Delaware Valley Journal

On this edition of the Delaware Valley Journal podcast, Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran pushes back on criticism from Democrats over his decision to work with the federal government to help enforce immigration law. Bucks County Commissioners Chair Bob Harvie used the debate to suggest that the current debate over immigration enforcement echoes the rise of fascism in Germany.Harran rebuts this criticism and talks about his experience as the only Jewish sheriff in Pennsylvania with DVJournal's Linda Stein.Harran also discusses the anti-terrorism training his department recently received and how it applies to public security in the Delaware Valley.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/Montgomery) is a 26-year Army veteran who flew missions in Iraq, so she knows how to handle an ugly fight. But she tells DVJournal's Linda Stein that some of the ugliest things she's seen involve the new ways AI is being used to generate child porn. Now she's using her position as chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee to fight back against this high-tech form of child abuse.Pennycuick also talks about the spike in political violence, most recently in evidence at the Pennsylvania governor's mansion when an arsonist set the building ablaze as Gov. Shapiro and his family slept inside.The problem of political violence is also addressed by former Delaware Valley congressman Jim Gerlach, who is part of the bipartisan Democracy Defense Project. Their goal is to build trust in America's political institutions and push back on those who turn to extreme rhetoric to attack our democracy.Hosted by Michael Graham with InsideSources.com.

Lifelong Philadelphian and former Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan is running to replace District Attorney Larry Krasner. "Someone has to step up and stop the insanity," Dugan tells DVJournal's Linda Stein.From the treatment of gun crime to Philadelphia's struggle with retail theft, Dugan lays out why he believes it's time for Krasner to go and why he should have the job.Hosted by Michael Graham with InsideSources.

Pennsylvania's state Treasurer Stacy Garrity is looking for ways to return money to residents -- whether they've asked for it back or not.Garrity joined DVJournal's Linda Stein on the podcast to talk about her office's Pennsylvania Money Match program that automatically returns unclaimed property without a claim being made.Pennsylvania Money Match checks totaling more than $1.7 million were mailed out to nearly 7,400 people in the first week.Garrity also talks about the difference running as a Republican in 2020 -- when Trump lost Pennsylvania -- vs. running on the GOP ticket in 2024. And is she interested in running for governor in 2026?Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Pennsylvania's Attorney General Dave Sunday (R) joins the Delaware Valley Journal podcast to talk about his priorities in his first weeks in office. The former York County D.A. has already made a trip to the White House -- to talk about the fight against fentanyl -- and is confronting challenges from gun crime in Philadelphia to Medicaid fraud.He talks about his approach to the job with DVJournal's Linda Stein. And he answers the question that has troubled his office for years: Do people call him "General?"Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick joins the Delaware Valley Journal podcast to talk about the ongoing debate over President Trump's tariff policies, the war in Ukraine and the senator's legislation to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl into Pennsylvania and the U.S.McCormick also discusses deficit spending with DVJournal's Linda Stein, as well as  the rude behavior of congressional Democrats during President Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

State Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) spills the tea on Gov. Josh Shapiro and the upcoming budget fight in this edition of the Delaware Valley Journal podcast. The first female president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate, Ward shares with DVJ's Linda Stein what former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf did that Shapiro doesn't.And how many staffers does Shapiro have, exactly?Plus, Ward talks about the GOP's priorities on education and protecting taxpayers.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Just hours after President Donald Trump delivered his second inaugural address, newly-elected U.S. Senator Dave McCormick joins DVJ's Linda Stein to talk about the speech and what it means for the Keystone State.Also, McCormick discusses his Committee assignments -- Banking, Energy and Foreign Relations -- and how he believes he can use his experience to help address the nation's challenges.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Delaware County GOP chair Frank Agovino is pleased with the progress the local Republican Party made in 2024, and he believes there's more opportunity ahead. He tells DVJournal's Linda Stein that one reason for optimism is the overreach by county Democrats on tax hikes and other policies.He also shares his views on how the state GOP can help maintain the momentum in the Delaware Valley in the 2025 election cycle.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Amanda Eversole with the American Petroleum Institute joins the DVJournal podcast to talk about the Biden administration's policy toward LNG exports. Eversole, who serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer, talks to DVJournal's Taylor Millard about a new Biden Department of Energy report warning against "unfettered exports."Eversole talks about the impact of LNG on the Pennsylvania economy, the challenges facing America's power grid and Chris Wright, President Trump's pick to head the Department of Energy.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Republican Joe Picozzi just won a state Senate seat in northeastern Philadelphia. How did he do it? We ask him in the latest edition of the Delaware Valley Journal podcast. He talks to DVJournal New Editor Linda Stein about why he got in the race, what he heard as he knocked on thousands of doors, and his top priorities in the state legislature.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

