Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) details the party’s economic message, while Democrats in the state stress healthcare at the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Winter Dinner. Here is the Playbook.
January 31st Ups & Downs: Another Philadelphia Democrat is indicted, Pennsylvanians have mixed feelings about fracking, and the PAGOP endorses candidates for three statewide offices. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.
Sanders Co-Chair Pitches Economic Message, PA Dems Stress Healthcare at Winter Dinner: Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who is serving as Sen. Bernie Sanders presidential campaign co-chair, talked about an economic message that doesn’t leave any community behind, while Pennsylvania Democrats unveiled their new “PA Dems Care” message.
Murphy to Campaign for Buttigieg in New Hampshire: The former Bucks County Congressman and under secretary of the U.S. Army is slated to participate in three canvas kick-off events for the Buttigieg campaign in New Hampshire on Saturday.
Harrisburg & DC
AP: What to watch for in Pennsylvania governor’s budget proposal
AP: Pennsylvania on track to expand overtime pay eligibility
AP: Pennsylvania rejects Trump’s new Medicaid offer
AP: Pennsylvania judge puts hold on state ‘ghost guns’ policy
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Here’s everything we know so far about Gov. Tom Wolf’s 6th budget
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Rep. Scanlon, unfazed by an unusually eventful first term, seeks another
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Regulatory board expands Pa. overtime rules, upping stakes in minimum wage debate
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Casey, Toomey split on Senate vote rejecting impeachment witnesses
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: For 2020 election, states debate who’s allowed to vote | Analysis
Post-Gazette: Republicans vote down witnesses in Trump impeachment trial
WITF: Auditor says after decades of frustration, Pa.’s statewide radio system may soon work properly
PLSReporter: Montgomery County Democrats opt not to endorse Leach challenger, keep race to replace McCarter open
PLSReporter: Major overtime changes earn IRRC approval, clearing last major hurdle
PLSReporter: Did You Get The Memo? The Pardons Board, mandatory minimums and the governor’s office
PLSReporter: Amid concerns of Pardons Board politicization, reformers eye changes to make board more effective
Morning Call: How Pennsylvania will make or break Donald Trump’s reelection bid
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s senators stick with parties on failed witness vote in Trump impeachment trial
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania gets failing grades in ‘State of Tobacco Control’ report
City Paper: Pennsylvania receives lowest rating from national LGBTQ-rights group, again
Fox News: Sen. Casey on how impeachment trial should proceed
StateImpactPA: In Pennsylvania, poll finds registered voters split on whether to ban fracking
StateImpactPA: FERC sides with PennEast in opposing court decision that pipeline builder can’t use eminent domain to take public land
National Journal: Impeachment Drama Clouds Dems’ Final Push in Iowa
National Journal: Former County Commissioner ‘Very Interested’ in 2022 Bid
Citizens Voice: Could Pa. matter in the 2020 primary?
The Hill: Pennsylvania judge freezes state’s ‘ghost guns’ policy
The Hill: Trump trails leading 2020 Democrats in new survey
Politico: Democrats launch massive battleground plan led by Obama general
Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, wife enter not guilty pleas in federal corruption case
KYW Newsradio: PES bankruptcy hearing will determine future of the shuttered refinery
Billy Penn: Who is Dawn Chavous? The powerful woman at the center of the feds’ latest Philly indictment
Inquirer: City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson and his wife plead not guilty to federal corruption charges
Inquirer: When Philly’s water mains break, city offers little support for victimized businesses
Inquirer: Philadelphia Deputy Police Commissioner Joe Sullivan resigns
Inquirer: Asbestos forces closure of another Philly school
Inquirer: Residents sue Pennsylvania over closing of state centers for developmentally disabled
Inquirer: Democrats in Iowa are wracked with anxiety as they start voting on who will challenge Trump
Inquirer: The Iowa caucuses are almost here. The first votes of the 2020 election could clarify the race — or muddle it
Inquirer: Pennsylvania seeks nearly $9 million fine against Verde Energy for ‘slamming’ customers and ‘egregious’ marketing violations
Philadelphia Tribune: City Council won’t abandon Kenyatta Johnson as he faces federal charges
Philadelphia Tribune: City appoints Celena Morrison to lead Office of LGBT Affairs
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly’s New Archbishop Might Not Be as Progressive as You Think
SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Candidates lining up for the 5th congressional race and others
Delco Daily Times: Radnor Township manager suspended for 30 days in tree-cutting flap
Delco Daily Times: Bethel Township accountant bilked fellow ‘plain people’ out of $60 million, feds say
Delco Daily Times: Delco looking at spending $50 -$70 million for new equipment for county’s first responders
Daily Local News: Rep. Sappey announces bid for reelection
Daily Local News: Sen. Dinniman appointed to board of Lincoln University
Daily Local News: ‘Wrecking ball’ manager aims to bring fiscal restraint back to Kennett Township
Daily Local News: Dinniman recognizes archbishop-elect Perez, formerly of St. Agnes in West Chester
Philly Voice: Delco woman’s death could change the law for repeat Drunk Drivers
KYW Newsradio: Delaware County District Attorney’s Office has new environmental crimes unit
Montgomery Media: Montco Dems endorse Ciresi for re-election in 146th House Dist.
