Tag: Playbook

🎬  That’s a wrap on the work week. Have a great weekend, whether you are at home or in NYC.

🗞️   The PoliticsPA Playbook is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

PA Weather
❄️  Waterford | Snow Showers, 28
🌤️  Camp Hill | Partly Sunny, 36
🌤️  New York City | Mostly Sunny, 35

PA Sports
🏈  Steelers (9-3) | Sun vs. Cleveland
🏈  Eagles (10-2) | Sun vs. Carolina
🏈  Penn State (11-1) | Sat vs. Oregon
🏀  Sixers (5-15) | Fri vs. Orlando | Sun vs. Chicago
🏒  Flyers (12-11-3) | Florida 5-7 | Sat vs. Boston | Sun vs. Utah
🏒  Penguins (11-12-4) | Fri vs. NY Rangers | Sat vs. Toronto

📅  What’s Happening. Here is an updated list of events happening at the 2024 Pennsylvania Society this weekend in New York City.

🔊  What We’re Hearing. “I’m incredibly honored the people of our great commonwealth have entrusted me as their next Senator. Thank you, Pennsylvania!” – Senator-elect Dave McCormick

📱  Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn

 

Top Story

1. 2020 Fake Electors, Trump Die-Hards, GOP Chiefs: Here Is Who Will Make PA Electoral Votes

screenshot

“Pennsylvanians weeks ago decided to award the Keystone State’s coveted electoral college votes to Republican Donald Trump.

Later this month, 19 people will gather in Harrisburg to make it official.

This group, the individuals selected as presidential electors for Trump, includes top figures in the Pennsylvania GOP, rising Republican stars and fervent Trump loyalists. The list also features five former “fake electors,” who joined a plot advanced by Trump and his allies to contest the 2020 election results.” (Erie Times-News)

Elsewhere

Goodbye to the American Century? “The post-WWII world order of American dominance is over. Donald Trump proves it.” (POLITICO)

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman: Pardon Hunter Biden and Donald Trump. “Sen. John Fetterman argued on Thursday that President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both deserve pardons after facing what he called “politically motivated” legal trials.” (USA Today)

Brendan Boyle Calls On Joe Biden to Issue Blanket Pardon of Those Who Could Be Targeted By Trump’s FBI Director Pick. “Boyle’s statement comes as skepticism and criticisms mount over Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

 

State

2. PA Certifies 2024 Election Following Commotion-Free Aftermath

“Pennsylvania certified the results of the 2024 general election on Wednesday, nearly finalizing a process that many feared would be mired in contention.

Each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties had to certify their local results first. A few missed the Nov. 25 deadline due to outstanding provisional ballots or delays caused by the start of a recount in the U.S. Senate race.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt received the last of the original certifications earlier this week and then signed off on the results of this year’s contests.” (Votebeat Pennsylvania)

Elsewhere

Down-Ballot Pennsylvania Democrats Say Breaking With National Party Message Was Key to Their Success. “You may have already trudged through a dozen or more post-mortems on what went wrong for Democrats last month. You might have even encountered pundits offering psychoanalysis to diagnose the party’s challenges. But down at the state legislative level — especially in Allegheny County — the political landscape has barely shifted.” (WESA Politics)

Exit Interview with Susan Wild. “The Lehigh Valley U.S. Representative speaks about her time in D.C. – and what’s next.” (City & State)

Pennsylvania Progressing Along the Road to ‘Getting Stuff Done’. “There’s a lot of talk in Harrisburg about permitting reform and economic growth. It’s bipartisan. It’s bicameral. And it’s appealing to businesses of all shapes and sizes.” (The Center Square)

PA Cannabis Legalization Bill to Propose State-Run Dispensaries With Room For Private Businesses. “State Reps. Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski are rolling out a substantial new recreational cannabis legalization bill. According to Frankel, it outlines a model that would see cannabis sold in state-owned stores like liquor, while making room for private businesses in other parts of the industry, like growing, cultivation or bar-like consumption sites.” (Penn Capital-Star)

 

Around The Commonwealth

3. State to Invest $3.4 Million In Upgrades to Point State Park For NFL Draft and U.S. 250th Anniversary

Point State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

“The state plans $3.4 million in upgrades to Pittsburgh’s crown jewel, Point State Park, to help make the city shine when it hosts the NFL draft and the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the project on Thursday, which includes repairs and upgrades to existing walkways, utilities, lighting, hardscapes and parking, as well as refreshed landscaping.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Elsewhere

