Podcasts about pennsylvania state house

This Day in Legal History: Arrival of Constitutional DelegatesOn May 14, 1787, delegates from several states began arriving in Philadelphia for what would become the Constitutional Convention, a pivotal moment in American legal history. Originally convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, the gathering quickly evolved into a full-scale effort to draft a new framework of government. Only a handful of delegates were present on the 14th, but their arrival marked the start of weeks of foundational debate and compromise.The Convention was held at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, a site already steeped in revolutionary significance. Delegates represented a range of political and economic interests, and their regional differences would shape much of the debate to come. The eventual goal was to create a system that balanced federal and state authority while preventing tyranny through a series of checks and balances.While May 14 was the scheduled opening, a quorum was not achieved until May 25, delaying formal proceedings. Nonetheless, early arrivals used the time to strategize and lay the groundwork for proposals. Among them was James Madison, whose extensive preparation and later contributions earned him the title "Father of the Constitution."The Convention would ultimately produce the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation and establishing the three branches of government. This foundational legal document remains the supreme law of the land, with its principles guiding American governance to this day.In a new analysis, the Tax Law Center critiques the House Ways and Means Committee's proposal to expand the section 199A pass-through business income deduction, calling it a costly move that deepens existing inequities in the tax code. Originally enacted under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, section 199A allows qualifying owners of pass-through businesses to deduct up to 20% of their income. This benefit is already skewed heavily toward the top 1% of earners and industries such as law and lobbying. The provision, which expires after 2025 under current law, has not shown evidence of boosting economic activity and has instead encouraged tax avoidance strategies.The new proposal would raise the deduction rate from 20% to 23% and remove the income cap that currently limits eligibility for higher earners in certain industries. This change would particularly benefit high-income professionals whose pass-through income makes up a large share of their earnings. For example, under the proposed rules, a law firm partner earning $247,300 could receive a deduction of nearly $20,000—whereas they would get nothing under current 2025 law.The revised rules would also alter how phase-outs are calculated, increasing the value of the deduction for top earners while reducing it for some taxpayers whose income includes a mix of wages and pass-through business earnings. The analysis warns that these changes may incentivize further reclassification of income to exploit the deduction. Additionally, the proposal extends the favorable treatment to interest income received through Business Development Companies (BDCs), providing a new tax break for certain investment structures favored by private funds.Ways and Means proposes making costly 199A “pass-through” deduction more generous and valuable to high-income earnersHarvard University has broadened its lawsuit against the federal government, escalating a legal dispute over the termination of billions in federal funding. The amended complaint, filed in federal court in Boston, follows a new wave of agency letters formally cutting off $450 million in grants and reaffirming the earlier freeze of over $2.2 billion. The government attributes the funding halt to Harvard's alleged failure to address antisemitic incidents on campus.Harvard argues that the funding freeze is an unconstitutional retaliation for its refusal to cede academic control to federal authorities. The university maintains that these actions violate its First Amendment rights, particularly in relation to academic freedom and decision-making in areas like faculty hiring and student admissions. The complaint asserts that the administration is effectively punishing Harvard for not aligning with its political and ideological expectations.The dispute has wide-ranging implications, threatening numerous research initiatives and sectors dependent on Harvard's federal support. Agencies including the NIH, USDA, DOE, DOD, and HUD have all issued letters stating the university's recent conduct undermines federal priorities, leaving no room for corrective action.Harvard President Alan Garber has condemned the funding cuts as political overreach, warning they jeopardize core institutional freedoms. Meanwhile, a federal task force countered with a public rebuke of Harvard's leadership, accusing it of fostering discrimination and failing to protect Jewish students.A hearing