 7:00 p.m. on some of the regions in the ITV network…….The aircraft units of the Canadian Armed Forces (Air Defense Command, Air Transport Command, Mobile Command, Maritime Command and Training Command) were merged into one national air force, referred to as the Canadian Forces Air Command and more commonly called AIRCOM. On August 16, 2011, AIRCOM would be renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force to reflect the branch of the services that had existed before the 1986 merger…….The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was opened in Hanoi so that the Vietnamese public could see the embalmed body of North Vietnam's founder, Ho Chi Minh, who had died in 1969……..The World Football League owners voted 10–1 to revoke the franchise of the Chicago Winds, after two of the team's investors withdrew deposits of $350,000. The struggling American pro football league was left with ten teams, and would survive only until October 22…….

Baseball player Steve Garvey began a streak of appearing in 1,207 consecutive MLB games, still a National League record (three other players- Cal Ripken, Jr., Lou Gehrig and Everett Scott- all had longer streaks in the American League). Garvey would go until July 28, 1983, when a thumb injury took him out of the lineup……The Sinai Interim Agreement was signed in Geneva by Major General Taha Magdoub for Egypt, and Major General Herzl Shafir for Israel, along with the ambassadors to Switzerland from the two nations, after having been initialed earlier in the week by Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Egypt's President Anwar Sadat.Under the agreement, a 25 kilometer wide buffer zone was created in the Sinai Peninsula, to be patrolled by United Nations Emergency Force troops, and separating the armies of the two nations....

Walter Tetley, 60, passed away. He was the American actor whose "perennially adolescent voice" allowed him to portray children on radio shows (The Great Gildersleeve) and in cartoons, most notably as "Sherman" on The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show…….  

 In Sacramento, California, Lynette Fromme, a follower of jailed cult leader Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford, but was thwarted by United States Secret Service agent Larry M. Buendorf. Fromme was three feet away from the President as he walked through a crowd near the California State Capitol building at 10:00 am local time, pointed a .45 caliber automatic pistol at his chest and pulled the trigger, but had failed to operate the slide mechanism to put a cartridge into the firing chamber. Buendorf would report later that Fromme, realizing her mistake, said, "Oh, shit, it didn't go off; it didn't go off."Fromme would serve 34 years in prison, and would be released, at age 60, on August 14, 2009. After the attempt on his life, Ford was calm and ordered a huge dish of Butter Pecan Ice cream for the ride home on Air Force 1.....and this week in 1975 the number one song in LuLac land and America was “Get Down Tonight” by KC & the Sunshine Band.