Pennsylvania’s three statewide row officers were sworn-in, while President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine to serve as the Assistant Health Secretary. Here is the Playbook. 

How Josh Shapiro Won PA: Attorney General Josh Shapiro was the highest performing Democrat in 62 counties, while also outperforming former VP Joe Biden by double digits in 16 counties.

How Tim DeFoor Won PA: Incoming Auditor General Tim DeFoor was the highest performing statewide Republican candidate in 45 counties, while also improving his margins in 60 counties in comparison to 2016 Auditor General GOP candidate John Brown.

How Stacy Garrity Won PA: Incoming Treasurer Stacy Garrity outperformed President Donald Trump in 35 counties, while also improving her margins in 61 counties in comparison to 2016 Treasurer GOP candidate Otto Voit.

Peduto Announces Bid for Third Term: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto addressed questions about economic development, equality, public safety, and more from fourteen community leaders in a prerecorded town hall meeting that announced his intentions to seek reelection.

Biden Selects Levine As Assistant Health Secretary: President-elect Joe Biden said that Dr. Rachel Levine would bring “steady leadership and essential expertise” needed to get people through the pandemic and more.

After Capitol Unrest, Bucks DA Hopeful and Army Reservist Suspends Campaign: Danny Ceisler suspended his campaign after being called to serve on the Domestic Unrest Crisis Management Team at the Pentagon.

Peduto Names Campaign Team: The Pittsburgh Mayor’s campaign brings in state Rep. Emily Kinkead’s 2020 primary campaign manager, Rep. Conor Lamb’s campaign’s finance director, and more.

Costa Endorses Beck: Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa has endorsed Jill Beck, an attorney from Pittsburg’s candidacy for the PA Superior Court, according to a release from Beck’s campaign. 

Biden Announces PA Campaign Staffers To White House Staff: According to a release from the Biden-Harris transition, President-elect Joe Biden has hired Ike Hajinazarian as a Regional Communication Directors and Khanya Brann as a Senior Communications Assistant and Special Assistant to the Director of Communications. Hajinazarian most recently served as the Western Pennsylvania Regional Press Secretary for the Biden campaign. Brann served as the Pennsylvania Communications Associate and previously served as a Communications Intern for the Biden-Harris campaign. Brann also previously served as the Communications Fellow for Philly Counts 2020 and is a graduate of Temple University. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Patriot News: Pa. attorney general sworn in, files another lawsuit against Trump Administration
Patriot News: Auditor General Tim DeFoor vows to deliver on ‘accountability, integrity, and transparency’
Patriot News: Stacy Garrity takes office as Pennsylvania Treasurer
Patriot News: Who is Dr. Rachel Levine? Get to know Biden’s pick for assistant health secretary
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf expects to name Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine’s successor later this week
Patriot News: Transgender community hails nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine to Biden administration
Patriot News: All Pa. counties show substantial spread of COVID-19 for 6th week, positive test rate drops again
Patriot News: Capitol laptop theft suspect filed for protection from man who called FBI on her
Patriot News: COVID-19 hospitalizations continue hopeful trend in Pa.
AP: Pennsylvania statewide row officers sworn for 4-year terms 
AP: Biden picks 1st transgender person for Senate-confirmed post
AP: Pennsylvania expands vaccine eligibility to 65 and older
AP: Pennsylvania gambling revenue fell by more than 20% in 2020
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Scranton Joe? Biden gets heat for inaugural celebration with union-busting law firm
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. row officers sworn in, bringing diversity, GOP shakeup to Harrisburg
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. to expand COVID-19 vaccine distribution to more people
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden Inaugural 2021: What Pa. will be watching and listening for | Wednesday Morning Coffee
KDKA: Shapiro Takes Oath Of Office For 2nd Term As Pa. Attorney General, DeFoor And Garrity Sworn In As Auditor General And Treasurer 
Morning Call: Who is Dr. Rachel Levine? Here’s what we know about Joe Biden’s pick for assistant secretary of health
Morning Call: Pennsylvania updates coronavirus vaccine rollout to give priority to people 65 and older as St. Luke’s announces plan
Inquirer: After insults and fraught politics in Pa., Rachel Levine’s nomination to Biden administration is a ‘new day for transgender America’
Inquirer: Bala Cynwyd billionaire Jeff Yass feels betrayed by GOP stars he funded in Congress, including some who denied Biden won 
Inquirer: Authorities will ‘never take me alive,’ Harrisburg woman told social media after stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop, FBI says
PLSReporter: Levine tapped as assistant secretary for health in Biden administration
PLSReporter: 3 state row officers sworn in for new terms
PLSReporter: County commissioners outline 2021 legislative priorities 
PLSReporter: Jan. 19 COVID-19 Update: Pennsylvania adds older residents, those with high-risk medical conditions to Phase 1A of vaccine distribution
Post-Gazette: Outgoing FCC Chair Ajit Pai sees bright future for tele-health, 5G connectivity 
StateImpactPA: With Biden vow to rejoin Paris Agreement, cities and states look forward to federal partnership on climate
National Journal: Toomey lands in the spotlight just as he eyes his exit 
WFMZ: Dwight Eisenhower considered Pa. his home, especially during his presidency
Express Times: COVID vaccine in Pa.: Who can get it? What are the side effects? The latest on mass vaccination sites and more. 

