Former President Donald Trump has selected Bruce Castor to serve on the defense team in his Senate impeachment trial. Here is the Playbook.

January 29th Ups and Downs: A PA Republican is mentioned in a New York Times report about a plot to oust an Attorney General, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney receives pushback over a report on summer protests and COVID-19 vaccine rollout, plus the former Dem House Leader lands a new job. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs. 

Ecker Named Chair of Appropriations Subcommittee: State Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams) has been appointed to serve as the chair of the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice under the standing House Appropriations Committee, according to a release from Pennsylvania House Republicans. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Top Pa. election official to resign after agency bungled requirement for constitutional amendment
Spotlight PA: Confronted with significant flaws in coronavirus data, Pa. corrections officials concede ‘it’s unacceptable’
6 ABC: Former Montgomery County DA leading Trump’s defense team in impeachment trial 
AP: Trump names 2 lawyers to impeachment defense team 
AP: What to watch for in Pennsylvania governor’s budget proposal 
AP: Blame game begins over Pennsylvania’s slow vaccine rollout 
Inquirer: What to know about Scott Perry, Trump’s election plot, and Section 3 of the 14th Amendment
Inquirer: Trump picks former Montco DA Bruce Castor to defend him at Senate impeachment trial
Inquirer: A former Trump Navy secretary is the latest Republican eyeing the Pennsylvania Senate race
Inquirer: Bucks County gym owner charged in U.S. Capitol riot allegedly said: ‘We were looking for Nancy to shoot her in the friggin’ brain’
Inquirer: Penn State Black Caucus calls on PSU to investigate 51 people who ‘ambushed’ Zoom call with white supremacist language and symbols
Inquirer: Commutation in sight, Pa. lifer Bruce Norris died of COVID-19 awaiting governor’s approval
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Election season court fights have cost Pa. taxpayers nearly $4M and counting
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: MontCo’s Bruce Castor who declined to prosecute Bill Cosby, to represent Trump at impeachment trial
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A round-up of COVID-19 vaccine must-reads you might have missed | Five for the Weekend
Post-Gazette: Should Trump lead the GOP? Republicans in Pennsylvania divided as lawmakers embrace former president
Patriot News: Flip in control of U.S. Senate may give both of Pa.’s members more clout, in different ways
Patriot News: Sledgehammer, not skill, behind wave of Pa. ‘games of skill’ thefts: cops
Patriot News: Pa. woman charged in U.S. Capitol riot said she wanted to shoot Nancy Pelosi ‘in the friggin’ brain’: report 
Morning Call: Poll: 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians ‘not confident at all’ in legitimacy of 2020 election results
Morning Call: Lawmaker wants Pennsylvania National Guard to step in as state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout efficiency questioned
Morning Call: FBI arrests two more Pennsylvania residents in U.S. Capitol attack, one looked to ‘shoot Nancy Pelosi in the brain’ 
PLSReporter: Wolf asks Congress for federal help with infrastructure improvements 
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 79: Return Of The Severance Tax 
PLSReporter: Jan. 29 COVID-19 Update: State reports 9,643 new cases; 893,000 total vaccinations administered
Fox News: Pennsylvania reveals new streamlined hunting and fishing license system
The Times Leader: Casey says he’s focused on coronavirus, economy
KYW Newsradio: Former Montco DA Castor to head Trump impeachment defense team
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania legislature argues over amendment to limit governor’s emergency powers
KYW Newsradio: Report says Pennsylvania’s ‘hold harmless’ school funding system is actually harmful to some districts
The Hill: Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. to defy ban on weed, LGBTQ rights flags 
The Hill: FBI: Woman arrested in Capitol riot allegedly said she wanted to shoot Pelosi ‘in the friggin’ brain’ 
The Hill: Trump announces new impeachment legal team after reported departures
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s how much more Covid-19 vaccine doses Pennsylvania will get next week
Politico: Trump Navy secretary considering Pennsylvania Senate run
Politico: Trump names 2 new attorneys to lead impeachment defense
CNN: Trump names two new lawyers for impeachment trial a day after his defense team collapsed 
KDKA: Pa. Turnpike Transfers $337.5 Million To PennDOT  

