Pennsylvania’s three statewide row officers will be sworn-in for a full term today. Here is the Playbook. 

Senate Dems Announce 2021-22 Committee Chairs: State Sens. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) will chair multiple committees, while the four newly elected state Senators will also chair a committee.

State Sen. Dave Arnold Dies at 49: The state Senator from Lebanon County passed away after battling brain cancer, his office announced on Sunday morning.

January 15th Ups and Downs: A Democratic state Senator is sworn-in to office, GOP efforts to reshape the court’s in the state took a step forward, plus a Pennsylvania Democrat is named as one of the nine impeachment managers. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Biden picks transgender woman as assistant health secretary
AP: Pennsylvania statewide row officers to be sworn in Tuesday
AP: Pennsylvania lawmaker stricken with brain cancer dies
AP: Governor doubles Pennsylvania Guard sent to help Washington 
AP: No charges in Pennsylvania discarded-ballots case
Spotlight PA: Pa. prisons don’t always tell families when inmates are sick. Officials are defending that policy.
Patriot News: Pa. state senator dies from brain cancer at age 49
Patriot News: ’Pennsylvania is a better place because of him’: Colleagues react to Sen. Dave Arnold’s passing 
Patriot News: Pa. schools to receive $2.2 billion in federal aid to deal with COVID-19 impact 
Patriot News: Enhanced security presence met with another day of calm at Pennsylvania Capitol 
Patriot News: Some evangelicals who backed President Trump are doing soul searching after Capitol attacks 
Patriot News: Pa. Rep. Patty Kim tests positive for COVID-19 
Patriot News: Another Pa. House Democrat announces he tested positive for COVID-19
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden taps Pa. Health Secretary Levine for federal post 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Report: FBI believed to be searching for Pa. woman who may have stolen Nancy Pelosi’s laptop during Capitol riot 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Dozens of labor leaders, advocates call on lawmakers to drop judicial gerrymandering plan | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Inquirer: Fact-checking a top Pa. Republican who said false election claims didn’t play ‘any role’ in the Capitol attack
Inquirer: In Harrisburg and Trenton, ‘a collective sigh of relief’ as few pro-Trump loyalists show up following FBI warning
Inquirer: A Pennsylvania election probe that Trump falsely touted as a sign of vote-rigging ended without charges
Inquirer: Biden taps Pennsylvania’s health secretary for new administration; Pa. woman accused of stealing Pelosi’s laptop arrested overnight
WITF: Amid Heavy Police And Military Presence, Few Protesters Show Up In Harrisburg 
PLSReporter: What’s next for mail-in ballots? State lawmakers anticipate friction, but hope to find common ground in new session 
Morning Call: Police and media far outnumber protesters at Pennsylvania Capitol on Sunday before inauguration
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: two-week low 4,045 additional cases; Forest, Elk counties surge
Fox News: Pennsylvania Sen. Toomey thanks National Guard troops protecting Capitol with sweets
Fox News: Critics dunk on Pennsylvania Lt. gov for claiming ‘lies’ about 2020 election ‘not protected speech’
CNHI News: King continues to inspire as nation still struggles to confront systemic racism
StateImpactPA: Climate scientist Michael Mann interview: ‘We’re going to need every tool we have’ 
StateImpactPA: Harrisburg resident’s charges dismissed in alleged Mariner East ‘buy-a-badge’ scheme 
StateImpactPA: Philadelphia aims to be carbon neutral by 2050
National Journal: Riots will cost GOP its natural advantage in 2022
National Journal: Former Health Insurance Executive Dan Hilferty Makes 2022 Gov Moves
Express Times: Toomey thanks National Guard for protecting capitol building with sweet treats
Carlisle Sentinel: The Buckshot War: The capitol in Harrisburg was the scene of its own political insurrection in 1838
WESA: Welfare Enrollment Has Fallen In Pennsylvania During The Pandemic – Why?
KDKA: County Commissioners Across Pennsylvania Call For Election Reforms  
Pittsburgh Business Times: Public Paychecks: These are the Pennsylvania state employees who are paid the most