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Philly trans leaders burst with pride over Biden’s historic pick of Pa.’s Rachel Levine 
Inquirer: Bala Cynwyd billionaire Jeff Yass feels betrayed by GOP stars he funded in Congress, including some who denied Biden won
Inquirer: Philadelphia Orchestra maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin asks Biden and Harris to add cabinet-level arts position
Inquirer: Low Cut Connie is headlining an inauguration party
Inquirer: Pa. and Philly expand COVID-19 vaccine groups, but confusion remains for residents
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia is launching a COVID-19 vaccine sign-up. What about the one that exists?
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Treat all homicides the same’: Philly police under scrutiny after quick arrest of suspect in Temple grad killing
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. vaccine guidelines expand to 65 and older, those with high risk medical conditions 16-64
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia moving to next phase of vaccine distribution
KYW Newsradio: Philly City Council partners with community to get aggressive in getting guns off streets
KYW Newsradio: Despite less traffic, Philly street fatalities spiked in 2020, prompting calls for Vision Zero investment
WHYY Newsworks: ‘These radios are a huge asset to us’: Delco overhauls police radio system
Philly Voice: Philly opens COVID-19 vaccine access to some frontline workers, seniors
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia, state expand Covid-19 vaccine criteria. Here’s who is now eligible. 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Here are Biden’s cabinet picks with ties to the Philadelphia region

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County shares ‘hometown pride’ of Willow Grove native Jill Biden 
Montgomery Media: Trump legacy: Montco political leaders, professors debate how president will be remembered 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 1,278 new positive coronavirus cases, no deaths, over 4-day period
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks DA challenger suspends campaign for active duty
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks, Montco have limited vaccine, despite expanded eligibility
Bucks Local News: On his 92nd birthday, Jack Erickson announces candidacy for Newtown Borough constable 
KYW Newsradio: Delaware County first responders get a new radio system
Daily Local News: Lawmakers confident of a safe inauguration day 
Daily Local News: Lawsuit to reopen schools dismissed impacting Unionville, Downingtown, West Chester

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Gainey To Challenge Peduto In Mayoral Race
WESA: City Council Takes Up Ban On ‘No-Knock’ Warrants, Which Officials Say Cops Don’t Use
WESA: Two Western PA Men Arrested After Attending Riot At US Capitol
WESA: Pittsburgh Activist Says U.S. Capitol Mob Was ‘Like White Privilege On Display’
Post-Gazette: State Rep. Gainey to challenge Peduto in Democratic primary
Post-Gazette: City Council introduces ban on ‘no-knock’ warrants; Pittsburgh police say no need 
Post-Gazette: Court rules in favor of city in Darlene Harris campaign finance suit 
Post-Gazette: Local authorities report no known threats, but are vigilant before inauguration 
Post-Gazette: U.S. District Court rules Port Authority workers can wear masks with Black lives matter slogans 
Post-Gazette: Penn Hills mayor reassures community after string of shootings 
Post-Gazette: Two Western Pa. men charged in connection with U.S. Capitol riot
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pennsylvania lowers vaccination eligibility age in campaign’s first phase
KDKA: State Rep. Ed Gainey Announces Candidacy For Mayor Of Pittsburgh
KDKA: Pittsburgh City Council Members Introduce Legislation To Ban No-Knock Warrants
KDKA: Public Safety: No Credible Threats Against Pittsburgh Ahead Of Inauguration Day
KDKA: 2 Western Pennsylvania Men Arrested In Connection With Capitol Riots
KDKA: Duquesne Mayor Calls For Answers After Woman Arrested While Speaking With Her Inside Municipal Building
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports No New Deaths, 434 Additional Cases
Tribune Review: State Rep. Ed Gainey to challenge incumbent Bill Peduto in race for Pittsburgh mayor 
Tribune Review: Josh Shapiro sworn into 2nd term as Pa. attorney general
Tribune Review: Ban on no-knock warrants introduced by Pittsburgh City Council 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Council approves extension of program to require affordable housing in Lawrenceville 
Tribune Review: Judge: Port Authority cannot ban Black Lives Matter masks 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County sees lowest covid case average since mid-November
City Paper: Pa. state Rep. Ed Gainey announces run for Pittsburgh mayor
City Paper: Bill to ban Pittsburgh Police from using no-knock warrants introduced in city council

