Senate Republicans announced the committee chairs for the 2021-22 session, while Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announced his bid for a third term. Here is the Playbook. 

Senate GOP Names 2021-22 Committee Chairs: Nine committees have new chairs for the upcoming session.

Twitter Temporarily Suspends Barletta’s Account: Former Congressman Lou Barletta had his personal Twitter account temporarily suspended just two days after President Donald Trump had his account permanently suspended.

Biden Selected Scranton Native as DNC Treasurer: Virginia McGregor, a Scranton native who serves as Deputy National Finance Chair of the DNC and National Co-Chair of the DNC’s Women’s Leadership Forum, has been selected to be the DNC’s Treasurer, the Scranton Times-Tribune reports. 
Harrisburg & DC   
The Caucus: Can Pa. GOP recover from insurrection’s damage?
The Caucus: Sen. Mastriano tells Trump followers to stand down
Spotlight PA: Redistricting will be the definitive political fight of 2021 in Pennsylvania. Here’s how it’ll work.
Spotlight PA: Law enforcement in Pa. preparing for possible unrest despite ‘no specific threats’ to the Capitol 
Spotlight PA: WATCH: A live Spotlight PA interview with PASSHE Chancellor Daniel Greenstein 
Roll Call: Democrats prep for competitive Pennsylvania Senate primary
New York Times: Madeleine Dean: Impeachment Manager Brings Ethics Experience to Trial
Philly Clout: Sharif Street ponders running for the U.S. Senate — and lessons learned from talking about manure
Inquirer: A former Philly insurance executive is eyeing a run for Pennsylvania governor 
Inquirer: U.S. Attorney William McSwain resigns after a tenure marked by high-profile cases, public feud with Krasner
Inquirer: Gov. Tom Wolf orders the state Capitol closed next week in a bid to thwart possible unrest
Inquirer: State capitals are preparing for unrest after far-right threats, and residents are dreading it: ‘I feel like I’ve been held hostage’
Inquirer: Affordable Care Act open enrollment ends Friday in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Swiftly rising coronavirus death toll brings concern amid vaccine hope 
Inquirer: Harrisburg, Trenton prep for far-right threats | Morning Newsletter
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Wolf urges GOP leaders to move on $145M plan to aid small businesses: ‘We have this money’ 
Patriot News: Pa. plans mass clinics, other steps to speed up pace of COVID-19 vaccinations 
Patriot News: Police outline plans to protect Pa. Capitol, including street closures, National Guard, air surveillance 
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf says 450 Pa. National Guard members put on active duty 
Patriot News: Another Trump-era U.S. attorney is stepping down
AP: Guard to defend Pennsylvania Capitol, city to close streets
AP: Men who came armed to Philly vote count remain free on bail
AP: Charges: Ex-firefighter threw extinguisher at Capitol Police 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Top Pa. House Dem Matt Bradford says he has COVID-19 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf, legislative GOP not talking as $145M relief plan for small businesses languishes 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Scanlon says she saw tour groups in the Capitol before attack 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Police Chiefs: No specific threats yet against Pa. Capitol, but ‘an abundance of caution’ still necessary 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Waiver allowing Pa. pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccines depends on longevity of Wolf’s disaster declaration 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. county commissioners roll out election reform wishlist; seek longer pre-canvassing window | Friday Morning Coffee
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf tells Republicans to hurry up and dole out $145 million to struggling small businesses
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers at Capitol work amid heavy security as Gov. Wolf schedules 2-day closure of complex, activates National Guard
Morning Call: Federal judge denies bail for retired firefighter charged with throwing fire extinguisher at Capitol police
Citizens Voice: Fetterman fundraising off Luzerne County voter fraud case; Lt. Gov. selling “My dude in Forty Fort” shirts
USA Today: Police preparing for any protests at PA Capitol
USA Today: Retired Pennsylvania firefighter arrested, accused of throwing extinguisher at Capitol police
Post-Gazette: Pa. officials waiting on $100M as federal officials press states to expand COVID-19 vaccinations
Post-Gazette: Harrisburg prepares for the worst ahead of inauguration
PLSReporter: Wolf, Democratic leaders urge General Assembly to take up $145 million business relief transfer
PLSReporter: Law enforcement increases Capitol vigilance amidst FBI general warning for all statehouses
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 77: Let’s Get Constitutional 
PLSReporter: Jan. 14 COVID-19 Update: Pharmacies allowed to distribute vaccines, 7,175 additional positives 
Fox News: Retired firefighter accused of throwing fire extinguisher at officers during Capitol riot arrested
CNHI News: Companies cut funds to GOP House members who questioned election
WESA: Rural PA Doctor Says They’ll Need More Staff, Money And Trust To Administer Vaccines
The Hill: Man accused of throwing fire extinguisher at police during Capitol riot arrested in Pennsylvania
York Daily Record: Gov. Wolf urges Republicans in General Assembly to free up $145M for small business relief
Bucks County Courier Times: PA’s rapid response program saved lives in long-term care facilities. Now it’s threatened by funding cuts
WHYY Newsworks: Gov. Wolf pushing GOP to move money to help Pa. small businesses
KYW Newsradio: Wolf urges lawmakers to act quickly in allocating funds to small businesses
KYW Newsradio: US Attorney McSwain announces resignation ahead of Biden taking office
KYW Newsradio: Aid runs low for key Pennsylvania virus containment program
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Wolf Administration Expands Vaccination Partnership For Long-Term Care Facilities
CNN: Pennsylvania man accused of striking Capitol cop with fire extinguisher is charged
StateImpactPA: With solar on the rise in Pa., some worry the panels will be harmful. Scientists say most fears have been disproven

