RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Big shifts in mayoral race, still no clear frontrunner
With Derek Green last week joining Maria Quiñones Sánchez in dropping out, the Democratic mayoral primary contest is down to five leading candidates — and observers say it’s anyone’s to win. Among former Council members, Cherelle Parker has the most establishment backing, Helen Gym has a strong progressives-led ground game, and Allan Domb has the support of influential business leaders and has so far mostly avoided criticism. Former Controller Rebecca Rhynhart has made an unexpectedly strong showing among centrists. Grocer Jeff Brown, who reportedly led in private polls (there still hasn’t been a public, independent survey), was hit with a Board of Ethics lawsuit and other trials, leading one pundit to tell The Inquirer he has “peaked.” Expect ads to heat up going forward. [BP x 6/Inquirer$]
• Temple looks to JoAnne Epps
After Jason Wingard’s resignation as Temple University president, the North Philly school tapped JoAnne Epps to take the helm. There’s some irony in the appointment: Epps, who stepped in as provost in 2016 after a previous leadership shakeup, was ousted shortly after Wingard took over in 2021. She’ll need to chart a path forward out of recent tumult, which will include negotiating a new faculty contract. [6ABC/Temple News/WHYY/Biz Journal$/BP x 2]
• City to study Sixers arena impact
In a bid to add some data to the debate over whether the Sixers should be allowed to build an arena at the Fashion District in Center City, the Kenney administration announced it’s commissioning a trio of independent studies. The RFPs, which are due April 28, will analyze community impact, economic impact, and design considerations. Anti-arena groups in Chinatown say the call for proposals is too rushed and narrow to be truly meaningful. [WHYY/PIDC/Billy Penn]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Harrisburg leaders to discuss ATVs, esports in Philly
Democrats on the Pa. House Majority Policy Committee host two public events in Philadelphia this week. Tuesday they’ll be at Beloved St. John Church on North Broad to discuss what to do about illegal ATV use on city streets, something local officials have been trying to deal with for years. Wednesday they’ll tour Nerd Street, the esports campus, and host a roundtable on the economic potential gaming can offer Philly youth. [Pa. House/BP 2021/BP 2020/Pa. House]
• Mayoral candidate forums continue
Another week, another set of chances to hear the candidates for mayor discuss the issues facing Philadelphia.
– Monday: Urban Affairs Coalition cohosts the “Our Vote, Our Future” forum on North Broad, and PHL17 livestreams a forum cohosted by the AARP and Northeast Times at Holy Family University.
– Tuesday: Women Against Abuse hosts an afternoon forum about violence prevention, and PACDC hosts an evening forum on housing and development at Broad Street Ministry.
– Thursday: Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists hosts the candidates at the Museum of the American Revolution.
– Saturday: Philadelphia Bail Fund and partners host the “Justice for Us” forum on criminal justice reform at the Parkway Central Library.
• Learn how to go solar, help plant trees
In advance of Earth Day on Saturday, environmentally focused events are happening throughout the week. There’s a Solarize Philly seminar on how you can get help adding solar panels to your home or business, a bird-puppet making workshop and bee presentations at the Academy of Natural Sciences, and chances to help plant 1,400 trees across the city with PHS. [Phila Energy Authority/Acad Nat Sci/PHS]
• Sixers surge into playoffs
The ownership of the 76ers has plenty of other distractions, from the arena debate to buying an NFL team, but top of mind for fans is the potential that the Sixers could actually make a deep run at the NBA Championship. After a commanding Game 1 win over Brooklyn — and an adorable appearance by Joel Embiid’s son — the best of 7 series continues Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. [PhillyVoice/@sixers/@NBCSPhilly/NBCS Philly]
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