The LuLac Edition #5, 388, July 17th, 2025

 

VANCE DOESN’T SAY A WORD

ABOUT MEDICAID

OR SNAP

On the inside

On the outside 

 

The Hill Billy arrived in West Pittston this afternoon and told the 46 employees at a shop that they were going to benefit from the big beautiful bill of bullshit passed by his party. Let’s see…………46 people benefiting vs the thousands getting screwed on Medicaid and SNAP. Take a look at what these Americans did peacefully. 

 

THEN THE BABY TRUMPANZEE MAGA SNOWFLAKES SHOWED UP 

One of the MAGA morons attacked the free speech of local videographer Scott Cannon., I guess the fact that he was taking pictures of the demonstrators and NOT THEM hurt their itty bitty feelings.  Watch this attack on freedom of movement, freedom of speech and UNDERSTAND THIS. This represents the Republican party in Luzerne County. These people are getting screwed but to justify their actions, THEY ATTACK and disrupt. They'll tell you they are saving the country but look at these guys. I'm acquainted with some, disagree with all of them but this is not what veterans (some who had relative that volunteered to fight in Ukraine) is NOT AMERICA. Somewhere they are making Benito proud!  

 The ringleader in this asked the demonstrators "how many of you had an abortion here?"  The correct answer might be, his parents...maybe!" I say that with, uh, all due respect to my freedom of speech and his. 

 

 

 

 

VANCE: KILLING PEOPLE

WORLDWIDE AND MAKING

AMERICAN KIDS DUMBER THAN EVER

J.D. Vance the Vice President who cast the deciding vote to take back Appropriations that were funded and allocated by Congress visited a small company in West Pittston yesterday. He touted the Trump administration’s support of small  business but apparently was okay with taking money away from a global health program that saved the lives of children in the world.  The Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy leads, manages, and oversees the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has invested over $110 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history – saving 26 million lives, preventing millions of HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward controlling the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in more than 50 countries.

But now that money has been cut to give billionaires and the rich a tax cut they don’t need.

Closer to home, money to Public Broadcasting and NPR was cut because the baby President thought they were biased against him. Gone will be education programs for children. Gone will be news in rural areas. The commercial stations do not do the job they did generations ago. It was up to public media to educate, inform, comfort and report the news fairly.

Here's Chuck Schumer’s take on how this administration has turned its back on the world and the country.

Thank the  MAGA Republicans and the Hill Billy Vice President for screwing America.

OLDER CARE AT RISK BECAUSE OF TRUMP IMMIGRATION PLANS

 

Administrators in nursing homes have always been understaffed.  It has been tough to get people to take those jobs. But now the crisis is even worse because immigrants are wary of applying for positions given ICE’s actions.

Employees who have been in this country for years have had their legal status revoked. Then there is the issue of a pipeline of would be employees who would otherwise apply for jobs but won’t.

Who suffers? Nursing home residents. When administrators got only 24 hours’ notice, this exacerbated the problem.

Once more, this willy nilly approach to deport EVERYONE is insane, incompetent  and incomprehensible.

 

 

 

 

 

NO SHOW LACKEY McCORMICK SCREWS PUBLIC MEDIA

 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) says the Senate is track to vote  on a package clawing back approximately $9.4 billion in congressionally approved spending.

Those cuts will affect public media here in Pennsylvania and give this Republican party of scrooges the power to take back money that was already earmarked.

People sometimes  criticize this site for calling Republicans in Congress ignorant, stupid, short sighted pigs. Now to them, that might be seen as name calling. To me, I’m simply describing WHO THEY ARE!

Thune told The Hill that the Senate is on track to vote Tuesday on both the motion to discharge the rescissions package out of the Appropriations Committee, and on the motion to proceed to the legislation on the floor.

 

 

 

BRESNAHAN HIGHLIGHTS MAJOR

MILESTONES AND DISTRICT IMPACT IN FIRST SIX MONTHS

Congressman Rob Bresnehan (Photo: LuLac archives)

 

 

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) recognized the six-month mark of representing Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District. During the first six months, Rep. Bresnahan established a full staff and worked to deliver results and make government more accessible to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“What I said on day one only rings truer today: this job is not about me, it is about the constituents of Pennsylvania’s Eighth District,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished thus far, returning taxpayer dollars to constituents, resolving important paperwork issues for seniors and veterans, and bringing the federal government directly to the people.”

In his first six months, Rep. Bresnahan has:

Opened four district offices located in Forty Fort, Scranton, Scotrun, and Hazleton, making it easier for constituents across the region to access federal resources, get help with casework, and stay connected to Rep. Bresnahan.

Launched the first mobile constituent service office in the Commonwealth, the BresnaVan, bringing vital services directly to communities across the district and ensuring every voice is heard.

Responded to over 53,000 constituent inquiries, providing support and updates on federal issues.

Completed nearly 900 casework requests, helping individuals navigate federal agencies and access the services they need.

Returned over $2 million taxpayer dollars to constituents through successful casework assistance.

Worked with 38 different federal agencies, including the IRS, VA, and Social Security administration.