While natural gas, fracking and fossil fuel production dominate the political conversation in Pennsylvania (particularly as the presidential election approaches), Ken Zapinski, Director of Research and Public Policy, warns about the big energy issue facing the Keystone State:Not enough electricity. In a conversation with DVJ Reporter Taylor Millard, Zapinski lays out the growing gap between electricity production and demand. The words "brown out" and "blackout" even appear.How bad is the supply problem? Three words: "Three Mile Island." Will data centers and tech hubs outstrip Pennsylvania's power supply?The conversation starts here.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Angelina Banks grew up in Philadelphia, has traveled the country, and has even appeared in a pro-Trump TV ad. Now she's living in Springfield, where she's run for public office, and making the case that people of color do not owe their vote to any one party.She joins DVJournal News Editor Linda Stein to talk about the 2024 election, growing up in her "two-union-member" household, and why she really hates the plastic bag ban.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com. 

A new poll from Pinpoint Policy Institute shows Pennsylvania voters strongly support pro-growth policies and reject the “new right” populist economic agenda of bigger government and higher taxes. Pinpoint Executive Director Gordon Gray talks about the poll's findings, including a three-point race between U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and challenger Dave McCormick, and what it says about Keystone State politics."Pinpoint's new poll clearly demonstrates that across the three critical Blue Wall states, both Republican and swing voters strongly embrace pro-growth policies, including lower taxes, fewer regulations, and smaller government." Gray says.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Attorney J. Matthew Wolfe has been active in Republican politics since he was an undergraduate at Penn. He currently is the Republican Ward Leader in Philadelphia's 27th Ward and he tells Delaware Valley Journal's Linda Stein the Philly GOP sees opportunity ahead. While the city isn't going to flip to red any time soon, there are Republican voters that can be turned out to help Trump carry Pennsylvania, and possibly win a legislative seat or two.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Bucks County GOP chair Pat Poprik knows the Delaware Valley is a Democratic enclave. But surging GOP voter registrations mean her county has more Republicans than Democrats for first time since George W. Bush was in office, and they're rising in Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties, too. She tells DVJournal's Linda Stein she believes local Republicans will do their part to help Trump carry the state, in part because Democrats have become so extreme on the issues.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

An international software glitch may have kept Ellen Cox of Bucks County trapped at the Milwaukee airport the next morning, but she was in high spirits when she joined DVJournal's Linda Stein for a post-RNC convention report Friday.With her on the pod is Republican National Committeeman Andy Reilly, who helped organize the event. They share their personal experiences from the floor of the Fiserv Forum and talk about how the GOP's unity -- perhaps the highest in 40 years -- might impact elections in Pennsylvania.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

When DVJournal invited state Sen. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) to join the podcast, we wanted to talk about the new $47.6 billion budget and the impact of education spending. But the senator began the conversation by expressing his personal concerns over the heated rhetoric in Pennsylvania politics and, of course, the assassination attempt targeting Trump in Butler, Pa.But DVJournal reporters Linda Stein and Taylor Millard were able to turn the conversation to spending and taxes, too, including a conversation about the state's $22,000+ per pupil spending. How much is too much for taxpayers?Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Scott Presler of Early Vote Action never met a voter he didn't want to register, and that includes in Pennsylvania's prisons. The Pied Piper of GOP registration, Presler's message to the GOP is the higher voter registration and turnout is good news for the party in the era of Trump.Presler talks to DVJournal's Linda Stein and Taylor Millard about how the GOP has drastically closed the voter-registration gap in Pennsylvania, how how he's on the verge of officially turning Bucks County red.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Pennsylvania's Republican National Committeeman Andy Reilly tells the DVJournal podcast that the enthusiasm for Donald Trump across the Keystone State is intense."The voters see someone who's basically just a straight talker, and they're tired of people who are blowing smoke up their keister."Reilly, who formerly served on the Delaware County Council and as county GOP chair, tells Linda Stein and Taylor Millard of DVJournal he believes Trump's popularity will help Dave McCormick beat three-term incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D).Reilly also breaks down the bad news from Delaware County Council,  including the drop in the county's bond rating and Councilor Christine Reuther's "gas lit trial balloon" attacking Delco small businesses for filing appeals of their tax assessments.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Former Delaware County Council Chair Wally Nunn joins the Delaware Valley Journal podcast to talk about the latest Delco developments, including the county's downgrade by Moody's and the likely surge in property tax rates that appears to be on the way.Nunn addresses claims made by Councilor Christine A. Reuther (D) that tax increases are necessary and that deficit spending is the fault of business owners appealing their property tax assessments. (You can listen to Reuther's rant here.)Nunn takes questions from Taylor Millard and Linda Stein of Delaware Valley Journal.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

