Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he will nominate Alison Beam to serve as Pennsylvania’s Health Secretary. Here is the Playbook. 

January 22nd Ups and Downs: Pennsylvania’s Health Secretary gets nominated by the Biden administration, statewide row offices are sworn-in, plus the mayoral race in Pittsburgh has begun. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
New York Times: Pennsylvania Lawmaker Played Key Role in Trump’s Plot to Oust Acting Attorney General
AP: Legislator mocks trans Biden nominee on Facebook, apologizes
AP: Democratic lawmaker slams Pennsylvania over vaccine rollout
AP: Lawmakers speed bill to limit a governor’s disaster powers
AP: Unemployment rate stable in Pennsylvania, as payrolls shrink
The Caucus: Trump remains at center of generational shift overtaking Pennsylvania’s GOP
Patriot News: U.S. Rep. Scott Perry played role in Trump scheme to replace attorney general, says New York Times report
Patriot News: Pa. Democrats call for U.S. Rep. Scott Perry’s resignation
Patriot News: Pa. House panel begins look back at 2020 elections to see what changes need to be made
Patriot News: ‘I’m not a white supremacist; you can quote me’: Pa. judge pictured with husband dressed as ‘QAnon Shaman’ at Biden party
Patriot News: Pennsylvania’s casinos were closed a third of the year in 2020 and revenue was down more than 20 percent
Patriot News: Pa. casinos saw record internet gaming and sports wagering in December 
Morning Call: With Dr. Rachel Levine tapped for Biden administration job, Gov. Tom Wolf nominates her replacement
WHYY Newsworks: Want kids back in school? There’s a PAC for that
Inquirer: As Trump era ends, U.S. Attorney McSwain steps down. Is politics in his future?
Inquirer: State Rep. Jeff Pyle is slammed for a transphobic post mocking ex-health secretary Rachel Levine
Inquirer: Pa. reopens federal benefits for workers still unemployed due to COVID-19
Inquirer: Thousands of Pa. and N.J. nursing home residents and staff still haven’t had COVID-19 shots
Spotlight PA: Acting Pa. victim advocate resigns after rejection by GOP-led Senate
Spotlight PA: Thousands of drug, alcohol recovery homes in Pa. still operate without state oversight
Spotlight PA: Where to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania and who can get it (MAP)
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Top Wolf aide named to replace Levine at state Health Dept.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm announces her resignation
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Without apologies, Pa. Republicans forge ahead with election hearings spree
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Report: Pa. Rep. Scott Perry ‘played key role’ in Trump plot to oust acting attorney general
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: In a week of changes, Pa. remains uncertain about census data
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Capitol lights turn amber for COVID-19 victims
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: New Erie Co. Community College picks its interim president 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Some handy tips for fending off cabin fever | Five for the Weekend
Tribune Review: John Fetterman talks marijuana, voters, style in CBS interview
Tribune Review: Extended unemployment benefit payments to restart, Pa. officials say
PLSReporter: Commonwealth Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm resigns
PLSReporter: Wolf nominates Alison Beam, Dr. Wendy Braund to take over DOH following Levine’s departure
PLSReporter: Emergency powers amendment approved by Senate committee
PLSReporter: In first 5-year projection since pandemic, IFO predicts structural deficits in years to come 
PLSReporter: Jan. 22 COVID-19 Update: 5,338 new cases; nearly 100,000 people fully vaccinated
Fox News: Smokers prioritized for COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania: officials
Express Times: Pa. gamblers shifted online from in casinos in 2020, big time. Here’s what to expect next.
Billy Penn: Pa. unemployment update: How gig workers can file for benefits and get the extra $300
USA Today: Pa. victim advocate Jennifer Storm resigns after a political fight with Senate Republicans
Post-Gazette: President Biden’s first 100 days to tackle ‘cascading crises of our era’
StateImpactPA: Watch: In Pa., solar set to test how local governments deal with new kind of energy infrastructure 
StateImpactPA: As Biden administration aims to unwind Trump rollbacks, here’s a look at what to expect 
StateImpactPA: Proposal to join regional cap-and-trade program draws 13,000 comments 
Times-Tribune: Back in the Senate majority, Casey pushing $1.9T package on COVID-19 relief as ‘our obligation’
The Times Leader: AG Shapiro leads coalition in federal lawsuit to protect tipped workers
Citizens Voice: Back in the Senate majority, Casey pushing $1.9T package on COVID-19 relief as “our obligation”
CNHI: Democrats call on York County congressman to resign over reported role in Trump plot to overturn election
Philly Voice: Pa. GOP lawmaker faces calls to resign over role in trying to overturn election results 
Philly Voice: Pa. state legislator shares transphobic meme on Facebook mocking ex-health secretary Levine 
The Hill: NYT: Rep. Perry played role in alleged Trump plan to oust acting AG 
The Hill: Pennsylvania moves smokers to top of coronavirus vaccine list
KYW Newsradio: Expert: Biden executive order to get $15 federal minimum wage could have ripple effects on Pa.
KYW Newsradio: State representative apologizes after posting meme mocking Levine
KYW Newsradio: Unemployment benefits resume for gig workers in Pennsylvania
CNN: Teacher suspended for attending Capitol ‘Stop the Steal’ rally 
CNN: New York Times: Trump and DOJ attorney had plan to replace his acting AG and undo Georgia election result
Huffington Post: Pennsylvania Official Slams Ted Cruz For His Pittsburgh Vs. Paris Comments

