MOVE victims’ families face continuing heartache | Morning Newsletter
And $450,000 to help Philly’s new superintendent.
The Morning Newsletter
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It’s a sunny day in Philadelphia with a high temperature near 86 — and a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms this evening.
First up, families of victims of the MOVE bombing spoke with two of my colleagues about the continued uncertainty about their loved ones’ remains.
Plus, the Philly school board is paying $450,000 for “transition services” for the new superintendent — an amount that a Harvard University education professor called “extraordinarily high.”
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— Felicia Gans Sobey (@FeliciaGans, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
Families of the victims of the MOVE bombing are still grappling with the heartache of learning that their loved ones’ remains were not properly laid to rest as they thought — but instead some were kept by the city Medical Examiner’s Office, and others by University of Pennsylvania anthropologists, who even displayed them in online courses.
Family members voiced frustration that an extensive investigation released this month about the medical examiner’s role in the mishandling of the remains offered few answers and was “still inconclusive.”
“The city’s not owning up to any of their faults. It still takes a toll on me — how can people’s remains be in three, four, five, six, seven different places?” said Lionell Dotson, whose two sisters died in the bombing.
My colleagues Aubrey Whelan and Jason Laughlin tell us more.
What you should know today
A man was arrested for alleged arson in connection with the Fairhill fire and building collapse that killed Philadelphia Fire Lt. Sean Williamson earlier this month.
Many local LGBTQ couples are focusing on estate planning as they worry that their rights could be challenged after the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson didn’t disclose rental income on his financial disclosure form, and his wife operated rental units without licenses until May, The Inquirer found. 🔒
A former financial director for the Philly Pops and the Jewish Exponent, admitted Tuesday to stealing more than $1.4 million from nonprofits.
The New Jersey Legislature is set to vote today on a record $50.6 billion budget.
Seven states have banned nearly all abortions in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling last week. Take a look at our map tracking abortion access nationwide.
Local Coronavirus Numbers: Here’s your daily look at the latest COVID-19 data.
The price tag: $450,000
Who is getting this money?
A Tennessee-based consulting firm called Joseph & Associates.
What will it pay for?
The money will pay for “transition services,” which include coaching and guidance in three areas: a listening-and-learning tour and 100-day plan; a transition team process and evaluation of district processes, operations and capacity; and the development of a strategic plan.
My colleague Kristen A. Graham tells us more about the contract and why some are questioning its expense.
🧠 Philly Trivia Time 🧠
The Sixers may be bringing back their popular black jerseys. Today’s question: When were they first unveiled? Take a guess, and find the answer here.
a. 1991
b. 1995
c. 1997
d. 2005
What we’re …
🦪 Happy about: Oyster happy hours.
🍦 Getting a brain freeze from: Vanderwende’s ice cream at its new shop opening in Center City this week.
🧺 Organizing: My shelves, with the help of these tips for how to get started.
🧩 Unscramble the Anagram 🧩
This Philly native was named a reserve in the WNBA All-Star Game on Tuesday.
HEKC PHALAROPE
Think you know? Send your guess our way at morningnewsletter@inquirer.com. We’ll give a shout-out to a reader at random who answers correctly. Today’s shout-out goes to Lauren Burrell, who correctly guessed Bardascino Park as Tuesday’s answer.
Photo of the day
That’s all for today. 👋 My colleague Katie Krzaczek will be in your inbox tomorrow.