GOP U.S. Senate candidate --and alleged Diet Coke addict -- Dave McCormick joins the Delaware Valley Journal podcast from out on the Keystone State campaign trail. McCormick takes questions from DVJ's News Editor Linda Stein on the antisemitic protests at the University of Pennsylvania, the abortion issue, and attacks on the PA Republican from the NYTimes.And how being the father of six daughters is impacting McCormick's campaign.Pop open a cold one (diet if possible) and enjoy!Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

The people of Pennsylvania have spoken! Well, a small number in a low-turnout primary, but still -- the results of the primaries, from state Auditor to AG, will have an impact in November. And what about Casey v McCormick? Biden v Trump?DVJ News Editor Linda Stein asks two of the smartest people in the Delaware Valley for their take: Guy Ciarrocchi of the Commonwealth Foundation and Jeff Jubelirer, Vice President at Bellevue Communications Group.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Delaware County's former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Lauren Footman joins the DVJournal podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation about her time in the Delco government and how she was treated by both elected officials and fellow employees.In an interview with DVJournal's Taylor Millard, she says her firing was in retaliation for filing an EEOC complaint regarding the racist and sexist behavior of former interim Chief Administration Officer Marc Woolley.Footman also confirms that the county declined to respond to DVJournal's requests for data on DEI spending, and that even she was unable to access relevant information.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

When Vice President Kamala Harris convened a voting rights roundtable at the White House, one of the participants was Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija (D). He joins the DVJournal podcast to talk with News Editor Linda Stein about ideas to promote more voter participation -- including using federal work-study funds to pay college students to register voters and work at the polls. Makhija also discussed his proposal to "cure" ballots cast with errors, in order to protect the right to vote.Hosted by Michael Graham at InsideSources.com.

Republican Candace Cabanas is a first-time political candidate, running to fill a Democrat-leaning Bucks County house.  She'll be facing off against Pennsbury School Board member Jim Prokopiak (D).The special election to fill the vacancy left when state Rep. John Galloway (D-Bucks) left to fill a  district judgeship will be held on February 13.In the podcast, Cabanas talks to DVJournal News Editor Linda Stein about her focus on healthcare and the budget, as well as her take on the abortion issue. “I'm running because I understand firsthand the challenges faced by working families,” said Cabanas. “I know how difficult it is to raise a family and make ends meet in this economy, and I know how important it is to fight for the working-class citizens of Lower Bucks County. That's exactly what I'll do as your next State Representative."Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Pennsylvania's Auditor General Timothy DeFoor (R) is running for re-election, and he joins DVJ News Editor Linda Stein to discuss what he's doing in office and what he hopes to do in the future. DeFoor, the first African American to win statewide office in Pennsylvania, is the state's chief fiscal watchdog. In addition, with his “Be Money Smart," initiative, DeFoor has championed the need to teach financial literacy to young people statewide.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Foreign policy dominates this Delaware Valley Journal conversation with GOP U.S. Senate candidate (and military veteran) Dave McCormick. He calls out Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who voted for the Obama Iran deal and now is silent as the Biden administration allows billions to flow to the Islamic Republic.And what is McCormick's Thanksgiving Day side dish specialty? It's on the podcast!Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Chester Mayor-Elect Stephan Roots joins the DVJournal podcast to talk about his plans for the city once he's sworn into office. He tells News Editor Linda Stein and reporter Taylor Millard he wants the city to have a different relationship with the state-appointed receiver than it has in the past. He also says the city needs to embrace the bankruptcy process as a way to avoid disincorporation, rather than fighting it.And Roots discusses how his experience as a community journalist helped prepare him for the job ahead.Hosted by Michael Graham with InsideSources.com.