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Sharif Street ponders running for the U.S. Senate — and lessons learned from talking about manure
Inquirer: A former Philly insurance executive is eyeing a run for Pennsylvania governor 
Inquirer: U.S. Attorney William McSwain resigns after a tenure marked by high-profile cases, public feud with Krasner   
Inquirer: Temple University professor and media icon Bryan Monroe dies suddenly at 55
Inquirer: Virginia men arrested for gun offenses during Philly vote count face new election-interference charges
Inquirer: Philly DA’s Office detective has his gun taken away after saying he’s ‘ready to go to war’ over ‘rigged’ election
WHYY Newsworks: Philly judge denies bail revocation for men accused of election interference
WHYY Newsworks: ‘I don’t know where to move’: Philly immigrants who’ve lived through coups warn of the rise of fringe groups
WHYY Newsworks: Philly landmarks and government buildings to be guarded as inauguration precaution
WHYY Newsworks: Philly civil rights attorney: White supremacy attacked democracy after the 2020 election
Billy Penn: New Philly mural shouts out Black and queer organizers’ role in getting Biden elected
Patriot News: Philadelphia DA investigator placed on restricted duty after violent social media post: report
KYW Newsradio: US Attorney McSwain announces resignation ahead of Biden taking office
KYW Newsradio: Additional charges, including election interference, for 2 men arrested outside Philly ballot count
KYW Newsradio: Philly prepares for possible protests leading up to inauguration, but say there’s no credible threat
Philly Voice: U.S. Attorney William McSwain, a Trump appointee, announces resignation
Philadelphia Business Journal: Where Philadelphia’s largest companies, law firms stand on political giving after Capitol riot 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia Fed President Harker on construction, digital currency, payroll taxes and more
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia beefing up police presence, preparing for Inauguration Day protests after Capitol violence 
Philadelphia Business Journal: U.S. Attorney William McSwain announces resignation

