RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Philly elects a presumptive 100th mayor
In the end, the mayoral contest wasn’t close at all. Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker garnered 32% of the vote, definitively besting Rhyhart’s 23% and Gym’s 22%. Mapped out by ward, Parker led in North Philly, Kensington, Southwest, and most of West Philadelphia. A dental emergency kept her from her own victory party — she later acknowledged she’d put off surgery to concentrate on campaigning. In November she’ll face former Councilmember David Oh, who did not receive party backing in the primary and says he’s not an “average” Republican.
[Billy Penn/@billy_penn/Billy Penn/WURD/WHYY]
• Establishment Dems engage in some chest-beating
Despite challenges in three Council district races, all the incumbents won, as did all the Democratic party-backed candidates for at-large seats, including Rue Landau (who’d be the first openly LGBTQ councilmember) and Nina Ahmad (first South Asian and immigrant member). Meanwhile, party-endorsed challenger John Sabatina ousted Register of Wills Tracey Gordon. Democratic City Committee Chair Bob Brady issued a biting press release clapping back at the national media narrative of a “progressive takeover.” He touted victory over the Working Families Party and Reclaim Philadelphia — and, oddly, the Philadelphia Inquirer — saying “the dinosaur roared.”
[Billy Penn x 4/@PHLDems]
• Church’s stained glass windows sell for over $200k
When the Emmanuel Christian Center took over the former St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in West Philly last fall, Pastor William Brownlee initiated a renovation of the dilapidated space. He sold a pair of grime-covered stained glass windows to a Lancaster antiques salvager for $6,000 each. The collector had them appraised — only to discover the rose designs to be rare Tiffany glass. Last week they were auctioned off for $126k apiece (about $100k after fees). Brownlee is reportedly negotiating for the church to receive 25% of the sale.
[Brownlee/Artnet/Smithsonian/KYW/NYT$/Inquirer$]
• Sixers meltdown sends Doc Rivers packing. Is Harden next?
Sixers fans were split on where to lay blame for yet another early playoff exit, despite Joel Embiid finally winning MVP. But the franchise didn’t hesitate to fire coach Doc Rivers, who’s likely to be picked up by the Bucks or the Suns. Who’ll replace him in Philly? The list is long, and it includes former player JJ Redick. That coach might have some rebuilding to do, as point guard James Harden appears to be heading back to Houston.
[Billy Penn/Fan Sided/SI/USA Today]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Mastriano might announce for U.S. Senate
Ultraconservative Pa. Sen. Doug Mastriano — who was present for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, has dressed in Confederate uniform, and lost decisively to Gov. Josh Shapiro last year — is reportedly planning to announce a run for U.S. Senate this week. Does he really have a chance to beat incumbent Sen. Bob Casey? Among the people who don’t think so: Donald Trump.
[BP x 2/Inquirer$/Politico]
• Anniversary of 2020 racial justice protests
Wednesday marks three years since Minneapolis police killed George Floyd, spurring protests demanding racial justice and an end to police brutality in Philadelphia and around the globe. Philly protesters recently won a $9 million settlement over tear-gassing, though a mistrial was declared for the SWAT officer seen pepper-spraying protesters’ faces. A judge last week dismissed charges against an officer accused of beating a Philly woman who inadvertently drove her SUV between protesters and police.
[Billy Penn x 3/Inquirer$/WHYY 2022]
• Superintendent to pitch year-round school
District Supt. Tony Watlington is expected to present a proposal for year-round school when he presents his 5-year plan to the Philly School Board on Thursday. Details haven’t yet been revealed, but he has some major backing: mayoral nominee Cherelle Parker is also a proponent of the idea. A few districts around the nation have tried it, but not many have kept it going. The teachers union hasn’t yet commented.
[KYW/Chalkbeat x 2]
• Memorial Day weekend fireworks on the waterfront
The unofficial start to summer might have some folks speeding down the shore — here’s the history of the phrase — but there’s also waterside fun for people who stay in town. Fireworks will cap a packed Saturday on the Delaware River waterfront, with activities including a flea market and no fewer than four dance parties — at Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, RiverRink Summerfest, and Penn’s Landing.
[BP 2022/DRWC/Silent Outings]
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