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.
How Pa.’s members of Congress reacted to Trump impeachment articles
By: John L. Micek - December 10, 2019
This is a rolling list of reaction by members of Pa.'s U.S. House and Senate delegation. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
‘Not qualified?’ No problem. Pa’s Toomey votes to confirm Trump’s anti-abortion federal court pick | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 10, 2019
Sarah Pitlyk, who opposes abortion rights and IVF, has never tried a case, nabbing a "not recommended" rating from the American Bar Association.
With House committee vote looming, advocate talks about the fate of probation reform: Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 9, 2019
The House Judiciary Committee is set to act today on a bipartisan bill aimed at closing the revolving door between probation and prison.
How Trump’s SNAP cuts will hurt people leaving prison, report | Friday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 6, 2019
The White House is helping to undo criminal justice reform, which it supports. It's another instance of failing to see the through-lines of policy.
Grilling law school profs, U.S. House Republicans only showed off their ignorance | John L. Micek
By: John L. Micek - December 5, 2019
Instead of shouting at each other, GOP lawmakers should have listened for a few minutes. Who knows? They might even have learned something.
These are the most — and least — charitable states in the USA. How’d Pa. do? | Thursday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 5, 2019
You're a generous lot, Pennsylvania. Be proud of it.
Abuse of power, bribery, obstruction: Democrats’ impeachment plan takes shape
By: Robin Bravender Capital-Star Washington Bureau and John L. Micek - December 4, 2019
The hearing comes after the House Intelligence Committee approved a report Tuesday night that details allegations that Trump abused his power by pressuring Ukraine’s president to investigate Trump’s political rival.
Report: Most states have the reserves to handle a recession. Pa. is not one of them | Wednesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 4, 2019
The report by Moody Analytics paints a pretty bleak picture about the state of Pa's cash reserves, which officials have been slowly rebuilding.
Overdose deaths down, Wolf says, renewing Pa.’s opioid disaster declaration for the 8th time
By: John L. Micek - December 3, 2019
Pa.’s opioid prescriptions rate is now below the federal average and overdose deaths declined by 18 percent between 2017-18, the administration said.
How Pa’s ongoing debate over nat.gas is Frack-turing Democrats | Tuesday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 3, 2019
Think all Democrats think alike on fracking? Think again. The lucrative natural resource -- and how to use it -- has splintered traditional alliances.
Wolf asks MLB not to cut ties with minor league teams in Erie, State College and Williamsport
By: John L. Micek - December 2, 2019
Wolf stressed the impact that cutting the teams would have on local economies. Forty-two of 160 minor league teams could be affected.
How a terrible abortion bill has Pa. making national headlines for all the wrong reasons – again | Monday Morning Coffee
By: John L. Micek - December 2, 2019
The upside - a gubernatorial veto. The downside - that doesn't last forever.