Bill Cosby found guilty in sexual assault trial, Rep. Brady introduces bill to prevent family's deportation | Morning Newsletter
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Good morning, Philadelphia. After roughly 13 hours of deliberation, a jury found comedian Bill Cosby guilty of sexual assault of former Temple University employee Andrea Constand. The decision set off a wave of emotional reactions on both sides. Many see the conviction as a milestone moment for the #MeToo era and a sign of future justice to come for victims. Others are struggling with the verdict as they recall the positive legacy that Cosby once built. For four months, a family has sought refuge inside a North Philadelphia church as a mother and her children face deportation. Rep. Bob Brady is hoping to make sure that doesn't happen. Thank you for starting your day with us. Let's get started.
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— Ray Boyd (@RayBoydDigital, morningnewsletter@philly.com)
» READ MORE: Cosby found guilty in sexual assault retrial: What it means in the #MeToo era
On Thursday, Bill Cosby was found guilty on all charges in his sexual assault retrial. The verdict cast a dark cloud over the "America's Dad," legacy that Cosby built and leaves some to wonder whether the #MeToo movement was ultimately able to convict him.
Reactions to the verdict varied. From the steps of the courthouse, to social media, many people celebrated, believing that justice was delivered. Still, some are torn as people — and Philadelphia's Temple University — have to decide whether or not to let go of the Cosby they knew. As black Philadelphians contemplate his legacy, questions flow over his guilt or innocence and the fairness of the process.
Andrea Constand, Cosby's chief accuser, now has a lasting legacy as well. District Attorney Kevin Steele said Constand was "inspiring," for speaking out against Cosby and remaining composed throughout the trial.
Cosby did not display very much emotion either as he awaited his fate. However, when Steele argued that Cosby's bail should be revoked, the comedian's demeanor changed.
After the verdict, Judge Steven T. O'Neill ordered Cosby to remain at his home in Cheltenham as the 80-year-old waits to find out what happens next.
» READ MORE: Rep. Brady introduces bill to protect family in Philadelphia church from deportation
Carmela Apolonio Hernandez and her four children have a chance to avoid deportation to Mexico thanks to a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Bob Brady. Four months ago, the family took refuge inside the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia – a decision that Hernandez says was about life or death.
In February, supporters rallied outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on behalf of the family which was ordered deported to Mexico. They demanded that ICE take a new approach to people in sanctuary.
Churches have become a staple of resistance as the Trump administration continues to ramp up immigration enforcement. "I am here determined to fight for my children," Hernandez explained. Brady's bill, while a long shot, shows that he stands with Hernandez in that fight.
What you need to know today
Several Philadelphia-area pharmacies target workers' compensation patients, charging thousands of dollars for tubes of unproven pain cream. Governor Wolf is taking actions that he says will greatly bring down the costs of these products.
One of Philadelphia's highest law enforcement officials, Sheriff Jewell Williams, is also a landlord and in that role, he has allegedly broken a number of city rules.
Day one of the NFL Draft came and went without the Eagles making a pick as they traded out of the first round. General Manager Howie Roseman explains why the team is still confident about the names on the board.
In his first television interview since his release from prison, Meek Mill opened up to Lester Holt about the sense of purpose the experience has given him.
Makeshift funerals can be seen on the streets of Kensington. When someone overdoses in one of the area's heroin encampments, the friends left behind often have no space to mourn.
A Pennsylvania judge last month threw out involuntary manslaughter charges against several Penn State fraternity brothers in the hazing death of Tim Piazza. Attorney General Josh Shapiro is now appealing "in the interest of justice for the Piazza family.
Pet owners in New Jersey are being advised to stay vigilant as a very dangerous pest continues to spread throughout the Garden State.
Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly
We want to see what our community looks like through your eyes. Show us the park that your family walks through every weekend with the dog, the block party in your neighborhood or the historic stretch you see every morning on your commute to work.
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! Today's #OurPhilly pick by user @randypikeheinzel was selected by our readers. Want to vote for your favorite next week? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
That’s Interesting
Tomorrow, Philly's facial hair faithful will gather for the Philadelphia Beard Festival and my colleague Grace Dickinson pulled together tips from some of Philly's most recognizable beard experts.
The calendar is packed this weekend in Philadelphia, including a real treat for science lovers. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway will transform on Saturday for the end of the Philadelphia Science Festival.
If you plan on hitting the open road this weekend, be ready to spend a little more at the pump. Pennsylvania's average gas price has hit its highest total since 2014, and President Trump believes he knows why.
After Auschwitz, the documentary from Philly native Jon Kean, has some surprisingly funny moments. Kean explains the vital role that humor played in telling this story.
A great urban park can transport you right out of a city. Architecture critic Inga Saffron examines how LOVE Park went from the "People's Park" to a "granite Sahara."
Actor Danny Devito is back in New Jersey for this weekend's Asbury Park Music & Film Festival. He spoke with reporter Nick Vadala about his Jersey roots, his love of the Eagles, and his toughest times in Asbury Park.
Beaches and gardens often wind up being the final resting place for cremated ashes, but some decide to keep loved ones with them in the form of tattoos. These living memorials are growing in popularity, but are also a cause for concern.
Opinions
Columnist Maria Panaritis writes that after the guilty verdict in Cosby's sexual assault retrial, Harvey Weinstein, and other alleged sexual abusers with power and influence, better be afraid.
While the Cosby verdict is a milestone moment in the #MeToo movement, the Inquirer Editorial Board writes that it also points to a sad truth about the state of justice for women in America.
What we’re reading
The New York Times reports on a confidential meeting that NFL owners and players had to discuss protests during the national anthem. In their report, comments made by Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and defensive end Chris Long, address the president's remarks about players and Colin Kaepernick.
What Philly food could you absolutely not live without? PhillyVoice talked to some former Philadelphians to find out how they're holding up without their favorites.
People magazine shares the story of Chris Norton, who thought walking down the aisle would only be a fantasy after a football injury confined him to a wheelchair for years. With his bride by his side, fantasy became reality on their wedding day.
Many Facebook users decided to log off for the final time after the company's data privacy scandal. As The Washington Post reports, it doesn't seem to be impacting their bottom line.
Kanye West is on a streak of controversial Tweets — perhaps none more scrutinized than one about his admiration for President Trump. The Atlantic argues that their connection shouldn't be all that surprising.
Your Daily Dose of | Pizza
Pizzeria Beddia's old location in Fishtown won't be empty for long. A very simply-named replacement is about to set up shop.