News & Brews January 27, 2026
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WaPo: Shapiro’s book ‘light on political substance’
The Washington Post reviews Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new memoir, which officially releases today, calling it “light on political substance” and “timed to a campaign.” These types of “mid-career political memoirs … are about protecting the present and setting the stage for the future.” Not surprisingly, “The book makes sparse use of direct quotes, except from safely supportive sources,” such as Shapiro’s wife. Interestingly, the review ends with the question of “What sort of stuff would … [Shapiro] aim to get done” if he runs for president? The fact that after reading the book, the reviewer still has no idea what Shapiro would do underscores the ‘light on political substance’ despite the GSD rhetoric.
Judge denies Johnny Doc’s release request
A judge has denied a request from former Philly union head John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty to get out of jail early to care for his ill wife. The Inquirer reports, “U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl wrote in a one-page order Monday that although it was ‘extremely unfortunate’ that Dougherty’s wife, Cecilia, was facing significant health challenges, ‘it does not outweigh, at this point in time, the need for punishment that has been adjudged.’” Dougherty was convicted on charges of bribery and embezzlement and is serving a six-year sentence.
‘Shapiro went to HBG and all we got was an autobiography’
Commonwealth Foundation Senior Fellow Guy Ciarrocchi offers his own review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new book, writing, “It takes a special person to write an autobiography at his relatively young age — and to do it while still serving his first term as Governor.” This is particularly true when Shapiro “has no major accomplishments on his resume.” Yet, “Writing an autobiography is a ‘necessary’ step when one is running for President. You get to choose what you share and what you don’t — and you get to frame all of your anecdotes to suit your brand.” Guy concludes with a call to Shapiro: “if you really want to be President, don’t run for re-election — just run for President. We can find someone who wants to be our Governor — and actually get Pennsylvania’s ‘stuff’ done.”
Game Commission accused of toxic work environment
Broad + Liberty reports that two former employees allege that the Pennsylvania Game Commission “fostered a toxic work environment in which the human relations department felt emboldened to target employees with harassment while upper management looked the other way.” Both individuals “say once health issues became part of their work lives — whether through disclosure, accommodation requests, or related discussions — they were met with escalating criticism and discipline.” For its part, the Game Commission denies the allegations. Unlike many state agencies, the Game Commission “operates independently of the General Assembly’s day-to-day control…. This does not make accountability obscure, but does give the commission extra distance from the kind of oversight other departments in the commonwealth might consider routine.”
Fetterman, McCormick weigh in on Minneapolis
Both of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators have weighed in on the unrest in Minneapolis, particularly the recent killing of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Sen. Dave McCormick called for a “full investigation into the tragedy,” adding, “We need all the facts.” Fetterman called for ICE operations in the city to “immediately end” while rejecting “calls to defund or abolish ICE.” At least one Pa. elected official, however, sees no need for civility or non-violence. Allegheny County progressive Democrat Council member Bethany Hallam took to Facebook to issue what effectively could amount to a call for violence, writing, “I’m an abolitionist. We are beyond just accepting the abolition of ICE. Publish all their names and photos. Shame them everywhere they go. Never let them experience a single moment of peace.”