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Philly Mayor Jim Kenney adds U.S. Senate to the list of higher offices on his mind for 2022 
Inquirer: The pandemic took a big bite out of Philly’s tax base. What happens if suburbanites keep working from home?
Inquirer: Pa. Democrats call for Rep. Scott Perry to resign after reports he urged Trump to use a Philly-native lawyer against Biden win 
Inquirer: Trump tapped attorney from Northeast Philadelphia to push claims of election fraud, report says
Inquirer: For 11 million undocumented people, including 50,000 in Philly, Biden offers a chance to step from the shadows
Inquirer: President Biden’s economic relief package could cut childhood poverty in half — but it’s only temporary
Inquirer: Philly Police HQ gets added construction costs as builders miss completion target 
Inquirer: A new course at Penn explores everything about Benjamin Franklin’s life 
Inquirer: Report alleges racism, hostile work environment at CBS3
Philadelphia Tribune: Juneteenth is no longer an official city holiday
Philadelphia Tribune: City launches grant program for gyms and restaurants impacted by pandemic
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia launches $12M grant program for restaurants and gyms impacted by Covid-19
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia Inquirer hires former Boston Globe exec as chief revenue officer
KYW Newsradio: Relief is on the way for Philly restaurants, gyms shut down by COVID-19 prevention measures
KYW Newsradio: A wild day in court during bail hearing for 2 men accused of coming to Philly armed and protesting ballot counting
KYW Newsradio: Flashpoint: Philly police commissioner reflects on first year; Tiny Desks  
Philly Voice: Philly unveils $12 million COVID-19 relief program for restaurants, gyms

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Bucks County State Senator Tommy Tomlinson tests positive for COVID-19 
Bucks Local News: Bucks County program targeting ‘forgotten’ court costs nets $141K in six months
WHYY Newsworks: FBI, local authorities investigating attack on Montgomery County Democrats office
WHYY Newsworks: How an environmental justice controversy sparked in Upper Darby
Bucks County Courier Times: Attorney Amir Stark runs for Bucks County Court judge 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks, Montco step up efforts to vaccinate
Delco Daily Times: Parkside councilwoman is cleared as another uses inappropriate language 
Delco Daily Times: Delco to pay $100G each to 2 employees for five months of work 
Delco Daily Times: Delco urges patience in waiting for COVID-19 vaccines
Daily Local News: Long-term care residents account for 70 percent of coronavirus deaths in Chester County
KYW Newsradio: Bucks County couple discovers personal connection to President Biden
Pottstown Mercury: Rep. Webster’s election town hall on Monday to feature Sec. Boockvar