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Biden volunteered in Philly to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day 
Inquirer: ‘The sun is shining’ at Philly Shipyard as hundreds of jobs return this year, CEO says 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. lawmakers, workers link minimum wage fight to MLK’s push for equality 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly activist to start hunger strike on MLK Day in protest of gun violence inaction 
WHYY Newsworks: One activist won’t eat until Mayor Kenney takes action on gun violence ‘emergency’ 
KYW Newsradio: Biden prepares for inauguration, volunteers with Philabundance for MLK Day of Service
KYW Newsradio: Across from the site of Philly’s ballot count, mural recognizes Black voting advocates
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia Board of City Trusts elects first African-American president in its 151-year history
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia renews commitment to fighting climate change
Philly Voice: The Biden family volunteers with Philabundance on MLK Day 
Billy Penn: VIDEO: Martin Luther King Jr. at Girard College in Philadelphia, 1965
Billy Penn: These daily updated charts track COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Philly and Pa. 

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Police arrest man at Bucks County camp for death threats against Biden, Wolf and others
Inquirer: He was running for Bucks County DA. Now he’s helping the Pentagon instead after the Capitol insurrection
Delco Daily Times: Scanlon wants probe of ‘tours’ before Capitol attack
Delco Daily Times: Judges to PUC: Reject DELCORA sale to Aqua
Delco Daily Times: Capitol closure precautions welcomed by local legislators
Daily Local News: Houlahan backs Biden’s American rescue plan
Daily Local News: Comitta named minority chair of Environmental Committee 
Daily Local News: Shusterman announces committee assignments for second term 
Daily Local News: Rep. Howard to host virtual mental health resource fair Feb. 4
Daily Local News: Sappey to host virtual town hall Jan. 21
Montgomery Media: ‘No day was typical’: Thomas Sullivan reflects on tenure as Montgomery County public safety director
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County residents march for justice, equality and change on MLK Day
KYW Newsradio: Charges involving security around Mariner East pipeline get tossed out
Morning Call: Man living in the Bucks County woods charged with threatening Biden, Gov. Wolf and other Democrats
Bucks Local News: Bucks County starts COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration ahead of Phase 1B distribution
Bucks Local News: JAN. 18 BUCKS COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: Case numbers fall sharply to pre-Thanksgiving levels
Delaware Valley Journal: DVJ Exclusive: Docs Reveal Montco’s Fear Over State’s Failed COVID Performance

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Planning to attend Biden inauguration, Fitzgerald insists the time to unify is now 
Post-Gazette: Peduto plans for another term: Policing, campaigning during a crisis, and no, he’s not going to work for the Biden administration 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh-area native tapped to lead China policy in Biden administration 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh’s human relations commission names new director 
Post-Gazette:  COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County reports nearly 800 new cases in past two days
City Paper: Rep. Summer Lee to introduce bill to end cash bail in Pennsylvania
City Paper: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto kicks off re-election campaign with optimistic view of city 
City Paper: Multiple Pennsylvania state senators copy and paste same MLK Day message
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Executive Rich Fitzgerald Invited To Attend Joe Biden’s Inauguration 
KDKA: Western Pa. Connections Included In List Of Proposed Statues For Garden Of American Heroes 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 796 New Cases, 4 More Deaths Over 48 Hours
Tribune Review: Sen. Devlin Robinson appointed to committee leadership post, 5 other seats 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County covid cases, hospitalizations continue to decline 
WESA: Why PWSA’s Growing Capital Budget Is A Good Sign

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Joyce named to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy and Commerce
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset Prothonotary Svonavec seeks reelection 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local COVID-19 numbers decline 
Altoona Mirror: Area outbreak easing slowly
Observer-Reporter: Mt. Pleasant chief seeking district judge seat
Observer-Reporter: Fayette County’s COVID-19 death toll surpasses Washington County

