Hi, Philly. So far, Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction seems accurate as the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures persist. There’s even a chance of a fresh frosting overnight.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is increasingly critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s operation in Minneapolis. Critics point out his administration still cooperates with the agency.
And a lawsuit challenging the legality of a special-admissions process at magnet and other criteria-based city schools was revived by a panel of federal judges this week. The policy’s constitutionality is in question.
— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
P.S. A heads-up to the urban drivers among us: The Philadelphia Parking Authority is resuming parking regulation enforcement and towing today after a pause for last week’s snowstorm. The city also needs all parked vehicles moved from South Broad Street between Washington and Oregon avenues before 7 a.m. for a snow removal operation.
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Ramped-up rhetoric
Gov. Shapiro has avoided fights over immigration for much of the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. But after the fatal shootings in Minneapolis, he’s jumping into the fray.
The centrist Democrat has ramped up his anti-Trump rhetoric since federal agents killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last month, especially during his author tour to promote his new memoir.
Still, immigrant rights groups in Pennsylvania say they want to see Shapiro do more by ending all cooperation with ICE. His administration currently honors ICE detainers in state prisons and allows the agency access to state databases.
Notable quote: “It’s easy for him to point the finger to somebody else, but then what is he doing at home?” a local advocate said of Shapiro’s criticism of the federal operation in Minnesota.
Politics reporters Katie Bernard and Gillian McGoldrick have the story.
In other gubernatorial news:
- The governor decried Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner’s comparison of ICE agents to Nazis. Krasner’s response: “Don’t be a wimp.”
- Shapiro is expected to pitch a $53.3 billion budget on Tuesday during his fourth annual budget address. Here’s what we’ll be watching for.
- And Shapiro is backing a proposal to ban cell phones from Pennsylvania classrooms. Twenty-three other states have so-called “bell-to-bell” bans.
School admissions policy back in court
A lawsuit challenging the legality of Philadelphia schools’ special-admissions process was revived Monday by a federal appeals panel, who ruled it could be unconstitutional and discriminatory.
The initial lawsuit in 2022 was brought forth by a trio of Philly parents, who sued the district to end a new policy that changed the way it admits students to criteria-based schools. A federal judge tossed the case in 2024.
This latest legal move could have long-term implications for the district if the case now proceeds to trial.
Reporters Kristen A. Graham and Abraham Gutman have more details.
More on education: Broken heat and burst pipes left some students shivering in Philadelphia schools on Monday, while others learned virtually from home. Four schools were dismissed early because of the cold conditions.
What you should know today
- A Temple University student was arrested by federal agents Monday in connection with the same anti-ICE protest for which journalist Don Lemon is facing charges.
- A federal judge who will decide the fate of the dismantled slavery-related exhibits at the President’s House visited the site Monday. She also inspected the removed panels, which are now in a storage room at the National Constitution Center, and reported that they have not been “destroyed.”
- Dozens of surveillance videos and cell phone data led Philadelphia police to Kada Scott’s accused killer, as described at a preliminary hearing Monday.
- In the crowded Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, two physicians are largely self-funding their campaigns, while another candidate maintains a financial advantage.
- Democrat Janelle Stelson lost to U.S. Rep Scott Perry by a little over one point in 2024. She keeps outraising him as she prepares for a rematch for the Central Pennsylvania seat.
- The Camden County Hall of Justice is closed through at least Wednesday after a pipe burst at the facility on Sunday.
- Philly-area medical schools are enrolling more women and attracting more students, according to the latest trends.
- NFL draft season has officially kicked off. We rounded up some early Eagles-focused takeaways. Plus, see our Eagles guide to today’s Pro Bowl Games.
Quote of the day
It’s a busy moment for the Sixers, with the upcoming trade deadline, Tyrese Maxey’s turn as breakout star, and rookie VJ Edgecombe’s rise. Of course, fans say, because it’s the Sixers, something had to go wrong.
🏆 Plus: Philly sports has seen many eras, but which one has been the best? Was it the early 1980s? Maybe the early 2000s? What about the 2020s? Is there a time that has been overlooked? Reply to this email to share your thoughts on which era was best and why for a chance to be featured in a future story.
🧠 Trivia time
Some Regional Rail trains have a new look due to an effort from the transit agency to alleviate overcrowding. What is different about them?
A) They are all NextGen Acela trains
B) Their seats have been removed
C) They bear “MARC” logos
D) They have wider doors
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re …
🍴 Congratulating: The winners of The Tasties, Philly’s homegrown culinary awards.
🏡 Peeping: Muhammad Ali’s former Cherry Hill mansion, now back on the market.
🍦 Anticipating: This weekend’s return of Zsa’s Ice Cream in Mount Airy under a new owner.
🥶 Noting: The signs of a frozen housing market in Philadelphia and Delaware County.
🎙️ Considering: Black media’s role in centering Black history, culture, and community.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
Hint: Coffee chain
BASS TRUCK
Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.
Cheers to Betsy Flannery, who solved Monday’s anagram: Reclectic. URBN’s discount store is moving from the Franklin Mall to a larger space in the Willow Grove Park Mall this month.
Photo of the day
Enjoy your snow-capped Tuesday. See you back here tomorrow.
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