Good morning, Philly.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at some of Philadelphia’s most powerful people. First, we’ll unpack why a judge has asked federal prosecutors to investigate District Attorney Larry Krasner over allegations of conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
Then, we head to City Hall for a sneak peek at which agenda items will be driving Philadelphia City Council this fall.
Plus, we cover Pennsylvania’s fourth confirmed measles death, and more news of the day.
— Laura Benshoff (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
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Judge: Investigate Krasner
A post-conviction case that has embroiled Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office could now lead to a criminal investigation into his conduct.
In a memorandum this week, U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond wrote that Krasner and one of his top supervisors, Matthew Stiegler, could no longer work on the case, in which a man convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 is trying to get that conviction overturned.
The man, Dennis Johnson, has seen his petition overshadowed by revelations about the inner workings of Krasner’s office. During hearings earlier this year, attorneys described pressure to protect Stiegler’s handling of Johnson’s case, and to lie to Diamond in court.
“I have thus reluctantly concluded that Philadelphia’s highest law enforcement official and one of his top assistants may have violated the law,” Diamond wrote. He said he had referred the matter to federal prosecutors.
In a statement Tuesday, Krasner said, “I respectfully and vigorously disagree” with Diamond’s findings.
Inquirer federal courts reporter Chris Palmer has more.
What’s coming in Council
When City Council reconvenes on Thursday, the pressure will be on.
All 17 legislators are up for reelection next year, as is Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. What they do or don’t accomplish this session will be fresh in voters’ minds.
Here are some agenda items to follow this fall:
🏟️ Stadium development. Two years after a bruising political fight over a Center City arena proposal, the 76ers and Flyers now want City Council to approve a new arena development, this time in South Philly’s sports complex.
🗑️ Burning trash. Philadelphia sends about a third of its trash to an incinerator in Chester, just south of the city. Councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Mark Squilla have competing ideas for how to stop that practice.
✏️ School funding. Philadelphia public schools face a $300 million structural budget deficit. In the spring, City Council and the mayor failed to reach a deal over new tax revenue to help plug the hole. That means it’s still a live issue.
City Hall reporters Sean Collins Walsh and Anna Orso take it from here.
What you should know today
- An 18-year-old from Mifflin County died due to measles complications, the county coroner said on Tuesday, bringing the total count of Pennsylvania fatalities from the current outbreak up to four.
- Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal’s new second-in-command — who was hired this summer during a “reorganization” of the scandal-plagued office — has now left that post.
- The Iran war is costing taxpayers up to $3 billion per month, according to a Congressional Budget Office report commissioned by U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D.,Philadelphia).
- After the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration’s proposed restrictions on mail voting, Gov. Josh Shapiro took a victory lap on social media.
- An Upper Bucks man who shot at a DoorDash driver last year, irate that his cheesesteaks were late, was sentenced to four to 10 years in state prison Tuesday.
- RIP Neshaminy Mall. The Bucks County institution will close by the end of October and be demolished, said Bensalem Mayor Joe DiGirolamo.
Quote of the day
A Montgomery County animal sanctuary is going viral for offering morning coffees and evening cocktail dates — with baby cows.
The Inquirer’s Bea Forman reports that the events have proven so popular they’re helping pay for much-needed renovations.
🧠 Trivia time
Fifty-two Philadelphia public schools still lack air-conditioning. This week, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts donated how much to help cool Northeast High’s auditorium?
A) $200,000
B) $400,000
C) $600,000
D) $2 million
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🧖♀️ Touring. Bathhouse, a sprawling new wellness complex in the basement of the Bellevue Hotel, offers saunas, pools, and a steam room. But don’t call it a “spa,” reports The Inquirer’s Bea Forman.
🍽️ Winning. One local spot, Bomb Bomb Bar in South Philly, has landed on the annual New York Times Best Restaurants list. Plus, the chefs behind Honeysuckle got a nod from Food & Wine, per our Food team.
🦅 Checking out. The tiniest piece of Eagles art is here. It costs $1 and you can buy it from a handful of novelty vending machines at the Linc, writes The Inquirer’s Emily Bloch.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: You can buy plates like those featured in this TV show at a pop-up in Olde Kensington.
HERB TEA
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Peter DeMuro, who correctly guessed Tuesday’s answer: Steve Gerben. Born in Berwyn and now living in West Chester, Gerben has not had to leave home to find success — on TV or on the links.
Photo of the day
Philly-set shows went largely statuette-less this week, save a lone Emmy for Task. You win some, you lose some.
👋 Cheers for now!
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