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.
Pay no attention to that president behind the teleprompter | John L. Micek
By: John L. Micek - August 6, 2019
If Trump wants a better America, he can start with himself. But, by now, there's no reason to think that will happen. Ever.
These states are expanding (and restricting) ballot access. Here’s what they have in common | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - August 6, 2019
Like real estate, it's all about location, location, location
Pa. Sen. Pat Toomey calls for stronger background checks, but says Senate doesn’t need to return early
By: John L. Micek - August 5, 2019
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., on Monday called for universal background checks on all gun purchases, but said he doesn't think Congress should ban the powerful weapons that are so often used to carry out mass shootings.
‘We cannot accept this as normal’: Wolf calls on U.S. Senate to pass background check bill
By: John L. Micek - August 5, 2019
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday called for the U.S. Senate to return from its summer recess to take up gun-control legislation previously approved by the U.S. House. The Democrat also called on Republican leaders in the majority-Republican state House and Senate to “advance common-sense reforms that would reduce access to guns for violent and […]
Dayton, El Paso shootings: Trump focuses on mental health. Here’s what Pa.’s congressional delegation has to say
By: John L. Micek - August 5, 2019
President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Monday morning, calling for action on mental health treatment over new gun control measures as the nation mourned mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, that claimed 31 lives and left many more wounded. In televised remarks, Trump — who has set a divisive tone in […]
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.