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia deputy health commissioner resigns over Philly Fighting COVID messages
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Fighting COVID provided at-home testing to Bobby Henon’s family 
WHYY Newsworks: Kenney calls for investigation into Philly Fighting COVID, still backs Health Commissioner Farley 
WHYY Newsworks: Snow disrupts some COVID vaccine, testing operations in Philly region 
Inquirer: Philadelphia deputy health commissioner resigns following Philly Fighting COVID controversy 
Inquirer: The city trusted a group of ‘college kids’ to lead its vaccine rollout. But Philly Fighting COVID was full of red flags from the start.
Inquirer: Experts worry that Philly Fighting COVID fuels mistrust in medicine, especially for Black and brown communities 
Inquirer: Federal missteps in the 2020 Census could mean an undercount of Philly’s population   
Inquirer: Philly Fighting COVID partnership was ‘a mistake,’ health commissioner says, as Mayor Kenney calls for new vaccination clinics
Inquirer: As schools seek to reopen, here’s what local data say about in-person classes and COVID-19
Philadelphia Tribune: Kenney backs city’s top doc over botched partnership with Philly Fighting COVID; demands changes
Philadelphia Gay News: Philly falls behind NYC on LGBTQ-inclusive business policy
KYW Newsradio: Deputy Health Commissioner Johnson resigns amid Philly Fighting COVID controversy
KYW Newsradio: Report: COVID-19 and Trump administration combined to depress Philly’s census participation
KYW Newsradio: Confusion, chaos, calls for resignation following Philly Fighting COVID controversy
KYW Newsradio: Philly-area lawmaker asks Pa. to step in after feds cut funding to study PFAS cancer connection
Philly Voice: Acting deputy health commissioner steps down amid Philly Fighting COVID controversy
Philly Voice: Philly Fighting COVID CEO taunts city health commissioner as Mayor Kenney stands by him
Philadelphia Business Journal: How can I get a Covid-19 vaccine? Here’s who is eligible across Greater Philadelphia

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Pipeline foes stage protest at Glen Riddle
Daily Local News: Chester County sending letters to voters regarding ‘permanent’ mail-in ballots
Daily Local News: Chester County Democratic incumbents set to run on their records
Bucks County Courier Times: Former PA solicitor general Bruce Castor named to Trump defense team
Bucks County Courier Times: Six attorneys running for Bucks County judge — so far 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County gym owner charged in insurrection at Capitol 
Bucks Local News: Bucks County woman faces charges in connection with Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol
Inquirer: Bucks County gym owner charged in U.S. Capitol riot allegedly said: ‘We were looking for Nancy to shoot her in the friggin’ brain’
Philadelphia Business Journal: Former Montco DA Bruce Castor to lead Trump’s impeachment defense team 
Pottstown Mercury: Rep. Shusterman named to PennSERVE panel

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Should Trump lead the GOP? Republicans in Pennsylvania divided as lawmakers embrace former president
Post-Gazette: Pain of natural gas price drop spreads to Pa. agencies, communities 
Post-Gazette: Where are the shots? Reporting lags, complex logistics seen in Pa.’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Post-Gazette: Crumbling Investments: Effort by city to revitalize Homewood has resulted in lingering neglect and frustration
Post-Gazette: Accused bat-wielding Capitol rioter from S. Fayette ordered detained pending trial in DC
Post-Gazette: South Park man charged with casting ballot in dead wife’s name 
Post-Gazette: Eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? In Pennsylvania, be prepared to wait
Post-Gazette: Pittsburghers for Public Transit continues push for free service for low-income riders
Post-Gazette: Two applicants emerge for Ross commission vacancy
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County surpasses 69,000 cases, records two more deaths
WESA: As Pennsylvania Works Through Vaccinating Phase 1A, It’s Unclear When Phase 1B Could Begin
WESA: December Storm Shows Problems Remain With Snow Clearance
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s what Pittsburgh banks say about PPP demand — and how present round compares to last year
City Paper: Black Lives Matter protester claims they’re being unfairly targeted for refiled charges
Tribune Review: Judge orders detention for South Fayette man accused in Capitol riot
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 326 new covid cases, 2 deaths
KDKA: Pro-Life Supporters Hold March For Life In Bridgeville
KDKA: City Announces Operational Improvements To Snow Removal Procedures
KDKA: Oakdale Man Accused In Capitol Riots To Remain Behind Bars
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 326 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing County Total To 69,135