in the case is scheduled for July 21.Harvard Expands Lawsuit Against US as Funding Feud Deepens (1)A Los Angeles judge resentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to 50 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole, replacing their original sentence of life without parole for the 1989 murder of their parents. The decision followed emotional testimony from family members, former prison officials, and a rehabilitated inmate who credited the brothers with his transformation. Judge Michael Jesic noted that while the crime was shocking, the brothers' prison records and support from correctional staff and victims' relatives were extraordinary, calling the case a “unicorn.”The Menendez brothers are now immediately eligible for parole, with a hearing scheduled for June 13. Their attorney, Mark Geragos, said the new sentence reflects evolving views on incarceration and rehabilitation. During the hearing, both brothers expressed remorse and outlined plans for continued advocacy if released—Lyle focusing on prison rehabilitation through green spaces, and Erik on hospice programs for elderly inmates.The resentencing aligns with the position of former L.A. District Attorney George Gascón, who had supported a review of their case based on claims of childhood sexual abuse and their youth at the time of the crime. However, current DA Nathan Hochman opposed the change, questioning the brothers' remorse and pointing to a moderate risk assessment in related clemency proceedings.Prosecutors also scrutinized the brothers' past trial conduct, alleging they encouraged perjury and had not been truthful about the events surrounding the murder. Despite this, their family members testified they felt safe around Erik and Lyle both before and after the killings and urged an end to the decades-long public scrutiny.Menendez Brothers Given Chance of Parole With New Sentence (3)Wisconsin Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of obstructing proceedings and concealing a person from arrest. The charges stem from an April 18 incident in which Dugan allegedly helped an undocumented immigrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, avoid immigration agents by allowing him to leave through a restricted jury door near her courtroom. The agents, who lacked a judicial warrant, were waiting to detain him outside the courthouse.Dugan was arrested on April 25 and has since been temporarily suspended from her judicial duties by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Her legal team maintains that she is innocent and expects to be exonerated during court proceedings. The case raises questions about the limits of judicial discretion when intersecting with federal immigration enforcement.Wisconsin judge indicted on obstructing immigration case | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Congressman Scott Perry joins Kathy Barnette LIVE - Breaking down his perspective on the Border, and the National Security of all Americans nationwide... Scott Perry brings a distinct background of hard work, small business and military leadership, and community involvement to the U.S. House of Representatives. Perry earned the privilege of serving as the Congressman from Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional District (York, Adams & part Cumberland Counties) from 2013-2017. He earned re-election to the newly-redistricted 10th District (Dauphin County and parts of Cumberland and York Counties) in 2018, and presently serves on the U.S. House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure, Oversight, and Foreign Affairs.  Perry was an early Member and recent Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, whose mission is “to give a voice to countless Americans who feel that Washington does not represent them. We support open, accountable and limited government, the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and policies that promote the liberty, safety and prosperity of all Americans.” Perry served three terms in the Pennsylvania State House (2006-2012), where he established a record for protecting Taxpayers' rights and interests, and served on the Committees on Appropriations, Consumer Affairs, Labor Relations, Veterans Affairs, Emergency Preparedness, and Rules. Perry knows the importance of hard work and dedication. He's the grandson of Colombian immigrants, and the son of a single mom who fled abuse, and worked several jobs to survive and support her children – with whom she finally landed in Central Pennsylvania in their first home in Harrisburg on Berryhill Street, then to Dillsburg.  Scott and his family were on public assistance for several years during his youth.  He was raised in a spartan home (for several years with no electricity and plumbing), bathed in a steel tub on the porch, pumped water from a well, and cut firewood with his older brother to keep the family warm in winter.    Tune in weekdays 10 AM - 12 PM EST on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT; or on the Audacy app!

