? Want this daily digest emailed to you? Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and it’ll land in your inbox every morning.
Progressives gain power in ward elections full of infighting
There’s lots of turmoil in national politics right now, but key power battles are also occurring at the hyperlocal level.
- Democratic Philly wards held elections for their leaders this week, and there was an organized effort to challenge the establishment’s lock on power. In several cases, the upstarts won.
In others — including wards led by Councilmember Bass and former Councilmember Blackwell — there were intense fights that even got physical, WHYY’s Katie Meyer and BP’s Lizzy McLellan Ravitch report.
Cutting through the budget BS with Rebecca Rhynhart
More than 60 people joined us Wednesday night at Parks on Tap on the banks of the Schuylkill to talk about that scintillating subject: the city budget.
- With credit to the audience and panelists, a ton of interesting topics were discussed. Controller Rhynhart even addressed the rumors she’ll run for mayor — avoiding a firm answer but not making a denial.
Moderator Jordan Levy recapped four takeaways from the conversation, from anti-violence funding to taxes to why ballot questions are always confusing.
March On: The Fight for Pride
Podcast by Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg
Out now: Ep. 3: “Who is Franny?” | Next up: Ep. 4, June 16
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- U.S. Rep. Scott Perry of Pa. reportedly sought a White House pardon for attempting to overturn the 2020 election, the House Jan. 6 committee said last night. Protesters have called for him and gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano to be removed from this November’s ballot for their involvement. [WITF/Fox43]
- Democratic Pa. gov candidate Josh Shapiro came out ~against~ the growing boycott of Martin’s potato rolls, which is rooted in the bakery’s support of his opponent, Mastriano. [Billy Penn/CNN]
- In the aftermath of the South Street shooting, people are asking whether police should have taken more action to manage the crowd. Here’s a nuanced look at the debate. [WHYY]
- The bill to let Philly workers pay for SEPTA passes with pre-tax salaries was approved by City Council yesterday. [Billy Penn/@HelenGymAtLarge]
- The Philadelphia Flower Show kicks off tomorrow in FDR Park with more women-led designers than ever. On Instagram, Hidden City posted a handful of historical posters touting the event through the years. [CBS3/@hiddencityphila]
- Next week Philly finds out if it’s one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA will choose 17 from 23 contenders (10 from 16 in the U.S.) so the odds are pretty good. [NBCS Philly/@phlsoccer2026]
- A mini golf bar called The Puttery is the first tenant going into a big new retail complex on Howard Street in Kensington, between Front Street and Frankford Avenue. [Rising Real Estate]
MAYOR WATCH
Busy day for Philly’s 99th mayor. In advance of Sunday’s big Odunde festival, Kenney welcomes ambassadors from Liberty, Ivory Coast, and Mali (11 a.m.). His next guest at City Hall is Temple Football alum Haason Reddick, who was recently drafted by the Eagles (1:05 p.m.).
Onto more official biz: Michael Driscoll is sworn in today as the replacement for convicted former District 6 Councilmember Henon (2 p.m.). Evening brings Mayor Kenney to FDR Park for the Flower Show preview party (6 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
?️? Join Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg, host of “March On,” for happy hour at Cockatoo in the Gayborhood, with a drag performance by VinChelle followed by a discussion of modern Pride. Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 15)
? Elevate your dance moves with bachata and salsa lessons at tonight’s “bailar ball” taking over Fairmount Park’s dreamy Ridgeland Mansion. Tickets are pay what you can, and they cover the lesson plus the post-class turnup. (9 p.m. to midnight Friday, June 10)
? It’s doggie daycare skip day, thanks to the Weavers Way Petapalooza turning Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill into a puppy paradise with training exhibitions, Yappy Hours, and pup-friendly pizza. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12)
