The LuLac Edition #5, 326, May 15th, 2025

 

QATAR'S LUXURY JET DONATION POSES SIGNIFICANT SECURITY RISKS, EXPERTS SAY

ABC News on line reports that Qatar's luxury jet donation poses significant security risks, experts say

It poses a "counterintelligence nightmare," a former CIA field operative said.

'It sends a bad message': Expert on possible gifting of luxury Qatari jet to Trump

'It sends a bad message': Expert on possible gifting of luxury Qatari jet to TrumpABC News contributor and former CIA field operative Darrell Blocker talks about the Trump administration's discussions to accept luxury jet as a gift from Qatar for use as Air Force One.

The Trump administration's plan to accept a luxury jet donated by the Qatari government to use as Air Force One raises significant security concerns, intelligence experts and government officials say, as President Donald Trump said it would be "stupid" not to accept a free plane.

Trump on Monday defended the administration's plans to receive a luxury jet donated by the Qatari government during remarks at the White House, calling the donation a "very nice gesture."

"I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane.' But it was, I thought it was a great gesture," he said.

Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, slammed the move, arguing that using the plane as Air Force One would "pose immense counterintelligence risks by granting a foreign nation potential access to sensitive systems and communications."

"This reckless disregard for national security and diplomatic propriety signals a dangerous willingness to barter American interests for personal gain," Reed said in a statement Monday. "It is an affront to the office of the presidency and a betrayal of the trust placed in any U.S. leader to safeguard the nation's sovereignty."

RFK-NO ADVICE FROM ME!!!!

Two takeaways from the RFK Jr. hearing with Congress.

1.          He said people shouldn’t take advice from him as far as their health was concerned.

2.          Had no clue that one of the line items he was cutting was a program founded by his late aunt, Eunice Shriver. I mean the guy has no knowledge or history of his own family. The guy used the Kennedy name to gain  traction in his race to the White House  but had no clue as to the history and contributions of said family.

Hey Bobby, in case you hadn’t seen John John around, ask about the plane crash.

 

THE SENIOR PROM

As Vice Chair of the Area agency On Aging Advisory Board I was happy to attend the annual Senior event this afternoon. About 400 people were in full post Mardi Gras regalia to enjoy a great time.

At the event were Luzerne County Council members. Styling in true form was Vice Chair Brian Thornton, Chair John Lombardo and Lee Ann McDermott.

Here is the staff members of AAA. Bobbi Shudak, Sheila Rothenberger, Mary Schell and Tim Farrell.

There was music, great conversations and a lot of dancing on the floor and in the aisles. For more information on the Luzerne/Wyoming County Area Agency on Aging, visit their website at this link. https://www.luzernecounty.org/847/Aging

 

BUFALINO EVENT

 

The Mark Bufalino for Luzerne County Judge drew a big crowd at the Checkerboard Inn last night. Buaflino has thirty years as a practicing attorney and has covered every inch of the county in his effort to sit on the bench. 

I had the opportunity to visit with my cousin Lenny Pribula Junior as we spoke to the candidate.  

Also, in attendance were two of the County Council candidates, Denise Williams and Jonathan Price with Attorney Neil O'Donnell. 

One of Mr. Bufalino's boosters is Kathy Gatusky Bufalino who has been the photographer at every event.

 

 

DEMS HOLD EVENTS

 

The Democrats running for County Council had an event at The Germania Hose Company Mowday night. Here are some photos of that event and the one before at Keely's in Kingston. 

 

 

MAGASs STILL DENYING 2020 ELECTION

ATTACKING STATE HIGH COURT WITH LIES

Voters are only asked whether they want to “retain” the current justices, voting simply “yes” or “no” for each of them. If a majority of constituents vote “no” on any of the justices, they will be removed from the bench and the governor will appoint an interim replacement — pending approval of the state senate — until a special election is held. The retention election will be held on November 4.

A bunch of right wing Magas want to get control of the court and are saying that these incumbent judges helped Joe Biden steal the election by allowing mail in votes to be counted three days after the election even if they were postmarked on time. These ELECTION DENIERS are LYING and should be held accountable. Here are the candidates running for retention who deserve a YES vote.