Snack Food Giant, Gov. Shapiro Announce Opening of New Central PA Distribution Center. “Utz Brands – arguably Pennsylvania’s most recognizable snack food company – officially opened its new 650,000 square foot distribution facility in Hanover Thursday, a project touted by Gov. Josh Shapiro as a prime example of more efficient state government.” (PennLive)

  • ’50 Million Barrels of Cheese Balls’: Utz Cuts Ribbon On Massive New Distribution Center. (Hanover Evening Sun)

 

Keystone College Still Intends to Appeal Loss of Accreditation. “The future of the college straddling La Plume Twp. in Lackawanna County and Factoryville in Wyoming County remains uncertain after Keystone received notice Nov. 25 from its accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that MSCHE would withdraw accreditation on Dec. 31.” (Scranton Times-Tribune)

Mansfield, Lock Haven Faculty Plan ‘No-Confidence Vote’ on Commonwealth’s President Hanna. “The announcements come as Hanna remains under scrutiny in the wake of last summer’s $3.9 million federal jury verdict handed down against Bashar Hanna, the university, and other officials in a whistleblower case.” (WVIA)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • Democrats Have Work to Do to Reclaim the Mantle of Change. (Clarence Page)
  • Joe Biden Should Ignore His Critics — He Did the Right Thing By Granting a Pardon to Hunter. (Harold Jackson)
  • The Supreme Court Just Gave Us a Bitter Taste of What’s Coming. (M. Gessen)
  • No One Really Knows What’s Going On. (Diana Lind)

 

1 Thing

5. 11 Incredible Holiday Light Displays to See in Pennsylvania

 

Boathouse Row Lights – Fairmount Park Conservancy

“Get into the holiday spirit by visiting some incredible light displays throughout Pennsylvania.

There’s nothing like a huge, stunning display of sparkling lights to evoke the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Pennsylvania is home to dozens of fantastic holiday light displays. Check out some of these light displays across the state to get your fill of the Christmas spirit.” (The Keystone)

Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook

🎬  That’s a wrap on the work week. Have a great weekend, whether you are at home or in NYC.

🗞️   The PoliticsPA Playbook is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

PA Weather
❄️  Waterford | Snow Showers, 28
🌤️  Camp Hill | Partly Sunny, 36
🌤️  New York City | Mostly Sunny, 35

PA Sports
🏈  Steelers (9-3) | Sun vs. Cleveland
🏈  Eagles (10-2) | Sun vs. Carolina
🏈  Penn State (11-1) | Sat vs. Oregon
🏀  Sixers (5-15) | Fri vs. Orlando | Sun vs. Chicago
🏒  Flyers (12-11-3) | Florida 5-7 | Sat vs. Boston | Sun vs. Utah
🏒  Penguins (11-12-4) | Fri vs. NY Rangers | Sat vs. Toronto

📅  What’s Happening. Here is an updated list of events happening at the 2024 Pennsylvania Society this weekend in New York City.

🔊  What We’re Hearing. “I’m incredibly honored the people of our great commonwealth have entrusted me as their next Senator. Thank you, Pennsylvania!” – Senator-elect Dave McCormick

📱  Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn

 

Top Story

1. 2020 Fake Electors, Trump Die-Hards, GOP Chiefs: Here Is Who Will Make PA Electoral Votes

screenshot

“Pennsylvanians weeks ago decided to award the Keystone State’s coveted electoral college votes to Republican Donald Trump.

Later this month, 19 people will gather in Harrisburg to make it official.

This group, the individuals selected as presidential electors for Trump, includes top figures in the Pennsylvania GOP, rising Republican stars and fervent Trump loyalists. The list also features five former “fake electors,” who joined a plot advanced by Trump and his allies to contest the 2020 election results.” (Erie Times-News)

Elsewhere

Goodbye to the American Century? “The post-WWII world order of American dominance is over. Donald Trump proves it.” (POLITICO)

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman: Pardon Hunter Biden and Donald Trump. “Sen. John Fetterman argued on Thursday that President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both deserve pardons after facing what he called “politically motivated” legal trials.” (USA Today)

Brendan Boyle Calls On Joe Biden to Issue Blanket Pardon of Those Who Could Be Targeted By Trump’s FBI Director Pick. “Boyle’s statement comes as skepticism and criticisms mount over Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

 

State

2. PA Certifies 2024 Election Following Commotion-Free Aftermath

“Pennsylvania certified the results of the 2024 general election on Wednesday, nearly finalizing a process that many feared would be mired in contention.