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: State Rep. Ed Gainey launches official mayoral campaign 
Post-Gazette: Seth Meyers blasts Ted Cruz for his Pittsburgh comments on late-night show 
Post-Gazette: With another $22 million, construction work set to begin at aging Ohio River lock-and-dam project 
Post-Gazette: Human rights concerns result in political campaign in Sharpsburg 
Post-Gazette: City reviewing allegations that police officers drank on duty during election night 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County reports more than 400 new cases, one additional death
KDKA: Pa. State Senator Lindsey Williams Slams Pennsylvania Over COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
KDKA: Retired Pittsburgh Police Detective Tony Moreno To Take On Peduto In Democratic Primary For Mayor 
KDKA: Duquesne City Council Censures Mayor Nickole Nesby
KDKA: Fox Chapel Council Approves $250 Stipend Payments To Property Owners Affected By Street Name Change
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 464 New Coronavirus Cases
Tribune Review: Retired Pittsburgh cop Tony Moreno says he dislikes politics but has what it takes to be mayor 
Tribune Review: Covid hospitalizations in Allegheny County fall while cases tick upward
City Paper: How Ted Cruz helped Rich Fitzgerald become Yinzer Jeff Daniels
WESA: Allegheny County Opens Up COVID Vaccines To Those 65 And Over, All Slots Gone Within One Hour

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Gleason reappointed to academy board of visitors
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset adds 6 COVID-19 deaths; region saw fewer new cases last week
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County vaccine plan remains shot in the dark for now 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County records 140 additional covid cases, 5 new deaths
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases slowing, but deaths increasing in Washington County
Altoona Mirror: Counties: Expand broadband
Altoona Mirror: Lawmakers spar during election system hearings

NEPA 
Citizens Voice: Election inquiry committee set to issue report soon
Citizens Voice: Boback to chair veterans affairs in House
Citizens Voice: Kokura Kravitz to launch campaign for Luzerne County judge
Citizens Voice: Patrick Solano, public servant to nine Pa. governors, dies at 95
Citizens Voice: 123 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Scranton exit from Act 47 on track for January 2022
Times-Tribune: Patrick Solano, public servant to nine Pennsylvania governors, dies at 95 
Times-Tribune: Scranton officials have plans for technology upgrades in 2021
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 daily cases rise statewide but dip locally over prior day
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council Election Inquiry Committee wrapping up recommendations
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre reports 2020 budget deficit
The Times Leader: Mullery introduces antlerless deer hunting license legislation
The Times Leader: Brown: Pension fixes administrative, plans in compliance with state
The Times Leader: Patrick Solano, WW II vet and longtime political adviser, dies at 95
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre extends payment deadline for emergency relief loans
The Times Leader: Boback first woman to chair House veterans committee
The Times Leader: Carroll to introduce election code bill
The Times Leader: Boback reminds eligible disabled veterans of real estate tax exemption
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton ZIP codes continue to lead in new COVID-19 cases
The Times Leader: 123 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in county on Sunday; 7 new deaths

South Central 
Patriot News: U.S. Rep. Scott Perry played role in Trump scheme to replace attorney general, says New York Times report
Patriot News: Pa. Democrats call for U.S. Rep. Scott Perry’s resignation
York Daily Record: Perry played big role to overturn Georgia: NYT
York Daily Record: Democratic Party of York County calls for York City Councilman Lou Rivera to resign
York Dispatch: Pa. Dems call for Perry to resign after reports put him at center of election ‘crisis’
York Dispatch: York County official: Gov’t is undermining vaccine rollout
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills 15 more in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 70 new cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths for Cumberland County Saturday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County conservatives ponder what it means to be Republican, direction of the party in post-Trump era
LNP | LancasterOnline: 6 Democrats vie for party’s backing for Lancaster City Council; here are their platforms
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster native appointed interim U.S. ambassador to Kenya as countries negotiate trade deal 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pa. surpasses 800K COVID-19 cases to date [Sunday’s COVID-19 updates]
WITF: Report Says Rep. Scott Perry, Trump Collaborated On Plan To Overturn Election Results
WITF: Central Pa. immigrant organizations set priorities for 2021 legislative session