SEPA
Daily Local News: As an ‘impeachment manager,’ Dean preparing for Trump’s trial in the Senate
Daily Local News: FBI arrests retired Chester firefighter for throwing fire extinguisher at police during Capitol riot (With Video)
Daily Local News: State Rep. Hennessey does not regret opposing Pa. electors
Daily Local News: Rep. Hennessey reappointed chairman of House Transportation Committee
Daily Local News: Chester County man facing trial for voter fraud says he was tricked into voting twice
Delco Daily Times: Rep. Scanlon saw Capitol tour before attack; panic button wasn’t attached in her office 
Delaware Valley Journal: Local Union Leader Featured in Pitch for Cooperation Between Biden and Energy Industry
Inquirer: Retired Delco firefighter accused of injuring officers and a Del. man who paraded a Confederate flag are charged in the Capitol riot
KYW Newsradio: Retired Chester firefighter, accused of throwing extinguisher at Capitol police during riot, faces federal charges
Philly Voice: Former Delco firefighter allegedly threw fire extinguisher at Capitol Police, authorities say
Bucks County Courier Times: DCCC targets Fitzpatrick in wake of impeachment vote 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County officials keeping abreast of security information

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Peduto Announces Re-Election Bid
WESA: Allegheny County Develops More Programs To Support Homeless Youths
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto Announces Reelection Campaign
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Pirates Looking To Make PNC Park A Mass Coronavirus Vaccination Site
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 499 New Coronavirus Cases, 3 Additional Deaths
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto announces bid for re-election 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cutting Friday print edition, union says 
Pittsburgh Business Times: PNC Park could become mass vaccination site
Tribune Review: Peduto makes it official, seeks 3rd term as Pittsburgh’s mayor 
Tribune Review: Corporate boycotts could ding coffers of Reschenthaler, Kelly campaigns  
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 499 additional covid cases, 3 deaths

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Bartolotta reappointed chair of Senate Labor and Industry Committee 
Observer-Reporter: Eighty Four resident seeking GOP nomination for recorder of deeds 
Observer-Reporter: Local professors grapple with Trump impeachment, divided country 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Stefano named lead chairman of emergency preparedness committee 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Record-breaking year for background checks linked to Pennsylvania gun purchases 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: UPDATED: Local counties have 21 COVID-19 deaths among 313 statewide
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County adds 14 covid deaths
Altoona Mirror: Commissioners reflect on adapting amid pandemic
Altoona Mirror: Wolf OKs railway infrastructure plans

NEPA
The Times Leader: Yudichak: Businesses deserve financial help, not political rhetoric 
The Times Leader: Was Scavo inside Capitol? And what was Dartoe doing?
The Times Leader: In reaction to budget veto Wilkes-Barre City Council lowering fees it raised  
The Times Leader: Luzerne County should hit collection target when $5 vehicle fee expires Dec. 31 
The Times Leader: 238 new cases of COVID-19 in Luzerne County puts total at 20,151
Times-Tribune: Inauguration events planned in Scranton 
Times-Tribune: Biden picks Scranton woman as DNC treasurer 
Times-Tribune: Wolf, General Assembly spar over COVID-19 money for businesses 
Times-Tribune: Scranton City Hall open by appointment only for in-person business
Citizens Voice: Fetterman fundraising off Luzerne County voter fraud case; Lt. Gov. selling “My dude in Forty Fort” shirts 
Citizens Voice: County election committee starts to review its findings
Citizens Voice: Sen. Baker wants SCI-Dallas prioritized for COVID vaccine
Citizens Voice: County council candidate says he never entered Capitol during protest
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre council nixes sewer, recycling fee increases
Citizens Voice: Critics, supporters weigh in on gas pipeline that would travel through Luzerne County
Citizens Voice: 238 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County on Thursday  

