The LuLac Edition #5, 592, March 5th, 2026

 

LEGAL LOSSES

 

The Legal profession as well as the entire county of Luzerne County lost two great lawyers this week. There must be a thousand jokes about lawyers and in my estimation a majority of them are bad. The jokes, not the lawyers.  A few words about two of them.

 

JOE TERRANA

I first met Joe through his brother John a great friend from our St. John the Evangelist days. Like John and later Angelo, Joe went into law and for government. He ran Paul Kanjorski’s NEPA office and I sought some legal advice from him while he was in private practice. But my fondest memories of Joe were in the late teens when, as a member of the President John F. Kennedy Council 372, I volunteered to work the annual summer bazaar on William Street.

Wanting to do no harm at the cash register or the food stands, I enthusiastically volunteered to scrub the pots and  trays in the church basement under the sharp eye of my classmate Winifred Smalley Seirfass. When I arrived there was Joe the Attorney hard at work scrubbing away. To some, it might have seemed a chore. But it wasn’t. It was comical, intellectual, and just plain fun while Joe and his daughter and the Marriggi family used our collective pints of elbow grease.

And those pithy retorts, and those one liners, were priceless.

At the  start, what seemed like a daunting chore, with certainty that we’d be there until midnight, turned to all of us leaving at 11 pm. The kitchen was cleaned and shiny ready for the next night of chefs to work on.

Joe would say, “our moms would be proud” as we left to leave in those muggy August evenings in Pittston.

Proud. That word resonated with me when I heard about his untimely death. Like many this week, I was proud that Attorney Joe Terrrana crossed my path.

 

 

AL FLORA

(PHOTO: WNEP:)

On the heels of Attorney Terrana passing came the news that Al Flora, the long time Luzene County Chief Public Defender died. Through the years working in the media, I’d come across him. Once he knew who you were, he always stopped to chat. Our short talks always gravitated to his father’s boxing career and his days of growing u in Baltimore.

He was a true believer in the law and its impact on those accused. One of his toughest jobs was when he defended a Judge at the federal courthouse in Scranton. Covering the trial for a local TV station, I found his summation to the jury was calm ethical and was filled with advocacy of the client. This was a big case, with a lot of media attention but I’m told he gave that same powerful advocacy  to even the least  of his clientele.

Even after leaving his position, he suggested nuances in the law to help make things more efficient. Most recently, whenever  the Facebook lawyers got ahold of some preposterous claim on a criminal behavior of a certain administration, the educator in him came out. On Lulac, with his permission, I published a few of his lucid and polite  rebuttals.

The last time I saw him was at Wegmans in the fall. I was tearing around the store making a right from the bakery and he was by the milk in the center of the store. I heard a voice say, “Hey  Trump, slow down!” I stopped looking at the guy in a baseball hat and then realized it was Al. “I knew THAT would get your attention” he laughed. We proceeded to talk about politics, the state of the country, the book he was working on, Baltimore of course and then his health. He talked about his long term health battle but said he thanked God for everyday. Berceuse it was 7:15AM on a Saturday morning, we both had time. It  was a wonderful  conversation  I will always remember.

Al was a friendly, dignified quiet man that ran his race of life with unwavering beliefs for justice, reason and kindness..

He will be missed now more than ever in this sometimes chaotic, crazy and cruel world we are part of. God speed Al.

We can only hope to live up to your example.

 

HILLARY

CLINTON’S

TESTIMONY TO OVERSIGHT

COMMITTEE

Here is the full testimony of Hillary Clinton who was called to testify in a matter she wasn’t involved in, never knew the guy, and actually had better suggestions and answers than the neanderthal Republicans on that committee.

When will the Republicans stop calling Hillary to testify? Every time she kids their bony white tight asses.