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Levine hailed as ‘a woman of courage’ by local advocates
Beaver County Times: Two western Pennsylvania men charged in Capitol riots
Beaver County Times: Beaver County seniors to receive COVID vaccines

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Biden sends video message to Scranton community
Times-Tribune: Disappointed friends, supporters will watch Biden inauguration from far away
Times-Tribune: Panel outlines expectations for new president
Times-Tribune: Proposed ordinance would set new deadline to pay 2020 Scranton trash fees
Times-Tribune: Former Wayne County commissioner dies
Times-Tribune: See who is running for office in Lackawanna County
The Times Leader: 116 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 5,341 statewide
Citizens Voice: Swoyersville solicitor: Mayor told me to draft controversial dog ordinance
Citizens Voice: Biden/Harris cutouts big for Wilkes-Barre business
Citizens Voice: 116 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday

South Central 
York Dispatch: County association to lobby for election reform, internet access
York Dispatch: York County’s DA, police chiefs, clergy condemn attack on US Capitol as one chief says investigation into cop nearly finished
York Dispatch: York County had a record number of overdose deaths in 2020
York Dispatch: One new death in York County attributed to COVID-19
York Daily Record: More people say city councilman acted improperly
Carlisle Sentinel: Harrisburg woman in custody after being sought by FBI for involvement in Capitol riot
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 80 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths for Cumberland County Tuesday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County reaches 800 COVID-19 deaths as pandemic charges through January
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County’s COVID-19 case count grows by 257 [Tuesday’s COVID-19 updates]
Patriot News: Harrisburg-area woman may be charged with stealing Nancy Pelosi’s laptop, prosecutors say
Patriot News: Capitol laptop theft suspect filed for protection from man who called FBI on her
Patriot News: Central Pa. man ‘laid hands on’ police officers during Capitol riot: prosecutor

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Former city administrator to run for Bethlehem mayor
WFMZ: Northampton County gets $9.1M grant to prevent evictions
WFMZ: Bethlehem suspending penalties, late fees on overdue utility bills until March 31
WFMZ: Easton mayor recommends Henry Hennings for fire chief position
Reading Eagle: Reading filling vacancies on boards, authorities and commissions
Reading Eagle: Reading Area Water Authority gears up for potential violence in wake of Biden’s inauguration
Reading Eagle: 338 new COVID cases for Berks County
Express Times: How a visit 8 years ago deepened Joe Biden’s ancestral connection to the Lehigh Valley
Express Times: Did your water bill arrive after the due date? Don’t worry. Bethlehem is pausing late fees.
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus updates: 5K new cases, 77 more deaths as state death toll approaches 20K; vaccine eligibility expanded; Levine up for federal post | Pa. COVID county case map (01/19/21)
Morning Call: Mayor announces pick for new Easton fire chief

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Late South Side mayor was a devoted community leader
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 47 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 19 update: Centre County adds 67 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 5,341 new positives
Erie Times-News: Peninsula receives sand replenishment funding
Erie Times-News: Phase 1A expands, but vaccine limited in Erie

Opinion  
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial: A county public health department would help sort out the confusion besetting the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process
Paul Muschick: Biden inauguration: 3 priorities for our new president (including COVID-19 relief)
John Kromer: Is Philly Ready for a Third Wave of Political Activism? 
Will Bunch Newsletter: Did America actually learn anything from Trump? 
Trudy Rubin: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny risks it all for democracy. Will GOP senators do the same? 
Solomon Jones: Biden can’t unite America, but he can tackle COVID, jobs, and student debt 
Fletcher McClellan: As his single term ends, the reckoning of Donald Trump begins