Yesterday in Philly
Election Results, HVAC Melt, and a Dental Scare
Election results are in: Pennsylvania’s primary election (finally) wrapped, and the city’s progressive crowd has a new reason to gloat. Chris Rabb won the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District—thanks partly to some old-school, ground-game organizing (details here). That means, for now, Philly’s shift left is not slowing down. Full results, including two city ballot questions, right here.
Miserable weather update: Thunderstorms rolled in yesterday and shredded the heat wave, so at least we’ve got relief from the swamp. But the drama isn’t over: Brush fires in North Philly sent up thick smoke and an air quality advisory (read more), and power outages plus a flood shut down Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philly, forcing 120 patients to scramble to other sites. No timeline to reopen yet—keep that in mind if you’ve got appointments. Also, Philly schools went remote in bulk (57 of them!) due to the heat. File under: "Maybe air conditioning should be a basic right."
Local health alert: If you’ve been to Smiles at Rittenhouse Square, check your messages. Officials are urging former patients to get screened for HIV and hepatitis (types B and C) after some very questionable infection controls. If you were seen there since January 2023, follow up ASAP. Prospective patients: double-check every dentist’s record.
Transit, sports, more:
- SEPTA ran a full-scale FIFA World Cup emergency drill (details), which actually sounds reassuring. Fingers crossed for a mess-free summer, but you know, it's SEPTA.
- Phillies and sports check: The Phils dropped their first series under Don Mattingly to the Reds (summary), while Sixers’ VJ Edgecombe got an All-Rookie First Team nod (good news here).
- Cost of living: Local businesses are still sweating the economy—see how some are adapting to rising prices. If it feels like groceries just keep creeping up, you're not imagining it.
Quick hits:
- Candidates on your ballot? Full results recap
- Brush fires around North Philly made Amtrak tricky yesterday. (Check for delays if you’re riding today.)
- Planning summer weekends? Philly’s popping with food expos, salsa in FDR Park (free Pride salsa night June 5), and a local culture expo in Oaks.
That’s the gist—if you made it through the weather and the election, treat yourself to a killer burger tonight (best-of list here).