In the 183rd weekly edition of Too Noobs, the guys talk about the troubling aspect of sports gambling involving NCAA athletes. Then, the Pennsylvania State House votes on Hershey's Kisses to be the first state candy in the nation, the NFL owners pass two new rules for the 2024 season, and John provides a fun surprise to Steve and Matt in the form of a single elimination tournament to determine the best Crayon color. Who will come out on top?

Darren discussed these topics:Could Fani Willis be removed as prosecutor in the Donald Trump election fraud case in Georgia? A judge will determine that soon.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached by the House by only one vote.Democrat Tom Suozzi won George DeSantis' old seat in New York.Democrats retain control of the Pennsylvania State House.The far right has some very bizarre conspiracies involving singer Taylor Swift, rapper Ice Spice, and others.The Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners will move forward with hiring a lawyer over Administrator John Gibbs' threats.And an Ottawa County pastor who sued the board to be put on the rotating list of clergymen to give the invocation before board meetings finally got his chance to do so.

Dom welcomes back Candace Cabanas, candidate for Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in the 140th District out in Bucks County. Cabanas tells that there have been some changes to polling locations, revealing to listeners where they can come to support her. Then, Cabanas discusses a move by a local school district to disallow certain clips from being played at a board meeting, and what that means for free speech. (Photo by Getty Images)

Full Hour | In today's second hour, Dom welcomes back Candace Cabanas, candidate for Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in the 140th District out in Bucks County. Cabanas tells that there have been some changes to polling locations, revealing to listeners where they can come to support her. Then, Cabanas discusses a move by a local school district to disallow certain clips from being played at a board meeting, and what that means for free speech. Then, Dom tells of a move by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who announced this week the appointment of Marnie Aument-Loughrey, a Democratic ward leader who runs a civic association in the neighborhood, as a ‘community coordinator' who will be charged with helping to end the open-air drug market on the streets of Kensington. Dom tells what this means for progressives pushing for Safe Injection Sites, noting that Aument-Loughrey has been a proponent against the ideology for a long time, telling instead what she plans to do to help get addicts off Philadelphia streets.

Today, Dom led off the Dom Giordano Program by discussing the passing of Act 40, a bill in the Pennsylvania State House that disallows prosecutions from controversial DA Larry Krasner on crimes taking place within 500 yards from any SEPTA property. Then, Dom offers an update on the Biden administration's continued effort to spin the rampant inflation we see in our everyday lives, revealing the next chapter in the Bob Casey ‘skrinkflation' saga, after he was last caught counting Kleenex. Then, Dom welcomes in Representative Amen Brown back onto the Dom Giordano Program to discuss the importance of a few bills that have recently passed in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. First, Rep. Brown offers his thoughts on Philadelphia City Council's Anthony Phillips and his bill that he recently got passed that bans the wearing of ski masks in public places, explaining that wearing these face masks only invites police questioning after a string of crimes with perpetrators using them to hide their identities. Then, Amen offers his thoughts on Act 40, a new bill passed in State Senate that limits Krasner's prosecutorial power, disallowing him the ability to prosecute crimes within 500 yards of a SEPTA station. Also, Brown explains why he voted in favor of Taylor Swift, explaining he was fearful of becoming the next topic of one of her songs. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)

On today's episode of The Confluence:State legislators have elected democrat Joanna McClinton as speaker, now that special elections to replace three Allegheny County area representatives have concluded. After taking office in Washington, D.C., Senator John Fetterman's entrance to federal politics has been disrupted by his health. One aide says he may be hospitalized for weeks. This week's guests include: Marc Levy, who covers Pennsylvania politics and government with the Associated Press; Katie Meyer, government editor and reporter with SpotlightPA; John Micek, editor-in-chief at the Pennsylvania Capital-Star; and Jonathan Tamari, national politics and policy reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Tonight on The Last Word: House Republicans plan to use the debt limit to force spending cuts. Also, the Pennsylvania State House is stalled after a bipartisan speaker vote. Plus, the Trump-E. Jean Carroll defamation deposition is released. And The New York Times reports that a 2021 campaign background study of George Santos revealed a “pattern of deception.” Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Jared Bernstein, PA State Rep. Joanna McClinton, Rep. Joe Neguse, Barbara McQuade and Jacqueline Sweet join Ali Velshi.

After they just lost their majority in the Pennsylvania State House in the midterm elections, white conservatives in Pennsylvania just rushed through a vote in the 5 weeks they have left in power, to impeach Philadelphia's duly elected DA, Larry Krasner. It's a catastrophic development. Larry not only just won reelection in Philly in an absolute blowout, he may have the most support of any elected official in the entire city.  And white conservatives that don't even live there are VERY CLOSE to overturning the will of Black voters in Philly - not because Larry is unethical or broke the law, but because they hate what Larry stands for. This has NOTHING to do with the safety and security of Philly. Those white conservatives don't give a DAMN about the well-being of the city. This is about power, about them flexing the little power they have left, and about them getting a feather in their cap for their base. But let's be clear. THIS IS A TREND. And it's coming to a city near you. Let me unpack and explain it. To listen to today's FULL EPISODE of The Breakdown, CLICK THE LINK IN MY INSTAGRAM BIO, or go now to Apple Podcasts or Spotify and search for “The Breakdown with Shaun King.” Subscribe there for FREE and listen to the whole podcast. If you are already on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, please subscribe, listen, share, leave reviews, and listen daily to the entire episode. The more of it you listen to, the better it is for us. Love and appreciate you all. Shaun

Largely under the radar, the independent expenditure Forward Majority is investing heavily in several Pennsylvania State House races. They have one goal - to flip the chamber from red to blue.  From Erie to Bucks County and points in between, we get granular on the state of play in each race.

