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The Most Expensive Mayoral Primary Ever

This year’s Democratic mayoral primary election broke records. The candidates and the political action groups backing them spent about $37.7 million, making it the most expensive such race in city history, according to an analysis by the Philadelphia Inquirer. While cash alone didn’t determine the winner, money was important. Former City Councilmembers Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Derek Green left the race because they couldn’t compete financially. [Inquirer 🔒]

• Where did all this money come from? We decided to find out. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🏆 Quinta Brunson To Receive Award for ‘Abbott Elementary’

West Philly native Quinta Brunson will receive the Comedy Person of the Year award at the Just For Laughs ComedyPro conference in Montreal. Her breakout show, “Abbott Elementary,” depicting life at a fictional Philadelphia school, will resume production for its third season once the Writers Guild of America strike ends. [PhillyVoice]

• Does “Abbott Elementary” reflect the reality of Philly public schools? We sorted out fact from fiction. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🚫 Pushback To City Council's Proposed Ski Mask Ban

Philadelphia City Council wants to ban the use of full face coverings in an effort to reduce crime. Councilmember Anthony Phillips and 10 others have backed legislation that would ban face coverings at schools, rec centers, daycare centers, parks, and municipal buildings. But there isn’t research on whether ski masks bans reduce violent crime, and some experts say the bans violate the constitutional rights of young people. [WHYY]

❤️ Philly Sports Teams Donate to Family of I-95 Collapse Victim

The Philadelphia Phillies, 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, and Union teams have made a collective donation of $50,000 to create a trust fund for the daughter of Nathan Moody, the truck driver who died in the I-95 bridge collapse. The money is intended to help cover childcare and education costs for the 7-year-old. Moody’s friend Alex Harcharek also created a GoFundMe to help his family pay for the funeral. [NBC10]

🏙️ Market East’s Past & Future

Philly’s Market East neighborhood has seen a lot of changes over the past few years, and more are on the horizon. Billy Penn freelance reporter Ben Seale breaks down new development in the neighborhood...and we're not talking about the 76ers proposed arena. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

Philadelphia can be overwhelming to a new resident, but pro-tips can make a huge difference. I asked Hey Philly readers what your essential rules are for surviving Philly. Here’s some advice on becoming a local:

“Be nice to people - we get a bad rep in this city, but it’s honestly not true. Learn how to use SEPTA: my suggestion is using the Google Maps app, it gives great info on buses/subways/etc. And get yourself a Key Card! Find your neighborhood and love it - every spot is so different and has its own vibe.” - Lauren H.

“My advice would be: don’t drive in Center City as parking is either non-existent or incredibly expensive.” - Susan H.

“Use the trash cans, don’t double park, learn your SEPTA routes, be a tourist occasionally, go to a professional sporting event and arrive early, and embrace ‘It’s a Philly Thing.’” - Cathy C.

What are your essential rules for living in Philly? Let us know, and we could include your answer in an upcoming City Cast Philly episode!

The Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Square is a popular summer hangout spot for residents. Swimming isn’t actually allowed, but many kids do it anyway! It’s also a major tourist spot, close to hotels, restaurants, and the museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

While it’s now a public wading pool, this fountain was originally built to honor someone who championed a different kind of public water feature.

Opened in July 1924, the fountain was built in memory of Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society, which campaigned to have more drinking water fountains installed across Philadelphia.

Swann believed that the lack of access to potable water led people to drink alcohol. “The suffering caused by the absence of water in our streets is beyond description,” he said in a speech to supporters in 1870.

The 124-foot, water-spewing sculpture is also known as the “Fountain of the Three Rivers.” It has three bronze Lenni Lenape human figures that represent the Delaware, Schuylkill, and Wissahickon Rivers.

On the fountain's first day in operation, nearly 10,000 spectators celebrated in the streets.

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Craft n’ Sip | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Relax into a meditative flow of designing and creating your own mini tapestries using locally-dyed yarn at The Lawn. Wine and light fare provided. [free, University City]

🧱 Pride Stonewall Talk | Thursday | 7 p.m.

Join author Mark Segal at Parkway Central Library and learn about his early years as an activist, including the Stonewall Riots. [free, Logan Square]

🍿 Family Movie Night | Friday | 7 p.m.

Bring the family to Frankford Pause Park to watch “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” BYO blanket. Snacks available for purchase. [free, Frankford]

🤣 Want to Laugh? | Friday  | 7 p.m.

Join Franky Bradley’s for a comedy show by Nataly Aukar. [$18.30, Midtown Village]

From the meadows of FDR Park to the Belmont Plateau, Philly has some amazing green space. Host Trenae Nuri talks with John Sigmund, public programs manager at the Fairmount Park Conservancy about all of the fun things to do at your local parks.

Talk to you tomorrow, friend!

- Brittany Valentine