Dugan skips DA debate, leaving Krasner alone at the mic
A district attorney candidate debate turned into an hour-long questioning of incumbent Larry Krasner after challenger Patrick Dugan declined to participate in the event, which means the two may not face each other in an official debate before the May 20 Democratic primary.
Moderators were Cherri Gregg, co-host of WHYY’s “Studio 2” program, and WHYY News reporter Carmen Russell-Sluchansky questioned Krasner about hot-button issues like persistently high rates of retail theft, his relationship with police department leaders, the ways that criminal defendants are selected for diversion programs that let them avoid prison sentences, and the DA office’s prosecution of police officers and former prosecutors accused of misconduct. Continue reading…
City plans to double funding for deportation defense; advocates want much more
The city plans to nearly double funding for legal defense of local residents facing deportation — but immigrant advocates are calling for a much bigger boost.
“Due process shouldn’t depend on your income or immigration status,” said Jeff Serra, legislative director for Councilmember Rue Landau, at a press conference held last week by advocates for the funding increase. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran signed an agreement with ICE, describing it as a move to “enhance public safety.” Immigrant rights advocates are pushing back. [WHYY]
• Leaders at Penn, Temple, Villanova, Haverford and Bryn Mawr were among more than 340 higher education leaders to sign a statement condemning the Trump administration for “unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education.” [PhillyVoice]
• Health outreach workers are bringing services to Philly laundromats as Pa. leaders look to improve maternal outcomes. [WHYY]
• Mayor Parker is exploring a 100% tax abatement for Philly properties in underinvested communities. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Billions of gallons of sewage flowed through Philadelphia waterways in one year, an analysis found. [CBS3]
• Ryan Fleur was promoted to president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, leading an institution that he has worked for since 2012. [AP]
• South Philly residents spoke with city officials and restaurant lawyers about the impact of Angelo’s Pizzeria’s international popularity on local quality of life, from rowdy customers and speeding to illegal parking and public urination. [6ABC]
Philly DA Race
- Primary Day 101
- How to request, fill out and return your mail ballot
- DA race: What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates
- Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Candidate appearances:
- Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
- Billy Penn’s recap of Krasner-Dugan debate on March 20.
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will deliver remarks at the opening of the second-of-its-kind Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek Golf Course, funded by the Cobbs Creek Foundation in partnership with Tiger Woods’ TGR Foundation. (10:15 a.m.)
The mayor will join Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. and Gwen McCauley, Executive Director of the Manayunk Development Corporation, for a tour of Main Street Manayunk to meet merchants and hear community concerns.
(11:45 a.m.)
The mayor will join the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) and City leadership to announce findings from a University of Pennsylvania criminology study, at Tribute to the Church of Redeemer Mural, 2300 Tasker Street. (2:10 p.m.)
The mayor, city officials, and local service providers will host a “One Philly 2.0” budget town hall in Roxborough to educate the public on the upcoming budget and five-year plan, at Academies at Roxborough High School, 6498 Ridge Ave. (6 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🌎 Earth day events, from litter cleanups to seed planting and other events
🎭 College theater productions this spring
🌎 Earth day/month events, from litter cleanups to seed planting
🎭 College theater productions this spring
Thursday, April 24: Dining Out For Life 2025
This national annual fundraising event raises money for community-based organizations serving people with HIV. The concept is simple: diners feast at dozens of participating restaurants and a portion of the proceeds go to provide services for persons with HIV.
Thursday, April 24: 4th District Budget Town Hall
Academies at Roxborough HS hosts the latest in Mayor Parker’s town halls about her FY26 budget plans. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Thursday, April 24: Blossoming poetry open mic
Green Line Cafe’s 45th and Locust St location hosts the long-awaited return of the Blossoming poetry series. There is no featured poet for this show, which means even more time for open mic. (7 p.m.)
Friday, April 25: Germantown Jazz Sessions
Support talented musicians in the heart of Germantown at this live music kickback with three live sets, BYOB and complimentary wine. $15 pre-sale, $20 general, $25 at-the-door. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Friday-Sunday, April 25-27: Germantown Jazz Festival
A three-day celebration of music, art, and culture to the heart of Philadelphia.
Saturday, April 26: Sandy Sprint Philadelphia 5K Run/Walk & Canine Sprint 2025
The Navy Yard’s Marine Parade Grounds hosts this year’s event. $45 adults; $35 children under 12. (7 to 11 a.m.)
Saturday, April 26: Naturepalooza Earth Day Celebration
It’s the Schuylkill Center’s 60th anniversary, with a scavenger hunt, nature-based crafts and activities, guided hikes, local food trucks, a musical performance from Ants on a Log, a dance preview of “Terra: Bodies and Territories, Nature Story Time with Miss Molly from Andorra Library,” a presentation by artist Rebecca Rutstein, and more! FREE. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, April 26: West Craft Fest
The Woodlands cemetery again hosts this annual outdoor festival in West Philadelphia featuring 130+ local makers, vendors, and performers. $1-5 donation encouraged. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, April 26: Cupid’s Bookshop x Indie Bookstore Day
It’s opening weekend for Philly’s new romance-focused bookstore, located in Manayunk. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy limited edition totes, cotton candy, giveaways, and more.
Saturday, April 26: Asian Food Collective 2nd anniversary celebration
Opt for $20, $35, or $60 plates of food and enter a raffle at this event celebrating the group focused on building Pan-Asian/Asian American community through cooking and eating together. After two years of Community Cooking Days, the Collective hopes to soon have their own kitchen to increase programming. At Old Pine Community Center. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, April 26: 10th annual Philly Margarita March
Start your tasting tour at the Wicked Wolf in Center City between 1-3 p.m., joining hundreds of people on this DIY event enjoying 8 margaritas included in your $65 ticket ($35 early bird ends tonight). Ends at 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 26: Nuyorican & Diasporican Visual Art Panel Discussion
Taller Puertorriqueño hosts this free event with editors Arlene Dávila and Yasmin Ramirez, moderated by contributor Johnny Irizarry. RSVP. (3 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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