On June 14, 1937, the state of Pennsylvania did something that to date, no other state has decided to do. In declaring June 14th a state holiday, Pennsylvania was making a statement that – in our times – has proved to be controversial and perhaps even quaint. But the whole thing stated long before there was a Colin Kapernick or even a State of Pennsylvania. It stated a few days after the battles of Lexington and Concord, in the halls of the Pennsylvania State House. There the second Continental Congress took its seat, and began to guide the nation through two of the most remarkable years in all of human history…

On June 14, 1937, the state of Pennsylvania did something that to date, no other state has decided to do. In declaring June 14th a state holiday, Pennsylvania was making a statement that - in our times - has proved to be controversial and perhaps even quaint. But the whole thing stated long before there was a Colin Kaepernick or even a State of Pennsylvania. It stated a few days after the battles of Lexington and Concord, in the halls of the Pennsylvania State House. There. the Second Continental Congress took its seat, and began to guide the nation through two of the most remarkable years in all of human history... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/plausibly-live/message

Photo:  The Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House served as the meeting place of the Pennsylvania Assembly for over sixty years until the State Capital moved away from Philadelphia in 1799. In 1776, the Continental Congress declared Independence in this room and in 1787 the U.S. Constitution was debated and signed. Most historians consider this room one of the most historic rooms in the United States. 4/8  The Cause: The American Revolution and its Discontents, 1773-1783, by  Joseph J. Ellis, Ph.D.    Hardcover – September 21, 2021  https://www.amazon.com/Cause-American-Revolution-Discontents-1773-1783/dp/1631498983 • New York Times Book Review ― Editors' Choice • Chicago Tribune ― "60 Best Reads for Right Now" • St. Louis Post-Dispatch ― "50 Fall Books You Should Consider Reading" A culminating work on the American founding by one of its leading historians, The Cause rethinks the American Revolution as we have known it. In one of the most “exciting and engaging” (Gordon S. Wood) histories of the American founding in decades, the Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Joseph J. Ellis offers an epic account of the origins and clashing ideologies of America's revolutionary era, recovering a war more brutal, and more disorienting, than any other in our history, save perhaps the Civil War. For more than two centuries, historians have debated the history of the American Revolution, disputing its roots, its provenance and, above all, its meaning. These questions have intrigued Ellis―one of our most celebrated scholars of American history―throughout his entire career. With this much-anticipated volume, he at last brings the story of the revolution to vivid life, with “surprising relevance” (Susan Dunn) for our modern era. Completing a trilogy of books that began with Founding Brothers, The Cause returns us to the very heart of the American founding, telling the military and political story of the war for independence from the ground up and from all sides: British and American, loyalist and patriot, white and Black. Taking us from the end of the Seven Years' War to 1783, and drawing on a wealth of previously untapped sources, The Cause interweaves action-packed tales of North American military campaigns with parlor-room intrigues back in England, creating a thrilling narrative that brings together a cast of familiar and long-forgotten characters. Here Ellis recovers the stories of Catharine Littlefield Greene, wife of Major General Nathanael Greene, the sister among the “band of brothers”; Thayendanegea, a Mohawk chief known to the colonists as Joseph Brant, who led the Iroquois Confederation against the Patriots; and Harry Washington, the enslaved namesake of George Washington, who escaped Mount Vernon to join the British Army and fight against his former master.

Dr. Tawanna Jones-Morrison, Executive Director of We REIGN, Inc. and Morgan Cephas, member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, joins Rev. Jonathan A. Mason this week inside The Pastor's Office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join host Jesse White and guest Stephen Caruso of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star as they take a deep dive into the legislative redistricting process, specifically the proposed Pennsylvania State House and Senate maps.Part 2 focuses on the winners and losers in terms of regions, political parties, and individual lawmakers.Check out the maps for yourself, courtesy of Dave's Redistricting App:https://davesredistricting.org/maps#viewmap::5db459af-cfbf-42d0-839e-30230a97f34eThe Keystone Reckoning Project depends solely on donations to educate, inform, and influence Pennsylvania voters. If you like what we do and want to see us continue, please visit www.keystonereckoning.com and click "DONATE" to make a contribution!Visit www.truebluegear.com for all your progressive political t-shirts and gear. Use code "KEYSTONE" at checkout for a 20% discount. Support the show (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/the-keystone-reckoning-project-1)

