Call to Rename Biden Expressway in Scranton

Following President Joe Biden's commutation of former Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan, who was implicated in the notorious 'Kids for Cash' scandal, local lawmakers are calling for the removal of Biden's name from the expressway leading into Scranton. State Representative Brenda Pugh criticized the decision, stating it represents a 'blight' on Pennsylvania and diminishes the justice owed to the victims of Conahan's actions. Pugh and other officials argue that the commutation legitimizes the judge's misconduct and could harm future efforts to protect vulnerable children. An online petition has garnered over 19,000 signatures advocating for the name change, reflecting widespread community sentiment. The expressway was renamed to honor Biden in 2021, but the recent developments have sparked a renewed push for its renaming. This situation underscores ongoing tensions surrounding judicial accountability and public perception of leadership decisions.