On this edition of the Delaware Valley Journal podcast, Republican Carolyn Carluccio talks about her bid for the state Supreme Court, her background in the law, and her view of the proper role of the judiciary in PA politics. She tells DVJ Managing Editor Linda Stein she's kept her personal politics separate from her legal judgments, and she lays out how she would approach her work on the state's highest court.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Beth Stefanide-Miscichowski has strong Delco roots, and now she is running to serve as Delaware County District Attorney. She talks about the feedback she's getting from voters about public safety and disorder in their communities as she campaigns for the D.A. job.  And in Bucks County, Sheriff Fred Harran tells DVJournal's Linda Stein that elected county officials see the rising crime problem but refuse to act. And he calls them out -- by name.Don't miss this episode of the Delaware Valley Journal podcast. Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

On this edition of the DVJournal podcast, a sober and important discussion of the Hamas assault on Israel with Rabbi Emeritus Lance Sussman, who calls the 10/7 attack a "pogrom."Sussman talks to DVJournal's Linda Stein about the attack, what it means for Israel and its impact on the Jewish community in America and the Delaware Valley.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

From enlisting as a Torpedoman's Mate in the United States Naval Reserves to serving as a township commissioner in Upper Dublin, Liz Ferry believes she has the right stuff for the Montgomery County Commission. She talks to DVJournal's Linda Stein about her views on the best way to  reduce taxes, protect open space, and find innovative ways to promote economic development.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

In Chester County, attorney Ryan Hyde sees a rising tide of crime flowing from Philadelphia to local neighborhoods. He tells DVJournal's Linda Stein he's running for Chester County DA to turn back that tide. In the DVJ podcast, Hyde talks about the recent rioting on Philly streets, how Chester County government can learn lessons from other PA counties on strategies to confront crime, and how his experience as a defense attorney will make him a better prosecutor. Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

As Philadelphia's Jewish community enters the period known as The Days of Awe -- Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement -- there is news about a festival being held at UPenn that will feature speakers known for making anti-Israel and antisemitic statements.Both the message and the timing are raising questions among Jewish students at UPenn and Jewish leaders across the state. Jason Holtzman,  Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, joins DVJ News Editor Linda Stein to discuss this story, and to talk about the importance of the Days of Awe to members of the Jewish faith.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

When convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante escaped from the Chester County Prison last week, he used a similar method as another inmate who fled from it for a second time in May. Guy Ciarrocchi, who is a Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation, joins DVJ News Editor Linda Stein to talk about the jail break, how such a dangerous felon ended up in the Pocopson Township facility, and why voters should pay attention to who is held responsible after Cavalcante is caught. Also on the podcast, Moms for Liberty national co-founder Tiffany Justice talks about the attacks on her pro-parents-rights organization from progressive groups and how the issue has become such a hot topic in local and national politics.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

State Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia/Delaware) offers a different perspective on crime and policing in the Delaware Valley, challenging assumptions on both sides of the aisle in this conversation with DVJournal's Linda Stein. Williams holds both police and the community partially responsible for the surge in violence.And in an unexpected moment, Williams endorses corporal punishment for unruly children, and says more respect for parents and authority would be a good thing, both for the kids and for the Delaware Valley community as a whole.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Abington Township Chief of Police Patrick Malloy joins the Delaware Valley Journal podcast to talk about the impact of crime in Philadelphia on communities like his. In a conversation with DVJournal's Linda Stein, Molloy also offers solutions, as well as the challenges facing law enforcement both in Philly and in townships like his.Hosted by Michael Graham.

Eric Roe is a former Pennsylvania state rep who's running for Chester County Commissioner. He talks to DVJournal's Linda Stein about his race, what's happened to the Republican Party that dominated Chester County government for more than 150 years, and the issues voters tell him are a priority.Hosted by Michael Graham

Pro-life activist Mark Houck may be riding the fame that came from being wrongfully prosecuted by the federal government all the way to Congress.Houck joined DVJ News Editor Linda Stein to talk about his challenge to three-term Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) in the 2024 Republican primary.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Rep. Craig Williams (R-Chadds Ford), chairman of the House impeachment managers,  announced Wednesday that the House managers are appealing the handling of the Larry Krasner impeachment to the state Supreme Court. He tells DVJournal's Linda Stein that the evidence of Krasner's wrongdoing -- and even law-breaking -- is indisputable. He expects the court to side with the House managers.Williams also discusses an exclusive new poll from DVJournal of the voters in the four Delaware Valley suburban counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery) and President Biden's relatively poor performance in this Democratic stronghold.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.com.

Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) is the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee and he says don't believe the budget hype: There IS no approved "budget." And Gov. Josh Shapiro's flip-flop on funding the PASS scholarship program means there won't be one any time soon.In an interview with DVJournal's Linda Stein, Grove explains the complicated budget process, why there likely won't be a final budget this summer, and why Shapiro may have poisoned the well for working with Republicans in the future.Grove also talks about GOP hopes of taking back the PA House in 2024, and how having former President Donald Trump might impact that effort.Hosted by Michael Graham.

