Rated one of Pennsylvania's top blog/sites, the LuLac Political Letter delves into issues of politics on all levels (with special concentration on Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties: thus the name LULAC) and pop culture.
The LuLac Political Letter was also named Best Political Blog of the Year for 2014 by NEPA BLOGCON and most recently David Yonki was named Best Blogger of the year 2015 by the publication Diamond City.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
The LuLac Edition #5, 574, February 14th, 2026
YES BEN FRANKLIN HAD A
WIFE
THE DEBORAH READ STORY
Deborah
Read Franklin was the common-law wife of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding
Fathers of the United States, until her death in 1774.
Little is
known about Read's early life. She was born around 1708, most likely in
Birmingham, England (some sources state she was born in Philadelphia) to John
and Sarah Read, a well-respected Quaker couple. John Read was a moderately
prosperous building contractor and carpenter who died in 1724. Read had three
siblings: two brothers, John and James, and a sister, Frances. The Read family
immigrated to British America in 1711, settling in Philadelphia.
In
October 1723, the about 15-year-old Read met then 17-year-old Benjamin Franklin
when he walked past the Read home on Market Street one morning. Franklin had
just moved to Philadelphia from Boston to find employment as a printer. In his
autobiography, Franklin recalled that at the time of their meeting, he was
walking while carrying "three great puffy rolls". As he had no
pockets, Franklin carried one roll under each arm and was eating the third.
Read (whom Franklin called "Debby") was standing in the doorway of
her home and was amused by the sight of Franklin's "most awkward
ridiculous appearance."
A romance
between Read and Franklin soon developed. When Franklin was unable to find
appropriate living accommodations near his job, Read's father allowed him to
rent a room in the family home. Read and Franklin's courtship continued, and in
1724, Franklin proposed marriage. However, Read's mother, Sarah, would not
consent to the marriage, citing Franklin's pending trip to London and financial
instability.
Read and
Franklin postponed their marriage plans and Franklin traveled to England. Upon
arrival in London, Franklin decided to end the relationship. In a terse letter,
he informed Read that he had no intention of returning to Philadelphia.
Franklin subsequently became stranded in London after Sir William Keith failed
to follow through on promises of financial support
In
Franklin's absence, Read was persuaded by her mother to marry John Rogers, a
British man who has been identified variously as a carpenter or a potter. Read
eventually agreed and married Rogers on August 5, 1725 at Christ Church. The
marriage quickly fell apart as the "sweet-talking" Rogers could not
hold a job and had incurred a large amount of debt before their marriage. Four
months after they were married, Read left Rogers after a friend of Rogers’
visiting from England informed her that Rogers had a wife in his native
England. Read refused to live with or recognize Rogers as her husband. While
the couple were separated, Rogers spent Read's dowry, incurred more debt, and
used the marriage to further his own schemes. In December 1727, Rogers stole a
slave and disappeared. Soon afterward, unconfirmed reports circulated that
Rogers had made his way to the British West Indies, where he was killed in a
fight. In his autobiography, Franklin also claimed that Rogers died in the
British West Indies, but John Rogers' fate has never been verified.
Despite
his intention to remain in London, Franklin returned to Philadelphia in October
1727. He and Read eventually resumed their relationship and decided to marry.
While Read considered her marriage to her first husband to be over, she could
not legally remarry. At that time, the law in the Province of Pennsylvania
would not grant a divorce on the grounds of desertion; nor could Read claim to
be a widow, as there was no proof that Rogers was dead. If Rogers returned
after Read legally married Franklin, she faced a charge of bigamy which carried
the penalty of thirty-nine lashes on the bare back and life imprisonment with
hard labor.
To avoid
any legal issues, Read and Franklin decided upon a common-law marriage. On
September 1, 1730, the couple held a ceremony for friends and family in which
they announced they would live as husband and wife. They had two children
together: Francis Folger "Franky" (born 1732), who died of smallpox
in 1736 at the age of four, and Sarah "Sally" (born 1743). Read also
helped to raise Franklin's illegitimate son William, whose mother's identity
remains unknown.