Montgomery Media: Rep. Ciresi to host scam detection seminar in Limerick
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Parnell ready to fight on political battlefield
Post-Gazette: City Council works to create trust fund for new parks tax revenue
Post-Gazette: Redistricting advocates warn legislators time is running out for change
Post-Gazette: How will Brexit impact our lives here in Pittsburgh?
Post-Gazette: Coalition for Fair Fares pushes for changes in Port Authority transit fees
Post-Gazette: Some shale gas reserves aren’t what they used to be
Pittsburgh Current: 35-hour vigil planned for victims of violence
Tribune Review: Thousands of Census 2020 workers still needed in Western Pa.
Tribune Review: Small vape shops scramble for survival as government, Big Tobacco put up ‘one hurdle after another’
Tribune Review: Sweeping changes to Pennsylvania election law could make early voting a norm
KDKA: KDKA Investigates: What Role Does Shale Gas Industry Play In Pittsburgh’s Air Quality?
SWPA
Beaver County Times: Parnell named ‘Young Gun’ candidate in 17th Congressional District
Beaver County Times: Lamb votes against measure limiting Trump’s military options against Iran
Beaver County Times: Equal cost for equal education: Local districts lobby for change in charter school payments
Beaver County Times: American Legion offers monthly assistance to veterans in Marshall’s office
Altoona Mirror: Council ranks priorities for city
Altoona Mirror: GOP watch parties
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Community grant funding available
Observer-Reporter: Greene County accepting applications for recreational mini-grants
NEPA
Times-Tribune: Dark-money groups spend big on local congressional race
Times-Tribune: Monday Update: Lackawanna County overdose study to ramp up this month
Times-Tribune: Bill could benefit trail groups
Times-Tribune: Scranton schools with asbestos, lead could be first to permanently close
Times-Tribune: Jessup to vote on civil service commision tonight
Times-Tribune: Pan-African flag raised at Scranton City Hall
Citizens Voice: Could Pa. matter in the 2020 primary?
Citizens Voice: Bill could benefit NEPA trails
The Times Leader: ‘Tri-partisan’ effort launched to lessen impact of facility closures
The Times Leader: Luzerne County nonunion raises released (full list attached)
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council stormwater resolution vote plans still unclear
The Times Leader: Longtime Swoyersville Borough Council member Alunni dies
South Central
Patriot News: Hundreds gather at former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed’s visitation; funeral mass is set for Monday
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf has awarded $1 billion in economic developments grants; some areas fare better than others
Patriot News: Project grants ‘absolutely critical’ to Pa.’s economic growth: DCED secretary
Patriot News: Funeral for political insider Anthony J. “Tony” May scheduled
Patriot News: Which Pa. counties and lawmakers have received the most grant money under Gov. Tom Wolf?