NEPA
Times-Tribune: From Green Ridge to Washington D.C., Biden’s Scranton roots pave path to presidency 
Times-Tribune: ‘From this house’: The storied past of Joe Biden’s childhood home 
Times-Tribune: Scranton’s North Washington Avenue a garden for political careers 
Times-Tribune: State senators file suit to overturn fracking ban in Delaware River Basin 
Times-Tribune: Antique family Bible found in Scranton home tied to Biden’s ancestors  
Times-Tribune: Feds: No charges to be filed over discarded ballots in Luzerne County  
Times-Tribune: Diverse NEPA residents see hope in Biden  
Times-Tribune: Casey: Impeachment trial can move quickly 
Times-Tribune: Commissioners meeting rescheduled 
Times-Tribune: See who is running for office in Lackawanna County
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 case and death reports decline over weekend
Citizens Voice: Biden’s Catholic faith is deep and foundational, friends and supporters say 
Citizens Voice: ‘From this house’: The storied past of Joe Biden’s childhood home 
Citizens Voice: Mullery introduces bill to hold hospitals and nursing homes to standards 
Citizens Voice: From Green Ridge to Washington D.C., Biden’s Scranton roots pave path to presidency 
Citizens Voice: State Rep. Kaufer tests positive for COVID-19 
Citizens Voice: Casey: Trump’s election lie “soaked in racism” and “fueled” Capitol attack 
Citizens Voice: Feds: No charges to be filed over discarded ballots 
Citizens Voice: State senators file suit to overturn fracking ban in Delaware River Basin 
Citizens Voice: 67 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Monday
The Times Leader: Rep. Kaufer tests positive for COVID-19 
The Times Leader: Feds won’t be filing criminal charges in Luzerne County discarded ballot incident, case closed 
The Times Leader: Area legislators comment on Biden’s recovery plan
The Times Leader: Rep. Mullery bill would hold hospitals, nursing homes to high standards 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council expected to vote on Hazleton area tax break 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council must vote on two proposed ballot questions changing home rule charter 
The Times Leader: Interviews completed for Luzerne County election director position, manager says
The Times Leader: Casey: Peaceful transfer of power is testament to strength of democracy 
The Times Leader: Area mayors discuss pandemic relief with Cartwright  
The Times Leader: 67 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday 

South Central 
Patriot News: Pa. state senator dies from brain cancer at age 49
Patriot News: U.S. Rep. Scott Perry doubles down on being, well, Scott Perry, in a moment of riots and impeachment 
Patriot News: Pa. Rep. Patty Kim tests positive for COVID-19 
Patriot News: Harrisburg area woman sought in U.S. Capitol attacks is now in custody 
Patriot News: Central Pa. teacher defends being at Capitol on day of riots, says he prayed peacefully 
Patriot News: Three Mile Island sale clears another hurdle on eve of Biden administration 
York Daily Record: Lawmakers mourn death of Pa. Sen. Dave Arnold
York Dispatch: State Sen. Dave Arnold Jr., whose district includes part of York County, dies at 49
York Dispatch: After death of state Sen. Dave Arnold Jr., voters headed for another special election 
York Dispatch: COVID-19 fatigue? Fewer cases, but more deaths in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: Addressing the wound: Carlisle town hall discussion on racial equality raises potential for truth and reconciliation commission
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 85 and 88 COVID-19 case totals for Cumberland County in Monday’s two-day report
LNP | LancasterOnline: JoAnne Murphy takes early lead in race for Republican judicial endorsement 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Slight dip in daily COVID-19 cases in Lancaster County with just 233 new cases reported [Monday’s COVID-19 updates]