In the
play 1776, Franklin was told that William, then the Royal Governor of New
Jersey until he was arrested, and exiled to Connecticut. Franklin referred to
William as “the little bastard”.
By the
late 1750s, Benjamin Franklin had established himself as a successful printer,
publisher, and writer. He was appointed the first postmaster of Philadelphia
and was heavily involved in social and political affairs that would eventually
lead to the establishment of the United States. In 1757, Franklin embarked on
the first of numerous trips to Europe. Read refused to accompany him due to a
fear of ocean travel. While Franklin stayed overseas for the next five years,
Read remained in Philadelphia where, despite her limited education, she
successfully ran her husband's businesses, maintained their home, cared for the
couple's children and regularly attended Quaker Meeting.
Franklin
returned to Philadelphia in November 1762. He tried to persuade Read to
accompany him to Europe, but she again refused. Franklin returned to Europe in
November 1764 where he would remain for the next ten years. Read would never
see Franklin again.
In 1768,
Read suffered the first of a series of strokes that severely impaired her
speech and memory. For the remainder of her life, she suffered from poor health
and depression. Despite his wife's condition, Franklin did not return to
Philadelphia even though he had completed his diplomatic duties. In November
1769, Read wrote Franklin saying that her stroke, declining health and
depressed mental state were a result of her "dissatisfied distress"
due to his prolonged absence. ranklin still did not return but continued to
write to Read. Read's final surviving letter to Franklin is dated October 29,
1773. Thereafter, she stopped corresponding with her husband. Franklin
continued to write to Read, inquiring as to why her letters had ceased, but
still did not return home.
On
December 14, 1774, Read suffered a final stroke and died five days later on
December 19, 1774. She was 66 years old. She was buried at Christ Church Burial
Ground in Philadelphia. Franklin was buried next to her upon his death in 1790.
Does Read
qualify as a great American? Well in terms of contributions to the revolution,
I might give her props for letting Franklin be Franklin. I think her marital
situations at the time of the Revolution gives us an insight into how women
were stuck in roles (not the ones Ben was carrying when he met her) during that
turbulent time. She is a footnote in history and her story might never have
been told if she had married a better man in the first place. By extension her
marriage to Franklin has made her an answer to a question about Franklin’s
personal life. These nuggets of history tell us that these figures frozen in
time as icons, had the same human issues as all of us. (Wikipedia,
Harvard Graduate School of Education, LuLac).
The origins
of Valentine’s Day stretch back long before heart shaped chocolates and red
roses filled store shelves. The history behind Valentine’s Day includes dark
origins, muddled stories and a surprising amount of chance.
What began
as a mix of ancient rituals, religious honor and poetic imagination slowly
evolved into a widely celebrated holiday centered on romantic love.
Today,
people celebrate Valentine’s Day with gifts, flowers, and candy, often wishing
each other a simple “Happy Valentine’s Day.” That modern celebration looks very
different from its ancient origins in Rome.
Ancient Rome
and Pagan Festivals
Saint
Valentine and the 3rd Century
Several
stories point to a person named Valentine living during the third century. One
version describes a bishop or priest who defied a Roman emperor by secretly
marrying young men and women.
According to
legend, Emperor Claudius II believed unmarried men made better soldiers and
banned marriages for young men.
Allegedly,
Valentine refused to obey and continued performing weddings. His supposed
actions led to imprisonment and execution, placing Saint Valentine at the
center of the holiday’s story.
The Catholic
Church and Pope Gelasius
In the fifth
century, Pope Gelasius is sometimes attributed with recognizing Saint
Valentine’s Day as a feast.
This move is
sometimes described as helping the Catholic Church shift attention away from
pagan festivals and toward Christian honor. The holiday took place in February,
close to the older Roman celebrations.
At this
stage, Valentine’s Day had little to do with romance. It functioned mainly as a
religious observance rather than a celebration of lovers.
The Middle
Ages and Romantic Love
The
connection between Valentine’s Day and romance emerged during the Middle Ages.
