First Read – Dec. 28, 2023

WEATHER: Philadelphia: showers likely and patchy fog, high of 55; Harrisburg: chance showers and patchy fog, high of 54; Pittsburgh: mostly cloudy, high of 52.

FROM CITY & STATE:

* To begin this year, we boldly predicted what political trends you’d see in the commonwealth in 2023 and what ones were being left behind. Now, we’re offering up a look back at what was politically hot – and not – in 2023, and where the trends stand heading into the New Year.

NEW THIS MORNING:

* President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden plan to return to the Philly area on Jan. 6, a visit scheduled for the anniversary of the 2021 insurrection that sought to overturn the 2020 election, but the White House was mum on what the couple will do while in the region, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. 

* Spending details provided by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office show that, in total, taxpayers paid more than $1.8 million to keep the mansion running for Shapiro and his family in the first 11 months of 2023, more than Shapiro’s two predecessors spent in their first years in office, LancasterOnline reports. 

* State legislators earlier this month approved a study of how the 911 system can better assist people experiencing a mental health crisis, a measure championed by the family of Christian Hall ahead of the three-year anniversary of his death, Spotlight PA reports. 

* A Wilkinsburg-bred metals industry analyst said Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion acquisition of the Pittsburgh-based steel icon will not trigger mass layoffs in Southwestern Pennsylvania or encourage the new owners to idle mills, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. 

* In 2022, Pittsburgh – and its URA – joined with the county and state to announce a $9 million pilot project to take underused or vacant offices and convert them into homes, affordable homes in particular. Seven projects are now currently in the pipeline, though just one has received funding, WESA reports. 

* Four months after police released body camera video showing an officer shooting a Ligonier Township man, the Westmoreland District Attorney’s Office is asking local police departments to have prosecutors review similar footage before it is released publicly, the Tribune-Review reports. 

* LehighValleyNews breaks down the slew of bills area lawmakers sent to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk late last week and other activity from session in 2023.

* Plans to develop Reading’s riverfront have been on the table for a long time, but none has come to fruition. In the meantime, some nonprofits are working to promote a healthier use of the riverfront area and highlight its potential, WITF reports. 

* Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker announced a series of staff appointments yesterday and said she will retain Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams, albeit in a new role, the Inquirer reports.  

* A man accused of slashing people with a large knife in recent weeks while riding a bicycle on a trail in Philadelphia and then charged in the cold-case rape and slaying of a medical student has now been charged in several other high-profile unsolved sexual assaults, WHYY reports.

EDITORIAL PAGES:

* The Inquirer writes that with a strong ally in the White House, labor unions made major strides in 2023, flexing their muscle by walking picket lines and securing generous raises.

NATIONAL POLITICS:

* The Michigan Supreme Court yesterday gave Donald J. Trump an important victory in the legal battle over his eligibility to return to the White House by allowing the former president to appear on the state’s primary ballot in February, The New York Times reports. 

* Congress is, yet again, ramping up the risk of a government shutdown – with less than a month left until the first deadline, Politico reports. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To Philadelphia City Councilmember-elect Nina Ahmad … to Davona Pacley, co-founder of Erie's Black Wall Street … and to Sam Katz, executive producer at History Making Productions … Want to wish someone a happy birthday in our newsletter? Email their name, job title and upcoming birthday to editor@cityandstatepa.com.

TODAY’S SKED:

10 a.m. – Pittsburgh City Council meets, Council Chambers. 

12 p.m. – Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney will join Parks & Rec and City Officials to honor nine Philadelphia youth football and cheer teams who brought home national and state titles in 2023, Philadelphia Convention Center Ballroom A. 

KICKER: 

“These politicians and union guys are attacking this thing that’s going to save their bacon.” – John C. Tumazos in reference to the sale of U.S. Steel, via the Tribune-Review