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Widow seeks to fill 59th district seat
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County’s acting sheriff announces candidacy
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Westmoreland adds 19 deaths, Cambria COVID rate continues downward trend
Tribune Review: Angela Reese, wife of Mike Reese, to run for late husband’s state House seat
Tribune Review: West Leechburg Mayor Jim Gallucci figures 40 years of public service is enough
Tribune Review: Rebecca Calisti Tyburski announces run for Penn Township district judge seat
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County posts 85 covid-19 cases, 7 new deaths
Observer-Reporter: Peters Township police corporal announces candidacy for sheriff
Observer-Reporter: South Fayette man indicted in Capitol riot to remain jailed on federal charges
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 deaths reported in Washington, Fayette counties
Altoona Mirror: Roots of success: Hollidaysburg helped shape acting FDA director
Altoona Mirror: Candidate information sought
Altoona Mirror: Blair elections office moves to county highway yard
Altoona Mirror: GOP slams vaccine rollout
Altoona Mirror: COVID-19 decline continues, with exceptions

NEPA
Citizens Voice: NEPA clout: Legislators get committee assignments in Harrisburg
Citizens Voice: Election inquiry committee finalizes recommendations
Citizens Voice: Proposed minimum wage hike draws mixed reaction
Citizens Voice: Municipal taxes increased in 14 Luzerne County municipalities this year
Citizens Voice: 157 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Ware jumps into Lackawanna County judge race
Times-Tribune: County official sent political email via county server
Times-Tribune: Businesses in Lackawanna, Luzerne counties reaped $742M in Paycheck Protection Program loans
Times-Tribune: Navy veteran impacting Scranton inside and outside city hall
Times-Tribune: Proposed minimum wage hike draws mixed reaction
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 cases, deaths in Luzerne County far outpace other NEPA counties
The Times Leader: Mullery named Democratic chairman of House Ethics Committee 
The Times Leader: Mail ballot applications sent to 55,000 Luzerne County voters
The Times Leader: Toohil’s bill to protect living organ donors advances
The Times Leader: West Pittston attorney Laura Dennis announces campaign for county judge   
The Times Leader: 18702 shows the biggest surge of new cases in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: 157 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed Sunday in Luzerne County; 7 more deaths

South Central 
Patriot News: Retired media CEO says he’s running for Harrisburg mayor
Patriot News: ‘We didn’t know we couldn’t be there’: Wife of Dauphin County official addresses photos on U.S. Capitol steps during riot
Patriot News: Want the COVID-19 vaccine? Here’s why main central Pa. providers don’t even have appointments
LNP | LancasterOnline: Former Penn Manor educator to serve as executive on state senate committee
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills two more in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 109 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths in Cumberland County Saturday