Writers and poets began linking the day to courtship and affection. Geoffrey
Chaucer played a key role by writing about birds choosing mates on Saint
Valentine’s Day.
William
Shakespeare later reinforced the romantic theme through poetry and plays. His
works include references to Saint Valentine’s Day.
From Poems
to Mass Produced Gifts
By the 19th
century, Valentine’s Day shifted again. Printed cards, gift boxes, and other
gifts became widely available. Mass-produced valentines allowed friends,
children and couples to exchange tokens of affection.
Over time,
flowers and heart-shaped chocolates became standard. Red roses symbolized love,
while other gifts offered a simple way to celebrate relationships.
Valentine’s
Day in the Modern World
Today,
Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the globe. Some people focus on romance
and marriage, while others honor family or friendships (as with Galentine's
Day). The holiday continues to evolve, shaped by culture, commerce, and
tradition.
MY
PERSPECTIVE
You should
always treat your significant other to a meal, flowers and sweets. If married,
do not take the years between you for granted.Women of all ages want and need that validation.
For you
single guys playing the field and choose to treat two women or three, use
separate florists. There is a possibility that if you use the same florist to
send flowers to two women, they might mix up the addresses and the women or her
mom might find out and exchange the gifts. Or not.
1.How did you cope with the awful January weather?
I did. It wasn't
pleasant but I wore a lot of layers, kept warm and was very careful when I did
have to shovel. A few good friends helped with it and got us through the month.
To me January is scary because stats show that the largest number of people die
in that month. On the positive side though is the days are getting longer which
is a good thing.
2. Did you alternate
between the half time shows during the Super Bowl?
No.
Never was a Kid Rock fan and felt the racism ramped BB was great.
I
see you make it a point to call out the morons on FB who support this
administration. Why do you waste your time?
I
wonder about that all the time.But some
comments are so breathtaking in their abject stupidity that I can't resist.
Like the people who ell Puerto Ricans to come back where you came from. It's an
American territory.
4.Did you think that Bill Belichick should
have been added to the NFL Hall of Fame?
Yes,
and no. Yes, because of his stellar record, his love of the heritage of the
game, as well as his obvious abilities. However, he and the owner Robert Kraft
were dealt a bad hand in the way the voting was set up. Too many times, players
of a by gone decade are forgotten but deserving. To put an expiration date on
their eligibility is unfair to guys who are above the borderline.
5. Do you think Pope Leo hates our President?
LOL.
No I don' think h hates our President. ButI think he has more of a handle on the bullshit and hatred coming out of
the pig President's vile mouth. Leo grew up in Chicago. Even though he is a
pilus soul, I think he needs to call out not only the President himself but the
administration as well as those so-called Christians and Catholics who
unwaveringly support him.
6.What do you do to get away from Trump all
the time on TV?
TCM,
Pardon the Interruption The Discovery Channell, PBS and all the Perry Mason
reruns.
7.Favorite pasta?
!. Pappardelle. 2. Rigatoni.
8.
Can you name your favorite rock a roll tee shirt while in college, and do you
still have it?
Bad
Company. Threw it out 5 years ago. I still have this one though.
9.Do you see any danger in Josh Shapiro not
getting a second term?
He
has done a great jo for all Pennsylvanians,But he has to contend with the GOP LIE machine as well as the
brainwashed ingrates in the state.
10.
Do you ever have any issues sleeping?
Nope.
Plus, I can fall asleep in a crowded waiting room, on a bus, plane, you name
it.
11.Is there a difference between Hitler and
Trump?
Yes.
'Dolph didn't put his name on any building that I know of. Trump on the other
hand............
12.
Who was your first movie/TV star crush when you were a kid?
It
was a tie. Sally Field and Shelley Faberes. Sally had the edge though because
she sent mean autographed postcard.
13.Did you consume the average 6,000 calories on
Super Bowl Sunday?
It was only a matter of time before T.J.
Fitzgerald imploded under the weight of his own hate and ignorance. That’s what
happens to demagogues in this country. It’s almost like there is a switch that
goes off and all the bile comes out. There are exceptions of course. Our pig
President has yet to implode like Fitzgerald did but T.J. as much as he wanted
us to believe was/is no Trump.