Attended over 112 community events, connecting directly with constituents and local leaders across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“These first six months mark a strong start, but the work is just beginning,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I remain focused on advocating for our district, making government more accessible, cutting through federal red tape, and ensuring Northeastern Pennsylvania has a strong advocate in Washington.”

For details on constituent services, office contact information, and more, visit Rep. Bresnahan’s website.

 

 

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO CHALLENGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S UNLAWFUL DECISION TO WITHHOLD $230 MILLION FROM PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS

 

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

The Trump Administration abruptly froze $230 million in Congressionally-appropriated federal funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Cuts threaten critical initiatives to help Pennsylvania students learn, including teacher recruitment, the purchasing of critical technology supplies to support students, and connecting students to in-demand industries.

Governor Josh Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit(opens in a new tab) with 25 other states and the District of Columbia challenging the Trump Administration’s decision to unlawfully withhold $230 million in funding owed to Pennsylvania schools. The funding covers vital programs for Pennsylvania students and teachers like before and after school programming, teacher training and professional development, adult and family literacy programs and education for children from farming families across the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro has been working aggressively to protect Pennsylvania taxpayers and ensure the federal government honors its obligations. In February, the Governor filed a lawsuit challenging(opens in a new tab) the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional freeze of federal funding, in April(opens in a new tab) Governor Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit to protect public health in Pennsylvania after the Trump Administration abruptly and arbitrarily canceled more than half a billion dollars in public health grants, and one week(opens in a new tab) later the Governor sued the Trump Administration for their unlawful decision to revoke hundreds of millions of dollars it had promised to 116 Pennsylvania School Districts. As a result of the Governor taking legal action each time, over $2 billion in federal funding owed to Pennsylvanians has been restored.

Governor Shapiro is once again taking action to ensure the federal government upholds its commitments to Pennsylvania, as the law requires.

“Every Pennsylvania child deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Once again, the Trump Administration is trying to take away dollars that were committed to Pennsylvania – this time from our schools.. Today, I’m suing to force the Trump Administration to deliver the money our students and schools were promised and are owed – critical funds that school districts rely on to meet their budgets, train high-quality teachers, provide afterschool programs for kids, and so much more. Because if anyone tries to hurt students here in Pennsylvania, they’ll have to go through me.”

On Monday, June 30, 2025, with no advance notice or warning, the US Department of Education (USDE) abruptly and arbitrarily reversed the normal course of this grant funding and notified the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that USDE would delay delivering about $230 million in federal funds owed to Pennsylvania schools that support critical education programs throughout the Commonwealth. These are funds that are typically available for states to begin accessing on July 1 of each year, in order to permit state and local educational agencies to plan their budgets for the academic year ahead. On June 30th - one day before states can normally begin accessing these funds - Secretary McMahon and USDE suddenly froze this critical funding.

Many of the projects funded by these dollars support vital programs for Pennsylvania schools, impacting key teacher training programs as well as programs that make school more accessible to children with special learning needs. By abruptly withholding the $230 million it had promised to Pennsylvania schools, USDE has left Pennsylvania taxpayers on the hook.

Breakdown of frozen federal funding

$11 million under Title I-C which uses these funds to address the unique educational needs of children who move frequently due to family members’ agricultural work. The program aims to ensure these students, who often face disruptions to their education, have access to quality educational services and can meet the same academic standards as their peers. Agriculture is a critical industry in Pennsylvania, and the Shapiro Administration has made it a priority to support farmers. Governor Shapiro recognizes Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry is key to the Commonwealth’s economic development and has prioritized investments in agriculture – a key driver in the economy, supporting over 600,000 jobs and contributing $132 billion a year. This funding freeze jeopardizes these critical roles and services.

 $70 million under Title II-A, Supporting Effective Instruction – in Pennsylvania. Title II-A funds provide financial assistance to recruit new teachers, improve the skills of teachers and the quality of instruction in core school subjects in elementary and secondary schools. These funds are used by schools to: increase student achievement; improve the quality of teachers, principals, and other school leaders; and increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are critical in improving student academic achievement in schools. In the absence of Title II-A funds, these positions and services are at risk of elimination.

$20 million under Title III-A, English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement. Title III-A funds are used to deliver language instruction educational programs to students. These programs are designed to improve the education of limited English proficient children by helping them learn English and meet challenging state academic content and student academic achievement standards.

$55 million under Title IV-A, Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAE). Title IV-A provides the funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Education to implement, support, and oversee the SSAE grant program. In Pennsylvania, these programs support opportunities for academic enrichment, improve school conditions for student learning, and improve access to technology. In the absence of Title IV-A funds, these positions and services are at risk of elimination.
$54 million under Title IV-B, 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These funds provide critical before and after school programming that helps set students up for success. Title IV-B funds are used to support programs such as service learning; drug and violence prevention programs; counseling programs; technology education programs; financial literacy programs; environmental literacy programs; mathematics, science, career and technical programs; internship or apprenticeship programs; and other ties to an in-demand industry sector or occupation for high school students that are designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students.