Join host Jesse White and guest Stephen Caruso of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star as they take a deep dive into the legislative redistricting process, specifically the proposed Pennsylvania State House and Senate maps.Part 1 focuses on the transparency of this redistricting process as compared to previous years, the likelihood of litigation based on a host of factors, and what state government could look like if these preliminary maps become law.Check out the maps for yourself, courtesy of Dave's Redistricting App:https://davesredistricting.org/maps#viewmap::5db459af-cfbf-42d0-839e-30230a97f34eThe Keystone Reckoning Project depends solely on donations to educate, inform, and influence Pennsylvania voters. If you like what we do and want to see us continue, please visit www.keystonereckoning.com and click "DONATE" to make a contribution!Visit www.truebluegear.com for all your progressive political t-shirts and gear. Use code "KEYSTONE" at checkout for a 20% discount. Support the show (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/the-keystone-reckoning-project-1)

Dill, Ryan, Ted Brogan, and Steve Castle are in studio, while Marty joins via phone from South Carolina!Steve got a burn barrel! His father-in-law is now engaged in some pyromania!We've got some announcements: Marty is launching “Charleston in Charge!” a new show about his adventures as a stranger in a strange land in South Carolina. Ryan and Brent (and occasionally Dill) are hammering sports social media on Trash Sports Takes!We're basically pimping our new projects – there's a lot in the works from the Idiotville crew! Be on the lookout for our new live weekly YouTube show, Dill's pro-wrestling project, and a bunch more!Dill wants to send a shoutout to his friend Katt!  ================================================================================The Atacolypse Food Truck Beer Segment: Ryan got a big package from the world's first “carbon negative” brewery, Brew Dog. Today, we try “Elvis Juice”, a grapefruit-infused IPA (Ryan tried the NA version). We'd like to clarify, for the record, Ted is NOT having a party of any kind after the show. That we're aware of. Don't forget, you can catch the beer segment LIVE on our Facebook page every Wednesday at 5:30! Also, if we can get $500 in donations to the Erie Humane Society by Midnight on Sunday, July 4, Dill Spears will do a beer bong of 4 Loco for the beer segment, on Facebook Live!================================================================================After the break, we delve into some questionable legislative decisions by the Pennsylvania State House! No more emergencies! More guns! No more local laws about guns! Erieola of the Week: 1995 General McLane Grad Steve Wittmaak, viral Ghostbuster and all-around great guy! Listen in to find out more!At the end of the show, Dill momentarily loses his mind about the ETN's inability to properly count to 10. Be sure to to check out blissfulmeads.com and use code “idiotville” at checkout for 25% off your total order!Do you feel like you aren't getting enough Idiotville? Check out our Patreon for BONUS CONTENT at Patreon.com/idiotvillepodcast(c) 2021 Idiotville Podcast Universe. This content may not be used without written permission of Idiotville Podcast Universe, Inc. ================================================================================www.idiotvillepodcast.buzzsprout.com www.patreon.com/idiotvillepodcast - It's back!================================================================================Our theme song is composed and performed by Warehouse 11: Guitars by Brian Blake, drums by Dave Blake, bass by Chris Owochttps://www.facebook.com/Warehouse11Band/ http://www.warehouseelevenband.yolasite.com/================================================================================www.idiotvillepodcast.comwww.facebook.com/idiotvillepodcastinstagram: idiotvillepodcastTwitter: @BrentNLibery, @TheRealJakeNew1, @Dill_spears, @TedBrogan2, @MartyBalawkay, @Trashsportstakeidiotvillepodcast@gmail.comJoin our Facebook group!Support the show (http://Patreon.com/idiotvillepodcast)

Welcome back to Your Vote Matters! In this episode, Dan, Talyce, and Ellie cover the importance of local elections, and explored the various roles that young voters can play in them. First, we spoke to Elizabeth Fielder, a Representative for District 184 in the Pennsylvania State House and candidate for re-election. Elizabeth recounts how local elections are just as important than national elections, even though they are not always as popular as national elections. After the Break, Dan, Ellie, and Talyce explain the impacts of state governments, and why voting for their members is important. They then shared their memories of local races that were influential to them. Finally, we spoke to CEEP Communications Staffer, Cynthia Capota about political parties, their development, and how they impact politics and voter turnout in the U.S. This episode was full of amazing information that you absolutely won’t want to miss! Resources Mentioned in this Podcast: Vote.org COVID-19 Updates: https://www.vote.org/covid-19/ Campus Elect: https://campuselect.org/ Cover Art: Brandie Stonge @hummingbee_studio The views of our guests do not reflect the views of our organization

