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 […]
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Montgomery County Breaks Ground on Trail Junction Center at Historic Norristown Freight Station
(From a press release) On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Commissioners gathered with local partners and community members to break ground on the Trail Junction Center in the heart of Norristown. The event celebrated a forthcoming transformation of the historic Norristown Freight Station into a flexible, community-oriented space. “We are taking a bold step forward in […]
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Boraski Files Overdue Campaign Reports; Paid Most of the Money to Himself as ‘Reimbursement’
(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 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 […]
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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 […]
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GAMBESCIA: Commonsense Guards Needed for E-Scooter Users
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 […]
Posted inEnergy
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 […]
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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 […]
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CHURCHWELL: Before You Vote, Know Where the Justices Stand on PA Elections
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 […]
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Update: 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 […]
Posted inEducation
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 […]