Delaware Valley Journal (2025)

29/01/2025

Rothman and Bachenberg Battle for PA GOP Chairmanship

"Pennsylvania GOP state chair Lawrence Tabas is stepping down, and he’s going out on a high note.

"Two Republicans have emerged as the candidates to replace him: State Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) and Allentown businessman Bill Bachenberg.

"Last year was a very good year for Pennsylvania Republicans. They delivered the state’s Electoral College votes for Donald Trump, picked up two U.S. House seats, and won the closest U.S. Senate victory in the country.

"At the state level, Republican state Sen. Joe Picozzi took a seat from a Democratic incumbent that had been held by Democrats since 1996, and Republican voter registration continues to climb.

"As a result, the bar has been set high for who ever wins the chairman’s job.

"State committee members and county chairs will pick the state chair at a meeting in Gettysburg on Feb. 8.

"Rothman has U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick and U.S. Rep. Dan Mueser (R-Dauphin) in his corner. However, after Bucks County resident Ted Christian dropped out and threw his support to Rothman, Bachenberg entered the fray. ..."

Pennsylvania GOP state chair Lawrence Tabas is stepping down, and he's going out on a high note. Two Republicans have emerged as the candidates to replace

29/01/2025

GIORDANO: DelVal Dem Delegation Turns Blind Eye to Immigrant Crime by Dom Giordano.

"Congress recently passed the Laken Riley Act with bipartisan support. Laken Riley was a 22-year-old nursing student murdered on Feb. 22, 2024, by an illegal alien at the University of Georgia. The murderer had been arrested previously on other charges. but had not been detained by local authorities for possible deportation by ICE.

"The Laken Riley law would require that ICE be notified of those here illegally who were arrested for other crimes. It also requires those authorities to obey ICE detainers and keep them in jail.

"It also would allow state attorneys general to sue the secretary of Homeland Security for injunctive relief if immigration actions such as parole, violation of detention requirements, or other policy failures harm that state or its citizens.

"The bill was championed by Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman with 11 other Democratic senators also voting for it. Northeast Philadelphia Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle also voted for the bill.

"However, the Philadelphia suburbs must not need the protection this bill affords, because Democratic Congresswomen Madeleine Dean, Mary Scanlon, and Chrissy Houlahan voted against it. Houlahan led the charge and wrote an op-ed for The Philadelphia Inquirer, claiming the bill was unconstitutional.

"Houlahan even mentioned seeing “I’m Just a Bill” from watching Saturday 'Schoolhouse Rock!' on Saturday mornings to bolster her duty to oppose the bill.

"Could Houlahan’s position stem from the mushroom farms in her Chester County district rather than a children’s TV show? Those huge farms have been cited for hiring many workers who might be here illegally. ..."

Congress recently passed the Laken Riley Act with bipartisan support. Laken Riley was a 22-year-old nursing student murdered on Feb. 22, 2024, by an

29/01/2025

Montco’s New DEI Department Hires Could Add More Than $500,000 to County Payroll

"Although the federal government is now moving at warp speed to remove DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] programs from its various agencies, Montgomery County is doubling down on its program.

"County officials announced 'a transformative investment in the Montgomery County Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, reinforcing the County’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture and county-wide community that emphasizes inclusion and belonging.'

"The office, which has one employee now, will be adding four additional positions after the county Salary Board approved the new jobs on January 9.

"County Commissioners Chair Neil K. Makhija and Vice Chair Jamila Winder, both Democrats, voted for the new positions. Minority Republican Commissioner Tom DiBello voted against the new hires, which could add up to $507,176 to the county’s payroll, not including benefits. ..."

Although the federal government is now moving at warp speed to remove DEI programs from its various agencies, Montgomery County is doubling down on its

29/01/2025

Chester Police Commissioner Quits After Late Night Accident

"The police commissioner for the City of Chester retired suddenly Tuesday after being involved in an accident in his police vehicle in the early morning on Monday.