 

 

THE FBI PURGE

KEYSTONE COP KASH 

PATEL FIRED IRAN 

EXPERTS JUST DAYS 

BEFORE 

WAR 

 FBI Director Kash Patel’s revenge-fueled firing spree resulted in several key specialists in the threat posed by Iran losing their jobs—just days before Donald Trump’s latest war.

They were ousted for a simple reason: Each was involved in the investigation of President Donald Trump’s alleged retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

As a result, Patel hamstrung the Washington, DC-based FBI counterintelligence unit, known as CI-12, which handles cases ranging from mishandling of classified documents to tracking foreign spies operating on US soil.

The dismissals have added to concern inside the Justice Department and FBI that counterterrorism and intelligence investigations in the wake of the military operation in Iran could be hampered by a mass exodus of national security experts, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.

The removals have cost the Justice Department and FBI decades of combined experience in identifying the types of threats that sources say could appear in the wake of Operation Epic Fury.

Typical of a revenge filled, ignorant administration that would rather get even then get smart. Who pays? United States military people now IN COMBAT  (CNN, LuLac, The Daily Beast).

 

THEN THERE’S THE

NOEM ISSUE OF

 “LOOKING GOOD”

 

 

Madhu Gottumukkala, a close ally of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem who followed her from South Dakota to Washington, was reassigned this week following his tumultuous tenure at a critical cybersecurity agency.

According to Politico, Gottumukkala, the former acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), has been moved to a new position as DHS's director of strategic implementation. The reassignment allowed Noem to avoid the political fallout of firing him over widespread complaints that he was unsuited for the role.

Gottumukkala had served as South Dakota's chief information officer under then-Governor Noem for 10 months before she brought him to the federal level. His tenure at CISA quickly deteriorated, with staff members questioning his competence within weeks of his arrival.

Look Noem has been a thug right from the start. She commandeered the mansion reserved for the head of the Coast Guard, she wasted taxpayer money on frivolous travel because of her scatter brain memory,  called protestors criminals, lied during TWO Ice killings, and has a budget bigger than the Marine Corps.

Noem’s keeping of this individual who was wanting in his job, affects the current war with Iran. Iran has cyber geniuses that can affect our IT systems and power grids. She was, is and will be a disgrace until GOP Senate Republicans call for and get her resignation.  

 

YESTERDAY WHILE 

TESTIFYING 

SHE GOT HER ASS HANDED 

TO HER BY SENATOR TILLIS

 

HEY MAGA RIGHT

WING CHRISTIANS

Remember when the right-wing Christians said that the prophets said the world would be destroyed by a conflict in the Mideast?

Remember when those who championed “The Rapture” said that those on the side of the Lord would be scooped up and sent body and soul to heaven?

Remember when these right wing Christians said that God ordained that Donald Trump was sent by Him to save America?

Well if there is an Armageddon……

and none of the above is true….

because it becomes the typical Trump shit show…

HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY!

 

 

BRESNAHAN, ADMINISTRATOR OZ TOUR SCRANTON HOSPITALS, LUZERNE COUNTY NURSING SCHOOL

Recently  U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) was joined by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz for visits to Commonwealth Health Regional Hospital of Scranton, Moses Taylor Hospital, and The Francis S. and Mary Gill Carrozza, R.N. Health Sciences Center at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC).

Rep. Bresnahan and Administrator Oz, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, first visited Regional Hospital of Scranton for a tour of the facility’s Heart & Vascular Institute, including the Cath Lab as well as touring the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), led by Tenor Health CEO Radha Savitala and hospital leadership. Along the tour, they met doctors, nurses, support staff, and patients, including Lisa Phillips Chervanka, the clinical lead for interventional radiology and Rep. Bresnahan’s guest at the State of the Union.

“Regional Hospital of Scranton and Moses Taylor Hospital are a cornerstone of healthcare in our region, and our visit showed firsthand the lifesaving work being done right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Our focus must remain on ensuring long-term stability, expanding access to care, addressing workforce shortages, and delivering the reliable healthcare our communities deserve. I’m grateful to Administrator Oz, CEO Radha Savitala, and all the local leaders who joined our conversation about the future of healthcare in our region.”

