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.
Pa. to share in $63M in federal aid to support community schools | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 20, 2023
The money also will help expand or establish community schools in eight states and territories, the Biden admin said.
Philly, Pgh. among U.S. cities with lowest real minimum wage | Thursday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 19, 2023
Rising prices, inflation wiped out Pa.'s $7.25/hr wage, according to a new report.
After historic election, historic challenges await Pa. Gov. Shapiro | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 18, 2023
Gov. Josh Shapiro said he wants to be a governor for all Pennsylvanians. He has his work cut out for him.
Shapiro/Davis Inauguration: Three storylines to follow today | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 17, 2023
The Democrat takes the oath of office at noon. Watch what he says - and what he does.
MLK Day 2023: How King’s message gets twisted for political gain | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 16, 2023
The intentional misuse of King's words enables more racial division, not less, a scholar suggests.
After a shot of normal, it’s back to chaos as usual in the Pa. House | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 13, 2023
The narrowly divided chamber is in disarray. Can it get back on track?
Coming Sunday: Higher prices for wine, liquor at Pa.’s state stores
By: John L. Micek - January 12, 2023
(*This story was updated at 5:02 p.m. on Thursday, 1/12/23 with additional comment from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. It was updated at 3:28 a.m. on Friday 1/13/23 to update attribution to a PLCB spokesperson.) An industry trade group is pushing back against a 4% price hike on wine and liquor set to go into […]
Mr. Speaker? Dennis O’Brien on life in the Big Chair and what’s next for Mark Rozzi
By: John L. Micek - January 12, 2023
Former House Speaker Dennis M. O'Brien, once a compromise candidate himself, on what it's like being Mark Rozzi right now. 'There is a window of opportunity -- you have to jump through it,' he said.
Shapiro taps MontCo’s Arkoosh to lead Pa. Human Services Dept.
By: John L. Micek - January 11, 2023
With his Jan. 17 inauguration closing in, the Democrat is moving quickly to fill the remaining spots in his emerging administration.
Report: ID/A worker shortage fueled by low wages, high turnover | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 11, 2023
The system is 'severely strained past its breaking point,' an analyst said.
U.S. House GOP backs rules plan without disclosing deals made with hard-right members
By: Jennifer Shutt, Ashley Murray and John L. Micek - January 10, 2023
The 55-page rules package sets the parameters for how bills should be written, how committees will operate and how the floor will run during the next two years.
Pa. House bill would make it easier for parents to attend school events | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - January 10, 2023
Research show kids succeed with increased parental involvement. A Pa. House bill looks to help.