 

Christine Donohue

Christine Donohue was born in Coaldale and grew up in the nearby town of Lansford, the daughter of Steve Lewis, a Lansford city council member, and Mary Lewis, a seamstress and union member. Donohue earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from East Stroudsburg University and her law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh.

Before ascending to the bench, Donohue spent 27 years as a trial lawyer specializing in personal injury and commercial litigation. Her legal career also included service on the Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline and the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In 2007, Donohue was elected to the state’s superior court, where she served until 2016 when she started her first term on the supreme court.

Kevin Dougherty

Kevin Dougherty was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University. After receiving his law degree from the Antioch School of Law, Dougherty began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia County. He then entered private practice before being appointed to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas in 2001. He was elected to a full term later that year and served until his election to the Supreme Court in 2015.

During his time on the Court of Common Pleas, Dougherty focused on family and juvenile justice. He implemented several programs aimed at assisting at-risk youth, including the Cross-Over Program and the Adolescent Medicine Initiative. In 2014, he was appointed Administrative Judge of the Trial Division, overseeing the largest court system in Pennsylvania.

He was elected to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2015 and represents the Supreme Court on initiatives such as the Statewide Dependency Court Improvement Program and the Court Mental Health Initiative.

 

David N. Wecht

David N. Wecht was in Baltimore, the son of Dr. Cyril Wecht, a renowned forensic pathologist. Wecht graduated from Yale University and earned his juris doctor from Yale Law School in 1987, where he served as Notes Editor of the Yale Law Journal.

Wecht was a recent visitor to the Wilkes-Barre Area speaking before a Law Day Assembly at Temple Israel a feew weeks back.

He then clerked for Judge George MacKinnon on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit before joining Williams & Connolly in Washington and later in Pittsburgh. He served as Allegheny County’s Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court from 1998 to 2003 and was then appointed to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, where he served until 2012, including a term as Administrative Judge of the Family Division.

Wecht was elected to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania in 2011 and to the Supreme Court in 2015, having campaigned on judicial transparency and ethics reform, including proposals for mandatory ethics training and increased courtroom transparency. Wecht also serves as an adjunct professor at Duquesne University School of Law and has taught internationally. He is married and has four children.

Wecht wrote a dissent in the mail-in ballots case in which he argued, “a prompt and definitive ruling on the constitutional question presented in this appeal is of paramount public importance inasmuch as it will affect the counting of ballots in the upcoming general election.”

BRESNAHAN INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

Congressman Rob Bresnehan (Photo: LuLac Archives)

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. announced the introduction of the Save BRIC Act, legislation requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to disburse funding through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to help states prepare against natural disasters. This bipartisan bill, which he introduced with Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-04), would protect the program from elimination.

“The BRIC program is a hand-up, not a hand-out, to at-risk communities who have suffered catastrophic weather events” said Rep. Bresnahan. “In cases where our communities cannot bear the full cost of keeping people safe, it is our responsibility to lend assistance. We must ensure this critical program continues to provide the infrastructure assistance and pre-disaster support to those who need it most.”

Last month, acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton wrote in an agency memo that the Administration would not allocate the $750 million that was planned this year for BRIC grants. Specifically, the city of Scranton, PA, was awaiting funding for buy-outs of flood-prone properties that were destroyed by flash floods on September 9, 2023. Without the support from the BRIC program, the city will be forced to come up with an additional $2.5 million in funding in order to create floodplain restoration and infrastructure, which is important to city public safety and future cost savings.

“Defunding this common-sense, bipartisan grant program puts lives, property, and public safety at unnecessary risk” said Rep. Stanton. “BRIC grants are a small up-front investment in resilience to save lives and taxpayer dollars long-term. Arizona communities are counting on these funds—dollars that Congress appropriated on a bipartisan basis. Now the Trump administration needs to fulfill that promise.”

Specifically, the BRIC program supports states, local and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. The program aims to support communities as they build capability and capacity. BRIC also encourages and aids innovation. It helps partnerships grow; supports infrastructure projects; and fosters flexibility and consistency. Research has proven that every $1 invested in pre-disaster mitigation saves up to $13 in disaster recovery costs.

The BRIC program was authorized and signed into law by President Trump in 2018.

