The LuLac Edition #5, 332, May 22nd, 2022

TRUMP TO SENIORS

AT HIGH RISK FOR COVID.

FORGET ABOUT IT!!!

YOU DON’T COUNT

The Trump administration said Tuesday it will limit approval for seasonal COVID-19 shots to seniors and others at high risk pending more data on everyone else — raising questions about whether some people who want a vaccine this fall will be able to get one.

Top officials for the Food and Drug Administration laid out new standards for updated COVID shots, saying they’d continue to use a streamlined approach to make them available to adults 65 and older as well as children and younger adults with at least one high-risk health problem.

But the FDA framework, published Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, urges companies to conduct large, lengthy studies before tweaked vaccines can be approved for healthier people. It’s a stark break from the previous federal policy recommending an annual COVID shot for all Americans six months and older. In the paper and a subsequent online webcast, the FDA’s top vaccine official said more than 100 million Americans still should qualify for what he termed a booster under the new guidance.

 

REPUBLICAN BUDGET WILL STARVE SCHOOL CHILDREN

If your school district provides breakfast and lunch meals for children, this is coming from a budget that specifically allocates money for student nutrition here and abroad.

The McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program provides U.S. agricultural commodities and other assistance to support school meals and child nutrition in other countries. The program funds projects conducted by nonprofits and other organizations.

"The key objective of the McGovern-Dole Program is to reduce hunger and improve literacy and primary education, especially for girls," the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service website states. "By providing school meals, teacher training and related support, McGovern-Dole projects help boost school enrollment and academic performance. At the same time, the program also focuses on improving children's health and learning capacity before they enter school by offering nutrition programs for pregnant and nursing women,

Trump wants to eliminate the $240 million McGovern-Dole program.nfants and pre-schoolers. Trump's first administration also called for eliminating McGovern-Dole. His 2018 budget proposal said the program "lacks evidence that it is being effectively implemented to reduce food insecurity."

But this cruel and indifferent leader will give tax breaks to billionaires and starve kids. Make America GREAT again? They want to make America poor again.

 

EVEN WITH CANCER,

MAGA SLOBS

CAN’T ’GIVE

BIDEN A BREAK

The news came suddenly on Sunday that Joe Biden had prostate cancer. The firs reaction was to gather information and then send prayers and thoughts. Even the terribly wounded President (those ear nips can be deadly) sent his best wishes),

BUT ALL THAT LASTED FOR A HOT 8 HOURS.

Then the MAGA MORONS started on their conspiracy theories.

He was hiding it for a year and a half.

There was a cover up.

How did they miss it?

Why was he lying about it?

These ignorant slobs who now suddenly are world class oncologists are now issuing medical bulletins as if they finished high school. T

Keep in mind these are the same jerks who:

a.   Said COVID was a scam.

b.   Didn’t get vaccinated because “duh guvumunt ain’t gonna tell me what ta do!”

c.   Didn’t vaccinate their kids and now we have measles for the first time in years.

d.   Praised the bravery for a multi time draft dodger who had a bandage in his ear.

e.   Denied that 1 million people died under Trump’s watch during COVID and that the stupid son of a bitch won the 2020 election.

f.     Continued to run rough shod over a President who did more than any modern President since Johnson.

Two morons on WILK after 6 were hammering him for being deceptive and telling lies. Yet their Lord and Savior Trump lies 38,000 times.

I AM SO OVER THEM. I essentially tune them out. It’s funny, they are so un-Christian, so mean, they would make perfect storm troopers. They have NO empathy, sympathy or kindness.

UNTIL something bad hits home to them. Then the little baby snowflakes whine and cry.

Meanwhile Joe Biden carries on. He rises above the hate, But I will always call out “the experts” who spout their shit and seem to have a perverse joy in the sickness of a fellow human being.

Remember Trumpsanzees, KARMA IS A BITCH!

EDITOR’S NOTE: On Sunday night our Hawaiian based correspondent Dr. Joe Leonardi remarked on Biden’s condition. He was of course sympathetic. But then our discussion veered off on politics and he said that my defense and passion for President Biden matched those MAGAs who believed Trump and his policies are actually good for America. I then mentioned that a few people I know said I had similarities with 47. I drink a ton of Diet Coke, have multiple blue suits and can hold a grudge. I then told Leonardi I’d want to have Biden canonized (we do now have an American Pope) if it were up to me. 