Each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties had to certify their local results first. A few missed the Nov. 25 deadline due to outstanding provisional ballots or delays caused by the start of a recount in the U.S. Senate race.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt received the last of the original certifications earlier this week and then signed off on the results of this year’s contests.” (Votebeat Pennsylvania)

Elsewhere

Down-Ballot Pennsylvania Democrats Say Breaking With National Party Message Was Key to Their Success. “You may have already trudged through a dozen or more post-mortems on what went wrong for Democrats last month. You might have even encountered pundits offering psychoanalysis to diagnose the party’s challenges. But down at the state legislative level — especially in Allegheny County — the political landscape has barely shifted.” (WESA Politics)

Exit Interview with Susan Wild. “The Lehigh Valley U.S. Representative speaks about her time in D.C. – and what’s next.” (City & State)

Pennsylvania Progressing Along the Road to ‘Getting Stuff Done’. “There’s a lot of talk in Harrisburg about permitting reform and economic growth. It’s bipartisan. It’s bicameral. And it’s appealing to businesses of all shapes and sizes.” (The Center Square)

PA Cannabis Legalization Bill to Propose State-Run Dispensaries With Room For Private Businesses. “State Reps. Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski are rolling out a substantial new recreational cannabis legalization bill. According to Frankel, it outlines a model that would see cannabis sold in state-owned stores like liquor, while making room for private businesses in other parts of the industry, like growing, cultivation or bar-like consumption sites.” (Penn Capital-Star)

 

Around The Commonwealth

3. State to Invest $3.4 Million In Upgrades to Point State Park For NFL Draft and U.S. 250th Anniversary

Point State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

“The state plans $3.4 million in upgrades to Pittsburgh’s crown jewel, Point State Park, to help make the city shine when it hosts the NFL draft and the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the project on Thursday, which includes repairs and upgrades to existing walkways, utilities, lighting, hardscapes and parking, as well as refreshed landscaping.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Elsewhere

Snack Food Giant, Gov. Shapiro Announce Opening of New Central PA Distribution Center. “Utz Brands – arguably Pennsylvania’s most recognizable snack food company – officially opened its new 650,000 square foot distribution facility in Hanover Thursday, a project touted by Gov. Josh Shapiro as a prime example of more efficient state government.” (PennLive)

  • ’50 Million Barrels of Cheese Balls’: Utz Cuts Ribbon On Massive New Distribution Center. (Hanover Evening Sun)

 

Keystone College Still Intends to Appeal Loss of Accreditation. “The future of the college straddling La Plume Twp. in Lackawanna County and Factoryville in Wyoming County remains uncertain after Keystone received notice Nov. 25 from its accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that MSCHE would withdraw accreditation on Dec. 31.” (Scranton Times-Tribune)

Mansfield, Lock Haven Faculty Plan ‘No-Confidence Vote’ on Commonwealth’s President Hanna. “The announcements come as Hanna remains under scrutiny in the wake of last summer’s $3.9 million federal jury verdict handed down against Bashar Hanna, the university, and other officials in a whistleblower case.” (WVIA)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • Democrats Have Work to Do to Reclaim the Mantle of Change. (Clarence Page)
  • Joe Biden Should Ignore His Critics — He Did the Right Thing By Granting a Pardon to Hunter. (Harold Jackson)
  • The Supreme Court Just Gave Us a Bitter Taste of What’s Coming. (M. Gessen)
  • No One Really Knows What’s Going On. (Diana Lind)

 

1 Thing

5. 11 Incredible Holiday Light Displays to See in Pennsylvania

 

Boathouse Row Lights – Fairmount Park Conservancy

“Get into the holiday spirit by visiting some incredible light displays throughout Pennsylvania.

There’s nothing like a huge, stunning display of sparkling lights to evoke the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Pennsylvania is home to dozens of fantastic holiday light displays. Check out some of these light displays across the state to get your fill of the Christmas spirit.” (The Keystone)

Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook

Email:

🎬  That’s a wrap on the work week. Have a great weekend, whether you are at home or in NYC.