"The Office of the Receiver released this statement: 'The City of Chester placed Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky on administrative leave on Monday, Jan. 27, pending an investigation into a traffic incident on the night of Sunday, Jan. 26. Major Katrina Blackwell will serve as acting commissioner, while the investigation continues.'

"Published reports say Gretsky’s vehicle hit a parked delivery van near East 22nd Street and Hyatt Street in Chester shortly after midnight Monday.

"The Pennsylvania State Police are handling the investigation into the accident. A spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. ..."

The police commissioner for the City of Chester retired suddenly Tuesday after being involved in an accident in his police vehicle in the early morning on

28/01/2025

Suspect in Shooting Death of Vt. Border Patrol Agent Had Delco Ties

"A 'person of interest' in a Delaware County double-homicide is linked the the Jan. 20 shooting death of a federal agent in Vermont near the Canadian border.

"A shootout occurred when the Customs and Border Control agent, David “Chris” Maland, 44, stopped a car with suspects Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Seattle and a German national, Felix Baukholt.

"Baukholt, who was in the U.S. on an expired visa, was killed during the encounter. Youngblut was injured.

"Youngblut is charged with one count of using a deadly weapon while assaulting Maland and discharging a firearm during and in relation to that assault, authorities said.

"According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Youngblut and Baukholt had been on authorities’ radar after a motel clerk in Lyndonville, Vt. reached out to federal agents the previous Tuesday when the couple checked in, reportedly armed and wearing black tactical gear. Investigators also spotted Baukholt and Youngblut walking in public in downtown Newport wearing the same gear and openly carrying firearms.

"Vermont is an open-carry state. Federal investigators reported trying to interact with the couple but said they were not interested in talking and indicated they were in the region shopping for real estate.

"It’s still unclear from the DOJ affidavit who was directly responsible for the shooting death of Maland. ..."

A “person of interest” in a Delaware County double-homicide is linked the the Jan. 20 shooting death of a federal agent in Vermont near the Canadian

28/01/2025

DURAN: Latino Families Are Turning to the GOP — Now It’s Time to Deliver by Carlos Duran.

"As we begin a new year, we are stepping into a generational moment in American politics. The Republican Party has won the House, Senate and the presidency. Though the margins are slim, the GOP is in a position to fulfill promises to return America to greatness.

"Contrary to Democrats’ longstanding talking points, Republicans did so by mobilizing a remarkably diverse coalition of Americans. For example, the Associated Press reported that Donald Trump won 43 percent of the Hispanic vote, an 8 percentage point increase from 2020. Latinos’ love of family, faith and country, the rejection of identity politics, and the desire for economic prosperity have led many to align with Republicans.

"But will the GOP deliver for their new constituency?

"The National Hispanic Pastors’ Alliance is the nation’s fastest-growing Hispanic pastors organization. It represents thousands of Latino believers who want to see the nation fulfill its promise to its people. We have done extensive research to understand the needs of Hispanic families in our communities, and here’s some of what we found: more Hispanic kids live in poverty than any other racial group; Hispanics have relatively high labor force participation but little access to family-friendly policies; Hispanics are much less likely to take government benefits than other racial groups in the same financial position; around half of Hispanic children are born to unmarried parents; and though Hispanics have the highest number of people per household for any racial group, fertility rates among Latinos are dropping.

"In short, Hispanic families are struggling, but they have many of the building blocks — faith, family and hard work — in place to thrive. An agenda targeted toward families will uniquely address their needs and help secure an enduring coalition for years. ..."

As we begin a new year, we are stepping into a generational moment in American politics. The Republican Party has won the House, Senate and the

28/01/2025

He Invented the Nicotine Patch; Now, He Says the FDA Can Do More to Help Smokers

"The Biden administration’s 11th-hour proposal to force tobacco manufacturers to slash nicotine levels — made just days before President Biden’s exit — was viewed as a political stunt by many public health officials.

"Meanwhile, tobacco reduction experts like Jed Rose, the head of the Rose Research Center, say the opportunity for real progress in the fight to get more Americans to stop smoking is on the horizon. More science is needed and more accurate information provided to the public.

"It starts with understanding why people smoke.

“'Smokers don’t just value the nicotine in their bloodstream,' Rose said, referring to the chemical behind the addiction. 'There are sensory cues that become pleasurable to smokers. People who get IV feedings do not feel their hunger satisfied. Likewise, a smoker wants to smoke a cigarette to feel satisfied.'

"Rose knows what he’s talking about. More than 40 years ago, he fell into a career working on smoking cessation by accident when he took a temporary job while awaiting a fellowship connected to his doctorate in learning processes underlying anxiety.

"In the 1980s, he was named the lead inventor of the nicotine skin patch, along with his physician brother Daniel and the late Murray Jarvik. Rose says he’s studied the most effective strategies for smokers who want to quit.

"(Spoiler alert: cold turkey is not one of them, Rose says.)

"It turns out, Rose says, the old saw about quitting smoking cigarettes being harder than quitting hard drugs isn’t too far off the mark. ..."

The Biden administration’s 11th-hour proposal to force tobacco manufacturers to slash nicotine levels — made just days before President Biden’s exit — was

27/01/2025

Commonwealth Poll: PA Wants More Education Choice, Lower Energy Prices

"The Commonwealth Foundation, a free market think tank, has announced its Better Pennsylvania Plan, which includes 30 policy ideas for improving life in Pennsylvania. And with it, they’ve released polling they say shows Pennsylvania voters are on board with their key issues.

"Among those issues: More support for the state’s Lifeline Scholarships for children in failing public schools and opposition to higher energy costs.

"Commonwealth Vice President of Policy Elizabeth Stelle said the Better Pennsylvania Plan is 'a commonsense policy roadmap that we think can release Pennsylvania’s potential, make us a leader across the nation, and create more prosperity for future generations.'

"The statewide poll of 800 registered voters found 52 percent of Pennsylvanians believe the state was on the wrong track, and 71 percent want the governor and state legislature to address 'pocketbook issues.'

"Some 89 percent of those polled believe access to an excellent K-12 education is extremely or very important. And 81 percent want energy costs reduced, while 71 percent want energy production increased.

"Some 44 percent gave the state’s current educational system a 'C' grade.

“'The problem in Pennsylvania is the funding doesn’t follow the child,' said Stelle. 'So you have wide discrepancies. You have inequity in education.'

"It’s a popular idea, according to their poll with 83 percent of respondents saying Lifeline Scholarships for students in failing schools should be expanded.

"During a recent press conference, Stelle said, 'I think there is a tremendous opportunity to see reform happen in this (legislative) session.' More than 70,000 students are on the waiting list for the Lifeline Scholarships.

"She noted that Gov. Josh Shapiro had campaigned on expanding Lifeline Scholarships, and while the GOP-controlled state Senate needs to fight hard for the program, in the end it will be up to Shapiro. ..."

The Commonwealth Foundation, a free market think tank, has announced its Better Pennsylvania Plan, which includes 30 policy ideas for improving life in

27/01/2025

LOPEZ: Administration Can Save Lives and Cut Costs by Expanding Access to Obesity Treatments by Mario H. Lopez.

"The conversation surrounding healthcare reform has intensified in recent years, revealing deep divides in how we view personal responsibility, government intervention and public health. One of the more recent high-profile debates involves the role of medications used to treat obesity. Within the Trump administration, advisers and Cabinet nominees — who will shape the availability and use of such treatments — have expressed differing views.

"With more than 100 million adults in the United States living with obesity, many health advocates are stressing the actual health benefits of weight loss beyond cosmetic concerns. Obesity treatments include GLP-1s, a new class of highly effective, albeit expensive, medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Access to these treatments is increasingly seen as essential to empowering patients to take control of their health, improving long-term outcomes, and reducing the burden of preventable and devastating diseases.

"With changes in the federal government and relevant policy underway, the administration can score a win for millions by finalizing a proposed rule for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand coverage of anti-obesity medicines. Currently, Medicare has been prohibited from covering weight loss drugs unless they are used to treat conditions such as diabetes or to manage an increased risk of heart disease. States can cover obesity drugs under Medicaid, but most do not.

"Addressing the obesity epidemic head-on by expanding access to treatments is the right thing to do, not only morally but also economically.

"While obesity affects all demographics at staggering rates, recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that underserved communities are most at risk and suffer disproportionately from the consequences. For example, nearly 50 percent of Hispanic adults are classified as obese, contributing to a range of serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. ..."

The conversation surrounding healthcare reform has intensified in recent years, revealing deep divides in how we view personal responsibility, government

24/01/2025

“Our firefighters stand ready to meet the challenge of protecting lives, homes, and natural resources."

(From a press release) wildland firefighters, coordinated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), to California to help combat the

24/01/2025

"So now we have ‘silent machine guns’ in our communities, which provides an inordinate risk to community members and law enforcement officials across Montgomery County and the commonwealth."

(From a press release) Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, Lower Merion Township Police Supt. Andrew Block, Upper Moreland Township

24/01/2025

McCormick Announces the First Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit

"Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick announced he will host the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh in the first half of this year. The summit will bring together top leaders in energy and AI, alongside the biggest global investors, to deliver on President Donald Trump’s promise to unleash American energy, dominate in AI, and bring production back home to America.

“'American energy dominance is good for the economy, good for the environment, and good for national security,' said McCormick. 'President Trump has promised to set America on the path to energy dominance once again, and that path runs through Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit will align the leading energy companies, the most innovative AI platforms, and global investors behind President Trump’s energy agenda. Together, we can unleash a new age of energy production and power the AI and technological revolution.'

"McCormick’s planned summit was a topic of conversation when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was questioning Secretary of Energy nominee Chris Wright and Secretary of the Interior nominee Doug Burgum. Both endorsed the summit during their respective nomination hearings last week.

“'Pennsylvania has three key assets of the technology revolution: huge energy resources, a skilled workforce, and proximity to major population centers. It is the second largest energy-producing state with the fourth largest natural gas reserves in the entire world and a leading nuclear sector. With world-class universities, research institutions, and a highly skilled labor force, Pennsylvania has the workforce required to lead the AI revolution. The Keystone State can lead the way on energy dominance and innovation for America,' according to a press release from McCormick’s office. ..."

Republican U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick announced he will host the inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh in the first half of this

24/01/2025

PA Supreme Court to Hear Mail-in Ballot Case

"The state Supreme Court declined to hear a mail-in ballot signature case last year, believing it was too close to the November 2024 election. Now that the election is over, the high court has taken up an appeal regarding Baxter v. Philadelphia Board of Elections.

"The case was brought by Brian Baxter and Susan Kinniry, two Philadelphia voters whose ballots were rejected by the Philadelphia Board of Elections because they lacked signatures with dates as required by state law.

"Two lower courts sided with the plaintiffs. Republicans have appealed to the Supreme Court.

"After the November election, Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie created a bruhaha by voting to count mail-in ballots sans the required signatures. Ellis-Marseglia famously said, 'I think we all know that precedent by a court doesn’t matter anymore in this country. People violate laws any time they want. So, for me, if I violate this law, it’s because I want a court to pay attention to it.'

"The Montgomery County commissioners also voted to ignore the law.

"The ACLUPA and the Public Interest Law Center are representing the plaintiffs. ..."

The state Supreme Court declined to hear a mail-in ballot signature case last year, believing it was too close to the November 2024 election. Now that the

24/01/2025

Former NBA Star and Civil Rights Activist Says Justin Baldoni Blocked Documentary

"Long before actress Blake Lively publicly accused him of attempting to silence her about his problematic on-set behavior, actor Justin Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer, were silencing a Black activist and former NBA star who wanted to tell his story.