Click for show notes. Episode 72: In these divisive and hyper-partisan times, it’s refreshing to hear about Republicans and Democrats working together. On this week’s podcast, we talk to Representative Margo Davidson, a Democrat from the 164th Legislative District in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and Representative Russ Diamond, a Republican from the 102nd Legislative District in Lebanon County, who have formed an informal industrial hemp caucus in the Pennsylvania State House in effort to educate their fellow lawmakers on hemp and to ensure that all citizens of the Commonwealth can benefit from what Diamond calls an “economic boon” for the state. Then we hear from John Crye of Hempwood, a Kentucky company that has developed a process to turn hemp fibers into wood for flooring, furniture, and more. Links Representative Margo Davidson https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1203 Representative Russ Diamond https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/house_bio.cfm?id=1686 Hempwood https://hempwood.com/ USDA Hemp Crop Insurance Programs https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/02/06/usda-announces-details-risk-management-programs-hemp-producers Upcoming Hemp Events Keystone Hemp Conference, March 4, 2020 https://keystonehempcon.com Hempcrete Workshop, March 7, 2020 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hempcrete-installation-workshop-tickets-92046677089?utm-medium Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Business of Cannabis Conference, March 11, 2020 https://crspsu.org/?page_id=529 PA Hemporium, March 13, 2020 https://pahemporium.com/ OpCanna Conference and Seed Sale, April 17-19, 2020 https://www.opcanna.com/ Sponsors Kings Agriseeds https://kingsagriseeds.com/hemp/ Lancaster DHIA Hemp Survivors’ Workshop, February 27, 2020 https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2020-hemp-survivors-workshop

Please support the show at https://www.patreon.com/friendlyatheistpodcast Jessica and I sat down to talk about several stories from the past week involving religion and politics. — A grocery store cashier is being hailed as a Christian martyr for making lines longer. (4:11) — Carroll County, MD finally accepted that their Christian prayers at meetings were illegal. It’ll cost them $125,000. (6:28) — In Bangladesh, women no longer have to declare themselves virgins on their marriage licenses. (13:50) — An atheist resigned from a Virginia women-focused committee after her old anti-religion tweets came to light. (15:22) — Jerry Falwell, Jr. A handsome young man. A generous business deal. No, not the Pool Boy. This is another one. (21:05) — A preacher said he saw two babies raised from the dead in the past week. Don’t bother looking for video. (30:14) — A MI candidate for city council withdrew after backlash for saying she wanted a white community. (34:50) — The Democratic Party passed a resolution acknowledging the values of non-religious Americans. Somehow, this is controversial. (40:20) — A New Mexico city is trying to crowdfund its legal bills over an illegal Ten Commandments monument. It’s not going well. (45:47) — A lawsuit against Ark Encounter says the Creationists didn’t pay their fair share of taxes, hurting local schools. (49:37) — Kentucky will have to pay $225,000 for Kim Davis’ bigotry. And Davis herself may be held liable for it. (55:22) — An appeals court says it’s legal for the Pennsylvania State House to block atheists from giving invocations. (57:20) — Check out the film Islam & the Future of Tolerance! Podcast listeners who go to that link and purchase the HD version can use the code “10OFF” to get 10% off the price.

Danielle Friel Otten was not expected to win her election to the Pennsylvania State House in 2018. She ran the race in her own way, knocking on more doors than any candidate ever had previously. She was very motivated by local environmental issues and she's using her new position to address local impacts of energy and environmental rules and to advance issues of healthcare and the economy.  Listen and share Representative Danielle Friel Otten's interview on the You Should Run Podcast as she talks about how she became politically active in Chester County, the challenges of being a first time candidate and a mother of young children at the same time, and, of course, why YOU should run for office too.

Whether he was running against an incumbent to become a legislator in the Pennsylvania State House or challenging the status quo to become one of the youngest members of Congress, Representative Brendan Boyle is not willing to stand back and wait his turn.  In this episode of the You Should Run Podcast, Congressman Boyle talks about his motivations for running for office, the challenges of running as a challenger multiple times, top issues like student loan reform, and, of course, why YOU should run for office too. Listen, subscribe, share now and then follow Congressman Boyle on Twitter at @CongBoyle and @RepBrendanBoyle today. 

