The LuLac Edition #5, 495 November 13th, 2025

 

WE HAVE A BUDGET 

(WVIA Screenshot) 

MONTHS-LONG BUDGET STALEMATE ENDS AS GOV. JOSH SHAPIRO SIGNS $50.1 BILLION STATE SPENDING PLAN

GOV. JOSH SHAPIRO SIGNS PENNSYLVANIA'S 2025 BUDGET OVER FOUR MONTHS LATE ON NOV. 12.

WVIA | By Borys Krawczeniuk | WVIA News

Published November 12, 2025 at 4:20 PM EST

Gov. Josh Shapiro signs Pennsylvania's 2025-2026 budget on Nov. 12, 2025, four months after the state's last budget expired.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s first $50 billion-plus budget Wednesday, ending a 135-day stalemate with a plan that cuts public funding for cyber schools and boosts it for public schools.

“Let me be clear, this is a balanced budget that cuts taxes, that makes critical investments, that protects 100% of Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund and still leaves us with $8 billion in reserves,” Shapiro said during a mid-afternoon news conference.

Agreed to after occasionally bitter exchanges that pitted the Democratic governor and his party’s legislative allies and Republican leaders, the $50.09 billion budget raises spending by 4.7% above the budget that expired June 30, according to a House Democratic analysis.

As part of the budget deal, Shapiro committed to abandoning the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi-state plan to control fossil fuels that foster planet-warming climate change.

The budget does not tap the state Rainy Day Fund, a key sticking point for Republicans, who repeatedly criticized Shapiro for proposing a 2025-2026 budget with $1.8 billion from the $7.5 billion fund.

Shapiro spoke during a mid-afternoon news conference with Democratic legislators surrounding him and not a Republican in sight.

That could be seen as a sign of the standoff’s divisive nature, but many Republicans voted in favor and Republican leaders offered praise.

The budget passed the House, which has a 102-101 Democratic majority, by 156-49. The Senate, which has a 27-23 Republican majority, approved by 40-9 with one Republican senator not voting.

In a statement, House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, said the budget isn’t perfect, but marks “signficant progress” for residents and the state’s future.

“From the beginning of this session, House Republicans have emphasized that no budget will truly balance unless we prioritize our economic growth in ways that capitalize on what we have, prepare our students for the future and make necessary government reforms particularly relating to benefit integrity,” Topper said. “I am proud to say this budget has major accomplishments in all these areas.”

Removing the state from the greenhouse initiative will jumpstart the state’s energy industry, Topper said.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa said the budget will make life more affordable for Pennsylvanians.

“This plan directly addresses many of the challenges facing Pennsylvania’s families: rising costs, expensive care, and inequitably funded education,” he said. “I am especially proud of the earned income tax credit, which puts money directly into the pockets of those trying to make ends meet. While this was a lengthy negotiation process, it yielded a responsible deal that positions Pennsylvania as a model for a government that works for working people. This budget not only meets many of our immediate needs of today, but it also makes key investments from which all Pennsylvanians will benefit for many years to come.”

4For more information, here is the link to this story and others.

https://www.wvia.org/news/pennsylvania-news/2025-11-12/pennsylvania-budget-deal-includes-cyber-charter-changes-other-spending-boosts-but-no-new-revenue 

About the reporter: Borys joined  WVIA News from The Scranton Times-Tribune, where he served as an investigative reporter and covered a wide range of political stories. His work has been recognized with numerous national and state journalism awards from the Inland Press Association, Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors, Society of Professional Journalists and Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association.

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: The above is just an example of the work the WVIA FM News team does every day, The station is having an end of the year drive to keep this brand of journalism going. Here's that link to support this. 

 

https://www.wvia.org/news-match 

 

RITTENHOUSE, ALABAMA, FREE SPEECH AND THE MAGAs

 

When I first heard that Kyle Rittenhouse was invited to Luzerne County to speak on the anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination, Like others I was outraged. Then I thought about it a bit and came to a few conclusions about living in Luzerne county under Trump rule.

First off, if Alabama a red state refused him, then where did Luzerne county come into play. Surely the traditional Republicans led by Chair McDermott would not acquiesce to this especially after a GOP drubbing of County Council. Here’s where it came from. 

Teddy Daniels “arranged” this with T.J. Fitzgerald, the MAGA chest thumper who said yes.

After this announcement and an outcry from citizens in the county,  described the “wine and cheese” GOP disavowed anything to do with this “visit”. Their denial was met with derision from people who have turned against the regular GOP because of the MAGA wing. Once upon a time, the regular Republicans had a viable party that swept the county in 2021 and put the county over the top in terms of party registration. That was the administration of the Pribula-Valenti faction that actually could support Trump but separate themselves from the fringe.Like this: 

But then the fringe took over and all of a sudden, the Republicans became the MAGAs. Now in a way the GOP writ large created the MAGA monster so there has to be some responsibility laid at their feet. But this is the same party that demonized AOC and Bernie Sanders as bad for America yet gave an imprimatur to guys like Fitzgerald and his crowd.

All that said, a few questions. I’ll give you some answers.

Should this take place? From a free speech point of view, yes. If cancelled he MAGAs will scream “cancel culture"

Other than free speech, do you think it’s appropriate? No not on the date, not before Thanksgiving and a scant two weeks after an election where both parties need a break.,

Will there be any benefit politically?  Yes especially the way its handled. These people are extreme. The more they are exposed, the better. The worse behavior, the more ammunition (not the kind Kyle is familiar with) the better for 2026.

Sometimes it’s the way you react to bullies that are the key. There will be a crowd because Daniels has admitted there will be outsiders coming in. You fight them where it hurts.

