Broad Street Brief: DA Primary Race Enters Final Days

City Hall

City Council Announces New Gun Violence Committee Members, Shift in Focus

On Wednesday, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (District 2) announced 20 new members to the Special Committee on Gun Violence Prevention, emphasizing a renewed focus on youth shootings. Although overall homicides are down, a sharp rise in juvenile homicide charges has prompted calls for stronger community and parental engagement.

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Council President Proposes Early Childhood Task Force

During a Monday rally at City Hall, Council President Johnson proposed forming a task force to address challenges in early childhood education, including low wages and staffing shortages.

Upcoming Committee Hearings

The Philadelphia City Council holds several public hearings throughout the legislative calendar year. Watch here.

• The Public Health & Human Services Committee will meet on Friday, May 16 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding the implementation of regulations on the sale of electronic smoking devices and unapproved nicotine delivery products.
• The Special Committee on Kensington will meet on Friday, May 16 at 12 p.m. to explore best practices in substance use disorder outreach and investigate the effectiveness of current methods used by the City and its partners.
• The Licenses & Inspections Committee will meet on Monday, May 19 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding new rules for electrical contractors and new business hour restrictions in Districts 1, 7, and 8.
• The Public Property & Public Works Committee will meet on Monday, May 19 at 2 p.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding various property transfers, leases, and development projects.
• The Rules Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m. to discuss and hear testimony regarding affordable housing requirements, digital sign controls, zoning changes, mixed income neighborhoods, and use standards for above-ground garages.
• The Transportation & Public Utilities Committee will meet on Wednesday, May 21 at 2 p.m. to investigate potential locations of new intercity bus terminals.

Around Town

CHOP, Penn Use Custom CRISPR Therapy to Treat Infant’s Rare Genetic Disorder

Doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the University of Pennsylvania developed a personalized CRISPR-based treatment in just six months to save an infant with a rare and deadly metabolic disease. The case marks a milestone in gene-editing, showing how tailored therapies could address rare conditions.

PA Supreme Court Weighs Constitutionality of SEPTA Special Prosecutor Law

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments this week on whether a state law appointing a special prosecutor for SEPTA-related crimes in Philadelphia unconstitutionally undermines District Attorney Larry Krasner’s authority by singling out the city and limiting his prosecutorial powers.

New Pedestrian Bridge Will Link Schuylkill Banks to Grays Ferry

A new 2,800-foot trail segment featuring Philadelphia’s first cable-stayed pedestrian bridge opens May 17, connecting Center City’s Schuylkill Banks to Grays Ferry and completing a continuous 2.5-mile stretch along the riverfront.

Residents Praise Trash Pickup, Seek More Green Spaces

Participants in eight community focus groups noted their appreciation of increased trash pickup and tree planting programs, but indicated a desire for more trash cans, parks, and expanded greening programs.

Michelin Comes to Philadelphia

Michelin inspectors are currently evaluating Philadelphia’s restaurants for inclusion in a new “Northeast Cities” edition of the prestigious guide. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with Michelin to ensure local representation, with selections to be announced later this year.

Philadelphia Homebuyers Need $31K More Income Than Renters

Due to rising home prices, high mortgage rates, and the housing shortage, Philadelphia homebuyers require an annual income of $105,400, $31,000 more than renters, to afford monthly housing payments. Despite these challenges, the city remains one of the most affordable places to buy a home in the nation.

Water Bills Could Increase by 18% Over 2 Years

Philadelphia’s water bills could rise to $97 per month by 2026 to cover infrastructure costs, pending review by the City’s Rate Board. The Public Advocate is pushing for a more modest increase to ease the financial strain on residents.

Election Update

GOP Backs Write-In Campaign for Democratic Challenger in DA Race

Philadelphia Republicans are funding a write-in campaign to nominate Democratic candidate Pat Dugan for their ticket in November to better his chances of defeating District Attorney Larry Krasner. The move exploits a loophole in Pennsylvania’s “sore loser” law, which prevents candidates who lose in the primary from running in the general election under another party. In the final days of the race, DA Krasner holds a fundraising edge over Dugan in both Philadelphia and nationally, while Dugan leads in suburban donations and overall fundraising.

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