Six mayors from the state join a letter urging Congress to pass President Joe Biden’s COVID relief plan. Here is the Playbook. 

6 PA Mayors Join Letter Urging Congress to Pass Biden’s COVID Relief Plan: The joint letter included over 280 mayors from across the country endorsing President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan which would provide $350 billion in direct relief to state and local governments.

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Top Pa. election official calls for end to ‘lies’ as GOP launches 2020 hearings 
Spotlight PA: Q&A: Meet Pennsylvania’s new public records czar
Morning Call: Pennsylvania election bitterness on full display as lawmakers begin deep dive into how process works
Patriot News: Pa. House panel begins look back at 2020 elections to see what changes need made
Patriot News: Pennsylvania surpasses 20,000 COVID-19 deaths — doubling its toll in less than two months
Patriot News: ‘Keep Pittsburgh out of your mouth’: Steel City to Ted Cruz over Paris Climate Accord barb
Patriot News: Pa.’s most veteran state senator tests positive for COVID-19
FOX43: FOX43 Capitol Beat: Congressman Fred Keller discusses election certification, working with Biden Administration
AP: Pennsylvania hospitals: Not enough vaccine to go around 
AP: Woman accused of helping steal Pelosi laptop freed from jail
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With extremism resurgent, will Pa. finally pass a tougher hate crimes law? | Friday Morning Coffee 
Inquirer: Fact-checking Pat Toomey’s claim that families with ‘six-figure incomes’ would get thousands from Biden relief plan
Inquirer: No phone hotlines, multiple websites, long lines: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is confusing in Pa. and N.J.
WESA: Biden Order Keeps Moratorium On Some Student Loan Payments
WESA: State Welfare Enrollment Is Down, Despite Increased Need For Pennsylvanians
PLSReporter: It’s not over yet: House State Government holds first in months-long series of hearings to review election 
PLSReporter: House Dems look to address COVID-19 housing issues with “Safe at Home” legislation package 
PLSReporter: Report: DHS outlines initiatives aimed at combating systemic racism in the department and state 
PLSReporter: Jan. 21 COVID-19 Update: Pa. death toll surpasses 20,000
USA Today: FBI at property of Pa. banking secretary
KDKA: State Rep. Ed Gainey Introduces Automatic Voter Registration Legislation 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Department Of Human Services Releases First-Of-Its-Kind Racial Equity Report 
KDKA: Around The Table: The Transfer Of Power
Post-Gazette: In first of 14 hearings, state reps question Boockvar about election guidance
Post-Gazette: Comments on carbon-cutting plan show industry divided over Pa.’s energy future
Fox News: PA woman accused of stealing laptop from Pelosi’s office during Capitol riot released to home confinement
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pa. phone hotline for COVID-19 questions also a resource on vaccines
KYW Newsradio: Pa. DHS racial equity report shows major disparities are baked into system
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania child care workers can now apply to get one-time relief payment
KYW Newsradio: Harrisburg woman accused of stealing Pelosi’s laptop during Capitol riot released into mother’s custody
StateImpactPA: Report faults DEP for mine subsidence oversight in western Pa.
WHYY Newsworks: Wolf announces $600 COVID grants for Pa. child care workers
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. Dept. of Human Services vows to take ‘anti-racist’ approach
Billy Penn: Butter Baby Yoda, Ruth ‘Butter’ Ginsburg: Vote for your favorite DIY sculpture at the PA Farm Show
Tribune Review: Shapiro: Stimulus payments delayed for those who used tax preparation companies
Philly Voice: Harrisburg woman charged with stealing Pelosi’s laptop during Capitol riot can stay with mom while awaiting trial
Politico: House takes up Austin waiver
CNN: Woman accused of involvement in Pelosi laptop theft during Capitol riot released to home confinement
Huffington Post: Meet Your Local Republican Insurrectionist