“This hospital would not be open today if it wasn’t for Rep. Bresnahan,” said Administrator Oz. “He recognized how vital it is for Northeastern Pennsylvanians to have access to high quality healthcare, and from the beginning, he did his job and made sure the facility remained open to provide care. I was honored to tour the facility and see how it continues serving its community. I know Rep. Bresnahan will continue to fight for healthcare in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I look forward to seeing this hospital succeed.”

Rep. Bresnahan and Administrator Oz capped off the day with an interactive tour of LCCC’s Health Science Center, where they visited and practiced healthcare techniques with students and teachers. They observed and later joined students practicing CPR and tested out virtual reality (VR) goggles capable of simulating medical practices and procedures.  

“Luzerne County Community College is creating real hands-on opportunities that are preparing students for meaningful careers in healthcare, and it was a privilege to not only see these opportunities in action, but to try it out ourselves,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “The innovative technology and training programs on display here are helping to build the next generation of healthcare professionals. I was proud to join Administrator Oz in highlighting how critical strong, community-based training programs are to strengthening our healthcare workforce and ensuring families across our region have access to quality care.”

 “The students and faculty at Luzerne County Community College are truly exceptional, and it’s inspiring to see so many young people stepping up to serve in the healthcare field,” said Administrator Oz. “We know that when nurses train in a community, they will likely stay in the community. Our goal is to make that training more accessible and achievable so we can strengthen and grow the nursing workforce in communities across the region.”

“We were honored to welcome Dr. Oz and Congressman Bresnahan to our Health Science Center,” said LCCC President John Yudichak. “Their visit highlights the incredible work our faculty and students are doing to advance healthcare education in Luzerne County. Experiences like this inspire our students and strengthen our commitment to community-focused learning.”

“Having Dr. Oz and Congressman Bresnahan tour our Health Science Center offers a unique opportunity to showcase the hands-on, innovative programs we provide,” said LCCC Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences Dr. Kim Olszewski. “Our students are dedicated, passionate, and this kind of recognition emphasizes the real-world impact of their education.”

“Visits like today’s remind us of the vital connection between higher education and public health initiatives,” said LCCC VP of Academic Affairs Dr. Russ Bigus. “It’s exciting to share our programs and student achievements with leaders who understand the importance of preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

 

 GOVERNOR SHAPIRO MEETS WITH LOCAL LEADERS FROM BERKS AND SCHUYLKILL COUNTIES TO DISCUSS ANTICIPATED HARM CAUSED BY ICE DETENTION CENTERS ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN PENNSYLVANIA

 

Governor Shapiro and Administration Leaders to Deliver an Update on Proposed ICE Detention Centers in Pennsylvania⇣

Governor Josh Shapiro joined Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker, and senior leaders from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at a meeting with local officials to discuss the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s plans to convert two recently purchased commercial warehouses into mass immigration detention centers in Pennsylvania.

The Governor convened the discussion with local elected officials and community leaders from Berks and Schuylkill counties, the counties where DHS has planned to operate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the Commonwealth. Despite bipartisan opposition, the Trump Administration has repeatedly ignored the concerns from these local officials, who know their communities best.

"While the federal government ignores Pennsylvanians and their local leaders, I remain committed to protecting the interests of every resident of our Commonwealth," said Governor Shapiro.

Hey timid Luzerne County Council Democratis members Bellas, Coslett, Stephenson, Krusnowski, Simmons, Bryn Smith, and Sabatino, did you hear that from the Governor? You essentially bailed out a resolution by Denise Williams that was information on the table as a reminder of what you stood for in the campaign. If sounding a warning from the Governor is good enough for him and all the people of Pennsylvania, then WHY AREN’T YOU?

