‘The Manchurian councilman’ | Morning Newsletter
And more independent comedy shows
The Morning Newsletter
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter
Welcome back. I hope you’re feeling refreshed to start your week.
Enjoy the sunny weather ☀️. We should have clear skies and a high of 54.
Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke announced he is not seeking reelection last month, ending a 40-year career in City Hall as well as a 12-year run as Council’s leader.
Our lead story follows how Clarke shaped Philly during his tenure.
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— Taylor Allen (@TayImanAllen, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
Darrel L. Clarke announced Feb. 23 that he will not seek reelection.
The defining principle of Clarke’s tenure — empowering hyperlocal decision-making, often at the expense of citywide policy — could last long after he is gone.
For Clarke, this style ensures that constituents have a clear pipeline to the politicians who know their neighborhoods best. He’s long expressed a belief that district Council members are better positioned to balance the interests of residents with those of developers.
The criticism: Some argue that his approach to policy-making harms small business and undermines larger affordability goals. They contend that giving Council members near-complete control over land-use decisions in their districts opens the door to corruption.
Keep reading to understand how Clarke developed his ideologies to governing.
What you should know today
Immigration activists are trying to stop an Allentown hospital from sending a comatose, undocumented woman out of the country.
Philly’s special-admission changes are causing unintended consequences at several district schools.
Solar panels can cost $20,000, but some Philly-area homeowners say they’re worth it as energy prices go up.
Friends of the Tanner House relaunched a fundraising campaign to reach $70,000 to start stabilization work.
At 95, Herbert Blomstedt might be the oldest conductor to lead the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Philly has an undeniable influence in the comedy world.
Superstars like Kevin Hart and Quinta Brunson have broken barriers in Hollywood. Upper Darby native Tina Fey has shined for years. Late comedy legends Bob Saget and David Brenner helped establish the city’s signature cheeky and unfiltered comedic style.
But comics Tyler Wolf and Manny Brown say the city has yet to fulfill its potential.
The void: Wolf said Philly has had fewer opportunities for comedy compared to cities like Boston, San Francisco, Washington, and Chicago because of the lack of shows, open-mic events and paid gigs.
But, the rise of independent shows and small, DIY-style comedy stages are filling the void. On top of performing at established clubs, comedians are renting out local restaurants, breweries, and bookstores for more stage time and pay.
Keep reading to learn how performers are finding creative solutions to perform and sharpen skills.
🧠 Trivia time 🧠
Which Eagle made a cameo during Saturday Night Live’s latest episode, hosted by Travis Kelce?
A) DeVonta Smith
B) Jason Kelce
C) Jalen Hurts
D) Miles Sanders
Find out if you know the answer.
What we’re...
🌲Recommending: Wild Philly, a guidebook to the 29 best natural hikes in and around Philly.
🍿Watching: Last night’s episode of The Last of Us. I’m not sure if I’m ready for next week’s season finale.
🧩 Unscramble the Anagram 🧩
Hint: Ice cream treat invented in Philadelphia (but now discontinued, RIP)
COACH COHO
We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Send us your own original anagram to unscramble if you’d like. Cheers to Claire Donohue who correctly guessed Sunday’s answer: Hand Paddle. Email us if you know the answer.
Photo of the day
I’m starting my morning with a chai tea☕. Thanks for starting your week with The Inquirer.