Vicki Flannery with Moms for Liberty in Montgomery County is no stranger to the political battles being waged over parents rights vs school administrators' expansion of authority. Her efforts have been targeted by a local elected official who wants businesses that employ Moms for Liberty supporters to be boycotted. But now a far-left organization, the Southern Poverty Law Center, has labeled Moms for Liberty a 'hate group.'Flannery talks to DVJournal News Editor Linda Stein about her work, how she got started and the goals of her organization, and the Moms for Liberty response to the 'hate group' attack.Hosted by Michael Graham.

Julia Manchester with TheHill.com joins the DVJournal podcast to talk about the amazing transition as Florida moved from the ultimate swing state to a GOP stronghold. How did it happen?Interestingly, it happened as the Delaware Valley shifted from the "swing voter" heartland of Pennsylvania politics to a blue bastion. What lessons can the PA GOP learn?Plus DVJ News Editor Linda Stein recaps the results of Tuesday's primaries.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Mike Chitwood is a 55-year law enforcement veteran, best known for the 14 years he spent as the Upper Darby Police Superintendent. Chitwood also spent 19 years as a Philadelphia police officer and another four as Middletown Township's police chief.He joins DVJournal News Editor Linda Stein to talk about the current surge in crime in Philadelphia and across the region, what's causing it and the right way for communities to respond.Hosted by Michael Graham.

Todd Shepherd, Broad + Liberty's chief investigative reporter, joins the podcast to talk about the curious case of obsessive media coverage that turns into disinterest when the narrative changes. That appears to be the case with the story of Central Bucks School District and all of the supposed tumult surrounding the 2021 election of a Republican-majority board, Shepherd tells DVJournal's Linda Stein.Shepherd also discusses the drastic changes in policy from Sen. Bob Casey, running for re-election next year, and the media's disinterest in the long-time pol's brand-new politics.Hosted by Michael Graham.

Republican City Councilor David Oh is running for mayor in one of America's most Democratic cities. He says that crime and the economy mean voters are looking for a new approach.Oh joined DVJournal's Linda Stein to talk about his candidacy, his background and what his candidacy could mean to the city's suburbs.Hosted by Michael Graham.

When it comes to winning elections in Pennsylvania, Lisa Scheller says Republicans can't afford to just mail it in. Well, actually, they need to "mail it in" -- literally. In the DVJ podcast, Scheller talks about her Win Again PAC and its mission to both get more GOP voters involved and get more of their ballots in the mail.Scheller narrowly lost her bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Susan Wild (PA-7), and the gap between Democrats and Republicans using mail in ballots was well more than the margin of difference. It's time for the GOP to get into the game, Scheller says.Hosted by Michael Graham.

In the early days of the 2016 GOP primary when few gave a celebrity TV host a chance , Pennsylvania political vet Jeffrey Lord wrote "Yes, Trump Can Win," and launched his career as part of Team Trump.Today, with the former president facing criminal charges (and simultaneously soaring in polls of GOP voters) Lord says Trump can win Pennsylvania again -- and so can Ron DeSantis.  He explains how in this edition of the DVJournal podcast with Linda Stein.Hosted by Michael Graham of InsideSources.

Former U.S. Senator Pat Toomey has a background in finance and he served on the Senate Banking Committee until his retirement last year. When DVJournal's Linda Stein asked him if what the Biden administration chose to do for depositors at Silicon Valley Bank was a bailout, he said "Yeah, it was." He explains why here.Toomey also talks about the right way to prevent similar collapses in the future, and why claims the source of the problem was deregulation was wrong.And Toomey offers an unusual theory regarding the possibility of former President Trump being arrested and what Democrats are hoping to accomplish. And why you won't find Pat Toomey dancing on TikTok.Hosted by Michael Graham.

Businessman and 2020 GOP U.S. Senate candidate Dave McCormick joins the DVJournal podcast to talk about his new book, Superpower in Peril:  A Battle Plan to Renew America. He also talks to DVJ News Editor Linda Stein about current events, including the Biden administration's "don't call it a bailout" rescue of Silicon Valley Bank's depositors. McCormick says guaranteeing every depositor dollar -- far above the $250,000 protected by FDIC insurance -- creates "moral hazard" and could be setting a very expensive precedent for U.S. taxpayers.From TikTok to a failing education system, McCormick lays out his concerns about the perils facing America's future. But he also offers solutions as well. Could those solutions be part of a 2024 U.S.Senate bid? It's all part of the podcast.Hosted by Michael Graham.