1           Boycott the Woodlands no matter how nice it is.

2            Associate this event with ALL Republicans as unfair as that sounds.

3            When speaking to the media say, “This is a criminal (Fitzgerald is a felon) who organized this with a right-wing extremist who failed in Pennsylvania politics and thinks “the Left” is taking away their freedom and guns. We could care less about what they think or do. Our goal is to listen to the people who elected a clean sweep this time around and take care of business”.

4            Make sure there is a police presence.

5             Let them go and make colossal asses out of themselves.

I’m sure that there are bastards among this crowd coming in. To quote the late actor (Dallas resident at one time) Lee Tracy in the 1964 movie ‘The best Man”, “It’s not that I object to anyone being  a bastard, what I object to is them being stupid bastards.

 

THE EPSTEIN TRAP

Democrats and people who are very concerned about this Epstein issue better be careful. What you don't want to do is actually have a weak case against the president on this. Couple of things to remember here, the first thing to remember is that he was friends with this guy and had taken actions to break his interactions with him.

While he was on the list as a regular visitor there has to be hard proof that he did nothing wrong. The testimony unfortunately of all those women will be challenged and might result in scant prosecutable proof. If that happens, then Trump and his allies can scream “hoax”.

Look, the guy has proven himself to be a hound but last I looked that is not criminal. The release of the files might not be the smoking gun Trump protagonists think it is.

 

THEN THERE’S

THE PATERNO MODEL

 

 

The aforementioned story though and warning can be part of a double edged sword.  When I heard that Trump was there and then decided to jettison his association with Epstein, two thoughts came to mind,

1.  Trump was in Epstein’s presence a lot. Trump is a wily street-smart guy. He had to know what was going on.

2.  2. Even if the redacted person was just the two of them playing cards and there were no sexual interactions, there is this. Why if Trump was so close to Epstein did he NOT tell anyone what was going on. Joe Paaterno was banished from Penn State for not telling what he knew and preventing the crimes against athletes. Should Trump be held to the same standard?

The argument should be made that Trump knew, did nothing and enabled the abuse of abuse of young women. 

That will resonate more because there is no proof he did anything to stop it. 

 

BRESNAHAN HELPS REUNITE VETERAN WITH HIS FATHER’S BRONZE STAR MEDAL 

 

Rep. Bresnahan presents Don Schaller with his father’s Bronze Star Medal

 

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. had the honor of reuniting Vietnam-Era U.S. Army Veteran Don Schaller with his late father’s Bronze Star Medal, a symbol of valor and sacrifice earned during World War II by Technical Sergeant Clyde Schaller.

Following a burglary at Mr. Schaller’s home, the cherished medal, awarded to his father for heroic service in combat, was among the items stolen. The Bronze Star is the nation’s fourth-highest individual military decoration for valor, standing just below the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Navy Cross.

“The Bronze Star represents courage, sacrifice, and duty,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “The story of the Schaller family reminds us of the generations of Americans who have worn the uniform with honor.”

When American Legion Post 346 Commander, Dave Siegle, contacted Rep. Bresnahan’s office for help, the constituent services team immediately acted. Working with the appropriate federal and military agencies, they helped secure a replacement for this treasured piece of family and military history.

“I want to thank Congressman Bresnahan and his staff for the assistance that they lent us in obtaining a replacement bronze star for one of our members, Don Schaller,” said Commander Siegle. “It was a great help, and it’s one of the things Don has always wanted back, and Congressman Bresnahan made this possible.”

 Thanks to those efforts, and the partnership of the American Legion Post 346 in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, the Schaller family’s legacy was celebrated and restored in a special presentation.

“This is what our office is all about, serving those who have served us,” added Rep. Bresnahan. “We’re proud to honor both Don and his father Clyde for their selfless service to our country, and we’re grateful to have played a role in reuniting this medal with its rightful owner.”

 

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT HIGHLIGHT SAFE DRIVING AROUND SCHOOL BUSES THROUGH OPERATION SAFE STOP

The Shapiro Administration released the results of Operation Safe Stop, an annual school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across the Commonwealth by curtailing violations of Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law.

Operation Safe Stop is a one-day targeted enforcement and education event where law enforcement officials and participating schools documented drivers violating Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law, emphasizing the frequency of these violations and highlighted the importance of driving safely around students and school buses.

During this year's Operation Safe Stop, participating school districts and law enforcement agencies witnessed 188 violations of the law, up from the 176 reported last year.

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA FM

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

News Events Before 11/22/63  

 

South Vietnamese coup: Arrest and assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem, the South Vietnamese President. Then on November 6 –  South Vietnamese coup: Coup leader General Dương Văn Minh takes over as leader of South Vietnam.

On November 7 11 German miners are rescued from a collapsed mine after 14 days in what becomes known as the "Wunder von Lengede" ("miracle of Lengede").

The star-studded movie It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World premieres in Los Angeles.\....On November 8 – Finnair aircraft OH-LCA crashes before landing at Mariehamn Airport on Åland on November 9 – Two disasters in Japan: Miike coal mine explosion: A coal mine explosion kills 458 and sends 839 carbon monoxide poisoning victims to the hospital.

Tsurumi rail accident: A triple train disaster in Yokohama kills 161.

On November 10 – Malcolm X makes a historic speech in Detroit, Michigan ("Message to the Grass Roots").

And on the 14^th  A volcanic eruption under the sea near Iceland creates a new island, Su……and the week before the death of JFK the number one song in LuLac land was “Deep Purple” by Nino Temple  and April Stevens.