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: In wake of insurrection, Berks GOP legislators stand by their objections to Pa.’s electoral process, votes
Reading Eagle: Spring Township attorney launches campaign for Berks County judge
Reading Eagle: What political analysts, party leaders and politicians say about President Donald Trump’s legacy
Reading Eagle: COVID is fueling an eviction crisis in Berks County, but help is available
Reading Eagle: Reading City Councilwoman hopes to bring agriculture to the city
Reading Eagle: Berks County has 5th weekly decline in new COVID cases
Morning Call: Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski’s co-defendant seeks new trial in appeal
Morning Call: Lehigh County man arrested in U.S. Capitol riot 
Morning Call: Easton native Michael LaRosa appointed top spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden
Morning Call: Allentown mayor nominates internal candidate for finance director
Morning Call: Allentown School District to become first in state to take advantage of program using cameras to catch school bus stop sign scofflaws 
Express Times: Lehigh Valley man part of group that pushed barricade into cops to try and get into Capitol, feds say
WFMZ: Michael Schweder, former state rep and Bethlehem councilman, dies at 71 
WFMZ: Easton mayor wants state legislature to pass law banning guns from public government buildings 
WFMZ: Schwank appointed to Senate leadership role, committees 
WFMZ: Reading mayor hosts MLK Jr. Day of Service in center city 
WFMZ: Wolf, Republicans at odds over small-business grants

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: More than 100 Erie Republicans leave party after riot 
Erie Times-News: How area House members voted, week ending Jan. 15 
Erie Times-News: Erie councilwoman suggests tax payment help 
Erie Times-News: Erie County reports 24 COVID deaths since Friday
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Judge raised in Montoursville seated as president of Commonwealth Court
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Sen. Pat Toomey comments on impeachment
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Dieter to run for district magistrate
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 18 update: Centre County adds 123 COVID-19 cases, 2 deaths over 2 days

Opinion  
Joe Torsella: A Constitutional Call to Action 
Greg Rothman and Stephen Kinsey: Civility is the keystone of democracy
Nancy Patton Mills: Job one for Biden: Uniting the America that Trump divided. It will take all of us
Ismail Smith-Wade-El: America hasn’t lived up to MLK Day, but all hope is not lost
Jon Geeting: Now Can We Abolish the City Commissioners Office?  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Slow COVID-19 vaccination efforts need a booster shot 
Inquirer Editorial Board: This MLK Day, Congress should remember Dr. King’s economic agenda
York Dispatch Editorial Board: On MLK Day, emulate his vision, acts
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Stimulus priorities 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: American protest 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Garland is the right choice 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The unknown King 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Shining a light on bad behavior
LNP | LancasterOnline Letters to the Editor: Some LNP readers ask Rep. Lloyd Smucker to resign, others praise his work: Here’s what they say
Maria Panaritis: Three Amish-country pols have dumped the GOP with a courage lacking in Congress
Edward J. Sheehan: Gov. Wolf’s heartbreaking closure of Pa. Capitol underscores the incivility of these times 
Mariana Chilton: Dr. King wouldn’t be impressed by Joe Biden 
Christine Flowers: U.S. Attorney’s office gets worthy new leader
Kadida Kenner and Stephen Herzenberg: On Martin Luther King Day, remember the uncompromising politics of Black economist Sadie Alexander 
Tim Hartman: What the change at the Pa. Open Records Office means | Editorial Cartoon
Jeremy Backstrom: Why it’s important to call the Capitol attacks ‘domestic terrorism’ 
Helen Ubiñas: Trump’s second impeachment highlights whose safety is recognized — and prioritized 
Will Bunch: MLK’s struggle, a Capitol riot, and America’s immoral arc of white supremacy that bends back 
Charles F. McElwee: Will Biden’s working-class Pa. roots help him heal our divided nation? 
Salena Zito: This motor court is still in session
Charlie Gerow: Democrats are guilty of political posturing that serves only to further divide us  
Tony Norman: The Biden presidency ushers in the end of the Trump nightmare
Keith C. Burris: A chance
David M. Shribman: In Biden, U.S. seeks a Lincoln
Gene Therapy: Instant Legacy: A two-timer like no one’s ever seen