🗞️   The PoliticsPA Playbook is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

PA Weather
❄️  Waterford | Snow Showers, 28
🌤️  Camp Hill | Partly Sunny, 36
🌤️  New York City | Mostly Sunny, 35

PA Sports
🏈  Steelers (9-3) | Sun vs. Cleveland
🏈  Eagles (10-2) | Sun vs. Carolina
🏈  Penn State (11-1) | Sat vs. Oregon
🏀  Sixers (5-15) | Fri vs. Orlando | Sun vs. Chicago
🏒  Flyers (12-11-3) | Florida 5-7 | Sat vs. Boston | Sun vs. Utah
🏒  Penguins (11-12-4) | Fri vs. NY Rangers | Sat vs. Toronto

📅  What’s Happening. Here is an updated list of events happening at the 2024 Pennsylvania Society this weekend in New York City.

🔊  What We’re Hearing. “I’m incredibly honored the people of our great commonwealth have entrusted me as their next Senator. Thank you, Pennsylvania!” – Senator-elect Dave McCormick

📱  Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn

 

Top Story

1. 2020 Fake Electors, Trump Die-Hards, GOP Chiefs: Here Is Who Will Make PA Electoral Votes

screenshot

“Pennsylvanians weeks ago decided to award the Keystone State’s coveted electoral college votes to Republican Donald Trump.

Later this month, 19 people will gather in Harrisburg to make it official.

This group, the individuals selected as presidential electors for Trump, includes top figures in the Pennsylvania GOP, rising Republican stars and fervent Trump loyalists. The list also features five former “fake electors,” who joined a plot advanced by Trump and his allies to contest the 2020 election results.” (Erie Times-News)

Elsewhere

Goodbye to the American Century? “The post-WWII world order of American dominance is over. Donald Trump proves it.” (POLITICO)

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman: Pardon Hunter Biden and Donald Trump. “Sen. John Fetterman argued on Thursday that President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both deserve pardons after facing what he called “politically motivated” legal trials.” (USA Today)

Brendan Boyle Calls On Joe Biden to Issue Blanket Pardon of Those Who Could Be Targeted By Trump’s FBI Director Pick. “Boyle’s statement comes as skepticism and criticisms mount over Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

 

State

2. PA Certifies 2024 Election Following Commotion-Free Aftermath

“Pennsylvania certified the results of the 2024 general election on Wednesday, nearly finalizing a process that many feared would be mired in contention.

Each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties had to certify their local results first. A few missed the Nov. 25 deadline due to outstanding provisional ballots or delays caused by the start of a recount in the U.S. Senate race.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt received the last of the original certifications earlier this week and then signed off on the results of this year’s contests.” (Votebeat Pennsylvania)

Elsewhere

Down-Ballot Pennsylvania Democrats Say Breaking With National Party Message Was Key to Their Success. “You may have already trudged through a dozen or more post-mortems on what went wrong for Democrats last month. You might have even encountered pundits offering psychoanalysis to diagnose the party’s challenges. But down at the state legislative level — especially in Allegheny County — the political landscape has barely shifted.” (WESA Politics)

Exit Interview with Susan Wild. “The Lehigh Valley U.S. Representative speaks about her time in D.C. – and what’s next.” (City & State)

Pennsylvania Progressing Along the Road to ‘Getting Stuff Done’. “There’s a lot of talk in Harrisburg about permitting reform and economic growth. It’s bipartisan. It’s bicameral. And it’s appealing to businesses of all shapes and sizes.” (The Center Square)

PA Cannabis Legalization Bill to Propose State-Run Dispensaries With Room For Private Businesses. “State Reps. Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski are rolling out a substantial new recreational cannabis legalization bill. According to Frankel, it outlines a model that would see cannabis sold in state-owned stores like liquor, while making room for private businesses in other parts of the industry, like growing, cultivation or bar-like consumption sites.” (Penn Capital-Star)

 

Around The Commonwealth

3. State to Invest $3.4 Million In Upgrades to Point State Park For NFL Draft and U.S. 250th Anniversary

Point State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

“The state plans $3.4 million in upgrades to Pittsburgh’s crown jewel, Point State Park, to help make the city shine when it hosts the NFL draft and the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the project on Thursday, which includes repairs and upgrades to existing walkways, utilities, lighting, hardscapes and parking, as well as refreshed landscaping.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Elsewhere