I was all set to do all of that but then the MAGA MORONS did their thing. So, while my good friend momentarily calmed me down……………….I’m still Ridin’ With Biden.

TRUMP & MAGAs SCRAP CANCER RESEARCH

Most people I know have someone in their lives that has cancer. To be sure there has been progress in testing and research that has extended the lives of many of us. But his budget and attack on universities is stopping progress on the very scientists who have been saving lives for years.

The pause of billions of dollars in research funding to universities has had devastating effects on cancer research as lab work is put on hold and schools are halting the acceptance of new Ph.D. students. 

The Trump administration’s war with higher education, combined with efforts to reduce government spending by the Department of Government Efficiency, has left significant casualties in cancer research, which in the U.S. is largely done at colleges and universities. 

Experts fear four years of these sorts of attacks will take decades to recover from and stall the progress of treatments even as cancer rates rise.

Some say that it will take 20 to 30 years for the scientific and medical communities to recover from the 4 years of damage this cruel administration is inflicting on America. 

So when one of your MAGA neighbors tells you that this is making America great again, just ignore their nonsense. Or turn your back on them.

 

U.S. HOUSE PASSES BRESNAHAN'S BILL TO SIMPLIFY VETERANS FORMS

Congressman Rob Bresnehan (Photo: LuLac archives)

 The U.S. House of Representatives resoundingly passed Representative Rob Bresnahan’s, Jr. (PA-08) legislation, H.R. 1286, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act. The bipartisan bill, which passed by a vote of 386-1, would simplify forms required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and survivors. Rep. Bresnahan introduced this bill on February 13, 2025, and it passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs on May 6, 2025. This is the first piece of legislation Rep. Bresnahan introduced and is his first legislation to pass the House.

 “When our military members return home from serving our country, they are often tasked with filling out dozens of pages of paperwork in order to receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Veterans and their families should not be subjected to a VA claims process that is more difficult and stressful than necessary, which is why I am incredibly proud to see my legislation, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, pass out of the House this evening.

 “Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District is home to nearly 40,000 veterans, and I am proud to spearhead this legislation for each and every one of them and their families.”

 “As a veteran myself, I know how confusing VA’s forms can be for veterans and their families when it comes to filing their own disability claims,” said House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs Chairman Mike Bost. “We must make VA’s standard forms more understandable for veterans, so they don’t have to deal with a paperwork nightmare to access their earned VA benefits. I want to thank Rep. Bresnahan for his leadership on his bill, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, on behalf of veterans and their families. This commonsense bill will make a difference in veterans’ day to day lives and would ensure that Congress continues to push VA forward to better serve veterans.”

 The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) within VA requires veterans and survivors to complete standard forms to initiate and pursue claims for VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivors’ benefits. These forms can often be arduous and difficult to understand for veterans or their survivors, and failure to do correctly fill them out can result in delays in processing their claim, delays in receiving a decision on their claim, or even a denial of their claim.

 Rep. Bresnahan introduced the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act to simplify the forms process to make VA standard forms more user-friendly. The legislation would require VA to contract with a nonpartisan, federally funded research entity to conduct a study on, and provide recommendations for, revising VA forms to be more understandable for veterans and their survivors. Following this study, the VA Secretary would be required to report findings to Congress and implement recommendations.

LATEST ANALYSIS SHOWS THAT GOVERNOR SHAPIRO HAS SECURED OVER $5.2 BILLION IN PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS AND CREATED MORE THAN 9,500 JOBS SINCE TAKING OFFICE

OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS, THE SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION HAS SUPPORTED NEARLY 100 COMPANIES EXPANDING TO OR IN PENNSYLVANIA, CREATING AND RETAINING THOUSANDS OF JOBS WHILE REIGNITING PENNSYLVANIA’S ECONOMY.

 

THE GOVERNOR AND HIS ADMINISTRATION ARE MOVING AT THE SPEED OF BUSINESS – AND IT IS RESULTING IN REAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR PENNSYLVANIANS: THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS, THRIVING BUSINESSES, AND A MORE COMPETITIVE ECONOMY THAT’S BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE IN EVERY CORNER OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

 

(Governor Josh)  Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives

 

The Department of Community and nomic Development (DCED) completed new analysis showing that the Shapiro Administration has secured more than $5.2 billion in private sector investment, creating more than 9,500 new jobs, since taking office.

