What Philly’s primary means for city’s tax abatement; Why we vote for judges | Morning Newsletter

Philly’s May primary is just weeks away and with it could come major changes for Philadelphians. Judging by the support — or lack thereof — from City Council candidates, Philly’s hotly debated 10-year tax abatement for new and rehabbed construction could change or be abolished very soon. Voters will also decide judicial elections in the city and statewide. But what do you really know about the 33 judicial candidates on the ballot?

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— Ray Boyd (@RayBoydDigital, morningnewsletter@philly.com)

Despite the controversy surrounding Philadelphia’s 10-year tax abatement for newly constructed and rehabbed homes, no efforts to get rid of it have succeeded. That could change very soon.

A majority of City Council candidates in the upcoming primary oppose the abatement and several went so far as to say abolishing it would be a top priority. Those feelings also seem to exist among Philly voters, according to an Inquirer poll.

Supporters say the law allows for much needed development in the city. But critics argue that the city is forgoing much-needed tax revenue.

You might already know who you’ll be voting for when it comes to mayor and City Council during this month’s primary. But what do you know about the 33 judicial candidates?

Pennsylvania is one of just a handful of states that hold partisan elections in all judicial races. Why? It’s a practice that dates back to the 19th century and despite some calls for reform, it’s withstood the test of time.

Lawmakers are currently considering a constitutional amendment that would shift statewide appellate judges away from being chosen by voters, but it would have to overcome a lot of roadblocks to become a reality.

New Jerseyans living in areas hardest hit by the opioid crisis are finding it more difficult to get lifesaving overdose-reversal drugs at pharmacies, according to a new study.

Roughly a third of the pharmacies surveyed carried naloxone, but researchers found that certain residents of the Garden State were more likely to have the drug available to them than others.

Researchers say the disparity between those who have naloxone readily available and those who struggle to access it “suggest an unsurprising and disturbing pattern.”

How about some good news for a change? We just introduced a brand new special section called the UpSide, filled with positive and uplifting stories. Hear from some of the people behind the pages, live in conversation with UpSide editor Ronnie Polaneczky, at The Inquirer’s office on Tuesday, May 7th. Register for free at philly.com/inquiringminds.

The weather wasn’t pawfect for the Broad Street Run, but this pic sure is. Thanks, @charlie_inthecity.

Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we’ll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out!

“The president has a plan for survival. It involves essentially shredding the Constitution, demolishing the government of ‘checks and balances’ that was envisioned by the Founders, and promoting a crisis that will leave Americans angry and, at least psychologically, poised for a civil war. That sounds scary but the scariest part is: It just might work.” — Columnist Will Bunch on President Donald Trump’s reelection effort.

Philabundance Community Kitchen’s food-service training program for low- or no-income individuals has been a “breath of fresh air” for those looking to succeed in the workplace after graduation. And now, it’s set to expand.