Author

A 3-decade veteran of the news business, John L. Micek is the Pennsylvania Capital-Star's Editor-in-Chief. An award-winning political reporter, Micek’s career has taken him from small town meetings and Chicago City Hall to Congress and the Pennsylvania Capitol. His weekly column on U.S. politics is syndicated to 800 newspapers nationwide by Cagle Syndicate. He also contributes commentary and analysis to broadcast outlets in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Micek’s first novel, “Ordinary Angels,” was released in 2019 by Sunbury Press.
Lincoln Project puts Pa.’s Fitzpatrick on its 2024 wanted list | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - February 7, 2023
He's one of 18 pols whose voters backed Joe Biden, but sent a Republican to Congress.
Advocates call for tighter regulation after Pa./Ohio train explosion | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - February 6, 2023
Environmental advocates again have warned of the dangers posed by trains carrying hazardous materials after the 50-car derailment of a Norfolk Southern train along the Pennsylvania-Ohio border on Friday night sparked a massive explosion. Officials on Sunday were continuing to monitor the environmental impact of the incident in East Palestine, Ohio, according to CNN. The community’s mayor, Trent Conaway, assured residents Sunday […]
Pa. collected $3.6B in taxes in January, coming in under projections | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - February 3, 2023
Gov. Josh Shapiro's first budget address is weeks away. Here's a look at the state's bottom line and what's ahead.
What’s behind the attack on Black history? Fear, of course | John L. Micek
By: John L. Micek - February 2, 2023
There always has been a corrosive element of know-nothingism in our politics. Now, we're plumbing new depths of cruelty.
Pa.’s Fetterman using assistive tech in Senate to aid in stroke recovery | Thursday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - February 2, 2023
Report: The Senate got a digital upgrade to help its newest member do his job.
Pa. Dems shake the money tree ahead of Feb. 7 special elections | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - February 1, 2023
With control of the House on the line, Democrats warn of the consequences of a GOP majority.
U.S. House Oversight chair’s agenda: Hunter Biden, COVID origins, classified documents
By: Ashley Murray and John L. Micek - January 31, 2023
U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-10th District, who has faced scrutiny for efforts to overturn the 2020 election, is on the panel.
Pa. Senate bill would create database of inspection info for Pa. bridges | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 31, 2023
PennDOT would maintain the database under a plan by a W.Pa lawmaker.
More than 1.1M in Pa. applied for Biden’s student debt relief | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 30, 2023
The program is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, which could overturn it.
Pa. gets failing marks for tobacco control policies | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 27, 2023
Despite years of education efforts, Pa. has a higher than average adult smoking rate, according to a new report.
‘A shell game:’ Fiscal watchdog’s report on school tax hikes kicks up a fuss | Thursday Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 26, 2023
Auditor General Tim DeFoor called for changes to state law to fix it; districts defend their actions.
No, guns do kill people. And the solution is glaringly obvious | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 25, 2023
Two mass shootings in California in as many days. We know how to end the madness.