"Since day one, my Administration and I have been laser focused on making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation. Securing more than $5.2 billion in private sector investment is proof our strategy is working and getting real results,” said Governor Shapiro. “From historic investments in site development, to cutting red tape, we’re showing the world how we get stuff done — and we’ll continue to make bold, strategic investments that create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians.”

From day one, Governor Shapiro has worked to spur economic development in Pennsylvania, creating the first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades, securing historic funding for site development, main streets, small businesses, and more, and speeding up the Commonwealth’s permitting, licensing, and certification processes.

As part of the Shapiro Administration’s work to implement the 10-year Economic Development Strategy, DCED created the BusinessPA team. This experienced group of economic development professionals is dedicated to Getting It Done for businesses looking to thrive in Pennsylvania.

“Economic development is a team sport, and the DCED team is committed to partnering with regions across our Commonwealth to make sure Pennsylvania is open for business,” said DCED Secretary Siger. “We’ll continue to get stuff done that will spur innovation, create jobs, support our communities, and invest in a bright future for our Commonwealth.”

Pennsylvania’s appeal to businesses has not gone unnoticed. DCED was recently named a top state economic development group by Business Facilities Magazine. The Commonwealth recently ranked 10th overall in Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup — and 3rd among Northeast states. Additionally, BusinessPA was honored with a Deal of the Year – Impact Award from Business Facilities Magazine for its role in GSK’s expansion in Lancaster County.

The Shapiro Administration is delivering real results — and building on that momentum. Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes more than $160 million in new and expanded investments to advance the 10-year Economic Development Strategy, boosting Pennsylvania’s competitiveness. The Governor’s vision is clear: to make Pennsylvania a national leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development while expanding economic opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

TOMMY WOODS

 

Broadcast legend Tommy Woods passed away today at the age of 86.  Woods was one of the members of the heritage WARM Sensational Seven and was a mainstay in the halcyon days of WARM Radio. At The Mighty 590 Tom did evenings and afternoon drive before moving on to the Mutual Broadcasting System in the late 60s. He was in D.C. during historical events like the Vietnam War ending and Watergate. When Tom returned t the area, he became the voice of WBRE TV Eyewitness News and was a sought-after announcer for commercial broadcast advertising.

As an avid listener of WARM Radio, I never thought I’d become friend with him. I paths first crossed when I was working at the United Way of Wyoming Valley in the Communications Department. Through the years we’d commiserate about how his industry changed. Most recently Tom and his wife Fran would stop by our Health Department table at the Farmer’s Market. In July of 2023, I was fortunate to moderate a 65th WARM Radio anniversary spearheaded by Richard Yelen at a packed event at the Friedman Jewish Community Center. Our last conversation was on Good Friday as we grabbed on the phone about life.

Life.

Tom had one that was jam packed with a career that gave him access top stars, political figures, and regular folks. He was comfortable with all of them. With Tom Woods, after you finished a conversation, your day just became better.

It is rare when that voice on the radio from years ago entered your adult life as a contemporary but also as a friend.

RIP Tom.

Here’s Tom and I at the WVIA TV/FM WARM 65th anniversary at the Friedman JCC in Kingston in 2023. 

Sitting right next to Mickey Mantle at The Station in the early 1980s. 

On WVIA TV for their great documentary WARMland Remembered. 

Taking the stage at the FM Kirby Center for the Performing Arts last November when he and his friend Bobby Day were inducted into the Luzerne County Entertainment Hall of Fame.

 

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

SIRHAN’S PROPHESY

May 1968

Sirhan Bishara Sirhan, a 24-year-old Jordanian citizen who had been raised in a Palestinian Christian family and who had lived in the U.S. for 12 years, made the first handwritten entries in a journal that would be introduced at his trial for the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Less than three weeks before the shooting, Sirhan was in his Pasadena, California, home and wrote "My determination to eliminate R.F.K. is becoming more the more of an unshakable obsession... Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated before 5 June 68". He was off a day but essentially changed history by taking the life of the father of 10, and a person who could have changed the country in ways we can only imagine. He has been begging for a parole for a long time and was justifiably denied and the number 1 song in LuLac land and America was “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkal.