Delaware Valley Journal (2025)

10/10/2025

On List of Best Cities to Drive In, Philly Finishes Dead Last

"The Schuylkill Expressway is legendary for its traffic jams, and construction on I-95 has been frustrating drivers for years. In late winter, Philadelphia has pothole season. And, to make matters worse, the city is rife with confusing signage and with rude drivers who brandish their middle fingers with abandon.

"And parking? Fuhgeddaboudit!

"So perhaps it’s no surprise that a new WalletHub analysis has named Philadelphia the worst city in America for drivers.

"In a ranking of the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas, Philly came in dead last—even behind New York City, which was fourth from the bottom.

"The best city for drivers, according to WalletHub, is Corpus Christi, Texas, followed by Greensboro, N.C., Boise, Idaho, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Laredo, Texas.

"The analysis evaluated cities based on factors such as gas prices, congestion, and road maintenance. Other criteria included the cost of owning and maintaining a car, parking expenses, and overall safety—something many Philadelphians might equate with their odds of being carjacked.

"Birmingham, Ala., boasts the least-expensive auto repair costs, while New York City tops the list for the most costly. Parking is cheapest in Corpus Christi and most expensive in San Diego, Calif.

"Weather was another factor. Researchers counted days with precipitation, noting that Las Vegas had the fewest and Buffalo, N.Y., the most.

"In Boise, drivers are nearly 23 percent less likely to have an accident than the national average. The Idaho capital also has the fewest uninsured drivers, the fewest “hard-braking” drivers, and the second-lowest auto theft rate.

"Delaware Valley residents aren’t surprised by the results. ..."

The Schuylkill Expressway is legendary for its traffic jams, and construction on I-95 has been frustrating drivers for years. In late winter, Philadelphia

10/10/2025

Natural Gas, AI and the Future of Pennsylvania’s Economy by Kurt Knaus.

"As the world races forward in the age of artificial intelligence, the demand for energy—especially reliable, dispatchable power—has never been greater. Data centers — the digital backbone of AI, cloud computing, and our increasingly connected world — are rapidly multiplying. These facilities require enormous amounts of electricity 24/7, and that demand is only going to grow.

"While renewables play a vital role in our energy mix, natural gas remains critical to ensuring the kind of reliable, scalable power needed to support the AI-driven future. For Pennsylvania, the second-largest natural gas producer in the United States, this presents a massive opportunity—not just to fuel the future, but to lead it.

"AI models, cloud infrastructure, streaming services, and modern enterprise tools all rely on massive data centers—many of which consume as much power as small towns. Unlike intermittent power sources, natural gas provides the on-demand electricity these facilities require. Its flexibility allows it to ramp up when needed, balance the grid, and complement the growth of renewable energy sources.

"In many regions, new data center projects are paired with natural gas generation or are located near existing plants for precisely this reason: reliability and performance. With the resources we have underfoot, Pennsylvania stands out. Without stable power, AI can’t deliver on its promise. And without natural gas, we risk bottlenecks in digital innovation.

"Pennsylvania sits on top of the Marcellus Shale, one of the most prolific natural gas formations in the world. Every day, workers across the state safely extract affordable, clean-burning energy that powers homes, businesses, and, increasingly, the data centers of the future.

"As the second-largest natural gas-producing state in the United States, Pennsylvania is in a prime position to lead the way—not just in energy production, but in economic development. The buildout of infrastructure that supports gas delivery—pipelines, processing plants, and power generation facilities—means more jobs, stronger communities, and increased state revenue. ..."

As the world races forward in the age of artificial intelligence, the demand for energy—especially reliable, dispatchable power—has never been greater.

09/10/2025

New Poll Shows Big Lead for Shapiro Over Garrity

"With more than a year until the election, a new poll gives incumbent Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro a huge lead over his potential Republican opponents.

"Susquehanna Polling and Research found Shapiro ahead of state Treasurer Stacy Garrity 54 to 36 percent, with 9 percent undecided. And while Republican insiders have warned that another run by state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) would mean disaster, the poll found his margin to be almost identical to Garrity’s, at 55 to 37 percent, with 7 percent undecided.

"Garrity has already launched her candidacy, while Mastriano has yet to decide whether to run.

"Muhlenberg College political science professor Christopher Borick isn’t surprised by the results.

"'I’m not surprised Gov. Shapiro has a significant lead in polling at this point in the race,' said Borick. 'He has strong job approval ratings and high name recognition, making any challenger’s matchup with him difficult at this point. While any poll a year out from an election should be swallowed with an enormous grain of salt.

"'Incumbents’ polling numbers often end up close to their final share of the vote. I wouldn’t be surprised if Shapiro’s numbers next fall end up in this range, but the eventual GOP candidate will have opportunities ahead.'

"Charlie Gerow, a longtime Republican strategist, said people shouldn’t give much credence to such an early poll.

"'People love polls. Unfortunately, very early polls — the election is more than a year away — don’t tell us very much,' Gerow said.

"'A poll that didn’t show an incumbent governor leading at this point would be shocking. This one isn’t. Once Stacy Garrity really starts to chip away at Shapiro’s record, this race will tighten dramatically,' he added.

"Mastriano pointed to a recent Quinnipiac poll and noted, 'This is the bigger question: 73 percent don’t know Garrity.' Neither Shapiro nor Garrity commented.

"In 2024, Garrity set a record for getting the highest number of voters of any Pennsylvania statewide candidate ever: about 3.5 million. That’s a record Shapiro held. Mastriano, who ran against Shapiro in 2022, lost by nearly 15 points. ..."

With more than a year until the election, a new poll gives incumbent Democrat Gov. Josh Shapiro a huge lead over his potential Republican opponents.

09/10/2025

TOMB: Has Governor Shapiro Reformed Permitting? Business Leaders Say, ‘No.’ by Gordon Tomb.

"On Aug. 12, 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro introduced the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, which was supposed to expedite the permitting process for businesses.

"'Pennsylvanians deserve a state government that moves at the speed of business and processes their permits quickly to ensure Pennsylvanians receive a timely response,' Shapiro said.

"Yet, SPEED was not as nimble as its acronym suggested. Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the agency responsible for SPEED, did not start accepting applications until almost one year later.

"So much for 'at the speed of business.'

"Nonetheless, the governor followed up with a flurry of actions. By the end of summer, the administration had issued at least a half dozen news releases, claiming progress in permitting and licensing issues. The DEP website lists eight programs, all intended to improve the state’s process for handling tens of thousands of permit applications annually.

"DEP’s 'PAyback' program, which promises refunds of application fees if approval deadlines are missed, reported that only two approvals were overdue as of September and that no fees had been refunded since the program’s launch nearly two years ago.

"Still, the impact of Pennsylvania’s permitting reform remains selective at best.

"'As far as the governor’s ‘get stuff done’ marketing goes, we’ve seen no improvement in the speed of approvals for permit applications or renewals,' says Jim Panaro, executive vice president of Robindale Energy. Robindale recovers and hauls millions of tons of fuel from mine-reclamation sites to its three waste-coal power plants in southwestern Pennsylvania.

"Panaro said DEP had apparently taken quicker-than-usual action on an air-quality permit for a new natural gas-fired power plant at Homer City. However, he wondered whether that would have been the case for a less 'politically sensitive' project.

"In northwestern Pennsylvania, the fruits of permit reform have yet to be realized in the conventional oil and gas industry.

"'The Pennsylvania permitting process has not improved at all for conventional oil and gas operators,' says Tyler Martin, environmental care coordinator for Cameron Energy, in Warren County. 'Sometimes there are still unnecessary delays.' ..."

On Aug. 12, 2024, Gov. Josh Shapiro introduced the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, which was supposed to

08/10/2025

DelVal Officials Call for Tougher Laws After Villanova ‘Swatting’ Scare

"On Aug. 21, someone called Villanova University to say there was an active shooter on campus.

"Police swarmed in response. Officers from local departments, the state police, and federal agencies flooded the campus. The risk of injury to an officer or student soared.

"But the call was a fraud — a fake. The college had been 'swatted.'

"'Swatting' is the act of making hoax reports of serious crimes to emergency services to prompt a major police response, often involving a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Targets have included politicians such as Republican Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina and Michelle Wu, the Democratic mayor of Boston.

"Several swatting incidents have resulted in injury or even death, including a 2017 call to Wichita, Kan., police falsely reporting a murder and hostage situation. Andrew Finch was killed when he came to the front door of his own home. The call originated from a dispute over an online video game.

"While swatting is a federal crime, Pennsylvania has no corresponding state law.

"Hoping to change that, Rep. Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware), a former federal prosecutor, held a press conference Tuesday to announce two bills. One would make swatting a felony. The other would require offenders to pay restitution. ..."

On Aug. 21, someone called Villanova University to say there was an active shooter on campus. Police swarmed in response. Officers from local departments,

08/10/2025

Boraski Files Overdue Campaign Reports; Paid Most of the Money to Himself as ‘Reimbursement’ by Bradley Vasoli.

"When a township official rakes nearly $30,000 into his campaign coffers since his last election, he’s probably gearing up for a hard-hitting run next time. For Jeff Boraski, there was no next time.

"While federal campaign funding records showed a labor union flooded his committee with $27,850 since 2020, the Democratic Falls Township supervisor chose not to run for reelection this year. And before this March, he failed to submit required finance reports for roughly five years.

"These events raise three major questions: Why did the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Political Action Committee give a legislator in a township of only about 34,000 people so much money? Why did the Bucks County Board of Elections, chaired by County Commissioner (and former Falls Supervisor) Bob Harvie, not send Boraski any late-filing notices after 2020? And what did Boraski, an IBEW member, do with all that money?

"Boraski’s protracted failure to turn in finance reports for roughly five years made the latter question impossible to answer. This year, he finally submitted most of the disclosures he owed the election board. The documents lack clarity in some respects, but they’re plain in at least one detail: He admits he paid himself 65% of the money he raised between 2022 and 2024. His reports mostly describe those payments — totaling $15,184.48 — as 'reimbursement.'

"Again, mostly. One report, for instance, does not explain why Boraski bestowed $506.13 on himself in February 2022, despite Pennsylvania directing political candidates to describe each of their expenditures. Some descriptions, meanwhile, vaguely suggest the items for which he 'reimbursed' himself, e.g., 'reimbursement – parade,' 'holiday toy drive,' and 'reimbursed – fundraiser ticket.' Others still are wordy without being revelatory: 'reimbursement – campaign,' 'reimbursement – election,' 'reimbursement – expenses,' or 'reimbursement – fundraiser.'

"Boraski’s previous neglect to disclose the Big Labor cash he received and spent actually goes all the way back to 2020, but that’s where it gets complicated. Election board staff did not locate any 2021 or 2025 campaign finance reports among the forms they said Friends of Jeff Boraski emailed their office on March 16, 2025. That leaves $5,000 that Boraski received from the IBEW in 2021 still apparently unreported. It also means that, barring some bureaucratic oversight, Boraski still hasn’t met his requirement to file numerous campaign finance summaries. ..."

(This article first appeared in The Independence) When a township official rakes nearly $30,000 into his campaign coffers since his last election, he’s

08/10/2025

GAMBESCIA: Commonsense Guards Needed for E-Scooter Users by Stephen Gambescia.

"This summer, four teens riding double on electric scooters (e-scooters) in Delaware County were struck by vehicles, resulting in the death of one teen and critically injuring two others. That tragic incident prompted the commissioners of Ridley, Springfield, and Haverford Townships to invoke safety ordinances regarding these emerging micro-motorized vehicles.

"In addition, state officials are considering how to best categorize and regulate these micro-transportation units to balance their benefits with necessary safety measures, as this new group vies to 'share the road.'

"There is something endearing about seeing youngsters scooting by while we walk or drive through the neighborhood. Similar to psychologist Jordan Peterson’s rule to 'not bother children when they are skateboarding,' navigating an e-scooter allows teens—during such a formative stage of life—to test boundaries, face danger, and build self-efficacy in a reasonably safe environment, all of which are healthy for psychological development.

"E-scooters offer several community benefits, including reducing air pollution and road congestion. Their compact size allows for more units to be parked in smaller spaces at schools, workplaces, commercial strips, and parks and recreation areas. They are also easy to use and can be disembarked quickly.

"Short of walking, e-scooters rank as one of the most cost-effective means of getting around town, making them accessible to those who can’t afford electric bikes or cars.

"We should not wait for a Ralph Nader-style report for public officials, users, and families of young users to call for commonsense ordinances to prevent injuries. Such regulations should address who is permitted to operate e-scooters, where they can be used, and what types of scooters are allowed.

"Regarding the 'who,' it is reasonable to establish the minimum operating age at 14 or 15, aligning with the age when most teens are in high school. While middle and elementary school students and their parents may object, higher age requirements generally lead to more responsible use, as older teens are likely to have sharper senses and better judgment. State Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) has introduced legislation to prohibit children under age 16 from riding e-scooters. ..."

This summer, four teens riding double on electric scooters (e-scooters) in Delaware County were struck by vehicles, resulting in the death of one teen and

07/10/2025

Signs of the Times? In Haverford Signs Say ‘Resist’

"'Resist' signs are sprouting all over Haverford Township.

"A resident who contacted DVJournal to express his dismay about the 'unneighborly' signs asked that his name not be published out of concern over backlash from fellow Haverford residents.

"He is especially concerned because of the assassination of Republican activist Charlie Kirk, saying the 'Resist language feels more like a call to act aggressively against political opponents, and anyone associated with ‘that party.’' He noted that 'resistance' has been used around the country, often harming people and property, as well as intimidating others. Politics in Haverford has gone from criticism to 'outright hostility,' he said.

"But state Rep. Greg Vitali does not see a problem.

"Vitali (D-Haverford) supports the signs.

"'I support the message of resistance,' said Vitali. 'President Trump’s lawless and irresponsible actions are moving us closer to an authoritarian form of government, and he should be resisted in the courts, at the ballot box, and by acts of courage from people and institutions.'

"'I’m unaware of any violence these signs have provoked,' Vitali said.

"Jim Knapp, chairman of the Haverford Township Republican Party, noted that disagreement is part of the democratic process.

"'What exactly are we being told to resist?' asked Knapp. 'In a democracy, disagreement is not only expected but vital. Civil debate is how we test ideas and hold leaders accountable. But resistance without dialogue, or worse — violence — is not democracy in action; it’s democracy in decline.

"'What troubles me most is the hypocrisy of it all. Many of the loudest voices claiming to ‘defend democracy’ are the very ones working hardest to silence differing opinions. Free speech used to be a shared American value. Now, it too often depends on whether you agree with the ‘approved’ narrative,' he said.

"'The positions our current president holds — on issues like border security, foreign policy, or even the economy — are not radical inventions,' Knapp said. 'They are, in fact, positions that many of his fiercest critics once supported, sometimes loudly. What has changed isn’t the policy, but the politics.'

"'This selective outrage erodes our ability to govern ourselves,' said Knapp. 'It divides us into tribes, each unwilling to hear the other side. This is exactly how authoritarian movements — including Communist regimes — gain ground: by replacing discussion with division, and reason with resentment.'

"Lorraine Williams, a Republican committeewoman for Haverford Township Ward 2-4, said she finds the signs, along with an upcoming No Kings rally, 'very disturbing.' ..."

"Resist” signs are sprouting all over Haverford Township. A resident who contacted DVJournal to express his dismay about the “unneighborly” signs asked

07/10/2025

Report: Plastics Industry Surge Boosts US, PA Economy

"Amid a flurry of mixed signals about the U.S. and Pennsylvania economy and questions about the impact of tariffs, a new report shows that one industry is both outpacing the manufacturing sector and increasing its exports abroad.

"Plastics.

"Analysis from the American Chemistry Council shows the plastics industry supported $1.1 trillion in economic activity and nearly 5 million jobs last year — even as overall job growth slowed. And investment in new plants and equipment climbed from under $12 billion in 2015 to $17.5 billion last year.

"'When you look at the ripple effect on the economy, we make all those innovations that keep our country competitive,' Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers, told InsideSources.

"The virtuous cycle, Eisenberg says, is the massive amounts of affordable natural gas unleashed by the shale boom that his industry turns into plastic products at competitive costs, which then go into U.S.-manufactured finished products across the entire economy.

"'The natural gas we’re getting from those shale formations in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas goes into chemicals and plastics manufacturing, giving us a significant competitive advantage over the rest of the world,' Eisenberg says. It’s a major shift from 25 years ago, when the plastics industry’s growth was flat and foreign manufacturers were taking market share. ..."

Amid a flurry of mixed signals about the U.S. and Pennsylvania economy and questions about the impact of tariffs, a new report shows that one industry is

07/10/2025

Before You Vote, Know Where the Justices Stand on PA Elections by Logan Churchwell.

"Pennsylvanians often treat judicial retention races as an afterthought. Some might even need a refresher on the concept. But when it comes to the rules governing elections, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has already shown how influential these justices can be, and why these elections are so essential.

"This November, Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht are on the ballot. Their votes have already shaped which ballots count and which do not. Voters deserve to know the justices’ records – without political commentary – before they make a choice.

"The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) released a scorecard highlighting how these justices ruled on pivotal election law questions in recent years. At stake are issues such as whether counties must evaluate mail ballots consistently for acceptance or rejection; whether late-arriving ballots should be accepted; and whether counties may allow voters to 'cure' defective ballots before they are rejected. Each of these rulings had direct consequences for how Pennsylvania’s elections were run in 2020 and beyond.

"One of the most important cases was Pennsylvania Democratic Party v. Boockvar, decided in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election. The Court altered key election procedures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The justices approved the use of drop boxes and satellite ballot-return sites, and extended the deadline for mail ballots to be accepted for counting. As a result, ballots postmarked by Election Day but received within three days were valid.

"The decision was not unanimous. Justices Dougherty and Wecht sided with the majority in accepting ballots up to 72 hours after Election Day. Justice Donohue disagreed. PILF has consistently argued that accepting ballots after the legal deadline undermines election confidence, creates uncertainty in the vote-counting process, and exposes the system to errors in an already stressful procedure. ..."

Pennsylvanians often treat judicial retention races as an afterthought. Some might even need a refresher on the concept. But when it comes to the rules

06/10/2025

EXCLUSIVE: Shapiro Honored for Breast Cancer Support While Cutting Screening Funds

"October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition has named Gov. Josh Shapiro its 2025 Pink Ribbon Honoree.

"But even as he accepts that honor, Shapiro is calling for cuts in breast cancer screenings as part of the ongoing state budget impasse.

"According to a letter to county commissioners obtained by DVJournal, the Shapiro administration listed quarterly funding for breast cancer screenings as one of the programs to be paused until a budget deal is reached.

"The program totals $1.8 million annually, and as of Friday, Oct. 3, $270,000 in payments have not been released.Neither Shapiro—who is presiding over his third consecutive late state budget—nor the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition responded to DVJournal’s requests for comment.

"State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), a breast cancer survivor, said she understands firsthand the importance of early detection. Ward said her own diagnosis of Stage 1 breast cancer came after a delayed mammogram during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"'As we honor survivors and promote early detection as part of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is unfortunate and shocking that Gov. Josh Shapiro has chosen to withhold funding for quarterly breast cancer screenings,' Ward said.

"'We all know someone who has had breast cancer or been affected by this deadly disease. In fact, one in 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, which is more than 14,000 women in Pennsylvania each year. We also know, Gov. Shapiro included, that if caught early, there is more than a 90 percent cure rate. That is why I’m disappointed and confused as to why the governor chose to withhold the funds for life-saving screenings for women.' ..."

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition has named Gov. Josh Shapiro its 2025 Pink Ribbon Honoree. But even

06/10/2025

On Anniversary of Attack, Some Philly Teachers to ‘Rage’ for Hamas

"Some Philadelphia public school teachers are using the second anniversary of the Hamas terror attack on Israel to show their support for the 'Palestinian resistance fighters' who killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.

"Philadelphia Educators for Palestine (PEFP), its parent organization Racial Justice Organizing Committee (RJOC), and the Philly Palestine Coalition posted news of their 'Rally for Rage and Resistance' on social media.

"'Oct. 7 marks two years since Palestinian resistance fighters bravely broke out of the prison that the Zionist regime has turned Gaza into. Since then, more and more people around the world have awoken to the atrocities of the Zionist regime as well as the steadfastness of Palestinians. It is undeniable that a genocide is being enacted by Israel in full collaboration with the U.S., and that the imperialist genocidal ethnostate responsible for the murder of 680,000+ lives has no right to exist.

"'Now more than ever, we must reject all normalization with the Zionist regime, uplift Indigenous Palestinian resistance, and honor the martyrs,' the post says.

"PEFP was founded by Philadelphia School District teachers Keziah Ridgeway and Hannah Gann, according to the K12 Extremism Tracker. Both have held 'teach-ins' for other educators on the Palestinian cause. Ridgeway filed a lawsuit against the district claiming discrimination and violation of her First Amendment rights. She was temporarily removed from the classroom after Jewish parents and another teacher alleged she threatened them. The district responded to her suit in a court filing asking that the case be dismissed. ..."

Some Philadelphia public school teachers are using the second anniversary of the Hamas terror attack on Israel to show their support for the “Palestinian

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