Council wants answers after discrimination at foster agencies, judge to allow 5 accusers to testify in Cosby retrial | Morning Newsletter
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Good morning, folks. Following an Inquirer and Daily News report, Philadelphia City Council wants to take a close look at two foster agencies that have turned away same-sex couples. A Montgomery County judge has made a decision that will greatly impact Bill Cosby's retrial and does Joe Biden have his eyes on a 2020 presidential bid? Let's get this Friday started.
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— Ray Boyd (@RayBoydDigital, morningnewsletter@philly.com)
» READ MORE: City Council wants answers after LGBTQ discrimination at Philly foster agencies
This week, an Inquirer and Daily News report found that two Philadelphia foster agencies turned away same-sex couples due to their religious views.
The revelation came shortly after the Department of Human Services put out an urgent call for foster parents to help reduce the number of children in group home placements in the city.
Councilwoman Cindy Bass called for an investigation into these religion-based policies — practices that a spokesman for the archdiocese says are "well-established and long-known," in their connection with DHS. The city will halt foster-care intakes at Bethany Christian Services and Catholic Social Services, pending an investigation.
» READ MORE: Judge decides 5 past accusers can testify in Cosby retrial
Montgomery County Judge Steven T. O'Neill's decision to allow five past accusers to testify in Bill Cosby's retrial could have a strong impact on the upcoming sexual assault trial.
The decision was made on Thursday after the prosecution and defense argued over whether 19 accusers could testify in the retrial. The defense feared that #MeToo backlash might hurt their client.
The only criminal charges against the entertainer stem from his connection to former Temple University employee Andrea Constand. The first trial ended in a hung jury last year.
» READ MORE: Biden’s support of Pa. Dems stirs speculation of 2020 presidential run
Joe Biden is still wading in the Democratic Party's political pool. He's thrown his support behind a number of candidates in high-profile congressional races.
Biden backed Democrat Conor Lamb in the special election in Southwestern Pennsylvania and he's endorsing two Democratic candidates in the Philly suburbs who hope to shift the balance of the House.
With Republicans looking for answers after Lamb's surprising win in a 2016 Trump stronghold, talk is swirling about whether Biden would take on the president in 2020.
What you need to know today
In line with his campaign promise to put less people behind bars, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has outlined some bold policies for his office's 300 prosecutors to keep in mind.
The target for the Social Security Administration to decide a case involving whether a person can apply for Supplemental Security Income is 270 days. So, why did a Philadelphia woman with multiple sclerosis wait 878?
The attorney general's office decided to toss out some of the most serious charges against Penn State fraternity members in the death of Tim Piazza — a move that left Piazza's family "disappointed."
An ex-Philly cop pleaded guilty to dumping an emaciated dog in a trash bag in 2016. The officer's name also appears on the list of those the district attorney's office deemed unfit to testify in court.
A woman, looking for answers about her son's suicide in a Pennsylvania state prison, claims a coroner told her he was on 24-hour suicide watch at the time — something officials have not confirmed.
On Thursday, an Amber Alert was issued in Mexico for a missing Allentown teenager that authorities believe ran away with Kevin Easterly, 45, a friend of the family.
America's immigration agency has removed "nation of immigrants" from its mission statement and added "protecting Americans, securing the homeland, and honoring our values." The change has left some worried.
President Trump compared Conor Lamb to being like him, as he explained how the Democrat was able to win Pa. 18's special election — a district that went overwhelmingly for the president in 2016.
It was a split for Philly squads to open the NCAA tournament. Penn fell to top-seed Kansas 76-60, while top-seed Villanova continued dancing by beating Radford, 87-61.
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That’s Interesting
"Every American should really have an AR," said Justin Moon. The Poconos-based gunmaker calls it America's rifle and his politics have no middle ground.
As they continue to jockey for a playoff spot, the Sixers pulled off a late comeback win over the Knicks, 118-110.
Imagine a world without private cars. Can you see it? If not, a new Philly apartment tower is making that future a little clearer.
Who among us hasn't forgotten a phone, keys or a wallet in the back of an Uber? What drivers find isn't always that typical and we broke down the seven most unique items that riders left behind in Philly.
With St. Patrick's Day set for tomorrow, many green-clad individuals will have their wits tested as they celebrate. Wondering how your day will go? We have a quiz for that.
Mice made their presence known among recent closures for Philly eateries, including in a noted private school's kitchen.
Zach Ertz has agreed to decrease his base salary with the Eagles from $8 million to $790,000 for the upcoming season. Why you ask? Of course, there's a catch.
Philly soccer fans might get a kick out of learning the city is one of 23 potential host cities listed in the United States/Canada/Mexico bid for the 2026 World Cup.
The Flyers were flying high for some time, but a recent skid continued last night in a 5-3 loss to Columbus.
Opinions
Columnist Christine Flowers took a walk down memory lane, remembering Barbies and green plastic soldiers following the closing of Toys R Us during the rise of e-commerce.
Columnist Stu Bykofsky has seven suggestions for how Philly can find funding for schools (without higher taxes), including eliminating part of the city workforce.
What we’re reading
In an interview with Rolling Stone, rapper Meek Mill spoke of the freedom he misses while behind bars – the freedom he felt rapping on street corners and riding his dirt bike through North Philly.
In December, John Skipper resigned as president of ESPN due to a "substance addiction." Speaking with Hollywood Reporter, Skipper said that the decision stemmed from a cocaine dealer's attempt to extort him.
Folk singer Joan Baez, 77, is calling it a career. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer explained to The New York Times why walking away after her latest album and tour "feels so right."
FiveThirtyEight wondered, which college basketball teams are the closest to losing an NCAA tournament game from each possible tourney seed. It turns out a Philly school is among the "best" losers.
In an interview with GQ, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins opened up about his role in activism, winning the Super Bowl and how he almost dropped the trophy during the parade.
Your Daily Dose of | J.J.
Sixers fans hope J.J. Redick will keep the shots raining for a while, but the aptly named 'The J.J. Redick Podcast" might be foreshadowing his post basketball career.