Primary election arrives; Ballot problems; Boyle warrant withdrawn

Everything you need to know on Primary Day

Today’s the day. Polls will be open through 8 p.m. for the Pennsylvania Primary. Not sure who is in the running? Catch up with BP’s Primary Day Procrastinator’s Guide.

Maybe you’ve already submitted a mail ballot? Find out if you’re one of hundreds of voters who have problems with their ballots that will keep your vote from counting for a variety of reasons.

In addition to dozens of candidates, there’s also a ballot question up for consideration, BP’s Meir Rinde has an explanation of that question about city support for Registered Community Orgs.

Philadelphia’s “I Voted” stickers were designed by a local high schooler. (Danya Henninger/Billy Penn)

No charges after investigation into Office of Homeless Services

A review of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services by the inspector general did not turn up any criminal activities, even though the review found OHS went over budget by millions of dollars.

Funding for the office had been cut by several million dollars in FY 2020, but officials disregarded the decrease and kept spending at the previous year’s level in the interest of saving people who were living on the streets of the city. Continue reading…

Elizabeth Hersh (right), former executive director of the city of Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services, and its current executive director, David Holloman (left), before Hersh retired in October of 2023. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• An arrest warrant for Pa. state Rep. Kevin Boyle was withdrawn on primary eve, DA Krasner said Monday. Police and prosecutors said the warrant was wrongly issued. [AP/WHYY]

• Philly reaches $110 million settlement in opioid lawsuit against Walgreens after the city sued in 2021 for the pharmacy chain’s alleged role in exacerbating the opioid epidemic. [WHYY]

• Eight school board nominees move forward after facing some tough questions from City Council focused on charters. [Chalkbeat]

• Several birds named after Philadelphians will be renamed as part of an effort to stop honoring enslavers and racists. [WHYY]

• Philadelphia cultural institutions announce plans for the Children’s World Fair as the latest major event in 2026 to capitalize on the city’s celebration of the nation’s Semiquincentennial. [BizJournal]

• Sapphira Cristál may not have won season 16 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but on the eve of the MTV show’s finale, she spoke during a Philadelphia City Council meeting and was honored with a resolution declaring April 19 as “Philly’s Crown Jewel Day.” [Billy Penn/PhillyVoice]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Tuesday.

ON THE CALENDAR

🍺 Wednesday, April 24: Parks on Tap
Enjoy brews and bites at Philly’s roving beer garden dubbed Parks On Tap. With a new neighborhood featured every week, this week enjoy drinks at Columbus Square Park in East Passyunk. Expect drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, 2SP Brewing and more, as well as cocktails, burgers, cheesesteaks and snacks. (April 24- 28, 4-10 p.m.)

💍 Wednesday, April 24: Old City Wedding Stroll
It’s wedding season at this annual event featuring tastings, demos, tours and more with 35+ local businesses. Free with RSVP. (5 to 8 p.m.)

❓Parks & Rec Trivia Night
“A game is the foot!” Treat yo’ self to food, drinks, and friendly competition at this event at City Winery, free with RSVP. (7:30 p.m.)

🎤 Thursday, April 25: One Night Stand Poetry Slam
The open mic/poetry slam kicks off a weekend of festivities as part of Philly Black Pride 2024. Two-time One Night Stand Poetry Slam champion Queen Phierce hosts the event with a new winner crowned at the end of the night. (8-10 p.m., VIP $30, GA $20)