South Central 
York Dispatch: State Sen. Doug Mastriano tells supporters to stand down 
York Dispatch: Potential buyer makes pitch to York City sewer users 
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills 10 more in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Smucker appointed to House Ways and Means committee, promises to ‘continue to champion free and fair trade’ 
LNP | LancasterOnline: What should I know about the COVID-19 vaccine? LGH doctors outline benefits of vaccination in NAACP town hall 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County sees 376 positive COVID-19 cases; Pa. reports 313 dead from virus in 24 hours [Thursday’s COVID-19 update]
Carlisle Sentinel: Perry, Joyce vote against impeachment for second time
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 166 new cases of COVID-19 and eight deaths for Cumberland County Thursday
Patriot News: Police outline plans to protect Pa. Capitol, including street closures, National Guard, air surveillance 
Patriot News: McQuillan announces run for Dauphin County judge 

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: U.S. Attorney William McSwain — who got long prison terms for Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, aide Mike Fleck — announces resignation
Morning Call: Who should respond to 911 calls related to mental illness? Allentown discusses police alternatives, though path forward remains hazy
Reading Eagle: Highlighting lessons learned, Berks officials review their response to COVID 
Reading Eagle: More than 1,100 COVID vaccinations complete in Berks County 
WFMZ: Berks EMS COVID-19 Task Force urging vaccination 
WFMZ: Berks commissioners updated on COVID-19 vaccinations 
WFMZ: Lehigh, Northampton counties stepping up security at government buildings ahead of inauguration 
WFMZ: Lehigh County commissioners review jail’s COVID-19 response 
WFMZ: Pa. representatives vote along party lines as House impeaches Trump
Express Times: PennEast Pipeline opponents outnumber supporters by about 3-to-1 in DEP hearing 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 313 more deaths amid COVID pandemic’s deadliest surge; 7,175 new cases | Pa. COVID county case map (01/14/2020)

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Area lawmakers offer their perspectives on second impeachment proceedings
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport Mayor: Police ready for ‘issues that may arise’ through Inauguration Day
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 67 new COVID-19 cases. Northumberland County sees 48 new cases, Clinton 16, Tioga 6, Sullivan 3.
Erie Times-News: Erie County purges 25,000 from voter rolls 
Erie Times-News: East Erie residents asked to take crime survey
Centre Daily Times: More than $1 million awarded for State College affordable housing projects. Here’s where
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 14 update: Centre County passes 10,000 COVID-19 cases; Pa. reports 7,175 new positives

Opinion  
John Baer: Worried about when you’ll get the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania? You should be
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Electing Pennsylvania judges by region is a terrible idea
Inquirer Editorial Board: Brian Fitzpatrick’s infuriating ‘no’ vote on impeachment shows a total lack of political courage 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Where will the parks tax go? 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: China’s ambition: Hong Kong and the world
Abraham Gutman: Bill McSwain’s reign as U.S. attorney is ending. Can Biden undo the damage?
Mark O’Keefe: Fayette County was already struggling. Now the pandemic could break it 
Adrian Shanker: Why we need a federal law to protect LGBTQ rights
Bill White: All you Trump voters put our democracy at tremendous risk
Tony Norman: An insurrection that won’t end in resurrection
Larry Platt: The Fix: How About an Open, Transparent Government Run By… You? 
Ernest Owens: After Trump Insurrection, the Need for Newsroom Diversity Couldn’t Be More Obvious
George Fernandez: COVID-19 vaccine faces major hurdles in reaching Philadelphia’s Latino communities 
Will Bunch: Congress must expel its coup plotters, then somehow find truth, reconciliation, or U.S. is doomed 
Jenice Armstrong: Don’t travel to D.C. for the presidential inauguration 
Trudy Rubin: The violence and conspiracy theories Trump fueled will threaten America long after he leaves 
John L. Micek: Impeachment isn’t about Trump crossing the Rubicon. It’s about stopping the next person who tries 
Nadia Dowshen, Sarah Wood, Cynthia Mollen and Kenisha Campbell: How the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting another epidemic among teens: STDs | Expert Opinion
Matthew T. Mangino: Congress shouldn’t stop with Trump in applying the 14th Amendment