"We do not want these detention centers in our communities - they pose serious health, safety, and economic risks to the people of Berks and Schuylkill counties. If the federal government continues to move forward with these plans, my Administration will aggressively pursue every option to prevent these facilities from opening and needlessly harming the good people of Pennsylvania."

 

MEDIA MATTERS

CORRESPONDENT’S DINNER

INVITES TRUMP

The White House Correspondents Diner, held annually in the spring has invited President Trump to its April affair. Now they have asked Trump to join them since he became President in both terms. But he refused petulantly saying like the toddler he is, “they weren’t very nice to me!”

Sniff sniff.

But now in the 250^th anniversary year of the country he says yes. I wonder if the planning committee was just asking again thinking he would say no again.

The dinner, an annual event is sometimes referee to as “The Nerd Prom” where working journalists get gussied up in evening gowns and tuxes.

Then there is the question of the program. Will the correspondents change the program eschewing a satirist comedian and maybe getting Scott Bao or God help us Kid Rock to be the emcee.

And if there are barbs, how will the manchild react?

Finally, after calling the media “an enemy of the people”, calling out female reporters as stupid, berating reporters with personal attacks, why the hell would any of them come?

This will be interesting to watch and see what contortions the planners will have to do to welcome “their guest”.

 

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

C-SPAN GOES LIVE

March 1979

C-SPAN, the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, an American cable channel focusing on government and public affairs, went on the air with a live broadcast of a session of the U.S. House of Representatives, starting with a speech by then-Congressman Al Gore of Tennessee.

created in 1979 by the cable television industry as a nonprofit public service. It televises proceedings of the United States federal government and other public affairs programming. C-SPAN is a private, nonprofit organization funded by its cable and satellite affiliates. It does not have advertisements on any of its television networks or radio stations. However their official website has banner advertisements, and streamed videos also have advertisements. The network operates independently; the cable industry and the U.S. Congress have no control over its programming content.

The C-SPAN network includes the television channels C-SPAN, focusing on the U.S. House of Representatives; C-SPAN2, focusing on the U.S. Senate; and C-SPAN3, airing other government hearings and related programming; the radio station WCSP-FM; and a group of websites which provide streaming media and program archives. C-SPAN's television channels are available to approximately 100 million cable and satellite households within the United States. WCSP-FM is broadcast on FM radio in Washington, D.C., and is available throughout the U.S. on SiriusXM via Internet streaming, TuneIn, and globally through iOS and Android apps.

Sen. Robert Byrd (right), C-SPAN's founder Brian Lamb (left) and Paul FitzPatrick flip the switch for C-SPAN2 on June 2, 1986. FitzPatrick was C-SPAN president at the time. (Photo: Wikipedia)

The network televises U.S. political events, particularly live and "gavel-to-gavel" coverage of the U.S. Congress, as well as other major events worldwide. Coverage of political and policy events is unmoderated, providing the audience with unfiltered information about politics and government.

Brian Lamb, C-SPAN's chairman and former chief executive officer, conceived C-SPAN in 1975 while working as the Washington, D.C., bureau chief of Cablevision.Cable television was a rapidly growing industry, and Lamb envisioned a non-profit network, financed by the cable industry, that televised Congressional sessions, public affairs events, and policy discussions. Bob Rosencrans, providing $25,000 of initial funding in 1979, and John D. Evans, providing wiring and access to the headend needed for the distribution of the C-SPAN signal, were among those who helped Lamb launch the network. At meetings with House of Representatives leadership, Lamb and Rosencrans promised that the network would be non-political, which helped override broadcast and local network resistance.

Founder Brian Lamb (center) in 2012 with co-CEOs Rob Kennedy (left) and Susan Swain (right)

C-SPAN is still thriving and a valuable source of information and entertainment (have you ever watched the British Parliament in action on Sunay nights?)  and is truly an objective sources of news. The channel has talk lines for Republicans, Democrats and Independents to be a true voice of ALL America and this week in 1979 the number one song in LuLac land was  “Tragedy” by Bee Gees.