 

AT SCHUYLKILL COUNTY POTATO FARM, GOVERNOR SHAPIRO HIGHLIGHTS FIRST-IN-THE-NATION AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM, DELIVERING RESULTS TO SUPPORT PENNSYLVANIA FARMERS

IN THE FIRST YEAR OF GOVERNOR SHAPIRO’S AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM, THE COMMONWEALTH IS INVESTING IN 88 CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN 45 COUNTIES TO SUPPORT PENNSYLVANIA AGRICULTURE.

THE GOVERNOR HIGHLIGHTED A $200,000 GRANT TO HELP STERMAN MASSER INSTALL CUTTING-EDGE PLANTING TECHNOLOGY DURING HIS VISIT — WHICH WILL HELP DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF ACRES USED FOR POTATO PLANTING AND HARVESTING.

IN ORDER TO FURTHER SUPPORT PENNSYLVANIA FARMERS, GOVERNOR SHAPIRO IS PROPOSING ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO EXPAND THE PROGRAM IN HIS 2025-26 PROPOSED BUDGET

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

Governor Josh Shapiro visited Sterman Masser Potato Farm in Schuylkill County to highlight how strategic Commonwealth investments — like the Shapiro Administration’s first-in-the-nation Agricultural Innovation Grant Program — are strengthening Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. These investments provide grants, loans, and technical support to farmers and agricultural businesses adopting cutting-edge technologies, ensuring Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of the ag industry. The Governor’s visit showcased how Pennsylvania is leading the nation in supporting farmers and delivering results for one of the Commonwealth’s largest and most innovative potato growers.

Sterman Masser, an eighth-generation family business with over 400 employees, received a $200,000 grant to purchase and install a state-of-the-art potato planter. This new equipment will boost planting efficiency, reduce fuel usage, and allow Sterman Masser to double the number of acres they plant and harvest — from 1,000 acres before this grant to 2,000 acres with their new equipment. As a result, for the first time in 50 years, Pennsylvania will see an increase in the number of acres used for potato planting and harvesting.

“Our farmers are the backbone of our economy here in Pennsylvania — they put food on our tables, in our stores, and in our restaurants every day. If we want to compete and succeed as a Commonwealth, then we have to invest in our ag economy,” said Governor Shapiro. “When I was campaigning to be Governor, I heard over and over again from folks in the ag industry that they needed access to capital to invest back in their operations. That’s why we came together last year — Democrats and Republicans alike — to address that challenge and create a brand-new, first-in-the-nation Ag Innovation fund that’s delivering real results like this new planter here at Sterman Masser.”

Operating one of the largest potato processing facilities in the Northeast, Sterman Masser combines state-of-the-art technology with sustainable farming and supply chain practices. The company is widely recognized for its environmental stewardship and commitment to innovation — exactly what the Shapiro Administration designed the grant program to support.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has placed significant emphasis on supporting and growing Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry — bringing Democrats and Republicans together to invest in new technologies, strengthen supply chains, and drive economic growth for farmers and producers. The Governor remains committed to ensuring Pennsylvania’s farmers have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. The Commonwealth is home to 50,000 farms, contributing $132 billion to the economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs.

“We are fortunate to live and operate in the Keystone State, that under Governor Shapiro's leadership continues to invest in agriculture,” said Dave Masser, CEO of the Masser Family of Companies. “The Ag Innovation Grant we received is meaningful to assist us in securing a state-of-art automated 8-row planter that will be more efficient, save fuel, and utilize the latest technology to ensure we give our seed potatoes the best start. In Pennsylvania, we have a narrow window to plant over 1,000 acres of potatoes, and this planter will greatly assist us in planting in optimal conditions. Investing in innovation keeps Pennsylvania growing for the next generation.”

As one of the largest growers, packers, shippers, and processors of potato products in the region, Sterman Masser offers a diverse selection of fresh potato offerings — from bulk quantities to ready-to-eat convenience products — including red, white, yellow, and russet varieties.

Pennsylvania plays a critical role in the nation’s potato supply chain, consistently ranking among the top producers of processing potatoes. The Commonwealth is also known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands and food processing plants that transform Pennsylvania-grown potatoes into chips, fries, and other snack foods enjoyed across the U.S. and beyond. Supporting companies like Sterman Masser ensures continued growth and resilience in this vital sector.