Snack Food Giant, Gov. Shapiro Announce Opening of New Central PA Distribution Center. “Utz Brands – arguably Pennsylvania’s most recognizable snack food company – officially opened its new 650,000 square foot distribution facility in Hanover Thursday, a project touted by Gov. Josh Shapiro as a prime example of more efficient state government.” (PennLive)

  • ’50 Million Barrels of Cheese Balls’: Utz Cuts Ribbon On Massive New Distribution Center. (Hanover Evening Sun)

 

Keystone College Still Intends to Appeal Loss of Accreditation. “The future of the college straddling La Plume Twp. in Lackawanna County and Factoryville in Wyoming County remains uncertain after Keystone received notice Nov. 25 from its accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that MSCHE would withdraw accreditation on Dec. 31.” (Scranton Times-Tribune)

Mansfield, Lock Haven Faculty Plan ‘No-Confidence Vote’ on Commonwealth’s President Hanna. “The announcements come as Hanna remains under scrutiny in the wake of last summer’s $3.9 million federal jury verdict handed down against Bashar Hanna, the university, and other officials in a whistleblower case.” (WVIA)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • Democrats Have Work to Do to Reclaim the Mantle of Change. (Clarence Page)
  • Joe Biden Should Ignore His Critics — He Did the Right Thing By Granting a Pardon to Hunter. (Harold Jackson)
  • The Supreme Court Just Gave Us a Bitter Taste of What’s Coming. (M. Gessen)
  • No One Really Knows What’s Going On. (Diana Lind)

 

1 Thing

5. 11 Incredible Holiday Light Displays to See in Pennsylvania

 

Boathouse Row Lights – Fairmount Park Conservancy

“Get into the holiday spirit by visiting some incredible light displays throughout Pennsylvania.

There’s nothing like a huge, stunning display of sparkling lights to evoke the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Pennsylvania is home to dozens of fantastic holiday light displays. Check out some of these light displays across the state to get your fill of the Christmas spirit.” (The Keystone)

Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook

🎬  That’s a wrap on the work week. Have a great weekend, whether you are at home or in NYC.

🗞️   The PoliticsPA Playbook is written by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

PA Weather
❄️  Waterford | Snow Showers, 28
🌤️  Camp Hill | Partly Sunny, 36
🌤️  New York City | Mostly Sunny, 35

PA Sports
🏈  Steelers (9-3) | Sun vs. Cleveland
🏈  Eagles (10-2) | Sun vs. Carolina
🏈  Penn State (11-1) | Sat vs. Oregon
🏀  Sixers (5-15) | Fri vs. Orlando | Sun vs. Chicago
🏒  Flyers (12-11-3) | Florida 5-7 | Sat vs. Boston | Sun vs. Utah
🏒  Penguins (11-12-4) | Fri vs. NY Rangers | Sat vs. Toronto

📅  What’s Happening. Here is an updated list of events happening at the 2024 Pennsylvania Society this weekend in New York City.

🔊  What We’re Hearing. “I’m incredibly honored the people of our great commonwealth have entrusted me as their next Senator. Thank you, Pennsylvania!” – Senator-elect Dave McCormick

📱  Social Media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media outlets for you to get the latest political news from around the Commonwealth: Twitter | Bluesky | Facebook | LinkedIn

 

Top Story

1. 2020 Fake Electors, Trump Die-Hards, GOP Chiefs: Here Is Who Will Make PA Electoral Votes

screenshot

“Pennsylvanians weeks ago decided to award the Keystone State’s coveted electoral college votes to Republican Donald Trump.

Later this month, 19 people will gather in Harrisburg to make it official.

This group, the individuals selected as presidential electors for Trump, includes top figures in the Pennsylvania GOP, rising Republican stars and fervent Trump loyalists. The list also features five former “fake electors,” who joined a plot advanced by Trump and his allies to contest the 2020 election results.” (Erie Times-News)

Elsewhere

Goodbye to the American Century? “The post-WWII world order of American dominance is over. Donald Trump proves it.” (POLITICO)

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman: Pardon Hunter Biden and Donald Trump. “Sen. John Fetterman argued on Thursday that President Joe Biden’s son Hunter Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both deserve pardons after facing what he called “politically motivated” legal trials.” (USA Today)

Brendan Boyle Calls On Joe Biden to Issue Blanket Pardon of Those Who Could Be Targeted By Trump’s FBI Director Pick. “Boyle’s statement comes as skepticism and criticisms mount over Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI director.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

 

State

2. PA Certifies 2024 Election Following Commotion-Free Aftermath

“Pennsylvania certified the results of the 2024 general election on Wednesday, nearly finalizing a process that many feared would be mired in contention.

