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🌨️  Coudersport | Mostly Cloudy, Snow Showers, 24
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PA Sports
🏀  Sixers (17-27) | Tue vs. LA Lakers
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📅  What’s Happening Today. The House convenes at 11 a.m. while the Senate gets underway at 1 p.m.

🎂  Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Sen. Art Haywood and former state Rep. Lou Barletta.

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Top Story

1.  Gainey Says His Administration Will Not Work With ICE

“Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey said that his administration will not work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.

“My administration will not be working with ICE,” the mayor said in response to a question from the audience at the PA Press Club luncheon on Monday. “We will do whatever is necessary to make our city more welcome. That’s what we’re built on.”

This is in response to President Donald Trump’s promise to deport immigrants who entered the United States illegally. On Sunday, ICE arrested 956 people alone, bringing the total numbers of arrests to over 2,600 since Trump’s inauguration.” (PoliticsPA)

Elsewhere

Fear and Anxiety Ripple Through Western PA Communities Amid Immigration Crackdown. “In the Brookline and Beechview neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and the small Washington County community of Charleroi, rumors were rampant Monday and alarm spread via social media.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Seek to Shield Obamacare From Cuts. “Some Democratic Pennsylvania lawmakers are trying to protect benefits enshrined in the Affordable Care Act when it was enacted 10 years ago, but shifting federal spending priorities could gut the state effort.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Joyce Named Vice Chair of House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Rep. John Joyce has been named vice chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and co-chair of the GOP Doctors Caucus, according to a news release. The appointments allow Joyce to take a lead role in advancing healthcare, energy and telecommunications policy efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives.” (Chambersburg Public Opinion)

Fetterman Nearly Doubles His Approval Rating Among Republicans, According to a Recent Analysis. “Among Pennsylvania voters, 48% approve and 37% disapprove of John Fetterman’s performance as U.S. senator, according to a recent analysis by Morning Consult.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

State

2. Will a Tied State House Halt Harrisburg Again? PA Democrats Won’t Say

“The Pennsylvania House is kicking off the new legislative session with an incomplete chamber after a representative unexpectedly died and left Democrats without their one-seat majority.

Last session, a tied chamber repeatedly ground operations in Harrisburg to a halt as Democratic leaders declined to bring bills up for a vote. They would not say whether they will do the same thing ahead of a March election to fill the vacancy.” (Spotlight PA)

Elsewhere

Shapiro, Fetterman Among WaPo’s Top 12 Potential Democratic Presidential Candidates in 2028. “Curse you, Washington Post. It just turned 2025 and you want to talk 2028.” (PoliticsPA)

Allegheny County Lawmakers From Both Parties Push For Paid Medical, Family Leave. “A bipartisan pair of Allegheny County lawmakers were part of a push on Monday to create a statewide paid family and medical leave program, saying nearly 4 million state residents don’t have access to such benefits.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Bird Flu Has Been Found in a Commercial Flock of Chickens in PA For the First Time in Nearly a Year. “Avian flu has been detected in a commercial flock of chickens in Pennsylvania for the first time in nearly a year, the state Department of Agriculture announced Monday.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Around The Commonwealth

3. ‘A New Narrative’: Allentown Mayor Touts City’s Growth As He Runs For Reelection

“Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk gave his fourth State of the City address Monday morning, cheerleading the city’s economic growth and encouraging people to challenge negative perceptions of the Queen City.

It was Tuerk’s first State of the City address in an election year; he is running for a second term as the city’s mayor, and faces a primary challenge from city councilman Ed Zucal.” (Allentown Morning Call)

Elsewhere

36th Senate Special Election Pits Parsons vs. Malone. “The political parties have made their choices and the field is set for the special election on March 25 in Pennsylvania’s 36th Senatorial District.” (PoliticsPA)

Political Divisions Have Reached All Corners, Even in Butler. “To get things done in Butler County, Democrats and Republicans must work together — and they do in many instances — according to Jim Hulings, chairman of the Butler County Republican Party.” (Cranberry Eagle)

DOJ Pauses Civil Rights Case, Raising Questions About Hazleton Lawsuits. “After the U.S. Department of Justice froze civil rights actions, Hazleton officials didn’t raise their hopes too high that the federal government will drop a voting rights lawsuit against the city.” (Hazleton Standard-Speaker)

Former Northampton County Registrar Announces Run For County Executive. “Amy Cozze as county registrar was responsible for administering elections for the county in 2020 and 2021.” (LehighValleyNews.com)

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

• In Rubber-Stamping Trump’s Unqualified Cabinet Nominees, Dave Mccormick Fails His Oath of Office. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• After Scirotto Betrayal, Mayoral Appointees Should Have to Testify Under Oath. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Here’s Some Friendly Advice to the New Pennsylvania General Assembly. (Stephen Bloom and Megan Martin)
• Latino Families Are Turning to the GOP — Now It’s Time to Deliver. (Carlos Duran)

1 Thing

5. Pittsburgh Is More Midwest Than You Think

“No one wants to hear it, but Pittsburgh is pretty Midwestern.

The big picture: The debate about our identity is perpetual, and now is as good a time as any to reignite the argument.

Case in point: Sports are the biggest cultural touchstone in Pittsburgh, and the connections are largely to the Midwest.

Fun fact: Pittsburghers also go crazy for fish fries, pierogies and kielbasa — all Midwestern staples.” (Axios Pittsburgh)

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