Sterman Masser’s project is one of 88 grant recipients through Governor Shapiro’s $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. The program, announced in February, helps farms and food businesses adopt new technologies, sustainable practices, and modernized infrastructure. The program received 159 applications totaling over $68 million in requests — underscoring strong demand for forward-looking agricultural investment.

“Investments in innovation like the one we’re seeing at Masser’s are essential to keeping Pennsylvania agriculture strong, competitive, and future-ready,” said Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Shapiro and the strong support of the General Assembly, we’re making it possible for farmers to modernize their operations, improve sustainability, and create jobs in rural communities. We’re working hand-in-hand with producers to ensure their long-term success and preserve the vitality of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry for generations to come.”

“When I was in high school, one farmer fed about 25 people. Today, that number has escalated to over 150,” said Kent Heffner, President of the Schuylkill/Carbon County Farm Bureau. “The need to increase our efficiency will only grow. I believe the future of agriculture will focus on smaller farms doing on-farm processing and selling directly to consumers. That means more funding will be needed to get these projects up and running — everything from fruit and vegetable processing to meat and milk. The need for this program is going to be great. We've entered a new era — the era of sustainability — where we must get food from farm to table more efficiently to feed more people than ever before. Thanks to the Ag Innovation Grant Program, Pennsylvania is on the forefront of this era. Thank you, Governor Shapiro.”

The funded projects span 45 counties, 31 commodities, and 40 types of innovation — including precision irrigation, robotics, biodegradable packaging, and carbon-storing crops. Governor Shapiro is proposing an additional $15 million in his 2025–26 proposed budget to meet continued demand and expand access to innovation capital for Pennsylvania farmers and producers.

Governor Shapiro’s Record of Delivering for Agriculture

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has prioritized agriculture as a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy. His administration has:

Created Pennsylvania’s first statewide Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades — naming agriculture as a key sector alongside life sciences, manufacturing, robotics, technology, and energy as vital drivers of Pennsylvania’s long-term economic success.

Fully funded the PA Farm Bill at $13.8 million annually — supporting workforce development, processing expansion, and market access.

Invested $1 million to launch the Organic Center of Excellence, empowering organic farmers and establishing the PA Preferred Organic™ brand.

Preserved 333 farms and 27,500 acres through the nation’s leading Farmland Preservation program.

Invested over $60 million to mitigate Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, supporting poultry farmers and disease monitoring.

Opened a state-of-the-art animal health lab in Western Pennsylvania to enhance disease testing and biosecurity.

Expanded the Fresh Food Financing Initiative with $2 million to increase access to local food and support small businesses.

To ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture, Governor Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal builds on this record, including:

$15 million to expand the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program and support the development of biodigesters.

$4 million more for the State Food Purchase Program, which helps stock food banks and pantries.

$4 million more for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, connecting surplus farm products to those in need.

$2 million to fully operate the new state animal diagnostic lab.

Governor Shapiro’s leadership is ensuring Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture — supporting our farmers, growing rural economies, and strengthening the food supply chain for generations to come. These investments are critical to the future of Pennsylvania agriculture, and the Governor is helping to build a more resilient agricultural economy, safeguard the food supply, and secure a prosperous future for Pennsylvania’s farming communities.

Learn more about the commonsense investments to in the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal at shapirobudget.pa.gov and how the Shapiro Administration is supporting Pennsylvania’s farmers.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN

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.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

THE POPES & HELICOPTERS

The Pope, as the leader of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of Vatican City, frequently travels across the world to meet with political leaders, religious communities, and the faithful. While many world leaders have dedicated aircraft and elaborate travel arrangements, the Pope’s mode of transportation is unique, blending practicality, security, and tradition.

For shorter trips within Italy, the Pope frequently travels by helicopter. The Italian Air Force operates a fleet of AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters, which are used to transport the Pope between Vatican City and locations such as Castel Gandolfo (the Papal summer residence) or nearby Italian cities.

The Vatican has its own heliport, known as the Vatican City Heliport, located in the gardens of Vatican City. This allows for quick and secure helicopter transport when needed. The heliport was dedicated by Pope Paul VI in 1976

 

1959

POPE BLESSES HELICOPTER 

1964

POPE’S FIRST HELICOPTER RIDE

and respectively the number 1 songs in 1959 and 1964 in LuLac land were “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison and “My Guy” by Mary Wells.