Each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties had to certify their local results first. A few missed the Nov. 25 deadline due to outstanding provisional ballots or delays caused by the start of a recount in the U.S. Senate race.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt received the last of the original certifications earlier this week and then signed off on the results of this year’s contests.” (Votebeat Pennsylvania)

Elsewhere

Down-Ballot Pennsylvania Democrats Say Breaking With National Party Message Was Key to Their Success. “You may have already trudged through a dozen or more post-mortems on what went wrong for Democrats last month. You might have even encountered pundits offering psychoanalysis to diagnose the party’s challenges. But down at the state legislative level — especially in Allegheny County — the political landscape has barely shifted.” (WESA Politics)

Exit Interview with Susan Wild. “The Lehigh Valley U.S. Representative speaks about her time in D.C. – and what’s next.” (City & State)

Pennsylvania Progressing Along the Road to ‘Getting Stuff Done’. “There’s a lot of talk in Harrisburg about permitting reform and economic growth. It’s bipartisan. It’s bicameral. And it’s appealing to businesses of all shapes and sizes.” (The Center Square)

PA Cannabis Legalization Bill to Propose State-Run Dispensaries With Room For Private Businesses. “State Reps. Dan Frankel and Rick Krajewski are rolling out a substantial new recreational cannabis legalization bill. According to Frankel, it outlines a model that would see cannabis sold in state-owned stores like liquor, while making room for private businesses in other parts of the industry, like growing, cultivation or bar-like consumption sites.” (Penn Capital-Star)

 

Around The Commonwealth

3. State to Invest $3.4 Million In Upgrades to Point State Park For NFL Draft and U.S. 250th Anniversary

Point State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

“The state plans $3.4 million in upgrades to Pittsburgh’s crown jewel, Point State Park, to help make the city shine when it hosts the NFL draft and the U.S. 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the project on Thursday, which includes repairs and upgrades to existing walkways, utilities, lighting, hardscapes and parking, as well as refreshed landscaping.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Elsewhere

Snack Food Giant, Gov. Shapiro Announce Opening of New Central PA Distribution Center. “Utz Brands – arguably Pennsylvania’s most recognizable snack food company – officially opened its new 650,000 square foot distribution facility in Hanover Thursday, a project touted by Gov. Josh Shapiro as a prime example of more efficient state government.” (PennLive)

  • ’50 Million Barrels of Cheese Balls’: Utz Cuts Ribbon On Massive New Distribution Center. (Hanover Evening Sun)

 

Keystone College Still Intends to Appeal Loss of Accreditation. “The future of the college straddling La Plume Twp. in Lackawanna County and Factoryville in Wyoming County remains uncertain after Keystone received notice Nov. 25 from its accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that MSCHE would withdraw accreditation on Dec. 31.” (Scranton Times-Tribune)

Mansfield, Lock Haven Faculty Plan ‘No-Confidence Vote’ on Commonwealth’s President Hanna. “The announcements come as Hanna remains under scrutiny in the wake of last summer’s $3.9 million federal jury verdict handed down against Bashar Hanna, the university, and other officials in a whistleblower case.” (WVIA)

 

Editorial

4. What’s On Your Mind

  • Democrats Have Work to Do to Reclaim the Mantle of Change. (Clarence Page)
  • Joe Biden Should Ignore His Critics — He Did the Right Thing By Granting a Pardon to Hunter. (Harold Jackson)
  • The Supreme Court Just Gave Us a Bitter Taste of What’s Coming. (M. Gessen)
  • No One Really Knows What’s Going On. (Diana Lind)

 

1 Thing

5. 11 Incredible Holiday Light Displays to See in Pennsylvania

 

Boathouse Row Lights – Fairmount Park Conservancy

“Get into the holiday spirit by visiting some incredible light displays throughout Pennsylvania.

There’s nothing like a huge, stunning display of sparkling lights to evoke the joy and wonder of the holiday season. Pennsylvania is home to dozens of fantastic holiday light displays. Check out some of these light displays across the state to get your fill of the Christmas spirit.” (The Keystone)

Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook

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