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.
From dump trucks to de-icers, Pa. is auctioning off heavy equipment | Thursday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 16, 2022
The online-only auction of PennDOT equipment starts June 20 and runs to July 5
Pa. House lawmaker proposes $100M mental health aid package | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 15, 2022
Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, who's spoken openly about his own mental health struggles, is backing the bill.
Pa. House GOP moves to impeach Philly DA Larry Krasner | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 14, 2022
The announcement came the same day House Republicans buried a slate of gun-violence reduction bills.
As Washington acts, Pa. House panel moves to strand gun violence-reduction bills
By: John L. Micek - June 13, 2022
Rep. Jared G. Solomon, D-Philadelphia, told his colleagues that he believed the panel had a "moral imperative" to take action on the bills.
The U.S. Senate has a deal on gun reform — if it can keep it | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 13, 2022
The framework announced Sunday is the first chance for change in years. Republicans will have blood on their hands if they torpedo it.
Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards reminds us what heroism looks like | John L. Micek
By: John L. Micek - June 10, 2022
Long after Trump takes his place among history’s reviled strongmen the courage of Caroline Edwards will be celebrated and remembered.
Analysis moves Pa.’s closely watched governor’s race to ‘Leans Dem’ | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 10, 2022
But 'leans Democratic' isn't 'safe Democratic' - the analysis warns, in a reminder of why they call Pa. the Keystone State.
Pa. House bill hikes cost of birth, death certificates to fight veteran suicides | Thursday Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 9, 2022
The cost of the vital documents would rise by $2 under a plan circulated by a Lehigh Valley lawmaker.
Poll finds bipartisan support for fixing campaign finance laws | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 8, 2022
Three-quarters of Pa. voters believe that more money means more access to power.
Pa. House panel takes up electric vehicle charging infrastructure | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 7, 2022
'We need to make sure electric vehicle charging stations are as available as gas stations,' Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery said.
A mass shooting in Philly: Lead or get out of the way | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 6, 2022
As the nation watches, three people are dead, 11 are wounded. Is it a crisis now?
Pa. Sen. Mastriano shares documents, agrees to interview with Jan. 6 committee | Friday Coffee
By: John L. Micek - June 3, 2022
The Republican gubernatorial nominee, who has questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, was at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.