Tim Briggs was first elected to the Pennsylvania State House in 2008, but he got his start in politics over a decade earlier. In this episode of the You Should Run Podcast, Tim talks about how easy it was to first get involved in politics, what convinced him to run for a seat in the state legislature, the issues that continue to motivate him, and how young people have helped to drive his agenda with fresh ideas. Listen and subscribe and share as Tim Briggs discusses his background and, of course, why YOU should consider running for office. 

Four progressive women with Democratic Socialist platforms running for Pennsylvania State House won big last week in their primaries. All unseated establishment male incumbents. All four – Summer Lee & Sara Innamorato of Pittsburgh and Kristin Seale & Elizabeth Fiedler of Philadelphia – join the show to discuss their respective races, their experience in taking on the establishment, how their people-powered campaigns helped them win, DSA's role and what their Dem Socialist platforms meant to them, and what this means all across the country going forward. All that plus listener questions and comments and much more!

Four socialists won their primaries in Pennsylvania State House races on the Democrat side. 44% of millenials would prefer to live in a socialist country. We're joined by John Dombroski, founder and president of Grand Canyon Planning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“What even is the Virginia Plan but democracy checked by democracy, or pork with a little change of the sauce?” This is the story of 55 men from 12 of the 13 sovereign states gathered at the Pennsylvania State House during the miserably hot Philadelphian summer of 1787. They are here to discuss the failing Articles of Confederation. Foreign debts are past due. Rebellions are rising. The states are fighting. Can they fix all of this? Or will the disagreeing, arguing, threatening, theorizing, brainstorming, (mostly) sober-speech making, and compromising all be for naught?

We are thrilled to be sharing our interview with Jasmine Sessoms with you today. Jasmine is the Founder/CEO of She Can Win, a movement that is dedicated to providing training and resources for women who are interested in running for political office. She is a mother, a wife and an all around inspiration.   Since its inception, her organization has managed to get 4 women elected to the Pennsylvania State House, 2 City Council Women, and 1 Congresswoman. Today, the She Can Win brand is expanding, providing a platform for women who are interested in both Public Affairs and Government Relations. Over the past 11 years, Jasmine has raised over $5.2 million dollars for numerous candidates, charities, and causes. A passion for writing, ability to think outside the box, topped with a love for philanthropy are ingredients that have ultimately propelled her into success. She Can Win Facebook Instagram Twitter Thank you all so much for all the love so far! If you have a second, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Stitcher. This helps the show get in front of even more people :-). Let us know what you think, ask us a question or let us know if you have a good idea for a podcast guest. 

And on Today’s episode of The World In My Eyes, we’re digging into another celebration, so dig out your Revolutionary War memorabilia, your tri-corner hats and all things Colonial as we talk the Fourth of July! That’s right, the Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. When the initial battles in the Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775, few colonists desired complete independence from Great Britain, and those who did were considered radical. By the middle of the following year, however, many more colonists had come to favor independence, thanks to growing hostility against Britain and the spread of revolutionary sentiments such as those expressed in the bestselling pamphlet “Common Sense,” published by Thomas Paine in early 1776. On June 7, when the Continental Congress met at the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, the Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion calling for the colonies’ independence. Amid heated debate, Congress postponed the vote on Lee’s resolution, but appointed a five-man committee—including Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Robert R. Livingston of New York—to draft a formal statement justifying the break with Great Britain. John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826—the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Congressman Joe Pitts served in the United States House of Representatives for 20 years and before that served for 24 years in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. He retired in 2017 as a respected statesman known for his strong Christian faith and his commitment to advancing Judeo-Christian values in government and society. Joe Pitts now offers his wisdom and experience to the next generation through Asbury University's Joe Pitts Center for Public Affairs. The Pitts Center is designed to educate, motivate, and launch young, conservative Christians into the field of public service. It will emphasize three core causes, which are the longstanding passions of Congressman Pitts: humanitarian relief, human trafficking and religious liberties.Having served on the frontline of the culture and legislative wars of the last 40 years, Joe has a unique insight into the proper role of Christians in public life and government and how to effectively advocate for our religious freedoms and values. His views on biblical Christian citizenship and how we, as believers, should engage with our government to protect our rights are desperately needed in this current cultural and political climate.Support the show (http://www.faithandlaw.org/donate)