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Mayor on the state of Allentown: ’Thank God we made it’ through 2020
Express Times: Bethlehem Councilwoman Crampsie Smith 1st to declare in 4-seat council race
Express Times: A Lehigh Valley teacher was suspended for being near D.C. insurrection. He says he was only there to ‘witness a historic day.’
Express Times: Allentown creates COVID vaccine sign-up plan after 2 weeks of slots filled in 3 hours
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Case counts are falling post holiday surge; deaths area still high | Pa. COVID-19 county map (01/22/21)
Morning Call: In annual address, Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell reflects on navigating a turbulent 2020
Morning Call: ‘My reputation and character have been destroyed’: Allentown School District teacher suspended for attending protests says lawsuit is inevitable  
Morning Call: From the editor: Staying on top of the vaccine rollout
WFMZ: Allentown mayor praises Health Bureau, touts efforts to reduce budget deficit in State of the City address
WFMZ: Environmental committee discusses idea of plastic bag ban in Northampton County
Reading Eagle: Berks County nears 15,000 vaccinations finished and ongoing
Reading Eagle: Berks County plans to help spread the word about COVID vaccines but it’s not delivering the shots
Reading Eagle: Four more COVID-19 deaths announced in Berks
Reading Eagle: Berks County sees largest drop yet of new COVID cases in weekly state report 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Wolf nominates Alison Beam as health secretary
Erie Times-News: Unemployment benefits resume for Pa. self-employed
Erie Times-News: Erie to get $200,000 grant for code enforcement
Erie Times-News: Harborcreek Municipal Building getting new look
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pandemic’s impact on tax revenue begins to become clearer
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City Council keeps half-mill tax hike
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Reighard elected planning commission chairman
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State vaccine allocation overwhelmed
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State passes 20K COVID deaths
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Biden’s climate steps could have big impact on energy firms
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Blighted properties reviewed by city
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County commissioners approve youth services agreements
York Daily Record: This Pennsylvania county has seen a sharp spike in coronavirus cases this week
Centre Daily Times: Democratic lawmaker slams Pennsylvania over vaccine rollout
Centre Daily Times: Lawsuit: NRA’s rhetoric spurred deadly synagogue shooting
Centre Daily Times: Lawmakers speed bill to limit a governor’s disaster powers
Centre Daily Times: Governor names replacements for departing health secretary
Centre Daily Times: Legislator mocks trans Biden nominee on Facebook, apologizes
Centre Daily Times: Jan. 23 update: Centre County adds 74 COVID-19 cases as state nears 800,000 total cases

Opinion  
Seth Grove: Unity needed in election reform
Margo Davidson: Pa. House committee seeks to re-litigate 2020 election
Paul Muschick: The newest assault on your voting rights: Pennsylvania judicial gerrymandering scheme
Mark Singel: Biden begins the healing process
Charlie Gerow: President Biden should condemn calls for “reprogramming” Trump “enablers”
Charles Mitchell: The last line of defense against executive overreach
Lenny McAllister: End the blame game: officials should embrace, not attack, public cyber charter schools
Marc Stier: Another problem with judicial districts: The threat of judicial extremism 
John L. Micek: For the good of Pa., and the country, Rep. Scott Perry must resign | Monday Morning Coffee 
Inquirer Staff: Abolishing the filibuster: With Dems in control of the Senate, is it time? | Pro/Con
Inquirer: It took Joe Biden three tries and 32 years to become president. What’s taken you a while to achieve?
PennLive Editorial Board: An anxious nation can’t afford another failed presidency
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We’ve had enough sorrow. Follow the guidance of President Biden, be responsible and wear a mask.
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Levine takes federal post 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: No-knock ban should be passed 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Air travel restrictions make sense  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Reining in animals on flights
Inquirer Editorial Board: The maestro makes a sound suggestion for the arts. Biden should listen.
Observer-Reporter Editorial Board: Regional elections for judges still a bad idea
Jon Geeting: How Biden Could Make Philly Housing More Affordable
Helen Ubiñas: Trump is gone. Help me put the spotlight back on underrepresented people and communities. 
John Cole: Surfing that charter school wave | Editorial Cartoon
Bill White: Inauguration inspires hope for unity, truth, decency
David M. Shribman: Gorman, summoned to participate, is celebrated
Keith C. Burris: What I like about Joe
Gene Therapy: What’s the media to do without Mar-a-Lago Man?
Ruth Ann Dailey: Could Biden find unity with pro-lifers?
Lisa Scottoline: A shot in the arm 
Dick Polman: Goodbye, MAGA. Hello MGWA (Make government work again) 
Jonathan C. Rothermel: No, the U.S. isn’t on the brink of a socialist apocalypse under Joe Biden 
Will Bunch: Biden could curb right-wing extremism with one weird trick: Ending the U.S. ‘forever war’ 
Conrad Benner: 10 policies Biden must pass in his first 100 days, as drawn by Philly artists
Cydney Brown: I’m a youth poet laureate like Amanda Gorman. I want more girls like us to use our voices.