Patriot News: Hunters express discontent over changes in Pa. game laws at the Great American Outdoor Show
York Dispatch: York City Republican hopes to turn state’s 95th District red
Carlisle Sentinel: Midstate’s air quality lagging behind state and nation, report finds
Lehigh Valley
Reading Eagle: Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan comes to Reading, talks small-business growth, jobs
Reading Eagle: Lower Alsace Township supervisor running for Pennsylvania House seat held by Mark Rozzi
Reading Eagle: Small business owner running for Pennsylvania House seat in 127th District
Reading Eagle: Reading Mayor Eddie Moran says state of the city is strong, but still work to be done
Morning Call: Despite promise, Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell says he may run again: ‘Things change in a person’s life’
Morning Call: How Pennsylvania will make or break Donald Trump’s reelection bid
Morning Call: Slate Belt poised to become the Lehigh Valley’s new hot spot for growth
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s senators stick with parties on failed witness vote in Trump impeachment trial
Express Times: Bethlehem looks for more control over Airbnb rentals
North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie Democrats excited, uncertain as caucuses, primaries begin
Erie Times-News: How Erie-area legislators voted, week ending Jan. 31
Erie Times-News: State sets filing deadlines for Erie community college hearing
Erie Times-News: Humane Society, Three Forts project among grant recipients
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming Women Democrats call for unity between parties
Opinion
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Toomey, GOP aid and abet Trump
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Charter school funding: Time for lawmakers to fix flawed system
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Hostile response: Mike Pompeo blasts reporter over tough questions
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Containing the coronavirus: Calm, urgency needed as virus spreads to U.S.
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The future has gondolas: Think big to solve 21st-century transit issues
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The power of words: Trump should be educated on traumatic brain injuries
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Bad bug: State must continue to fight the spotted lanternfly
Inquirer Editorial Board: Asbestos is a crisis for Philly schools, but also for the city
Inquirer Staff: What harms health and wellness in Philadelphia’s black communities? Local experts respond
Bucks Courier Times Editorial: Lower Makefield liquor licenses deserve an up or down vote
Mary Gay Scanlon: Trump’s travel ban was wrong the first time. He can’t get away with it again
Marilyn Mulvihill: We can’t forget the victims of gun violence. Here’s how you can honor them
Jon Geeting: R.I.P Councilmanic Prerogative
Larry Platt: Let The Sun Shine
John L. Micek: Pa. ACLU asks Supreme Court to tell Philly to stop jailing people who can’t afford cash bail | Friday Morning Coffee
Matthew Gardner Kelly and Kai A. Schafft: Fracking has led to a ‘bust’ for Pennsylvania school district finances
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Philadelphia Democrats’ felonious clubhouse
Mike Newall: See you around, Philly
Keith C. Burris: Is conservatism inherently glum?
Helen Ubiñas: The real dirt on ‘American Dirt’: People who claim they want to give ‘voice to the voiceless’ really don’t
Brian O’Neill: Pittsburgh always has been tough to navigate
Chris Kelly: Two crooks, different outcomes
Lloyd E. Sheaffer: Getting rid of online comments doesn’t mean the end of dialogue. But it does mean the start of civility
Tim Hartman: Pa. Inspector General: Who watches the fiscal watchdog? | Editorial Cartoon
Liam Dougherty: Cuts to disability aid would hurt thousands of Philadelphians like me
David M. Shribman: Democrats play 3D Chinese checkers in Iowa
Gene Therapy: Trump did nothing wrong? ‘Ok, I’m out’
Ruth Ann Dailey: Will anger beat contempt again?
Maria Panaritis: Philadelphia Archdiocese clears abuse victim’s $95,000 debt in act of true mercy
Dick Polman: Goodbye, Democracy. Hello King Donald
John L. Micek: After witness vote, a Senate only Caligula could love
Will Bunch: The truth that mattered at Trump’s impeachment trial? America is a monarchy now
Timothy Danaher: I journeyed through Philadelphia to track Kobe Bryant’s Catholicism | Perspective
Trudy Rubin: After impeachment: Remember Ukraine as the symbol of unchecked presidential power
Tasnim Sulaiman and Zakia Williams: We’ve offered free therapy to black men. The response has been overwhelming.
Gina Tomaine: Why I, Like So Many in My Generation, Can’t Make Up My Mind About Having Kids