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.
More mass shootings, the same sad playbook. Call the Senate back to vote | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - August 5, 2019
#EnoughIsEnough
Pa’s weirdest state law is even weirder than you think it is | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - August 2, 2019
So, wait ... it's what ... seriously?
Veep Mike Pence to visit central Pa. to plug NAFTA 2.0 | Thursday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - August 1, 2019
He's baaaaaack.
NorCo GOP’s Facebook post is a reminder Trump has normalized the worst behavior | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - July 31, 2019
Racism, bigotry is never normal.
Ahead of debates, Wolf, four other guvs urge 2020 Dems to prioritize the Great Lakes
By: John L. Micek and Susan J. Demas - July 30, 2019
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has joined with four of his fellow Rust Belt governors to call on the 2020 Democratic presidential contenders to endorse their agenda for revitalizing the Great Lakes. The call comes as the primary pack converges on Michigan for debates that begin Tuesday. Wolf — along with Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, […]
New law makes Pa. a ‘leader’ on getting bang for your tax credit buck, study | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - July 30, 2019
The state's analyses include recommendations for future reforms as well, new Pew report concludes
Philly Dem floats plan for minimum wage for Uber, Lyft drivers
By: John L. Micek - July 29, 2019
State Rep. Maria Donatucci, D-Philadelphia, wants to boost pay for Uber and Lyft drivers across the state.
Indivisible groups plan picket for Pa. Rep. Scott Perry’s Tuesday town hall
By: John L. Micek - July 29, 2019
The Republican will face his constituents during a 6 p.m. session at a volunteer fire hall in Hummelstown, Pa., near Hershey.
With D.C. in park, how Pa., states are driving the infrastructure debate on their own | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - July 29, 2019
New National Governors Association Chairman Larry Hogan is making a nationwide push this year. Pa. is having a debate of its own.
While you weren’t looking Trump declared war on the poor with food stamps cuts | John L. Micek
By: John L. Micek - July 26, 2019
In Pennsylvania, 1.75 million million of the state's 13 million people are on food stamps, according to data compiled by the state Department of Human Services, which administers the program.
A Bucks County Dem makes the case against Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Is she right? | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - July 26, 2019
He's been voting the district like crazy. Will it be enough?
Pa. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick votes with House Dems to protect union pensions
By: John L. Micek - July 25, 2019
Like much of the legislation passed by the Democratic-controlled U.S. House, the bill faces an uphill battle in the GOP-led U.S. Senate.