The Times Leader reports that due to intense
backlash over a video he posted, NEPA Republicans founder Theodore “T.J.” Fitzgerald
cancelled a Feb. 22 “United We Stand” event he had scheduled in Wilkes-Barre
Township and is removing himself and his group from the political scene
temporarily — and possibly permanently.
His video addressed the Super Bowl halftime
show featuring Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny singing in Spanish.
“F— the bunny,” Fitzgerald said in the video.
“I love America, and f— every f—in’ body that speaks Spanish.”
Fitzgerald has been a thorn to the Republican
Party of Luzerne County for years, and county Republican Chairwoman LeeAnn
McDermott said numerous county Republicans — including some of Fitzgerald’s
supporters — reached out to her expressing outrage over his video.
On a radio appearance with Sue Henry, T.J.
was repentant but convoluted in his logic. Pointedly he apologized to his
followers for letting them down but totally ignored the very people he
insulted. He then went into a rant about how scared he is about where this
country is headed (presumably meaning that Spanish speaking people were intent
on ruining it) and then rambled on about his fear of the future.
Normally I’d say to a convicted felon like
T.J. “If you’re so afraid leave the country” but I’d rather have hateful
ignorant guys like him around so that normal people cam see shitheads like him
coming. Now to be sure his followers are still around so we can see them
coming.
Kudos to GOP party chair McDermott for quickly
denouncing this behavior which is not representative of the Luzerne County GOP.
Now they are still MAGAs who defend the pig President’s actions but make a bit
of sense when they are trying to defend the indefensible.
JAMIE
WALSH NIXES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Then
there’s this guy. Mr. 3 vote majority Jamie Walsh has gone on record of voting
against Black History Month. Okay, Black History month has been around for a
long time. Does Jamie mean to erase black history? Is he so afraid of the MAGA
bigots in his district that he’s afraid of losing the cushy job he has? If his voters can stand for something like
this, then that says a lot about the type of representative they want. He is a
perfect example of how the Republican party campaigns and wins.
ON FEAR.
Think about it, he votes against a program that educatesbecause fear wins and logic and learning….not
so much.
RICK SCOTT WANTS
THEM TO STRIP
Again
these old white Republican men are sex obsessed.SEX SEX SEX. Every action they take when
their policies are challenged go to sex, bodily functions and what the nuns
used to call impure thoughts.
Florida
Senator Rick Scott raged that U.S. athletes at the Olympics who criticize
representing their country should be stripped of their uniforms.
His post
Monday was the latest demand from MAGA lawmakers and influencers who are losing
it over athletes on Team USA voicing disapproval of their home country on the
world stage as they compete in Italy.“Representing
the United States—a beacon for freedom and democracy—at the Olympics is an
honor. Anyone who feels otherwise should be stripped of their USA Olympic
uniform," Scott wrote on X with his video.
It comes
as multiple U.S. athletes have spoken out about the challenges of representing
the U.S. as the country grapples with unrest, including ICE violence and
killings on the street.
Freestyle
skier Chris Lillis referenced ICE and said he was “heartbroken” over what’s
happening in the U.S.
Figure
skater Amber Glenn spoke out about the LGBTQ+ community facing a hard time
under Trump.
Hey Scott
is a rich reactionary slob that tried to be Majority Leader and people are used
to his nonsense. So his colleagues said no. But the word “stripped” of “their uniforms?’Again these Republicans see fear and sex,
sex, sex when they get their itty bitty feelings hurt. Freedom lof speech there Skinherad and keep yoiur own pants on,
PAM BONDI’S
ATTACKS ON JUDGES
The
sycophant Attorney General Pam Bondi, another Florida beauty started whining
and crying about Judges who were ruling against the pig President’s policies.
She then
acted like the aggrieved shrill or the last disgusting woman in a bar you would
never want to know even if you were drunk ten times over.
Her anger is
one of piggish, slavish deference to an administration that can only be
described as the worst in American history.
Here, take a
look.