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Retired Philly cops are probing for District Attorney Larry Krasner’s soft spots as he seeks reelection
Inquirer: Get Philly’s kids back in classrooms as soon as possible, Kenney and City Council tell School District
Inquirer: Contractor with ties to Johnny Doc pleads guilty to tax fraud and defrauding union benefit fund  
Inquirer: Inquirer hires a former Boston Globe executive as chief revenue officer
Inquirer: Lawyer Bernard Smalley, who learned about power in his dad’s barbershop, to head politically connected charity that runs Girard College
Billy Penn: Who is Jeffrey Yass? The Philly-area billionaire whose cash supported election challengers 
Billy Penn: Philly announces COVID-19 vaccine sign-up: Here’s what we know (and what we don’t)
WHYY Newsworks: Biden action on Liberian immigrants has community in Philly hopeful 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘It all needs to be rebuilt’: How Philly teens are changing city government
WHYY Newsworks: Philly teachers union wants all staff vaccinated before students return to school 
WHYY Newsworks: City Council returns from recess with hearing on school district future
Philadelphia Tribune: Black-led project makes open call for submissions about 2020 George Floyd protests 
Philly Voice: Philly’s official COVID-19 vaccine website goes online; residents can sign-up to be notified about getting their shots
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia launches online form for residents interested in receiving Covid-19 vaccine 

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Norristown PD investigating shots fired at Montgomery County Democratic Committee office 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County authorizes $2.2M in contracts ahead of 2021 primary, general elections
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. State Sen. Tommy Tomlinson tests positive for COVID-19
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County Judge Alan Rubenstein faces new allegations of ‘abusive,’ ‘humiliating’ comments 
Delco Daily Times: Zidek will not seek re-election to county council
Inquirer: No one hurt after Montgomery County Democratic Party office struck by bullets, chair says
KYW Newsradio: FBI examines 3 bullet holes found at Montco Democratic Committee office on Inauguration Day
Pottstown Mercury: Rep. Ciresi tapped for House education and policy committees
Philly Voice: Inaugural gifts presented to Biden, Harris crafted by Bucks County company 
Philly Voice: Gunshots fired at Montgomery County Democratic Party headquarters
Daily Local News: Chester County residents excited at election of nation’s first woman vice president 
Daily Local News: Chester County told to expect vaccine shortages

Pittsburgh 
WESA: ‘You Have To Be Present’: Ed Gainey Speaks On His Mayoral Bid 
Post-Gazette: Protesters gather outside Pittsburgh mayor’s home as a result of ‘radical’ tweet  
Post-Gazette: Ted Cruz says Biden more interested in ‘citizens of Paris’ than Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: President Biden picks former United Steelworkers safety official to lead OSHA 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County judge apologizes for photo with husband dressed as Capitol rioter
Post-Gazette: Wendy Bell returning to radio soon with WJAS
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. tops 20,000 deaths; Allegheny County has more than 66,000 cases
KDKA: State Rep. Ed Gainey Introduces Automatic Voter Registration Legislation 
KDKA: President Joe Biden’s Familiarity With Pittsburgh Gives Local Democratic Leaders High Hopes 
KDKA: ‘Keep Your Nose Out Of Our Business’: Sen. Ted Cruz’s Paris Climate Accord Comments Upset Pittsburgh Leaders  
KDKA: President Joe Biden’s Mask Mandate Doesn’t Change Much For Pittsburgh’s Public Transportation Systems 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Takes On Bernie Sanders Inauguration Meme
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 425 New Cases, 4 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Peduto challenger Ed Gainey: Fewer words, more action needed from next mayor of Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh’s Peduto among mayors asking new administration for financial relief 
Tribune Review: Pa. Secretary of State Boockvar implores state lawmakers to ‘stop the lies’ about the election 
Tribune Review: Wendy Bell headed back to radio on WJAS Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Vandals damage Biden, Black Lives Matter signs in Greensburg
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 425 additional covid cases, 4 deaths
Pittsburgh Business Times: Biden administration names former United Steelworkers leader to OSHA leadership 
City Paper: Parking chairs to city steps: The best memes of Bernie sitting in his chair in Pittsburgh

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Joyce: Inauguration ‘hallmark of democracy’
Altoona Mirror: Harris inauguration ‘overdue’ local Democrat women say
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State Rep. Burns to host virtual town hall
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pennsylvania political leaders support Biden, call for ‘national unity’
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Burns claims victory over state liquor control board
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State tops 20,000 COVID-19 deaths; virtual town hall set for Monday
Tribune Review: Health problems keep Christina O’Brien from seeking 4th term as Westmoreland prothonotary
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County adds 107 covid cases, 4 deaths
Observer-Reporter: Vice President Harris gives hope to young, Black women
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 deaths reported in Fayette, Washington, Greene counties

NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Democrats celebrate historic day for women during watch party 
The Times Leader: Casey, Toomey, Cartwright, Meuser, Wolf express hope for nation’s future 
The Times Leader: 153 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; deaths at 560
Citizens Voice: Historic Biden Inauguration front pages from newspapers across the US
Citizens Voice: 153 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Thursday
Times-Tribune: Democrats and Republicans react to President Joe Biden’s inauguration 
Times-Tribune: Scranton announces launch of updated city website 
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 spread may be easing as state deaths surpass 20,000

South Central 
Lebanon Daily News: “He was a fighter”: Sen. Dave Arnold’s staff reflects on his public service legacy
York Daily Record: York County man charged with harassing Congressman Scott Perry through calls, emails 
York Daily Record: Central Pa. man who ‘got caught up in the moment’ arrested for altercations with Capitol police  
York Dispatch: Police: Washington Twp. man told Perry ‘You deserve to have your head taken off’ 
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills 11 more in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster elected officials, community leaders find hope in Biden’s unity message at inauguration 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County reports 247 new cases of COVID-19 [Thursday’s COVID-19 updates] 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 71 new cases of COVID-19 and 7 deaths for Cumberland County Thursday
Patriot News: ‘Not that Riley Williams’: Mechanicsburg teen mistaken for woman arrested in U.S. Capitol riot

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Political fight brewing in Harrisburg over redistricting 
WFMZ: Berks lawmakers react to historic day in DC, road ahead
WFMZ: Allentown City Council OKs new finance director 
WFMZ: South Whitehall approves $115K pandemic relief plan for small businesses 
Morning Call: New Allentown finance director says city faces considerable fiscal challenges in years ahead
Morning Call: Allentown City Council confirms long-delayed NIZ authority nominees, but battle over future appointments begins
Reading Eagle: COVID cases and hospitalizations point down for Berks and Pa., but state passes 20,000 deaths
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 5,664 new cases; 260 new deaths brings state across 20K deaths; Lehigh Valley with 373 more cases | Pa. COVID county map (01/21/20) 

North by Northwest
FOX43: FOX43 Capitol Beat: Congressman Fred Keller discusses election certification, working with Biden Administration
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local leaders hope for nation to move forward
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Committee weighs moving, staying options for City Hall
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Franklin Township receives grant to update sewer system
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 63 new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: ECCC interim president ‘passionately committed’
Erie Times-News: Supporters say a $15 min wage needed now
Erie Times-News: Pa. Secretary of State testifies before House on presidential election
Centre Daily Times: Most Pennsylvania GOP backed Trump to the end, and still do
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 21 update: Centre County reports 51 new cases of COVID-19; Pa. passes 20,000 deaths

Opinion  
John Baer: What political change could look like under President Biden: An end to ‘this uncivil war’? 
Benjamin Pontz: Handoffs at Auditor General, Office of Open Records, showed government at its best  
Larry Platt: The Krasner Referendum
Ernest Owens: I Took a COVID-19 Vaccine Selfie. Then the Questions Came Pouring In.
Lisa Cunningham: Mayor Peduto, please stop equating Pittsburgh protesters with the “Radical Right” 
Ryan Deto: Ted Cruz simps hard for a losing president, annoys all of Pittsburgh in the process
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Biden can’t do it alone
Inquirer Editorial Board: Coronavirus death counts exceed one per day in Pa. prisons. Gov. Wolf needs to use all the tools he has. 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Biden’s call for unity is welcome, but that won’t be easy
Inquirer Staff: Should Rachel Levine’s replacement be a physician? | Pro/Con
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Vote-count standards needed 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pa. hunting programs drawing the right kind of attention
Tony Norman: Land of hope and dreams revisited
Efrat R. Kean and Patricia C. Henwood: Vaccine distribution is a mess. Time to call in the National Guard. | Expert Opinion
Steven Waldman and Susan Coffin: Slow vaccine distribution and disappearing local news are crises with a common solution 
JD Mullane: Despite divisions, Americans wish the new president success
Jenice Armstrong: It’s time to treat gun violence like the public health emergency it is 
Trudy Rubin: Biden’s first big foreign-policy test will be fixing the COVID-19 vaccine mess 
The Angry Grammarian: Are you a covidiot who coronasplains?