Philly releases thousands of inmates without their possessions; How will billions in federal funding get decided? | Morning Newsletter

Almost three-quarters of Philadelphia’s inmates that were released during periods in 2017 and 2018 left jail without some of their essential possessions. It’s because the place where inmates’ phones, identification, and cash are held isn’t always open. Also, 50 years ago this week, thousands of Philadelphians attended Woodstock’s 1969 festival. For four of them in particular, it became an essential part of their life’s story.

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— Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

The Inquirer analyzed data about inmates released from Philadelphia jails between April 2017 and April 2018. In that time, 73% of all inmates (that’s more than 16,000 prisoners) were discharged when the cashier’s office was closed.

That means that they were released without their identification, cash, phone or other possessions for hours or days until the cashier’s office reopened.

One of the reasons this is concerning to many is because experts say that the first 72 hours after someone is released is critical. Without money or other essentials, it becomes near impossible to get medicine or buy food.

One of the many things the 2020 Census will determine is how the federal government will dish out close to $900 billion. It’ll go to states and local communities for dozens of programs over the next decade. Any flaws in how the population is counted, or if there’s a lack of participation from the public, could lead to millions of dollars less for some programs.

For example, funding for highways, schools, and medical centers could all be impacted.

Based on the last decennial count Pennsylvania got over $39 billion in federal funds in 2016. That was the fifth most in the country, according to a report. New Jersey received about $23 billion.

From Aug. 15 through Aug. 18, 1969, some 400,000 concertgoers stretched across 600 muddy acres of dairy farm near Bethel, N.Y. Now, 50 years later, Woodstock’s legacy is still debated.

Thousands of people from the Philadelphia area flocked to the festival. And for four of them, Woodstock remains a touchstone in the stories of their lives.

Meet a high-school-nerd-turned-activist, a pot-smoking, antiwar collegian that became a Main Line Republican, a Catholic seminarian who unexpectedly found a wife that weekend, and a man who credits Woodstock for helping him ditch a future in his father’s business in exchange for a career as an entomologist and as a weekend rock-accordionist.

Great point, @ctp.takes.philly! Really cool shot of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church reflected in the windows of the Comcast Technology Center.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we’ll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

“This lack of representation makes me feel as if women aren’t powerful enough to be remembered and honored. It’s also frustrating to see women’s achievements and legacies not get the enduring recognition they deserve.” — The Inquirer’s Carmina Hachenburg writes about going to Penn and seeing nearly every building named after men.

A legendary distance swimmer is now focused on dry land in an effort to create a nation of walkers to combat health issues.