PASHINSKI
BOWS OUT
McCLAY
JUMPS IN
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said on Tuesday he
has decided he will not seek reelection this year.
Pashinski, 80, previously announced his plan
to seek an 11th term in the 121st Legislative District, but said after much
thought he opted out and will support the Democratic candidate.
That candidate is Jessica McClay, 51, chair
of Wilkes-Barre City Council, who is serving her first term.
“I look forward to still helping the
community I love,” McClay said, confirming she is in the race for the
Democratic nomination. “This was an easy choice for me because I will be able
to help the community even more by being in Harrisburg.”
If McClay does win the primary and then the
election, she will be the second Wilkes-Bare City Council member to be elected
to the State House. Previously Kevin Blaum who served on Council from 1977 to
1981 was elected in 1980 when he ran against incumbent Bernie O’Brian.
Pashinski also offered comments in the news
release.
“After speaking with my family and friends,
and thoughtful reflection, I have decided that now is the time to announce that
I will not seek re-election,” he said. “It has been an honor and a privilege to
represent the people of my district in the General Assembly. From cutting
prescription drug costs and expanding healthcare access, to supporting
families, farmers, seniors, and veterans, and proposing legislation supporting
grandparents raising grandchildren, I am deeply proud of what we have
accomplished together. Now, more than ever, I am humbled by the trust my
community has put in me to fight for fairness and opportunity in the state
capitol.” (Times Leader, LuLac)
WHAT
THEY ARE SAYING: LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS PRAISE BRESNAHAN’S WORK DELIVERING EDERAL
INVESTMENT TO NEPA
Community leaders across Northeastern
Pennsylvania are applauding U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) for
securing federal funding in the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water
Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 to support
several local projects throughout the region.
The
investments, totaling $6,537,584, will advance seven locally driven projects to
strengthen public safety, modernize critical infrastructure, and ensure federal
dollars are working where they matter most, back home in NEPA.
“This
funding is the result of months of work with local leaders and delivering on
what our communities have been asking for,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Instead of
Washington deciding what our region needs, these investments were driven by
Northeastern Pennsylvania, for Northeastern Pennsylvania. I’m proud to turn
priorities into real results to make our communities safer, stronger, and
better positioned for the future.”
$500,000 for the Scranton Police Department
Equipment and Technology Upgrades
The funding will be used for upgrading equipment
and modernizing technology to increase officer safety and the effectiveness of
law enforcement operations in the City of Scranton.
“Law enforcement is extremely grateful for
this $500,000 investment in equipment and technology upgrades which reflects a
commitment to collaboration and modern policing,” said Brian Gallagher,
Lackawanna County District Attorney. “It will significantly strengthen law
enforcement capabilities in the City of Scranton and across Lackawanna County,
ensuring officers have modern tools to respond effectively, share information
efficiently, and keep our communities safe.”
“The Scranton Police FOP wants to thank
Congressman Bresnahan for fighting to deliver $500,000 in federal funding to
the Scranton Police Department,” said Justin Butler, President of Scranton
Police FOP. “This investment means safer equipment, better technology, and
stronger support for the members of the FOP that wake up every day ready to
protect the City of Scranton and its people. Congressman Bresnahan has shown he
stands with our officers and their families by backing law enforcement with
real resources, not just rhetoric.”
“On
behalf of the Scranton City Council, I want to sincerely thank Congressman
Bresnahan for securing $500,000 in funding for the Scranton Police Department’s
equipment and technology upgrades,” said Tom Schuster, Scranton City Council
Chairman. “This support will directly enhance officer safety and strengthen law
enforcement operations throughout our city. We are grateful for the Congressman’s
continued commitment to our community and his dedication to ensuring that our
police department has the resources it needs to serve and protect the residents
of Scranton.”
“As Chairman of the Scranton City Council
Committee on Public Safety, I want to thank Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr., for
securing $500,000 for equipment and technology upgrades for the Scranton Police
Department,” said Mark McAndrew, Scranton City Councilmember. “This critical
investment will enhance officer safety, improve crime prevention efforts, and
ensure our police have the modern tools they need to serve and protect our
community effectively. I appreciate Congressman Bresnahan’s commitment to
public safety and to delivering real resources for the City of Scranton.”