$18.6 million of Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Grant (AEFLA) funds. Programs funded through AEFLA are used to assist adults who are parents or family members of students to obtain the education and skills that are necessary to becoming full partners in the educational development of their children and that lead to sustainable improvements in economic opportunities for their family; assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways.    
$2 million of Integrated English Literacy and Civic Education Grants (IELCE) funds to provide programs that provide English literacy and civics education services in combination with education and training activities. Some of these services include English language instruction and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation. These programs also place adults in employment in in-demand industries and occupations that lead to economic self-sufficiency. 

These unlawful cuts will weaken Pennsylvania’s school infrastructure, where our children learn and grow. Governor Shapiro is taking action to reverse this abrupt and unlawful action and ensure Pennsylvania is legally protected so that Commonwealth agencies can continue their work to improve Pennsylvanians’ lives.

The lawsuit is co-led by California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Washington DC.

 

 

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

JULY 1973

BUTTERFIELD SPILLS THE TEA

FAA Administrator and former White House aide Alexander Butterfield revealed to the United States Senate Watergate Committee that President Richard Nixon had secretly recorded potentially incriminating conversations. Republican counsel Fred Thompson, later a U.S. Senator for Tennessee, posed the question, "Mr. Butterfield, are you aware of the installation of any listening devices in the Oval Office of the President?" and the surprise witness replied, "I was aware of listening devices. Yes, sir." Butterfield (born April 6, 1926) is a retired United States Air Force officer, public official, and businessman. He served as the deputy assistant to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. He revealed the White House taping system's existence on July 13, 1973, during the Watergate investigation but had no other involvement in the scandal. From 1973 to 1975, he served as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Butterfield (is a retired United States Air Force officer, public official, and businessman. He served as the deputy assistant to President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. He revealed the White House taping system's existence on July 13, 1973, during the Watergate investigation but had no other involvement in the scandal. From 1973 to 1975, he served as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

As deputy assistant to the president, Butterfield was Haldeman's chief assistant. His first few days in the White House were difficult. Butterfield did not meet the president for 13 days. When Haldeman finally introduced Butterfield to Nixon, their meeting was short and awkward. Haldeman then left for California, leaving Butterfield in charge of the White House staff for four days. During the second meeting with Butterfield, Nixon was rude and condescending, and Butterfield nearly resigned. The following day, however, Nixon was cordial and witty, and Butterfield resolved to stay at the White House. Butterfield, who came to like Nixon immensely, nevertheless felt the president was an "ignorant boor, a bumpkin". Initially, when meeting with Nixon, Butterfield had to mimic Haldeman's mannerisms and to duplicate his managerial style. Everything Haldeman and Butterfield did was designed to make Nixon feel comfortable and relaxed, never surprised or "spooked". Haldeman told him, "If you don't do things exactly as I do, it could upset [Nixon]."

Next to Haldeman, Butterfield was the most powerful aide in the White House. He met with Nixon and Haldeman every day at 2 p.m. to plan the following day's activities. He "completely controlled" what paperwork Nixon saw and logged memos. He accompanied Haldeman on all domestic trips, co-supervised traveling White House staff with Haldeman, and ran the White House when Haldeman and Nixon went on foreign trips. Every meeting the president attended required "talking points" for Nixon written by an appropriate staff person as well as an after-meeting summary by that person, and Butterfield oversaw the process by which both documents were completed and filed. Butterfield also oversaw all FBI investigations requested by the White House, which included routine background checks of potential employees as well as politically motivated investigations. Other than Haldeman, no one had a more intimate knowledge of Nixon's working style, the daily operations of the White House, what Nixon may have read, or who Nixon may have met.

Butterfield also oversaw installation of the taping system which Nixon ordered for the White House. On February 10, 1971,[11] Haldeman's assistant, Lawrence Higby, told Butterfield that Nixon wanted a voice-activated audio taping system installed in the Oval Office and on White House telephones. The goal, Nixon said, was to create a more accurate record of events.

John Dean testified in June 1973 that Nixon was deeply involved in the Watergate cover-up, and mentioned that he suspected White House conversations were taped. Staff of the United States Senate Watergate Committee, thereafter, began to routinely ask witnesses appearing before the committee if they knew of any taping system. Senate Watergate Committee staff then asked the White House for a list of dates on which the President had met with Dean. About June 20 or 21,Special White House Counsel for Watergate J. Fred Buzhardt provided the committee's Chief Minority (Republican) Counsel, Fred Thompson, with a document intended to impugn Dean's testimony. Buzhardt's document included almost verbatim quotations from meetings Nixon had with Dean. Thompson initially violated an agreement under which the majority and minority staff would share all information. When committee Majority Investigator Scott Armstrong obtained the document, he realized it indicated the existence of a taping system…and this week in 1973 the number 1 song in LuLac Land and America was “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon.

 

 

For those interested, Kodachrome is the brand name for a color reversal film introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1935.It was one of the first successful color materials and was used for both cinematography and still photography. For many years, Kodachrome was widely used for professional color photography, especially for images intended for publication in print media