The new map is here! And it’s probably doomed

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Those of you old enough to remember Steve Martin’s film tour de force (yes, tongue in cheek), The Jerk, may remember the scene when his character runs about shouting “The new phonebook is here! The new phonebook is here!” might find the Pennsylvania GOP’s dump of a new Congressional map Friday night a bit of deja vu. Those of you too young to remember The...

Wolf, DEP under fire for Mariner East 2 construction restart

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) moved Thursday to fine Sunoco Logistics — but also allow construction work on the controversial Mariner East 2 pipeline to resume, drawing fire to both DEP and Gov. Tom Wolf from local environmental groups and elected officials. DEP hit Sunoco with a $12.6 million civil penalty for permit violations...

Happy New Year! Surf’s up, baby!

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Happy 2018! Who’s got their surfboards ready? Because, yeah, it is becoming increasingly likely that our friends in the Republican Party might not just be facing a wave, but rather a tsunami. But before you rush out and scream “that dirty so-and-so Trump” (as apparently so many West Wing staffers seem to do daily, per Michael Wolff’s controversial new book),...

Turn5 celebrates new HQ opening with Gov. Wolf

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Gov. Tom Wolf answers questions from the media during his visit to Turn5’s new headquarters in Paoli. PAOLI — You may not know much about Turn5, that is if you don’t drive a Jeep, Ford Mustang or a pickup truck, but as one of Chester County’s real local business success stories, expect be hearing more in the coming years. A lot more. The company —...

Op/Ed: Remembering and honoring those who serve and sacrifice

By Tom Wolf, Governor, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf welcomes National Guard members returning home from duty in Kuwait last month. On sunny Saturday afternoon last month, a military aircraft carrying returning servicemen and women approached the runway at Harrisburg International Airport, and families – parents, spouses, siblings, and children dressed in red, white and blue – raised handmade...

Wolf visits Coatesville redevelopment projects

Gov. Tom Wolf, pictured with James DePetris, CEO of DEPG Associates (left) and City Council member Ed Simpson (right), greeted residents at Fuel City Cafe as he visited Coatesville Friday to tour the revitalization project that is now underway in the city. By Lauren Parker, News Editor, The Times  COATESVILLE – Gov. Tom Wolf paid a surprise visit to the city Friday afternoon to observe the...

Dinniman critical of PSSA changes, Ed. department conduct

State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-19) WEST CHESTER – State Senator Andy Dinniman, Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee, released the following statement in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement Monday on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and the administration’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan: “While I’d be the first to welcome...

Gov. Wolf fires up county Democrats

Gov. Tom Wolf addresses the Chester County Democratic Committee Annual Dinner — in front of a packed house of more than 325 people, Sunday night. Photo: Jim Salvas. COATESVILLE — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf addressed a packed Coatesville Country Club Sunday night, asking the 325 Chester County Democrats in attendance to do more than just resist the current Republican attacks on human rights...

Local legislators back bipartisan state budget

Senate, Gov. must OK $31.55 billion state spending plan By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Correction: Adds Rep. Truitt’s vote. It appears last year’s long, drawn out state budget process may be shorter — based on the bipartisan passage of a new $31.55 billion budget by the state House of Representatives, Tuesday, 132-68. The budget was supported by seven Chester County State Representatives...

Wolf calls GOP budget ‘garbage;’ line-item vetoes much of it

But some funds will flow to local schools and social services as dispute continues By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Updated, 3:40 p.m.: adds GOP House leadership comments. While school districts and social service agencies in Chester County can finally look forward to seeing some state funds finally come their way after a six-month state budget standoff, Gov. Tom Wolf signaled Tuesday clearly...