$1,250,000 for the Eastern Pike County Sewer
Extension Project
The
funds will be used to improve sewer infrastructure and wastewater treatment in
Matamoras and Milford Boroughs and Westfall Township.
“The
resources being provided by Congressman Bresnahan via Community Project Funding
monies will go a long way toward providing long overdue sewer infrastructure
improvements to Matamoras and Milford Boroughs and Westfall Township in Pike
County,” said Joseph Dooley, Milford Borough Council President. “This joint
sewer plan will enable our communities to obtain needed services for our
residential and commercial districts while at the same time protecting our
environment. Congressman Bresnahan deserves kudos for including our communities
in this funding request.”
$1,144,790 for the Kingston Municipal Police
Department Equipment and Technology Upgrades
The
funding will be used for upgrading equipment and technology to increase officer
safety and effectiveness of law enforcement operations in the township of
Kingston.
“The
Municipality of Kingston and the Kingston Police Department thank
Representative Bresnahan for his commitment to public safety and support of law
enforcement,” said Sondra Riviello, Municipality of Kingston Administrator.
“This much needed funding is vital in improving operational effectiveness, and
our ability to protect and serve our community.”
$372,415 for the City of Wilkes-Barre
Equipment Upgrades
The funds will be used for the acquisition of
new police vehicles and upgrading equipment to increase the effectiveness of
law enforcement operations in the City of Wilkes-Barre.
“The
City of Wilkes-Barre is very appreciative of Congressman Bresnahan providing
$372,415.00 in funding to purchase five new vehicles for our police
department,” said Wilkes-Barre Mayor George Brown. “The addition of the new
vehicles will greatly assist the city’s police officers who utilize current
community policing strategies to target quality of life crimes to build trust
and legitimacy with the community, with the aim of preventing crime. Having
vehicles to rapidly respond to service calls throughout the city is essential
for community policing strategies to work effectively and for public safety.”
$1,020,379 for the Monroe County DA Opioid
Crimes Section
The funds will be used for expanded
programming in Monroe, Carbon, and Pike Counties aimed at reducing drug use,
drug-related crime, and drug-related deaths.
And
$1,250,000 for the Monroe County Wastewater
Treatment Project
The
funds will be used for the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility,
outside of a flood zone, to replace the existing plant which is at the end of
its operational capacity.
“The Monroe County Commissioners extend their
sincere thanks to Congressman Bresnahan for his leadership and support in
securing critical Capital Project funding for Monroe County,” said John Christy,
Monroe County Commission Chairman. “Through his efforts, $1.25 million was
awarded to support a wastewater infrastructure project in Snydersville,
Pennsylvania, and an additional $1,020,379 was secured for the Monroe County
District Attorney’s Office to establish an Opioid Crime Section. These
investments will strengthen essential county services, enhance public safety,
and help reduce the burden on local property taxpayers by leveraging federal
resources to meet important community needs.”
$1,000,000 for the Dallas Area Municipal
Authority Wastewater Infrastructure Expansio
The
funds will be used to repair, construct, and expand wastewater infrastructure
of three municipal authorities: Harvey’s Lake, Dallas Area, and Wyoming Valley
Sanitary Authorities.
“The Dallas Area Municipal Authority
extendsts sincerest gratitude to Congressman Bresnahan for his invaluable
support in securing critical grant funding to implement major sewer system
repairs,” said Jim Reino, Dallas Area Municipal Authority Executive Director.
“This investment plays a vital role in ensuring that the DAMA wastewater system
continues to meet the rigorous standards set by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. Maintaining compliance with state environmental and public health
requirements is essential to protecting our community and preserving the
integrity of our infrastructure. The Congressman’s advocacy has directly
contributed to our ability to move this project forward, strengthening the long‑term
reliability and resilience of our wastewater system. We and our ratepayers
appreciate his continued commitment to the needs of our region, and look
forward to advancing this important work on the benefit of all residents we
serve.”
