😉 TGIF. I hate these long work weeks, don’t you?
🗞️ PoliticsPA guide is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
Weather in Pennsylvania
🌨️ Erie | Lake effect snow showers, 30
❄️ Altoona | Snow showers, 31
☁️Reading | Cloudy, possible snowfall, 37
Sports PA
🏈 Steelers (10-6) | Saturday vs. Cincinnati
🏈 Eagles (13-3) | Sun vs. NY Giants
🏈 Penn State (12-2) | Thu vs. Notre Dame
🏀 Sixes (13-18) | Golden Stan 105-139 | Saturday vs. Brooklyn
🏒 Penguins (17-17-5) | Friday vs. Florida | Sun vs. Karolina
🏒 Flyers (17-18-4) | Vegas 2-5 | Sun vs. Toronto
🎂 Happy birthday. Cake and candles for Representative Tim Briggs and they were Governor Ed Rendell (Sunny.)
📱 Social media. PoliticsPA has a number of social media sites where you can get the latest political news from across the Commonwealth: Twitter | Blue | Facebook | LinkedIn
The most critical story
1. Report: President Biden will block the American Steel-Nippon deal
“President Joe Biden will reportedly block the sale of Pittsburgh-based US Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, ending a tumultuous year for workers and officials in the region who were divided until the final hours over the fate of the industrial icon.
The Washington Post first reported the news late Thursday night – that Biden would block the $14.9 billion deal, dealing a broad blow to a key ally in Japan and siding with top labor leaders who have faced growing opposition from workers demonstrating in support for the Japanese steelmaker’s plan offer.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Elsewhere
Dave McCormick is sworn in today as Pennsylvania’s newest senator. “Dave McCormick will take the oath of office as Pennsylvania’s junior senator on Friday, bringing a new voice to Washington and giving Republicans the state’s Senate seat after two years of sole Democratic ownership.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Mike Johnson only has hours to convince “undecided” Republicans. “Publicly, about 15 members of the Republican Party are at least undecided on Johnson. Twelve of them, including Reps. Andy Biggs, Scott Perry and Andy Ogles, seemed questionable. (known)
Meet the new members of Pennsylvania’s Congress as they take the oath of office today. “Pennsylvania’s 17-member House delegation gains two Republican members on Friday.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Bresnahan appoints legislative staff. “Rep.-elect Rob Bresnahan (R-08) selected members of his staff to begin his term in the 119th Congress on Friday.” (PoliticsPA)
Country
2. Top Western Pa. Lawmakers. identified American steel, energy and education as high priorities for the recent legislative session
“Leading Republican and Democratic senators from southwestern Pennsylvania see a full range of issues – among them electricity generation, education and transit and transportation – as lawmakers prepare to return to the Capitol next week.
Senator Kim WardRepublican Senate President Pro Tempore from Westmoreland County and Senator Jay CostaAllegheny County’s Democratic minority leader offered his thoughts in interviews with the Post-Gazette on Thursday. The Legislature will hold its first formal meeting of the 2025-2026 session on Tuesday with a swearing-in ceremony. (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Elsewhere
Pennsylvania state Rep. Brett Miller enters the 36th district race, opposing Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons for the GOP nomination. “State Rep. Brett Miller said Thursday he will run for the vacant 36th Senate District seat in the upcoming special election, putting him on a collision course with Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons for the Republican nomination.” (LNP | Lancaster on the Internet)
The special election cost the PA at least $1 million during the last legislative session. “The million-dollar price tag does not reflect the full cost to taxpayers. Philadelphia held two special elections last session, but a spokesman did not respond to a request for comment on the costs. The city also did not ask the State Department for reimbursement. (PA reflector)
Farm Show Says Agriculture ‘Fuels Pennsylvania’ “The theme is a testament to the power of agriculture in every region of Pennsylvania. It is the engine that powers our economy, builds our communities and impacts the quality of life in our state,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. (Central Square)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. What we’ll be watching in 2025: Fetterman, McCormick and Trump, the ugly Pittsburgh mayoral race and more
“Justified warning: This is one of those things to watch out for in 2025” that everyone does this time of year. Or maybe you don’t want to watch anything. Perhaps you’ve seen too much.
I see. But hey, the holidays are over and things will start happening soon. We might as well get used to it. (WESA policy)
Elsewhere
PA was right, county was wrong, operating election machines: court. “A Pennsylvania court ruled Tuesday by a 6-1 vote that the secretary of state has the authority to order counties not to allow “unauthorized third-party access” to voting machines or risk losing the machines’ certification and preventing them from being used in voting. elections.” (AP)
A new tax reinvestment zone will make Reading a ‘city of opportunity,’ says the mayor. “Community leaders in Reading celebrated the city’s inclusion this year in the Pennsylvania Program, which aims to encourage redevelopment and job creation by reinvesting new tax revenues into communities.” (Penn Capital Star)
State government ready to help Erie familiarize itself with the Home Rule Charter during the upcoming study session. “The Erie City Council stands ready to seek advice and guidance from the state as it considers whether the city should transition to a new form of government.” (Erie Times-News)
US Attorney for the Middle District AP announces resignation. “United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania Gerard M. Karam has announced his resignation after more than two years of service.” (WFXG)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
- Who does the speculative congress really represent? (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
- For the sake of Pennsylvania, let’s root for the Eagles and Steelers. (Eric Hartman)
- What independent colleges and state universities bring to the table. (Thomas P. Foley)
- The left’s view as Trump’s recent term approaches. (Natalie Bencivenga)
- Democrats need “industrial evolution” to regain workers’ trust. (TJ Rooney)
- Why Trump should change sides on the US Steel-Nippon Steel merger (but probably won’t) (Keith Naughton)
- Republicans will learn that governing is harder than winning (Guy Ciarrocchi)
- Hi? Are you looking for PA voters? (Mustafa Rashed)
1 item
5. 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show Butter Sculpture celebrates dairy cows as “superheroes”
“One thousand pounds of Pennsylvania-produced butter became a work of art honoring Keystone State dairy farmers and their cattle.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show unveiled its annual butter sculpture for the 2025 event on Thursday. The sculpture is titled “From Moo to Marvel: Dairy Cows Power Pennsylvania.” (CBS Philadelphia)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And I read the PoliticsPA Playbook