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Former Northampton County DA reflects on his 1st year as a judge 
WFMZ: Reading council seeks balance in addressing panhandlers  
Morning Call: Did Lehigh County overpay $1.4 million for medical care? Controller Pinsley says yes, county officials say audit ‘misleading’
Morning Call: How to end homelessness: New Allentown commission weighs best investments of money set aside to deal with issue 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 5,191 additional positive cases reported, though statewide positivity rate decreases
Reading Eagle: Mayor Eddie Moran remembers COVID victims at his state of the city address 
Reading Eagle: Berks coroner reports eight more COVID-19 deaths
Reading Eagle: The weekly COVID report for Berks County was encouraging, then came the Friday data dump 
Express Times: Bethlehem launches first-ever Retail Week for merchants struggling amid pandemic 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County Libertarian Committee officially affiliated
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Acting South Side mayor seeks formal nomination
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County coroner gets vaccinated, offers update
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Hundreds of facilities haven’t received vaccine
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 57 new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: How PA’s senators voted, week ending Jan. 29
Erie Times-News: State reports 134 new COVID cases for Erie County
Erie Times-News: Feds say ex-Erie auto exec Weaver might seek city loan
Erie Times-News: LECOM Health unveils new mobile testing/vaccination unit
Erie Times-News: Here are Gov. Wolf’s top budget priorities in 2021
Erie Times-News: COVID treatment with monoclonal antibodies offers hope
Erie Times-News: PGC and PFBC launch new licensing platform
Erie Times-News: How PA’s senators voted, week ending Jan. 29
Erie Times-News: Lori Pickens discusses east Erie crime plan
Centre Daily Times: Penn State searching for answers after Black Caucus endures ‘traumatizing,’ racist incident on Zoom
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 30 update: Centre County adds 125 new COVID-19 cases; Pa. adds 5,191
Centre Daily Times: Letters: Finding common ground; Republicans can’t backtrack now

Opinion  
Ronald Castille and Robert C. Heim: Former Pa. Supreme Court chief justice: It’s time to change how judges get their jobs 
Lindsey Williams and Katie Muth: Pa. Senate rules stymie good bills and stifle democracy, change them
Mark S. Singel: A trial will determine if the former president is guilty of inciting an insurrection
Tony Norman: Welcome to Trumpsylvania (formerly Pennsyltucky)
Charlie Gerow: You can’t impeach a president once he’s gone
Jeffrey Lord: There are reasons to stand with Scott Perry
David Henderson: Understaffing, underfunding risk health and safety of workers at 24/7 facilities
Rogette Harris: Black America: A reality check | Unfinished Business
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Senators checking out
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Boosting confidence in the state police 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Health privacy is priceless 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Our Gerald Ford moment
York Dispatch Editorial Board: GOP’s latest push: Voter restrictions
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Raising the minimum wage is a complex issue, which is why we must address it
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: On this pandemic’s courageous truth-tellers and why the truth is imperative in a public health crisis
Observer-Reporter Editorial: Let’s not become numb to the human toll of COVID
PennLive Editorial Board: Rep. Scott Perry is stoking fires that fuel hatred and violence in America
Jonathan Zimmerman: Let’s not make Allentown teacher who attended Capitol rally a ‘martyr’ for free speech 
Merlyn Clarke: Bill would extend the evils of gerrymandering to Pennsylvania courts 
Helen Ubiñas: Philadelphia’s ongoing show of incompetence needs to be canceled 
Jenice Armstrong: Philly’s bungled COVID-19 vaccine rollout erodes trust at a time when it’s needed the most 
William Petri: Why it takes 2 shots to make mRNA vaccines do their antibody-creating best. And what the data shows on delaying the booster dose | Analysis
Mike Connolly: If Congress really wants to help Americans struggling in the pandemic, we need a new TARP 
Anthony O’Brien: Does it matter for the economy who the president is?
Ruth Ann Dailey: Will Biden parry the progressives?
Stephanie King: Philly school board silences teachers, parents, and students with new meeting structure 
Kelly Kelch: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Paul Muschick: Improper mask usage? No playing. Bethlehem made right call to suspend Liberty High School hoops team
Maria Panaritis: Beware the little guy getting really, really angry. 
David M. Shribman: The reconciliation of Daniel Webster
Nancy Eshelman: COVID-19 pays a visit, and it could have been a lot worse 
Lisa Scottoline: Call me maybe 
Chris Kelly: Treed by a Scranton gumshoe, freed by Trump
John Cole: About those Biden executive orders | Editorial Cartoon
Rob Tornoe: Vaccine confusion in Philly | Cartoon