How national media framed the Philadelphia mayor’s race
If you’d only been following the Philly mayor’s race via national news, you might’ve been surprised by the eventual outcome.
- There were two major threads in national coverage: the tug between moderates and progressives for control of a large American city, and a referendum on policing and public safety.
Asha Prihar took a look at how the battle for Philadelphia’s top government position was presented to the rest of the country in the lead-up to the primary.
Philly continues its streak of weekend festival fun
You could start the weekend early at a new Boathouse Row cider garden or happy hour benefitting the PSPCA. But save your energy — there’s lots more.
- Come for cannoli, stay for greased pole climbing at the 9th Street Italian Market Festival. Snag seafood snacks in Port Richmond at Bonk’s Big Bash, or hit North American Street’s annual maker fair.
BP food and drink reporter Ali Mohsen has your guide to keeping the party going all weekend long.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Democratic mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker missed her victory party due to a “dental issue.” What might constitute a dental emergency, anyway? [Billy Penn]
• Different parts of the city leaned toward different mayoral candidates, per an Inquirer analysis of primary voting. Per the map, Parker led in North, far West, and Southwest Philly. Domb took a bulk of the Northeast, plus a chunk around Girard Estates. Rhynhart was strongest in Center City and far Northwest, while Gym came out on top in University City, the River Wards, and parts of South Philly. [Inquirer$/@billy_penn]
• After a 10-day search, U.S. Marshals have captured the second Philly prison escapee, finding him in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood. [Billy Penn.
• Air in the Philly region has gotten cleaner over the past decade, partially thanks to the closure of the PES Refinery four years ago. [Axios]
• The restaurant industry is losing a key link in the sustainable ingredient chain: Primal Supply Meats is closing for good. Heather Thomason first opened the whole-animal butchery seven years ago. [Philly Grub/BP 2018]
• Burning desire for a gold-covered burger? Center City’s DBG (the new name for Drury Beer Garden) is giving you that option — if you have $700 to drop. [NBC10]
• Bryce Harper might be the most perfect marriage of athlete and Philadelphia. Maybe Jason Kelce could match him — but who else could really contend? [Hittin’ Season]
MAYOR WATCH
SEPTA is overhauling the Wissahickon Transportation Center next to the Schuylkill, and Mayor Kenney attends the groundbreaking for the $28M project (10 a.m.). Back at City Hall, Kenney joins local and FIFA reps to unveil the branding for the World Cup 2026 games in Philadelphia (3:30 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
⚒️ Over the past 15 years, thousands of items have been borrowed from the West Philly Tool Library, which celebrates its anniversary with a free party featuring food, drink, music, and a raffle. (4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20)
🎭 Calling all families! The Philadelphia Children’s Festival with Penn Live Arts has dozens of performances, with admission ranging from free to $25. (Saturday-Tuesday, May 20-23)
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