September 17, 1787: When George Washington saw the Constitution of the United States of America finally adopted after four months of intense debate in Philadelphia's Pennsylvania State House, he immediately went to a bookseller and paid 22 shillings, six pence for a copy of Don Quixote de La Mancha.1 According to MountVernon.org, “this seventeenth-century Spanish allegory does seem a somewhat unusual choice for the pragmatic farmer, soldier, and statesman. An explanation for the apparently uncharacteristic purchase can be found within Washington's correspondence.” 2 We'll look at that correspondence in a moment, but I believe a statement made by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin offers an equally insightful glimpse into the mind of George Washington in that historic moment when the Constitution was complete and our Great American Experiment had begun. “I tend to write very romantically and idealistically. So the characters that I write are going to be, kind of, quixotic. And they're going to fail a lot and fall a lot. But, you know, there's a romance in trying for honorable things.” 3 – Aaron Sorkin, June 29, 2015 Don Quixote had been a topic of conversation a few evenings earlier in the home of Benjamin Franklin. We know this because on November 9th, 1787, Washington received a Spanish copy of Don Quixote from Spanish Ambassador Diego Maria de Gardoqui with a note, “requesting you wou'd accept & give a place in your Library to the last Spanish Edition of Don Quixote which I recolectt to have hear'd you say at Dr Franklin's that you had never seen it. I cou'd have wish'd it was in English for your particular entertainment, but it being reckoned the very best Edition of that celebrated work & one in which every thing has been manufacture in Spain induces me to request your acceptance.” 4 We don't know why they were talking about Quixote that night in the home of Benjamin Franklin, but Indy Beagle tells me it went something like this:WASHINGTON: “We are drawing near to an agreement. I believe we may have a Constitution within the week.” FRANKLIN: [shaking his head slowly as gazes down absently at the table] “I look at the future and wonder if we are victorious champions of the good, or bumbling fools who have convinced themselves they are something they are not.” SPANISH AMBASSADOR GARDOQUI: [smiling] “You have read the Quixote?” FRANKLIN: [nods yes and smiles a weak smile.] WASHINGTON: “Although Jefferson and Adams speak continuously of this book, I cannot say I have read it.” “Roy,” you're thinking, “are you seriously expecting me to believe that our founding fathers were Quixote nuts like you?”The Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia at Monticello.org says, “Don Quixote was one of the few works of fiction that Thomas Jefferson was clearly partial to. He used the text in its original language to learn Spanish, and had his children do the same. Jefferson owned a number of different editions over his lifetime.” 5 Monticello.org also lists 18 pieces of Jefferson's personal correspondence in which Quixote is mentioned during the 51 years from 1771 to 1822. 5 So, yes, when a person speaks and writes about Don Quixote for 51 years, I usually print that person's name in large letters in the “Quixote Nut” column. These are the big ideas presented in Don Quixote:1. A beautiful dream is worth believing in, even when others think you are crazy. 2. A beautiful dream is worth fighting for, even when you lose. 3. A beautiful dream is worth pursuing, even if it never comes true. 4. The possibility remains that your beautiful dream might turn out to be folly. 6 John Adams was Thomas Jefferson's friend and nemesis and he was obsessed with Quixote as well. In David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning book on Adams 7 we read, “Another child, Thomas Boylston, was born in September of 1772, and again Adams was off...

This week on ... For the People... law in plain language with Debra D. Rainey, Esq. The Mis-Education of Philadelphia, Educate don’t Incarcerate! Special Guest The Honorable Jordan Harris, Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. If you "were" mid-educated about education, tune in and listen to the FTP Fam go all in on what the "Real" Probelm is in our schools.  Opinions were flying like knives, but don't worry no blood shed.  Just the Fam standing on their views and State Rep Harris chiming in and speaking up!  Yo, You gotta listen! STUDIO HOTLINE 215-609-4301 TEXT LINE 215-435-4099 Listen. CALL. talk LIVE. DiScUsS. TUESDAY'S 8-9:30 PM (EST) Host: Debra D. Rainey, The Compassionate Lawyer Cohosts: Blaq aka the “Broke Poet” and Rich Ortiz aka Richie Rich Managing Producer: Chamara Cotton aka ‘Ladygohard Cheddar’ Assistant Producer:  Robbin K. Stanton, aka “Aunt Robbin” FTP Team: Jeremy, Keishla and Marlena This episode was produced by Managing Producer Chamara 'Ladygohard' Cotton Weekly Podcasts: iTunes & Podomatic Like us FACEBOOK    ~   Follow us TWITTER