
City Cast Philly
🗳️ Chris Rabb wins nomination for Congress
May 20, 2026 · — Siani Colón
The results are in! And it wasn't all that close after all. State Rep. Chris Rabb beat out three candidates vying for the Democratic ticket for the Third Congressional District, including Dr. Ala Stanford, who was endorsed by outgoing Congressman Dwight Evans, and State Sen. Sharif Street, backed by much of the local Democratic establishment. Rabb is a democratic socialist who ran the most progressive campaign in the race, and with no Republican candidate he is almost certainly headed to Congress next year.
In other election news: City ballot measures to establish a Retirement Savings Board and a permanent Office of the Youth Ombudsperson overwhelmingly passed.

With the primary election now behind us, it's time to look toward the November election, where multiple races will be competitive, including a showdown between Gov. Josh Shapiro and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity for Pennsylvania's top job. Catch up on yesterday's election results and get a preview of the next election on today's episode of City Cast Philly.

What's CITY Talking About
Black Sheep Pub Damaged in Late Night Fire
Several people were inside the Rittenhouse pub when it first caught fire on Monday night, but no one was hurt. First responders put out the fire on the second and third floors of the townhouse, only to return hours later when flames rekindled. [NBC10]
PA’s Richest Man Joins School Closures Controversy
Republican megadonor Jeffrey Yass, known for his support for charter schools and school vouchers, is offering scholarships to students impacted by the school district’s facilities plan. Critics say Yass is “taking advantage of a disaster that he created to promote private schools.” [Chalkbeat]
Philly Waiting for FIFA’s Promised $1 Million Donation
During last year’s Club World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino promised $1 million to Philly to support initiatives that would “leave a lasting legacy.” Only Miami has received funding, leaving other host cities waiting. The organization promises the money is coming, but it is taking longer than expected. [🔒 The Inquirer]
‘Go Birds’ Also Includes Owls
A local falconer is running a bird education program right from her Overbrook Park home. Through Raptor Jawns, Philadelphians can watch Medea, a red-tailed hawk, or Hecate, an eastern screech owl, take flight. There are education sessions available for birthday parties and schools. (Please look at the fluffball that is baby owl Medusa.) [Philly Voice]
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City Chatter

Last week City Council held a hearing to complain about Waymo’s expansion into Philly, despite the city lacking regulatory authority over driverless vehicles. So we asked you guys how you felt about the rollout.
🚙 Mark F. said: “Autonomous driving vehicles are better, safer and more considerate than most Philly drivers currently on the roads.”
🚙 Zakiya P. said: “Waymo’s gotta go! No specific reason, just throwing my support behind the cause. We see enough traffic and accidents with manual drivers — we don't need AI driving adding to it.”
🚙 Tom C. said: “If City Council cared about having walkable, bikeable streets, they would support self-driving cars. A self-driving car is never going to honk and swerve and create havoc. Self-driving cars have no blind spots so they do not miss bikers or pedestrians and they are programmed to make the right decision.”
🚙 Anisha G. said: “In Philly, it would be great for us to try to gather the various impacted groups and really hear out everyone's concerns through some mediated process, outside of the politicians and tech companies. This is a major technology change that will affect us for a long time!”

Where Is It?

We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you guess the location of street art and landmarks around the city.
Do you know where this boxer is? You get extra bragging rights if you know his name!

What To Do
Wednesday, May 20
- 📜 Northeast Threads of History at Tacony LAB (Tacony)
- 📚 An Environmental History of Pennsylvania at Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Center City & Virtual)
- 🖼️ After Hours at the Museum for Art in Wood (Old City)
- 🎨 Artists N Conversation: Kakyoung Lee at Brandywine Workshop and Archives (Graduate Hospital)
- 🎵 Circle Jawn Singers Citywide Sing at Philadelphia Ethical Society (Rittenhouse)
- 💞 Date Night (Ages 28-40) at Meyers Brewing Company (Fishtown)
- 🎨 Adult Art Club at Juno (Poplar)
Thursday, May 21
- 🎣 Learn to Fish at Lardner's Point Park (Tacony)
- 🎵 Pop-Ups at the Portal at Trolley Portal Gardens (University City)
- 🌿 Nature at Noon at Fairmount Water Works (Fairmount)
- 🤡 Philly Clown Slam at Studio 34 (West Philly)
- 🎸 South Philly Acoustic Jam at Settlement Music School (Queen Village)
- 📚 Book Club: "The Egg" by Andy Weir at Yards Brewing Company (Northern Liberties)
🎸Get ready to rock! Over two dozen bands will perform across six venues at this year’s Philly Music Fest to raise money for youth music programming.
🗓️ If you’re looking for more things to do, be sure to click “more events” to see our listings in full.
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