AT DICKSON CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT, GOVERNOR SHAPIRO AND FIRE
COMMISSIONER COOK HIGHLIGHT INVESTMENTS IN FIRE DEPARTMENTS, THANK FIRST
RESPONDERS AFTER LEHIGH VALLEY HOSPITAL FIRE
Governor
Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook thank first
responders for their heroic work and quick action last week during a massive
fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Dickson City and highlight the Shapiro
Administration's investments to support fire departments across the
Commonwealth.⇣
Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania State
Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook visited the Dickson City Fire Department, also
known as the Eagle Hose Company No. 1, to thank first responders for their
heroic efforts to respond to the Lehigh Valley Hospital fire last week and to
highlight how the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget continues to deliver for
firefighters and first responders.
Pennsylvania's career and volunteer
firefighters put themselves in harm's way to protect communities across the
Commonwealth, and Governor Shapiro has been a strong advocate for increasing
state support for fire departments. That's why, for the second year in a row,
the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget includes a new $30 million investment -
nearly doubling annual funding for fire departments - in competitive grants.
These grants will provide critical financial
support to both volunteer and career fire departments statewide by funding
major equipment purchases, training, facility improvements, debt reduction, and
other essential operational expenses - ensuring Pennsylvanians in every
community are protected.
"Every single day, firefighters across
Pennsylvania run towards danger to keep people safe from harm. We owe it to
these Pennsylvania heroes to have their backs and stand by them," said
Governor Shapiro. "While the Commonwealth already provides funding for
fire companies, the current system doesn't allow departments to make major
investments - these competitive grants would change that. Public safety is at
the heart of our work as elected leaders, and when our communities are safe, we
build a strong foundation for growth across Pennsylvania."
MEDIA MATTERS
WVIA RADIO
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 FIRST SUPERBOWL
HALF TIME SHOW
January 1967
With all
the controversy about Bad Bunny’s Half time performance, it is astounding that
some Americans have revealed themselves to be ignorant, hate filled racists.
The fact is that this was one of the most popular shows in the history of the
Superbowl coming in at #4. In addition 1 billion hits were tallied for Bad
Bunny on all platforms. But still the ignorance and hate is filled with the
MAGA Christians who incite the bullshit.
But once
upon a time there was peace and quiet and nary a peep about the half time
event.
In 1967
the very concept was brand new. The performers were the
University
of Arizona Symphonic Marching Band
Grambling
State University Marching Band
Al Hirt
was the first celebrity to perform. was an
American trumpeter and bandleader. He is best remembered for his
million-selling recordings of "Java" and the accompanying album Honey
in the Horn (1963), and for the theme music to The Green Hornet. His nicknames
included "Jumbo" and "The Round Mound of Sound". Colin
Escott, an author of musician biographies, wrote that RCA Victor, for which
Hirt had recorded most of his best-selling recordings and for which he had
spent most of his professional recording career, had simply dubbed him
"The King." Hirt was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
in November 2009. He received eight Grammy nominations during his lifetime,
including winning the Grammy award in 1964 for his version of "Java".
Hirt
played a medley of "Way Down Yonder
in New Orleans/When the Saints Go Marching In" and
"Bugler's
Holiday". Hirt was famous for “Sugar Lips” and “Java” back in 1964.
And this
week the number one song in LuLac land and America was 1 “I’m A Believer” by
The Monkees.
Location: Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
Political analyst for WBRE TV's Pa. Live program and post election commentator for WBRE TV's Eyewitness News Daybreak show. Author of the book "A Radio Story/We Wish You Well In Your Future Endeavors" and "Leges Vitae" "26 Rules of Life" and the new novel, "Weather Or Knot". The blog editor also writes various news articles and columns as well as upcoming literary projects. The blog editor was a frequent guest on WYOU TV'S INTERACTIVE NEWSCASTS when political issues were discussed on the national, state and local level. Yonki was a weekly panelist on WYLN TV 35's Friday Topic A program. He also appeared on the Hazleton, PA. station on Election Night doing coverage and did special projects and stories for WYLN TV 35's 10PM Newscast "Late Edition".