"Baldoni and Lively, who starred in the film 'It Ends With Us,' have been making headlines for weeks, publicly battling over their private reputations. Lively’s lawyers say Baldoni and his Wayfarer team used a media smear campaign hoping to 'safeguard against the risk of Ms. Lively ever revealing the truth about Mr. Baldoni.'

"The actor responded with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

"In the case of legendary Chicago Bulls three-point shooter Craig Hodges, it was his truth, he says, that Baldoni and Wayfarer silenced.

"To basketball fans, Hodges is the dazzling outside shooter who helped the Bulls win back-to-back championships during the Michael Jordan era and still holds the record for most consecutive shots made (19) in the NBA’s Three-Point contest.

"For civil rights activists from the past 30 years, however, Hodges is known as something bigger: One of the few athletes of the previous era willing to use his talent and fame to promote social justice. ..."

Long before actress Blake Lively publicly accused him of attempting to silence her about his problematic on-set behavior, actor Justin Baldoni and his

23/01/2025

Krasner May File Charges Against J6 Defendants Pardoned by Trump

"Philadelphia’s progressive Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner is looking into bringing state charges against the Pennsylvania January 6 defendants who were pardoned by President Donald Trump this week, CNN first reported.

"Krasner is looking at the records of defendants who were charged with assaulting police during the riot at the U.S. Capitol, or conspired with groups like the Oath Keepers or the Proud Boys. He said there might be charges that were left out of the federal indictment that the state could bring.

“'You can have a state prosecution for conduct that was not fully encompassed in the federal prosecution,' Krasner told CNN.

“'Those who actually believe in the rule of law and actually believe in the law and actually believe in order, in other words, those of us who are not MAGA, intend to preserve the values, traditions, laws and Constitution of the United States,' Krasner said. 'And that means accountability for the co-conspirators of the 24-time felon president.'

"Neither Krasner nor his spokesman, Dustin Slaughter, responded to requests for comment from DVJournal. A spokesperson for the White House also did not respond when asked to comment. ..."

Philadelphia’s progressive Democratic District Attorney Larry Krasner is looking into bringing state charges against the Pennsylvania January 6 defendants

23/01/2025

McCormick Named Chair of Key Foreign Policy Subcommittee

"Sen. Dave McCormick has hit the ground running.

"The Pennsylvania Republican has been named chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism. That puts him at the center of Congress’s debates over foreign policy regarding Israel and the Middle East.

"McCormick is a strong supporter of Israel and a fervent voice against antisemitism. McCormick and his wife, Dina, made a point of visiting Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack to show their support for the Jewish state.

"He also spoke out against the antisemitism on college campuses, including at the University of Pennsylvania, and he visited the campus to see for himself the pro-Palestinian encampment there.

“'I am honored to chair a subcommittee on such critical issues,' McCormick said. 'I see this as a great opportunity to strengthen the U.S.-Israel alliance, expand the Abraham Accords, grow U.S.-India cooperation, and delve deeply into regional energy, economic, and security issues.

“'I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues to deter the Islamic Republic of Iran, stamp down the terror threat, and realize his vision for a more peaceful Middle East,' McCormick added. 'I am hopeful my background and perspective will allow me to lead this subcommittee in a manner that is good for Pennsylvania and the country.'

"McCormick was sworn in on Jan. 3, but he’s already playing an active role in the Senate. The former Bridgewater CEO cosponsored a bill from Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch (R-Idaho) to once again name the Iran-backed Houthis a foreign terrorist organization.

"Former President Joe Biden lifted the terrorist designation from the Houthis as part of his administration’s outreach to the Islamist regime ruling Iran. Tehran responded by funding the Houthis barrage of attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, including attacks on U.S. Navy vessels. ..."

Sen. Dave McCormick has hit the ground running. The Pennsylvania Republican has been named chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near

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