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Crosswalk or rumble strips? Art Museum crossing confusion
In front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the city, but it’s difficult to get across the 4 to 6 lanes of traffic there.
- Rumble strips painted to help slow cars may actually be increasing danger, observations show, because they’re being mistaken for crosswalks — by both tourists and locals out for a stroll.
Asked about the situation, city officials told Asha Prihar they’re not planning immediate changes, but will add more signage directing people away.
Famous on TikTok, animal rescue officer writes kids books
If Jess Thedinga isn’t out rescuing cats or taking snakes out of people’s houses, she’s probably on your For You page.
- An animal control officer at ACCT Philly, Thedinga gained her 420k TikTok following by posting videos of real-life escapades and explaining how wildlife rescues work.
She’s turned these stories into two children’s books, Bibiana Correa reports, and the second is available on Kickstarter now.
Procrastinator’s Guide to the primary election in Philly
Whether you’re filling out your mail ballot or prepping for the polls on May 17, the Billy Penn Procrastinator’s Guide is your cheat sheet for Election Day. (Stay tuned for our Spanish language version this weekend.)
Need to return your mail ballot? Here’s a map of drop boxes around Philly.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- N.J. Gov. Murphy announced legislation that would protect abortion providers who perform the procedure on out-of-state residents. In Pa., abortions are legal only before the 24-week mark. [NJ.com/Inquirer$]
- After a 3-year hiatus, Philadelphia released new property valuations, which impact real estate tax rates. The average household property valuation went up 31%, but owners have until Oct. 3 to file an appeal. [City of Phila/WHYY/OPA]
- Since the PPA installed speed cams along Roosevelt Boulevard, it has issued 900k speeding tickets there. As of last November, violations are down 91%. [NBC10]
- The owners of Tony Luke’s in South Philly pleaded guilty to tax fraud, after trying to conceal millions of dollars in earnings from the IRS. [Courier-Post]
- 10 points to Dilworth Park! Head to the rink outside City Hall for Harry Potter-inspired roller quidditch and family-friendly potion-making classes this Saturday. [Wooder Ice]
- A third location of Dottie’s Donuts opens Saturday on Rochelle Avenue in Roxborough. Flavors of the vegan treats will rotate, but the famed Boston cream will likely always be available. [PhillyVoice/VegNews]
MAYOR WATCH:
Mayor Kenney appears to be continuing his DC trip, so there’s no public appearances planned today. Per his Instagram, he met yesterday with HUD leaders to discuss the need for public housing investment in Philadelphia.
ON THE CALENDAR
? Outdoor BP Quizzo night: Our monthly trivia event about all things Philly lands at the home of Fishtown Iced Teas. Hosts Danya and Sakeenah are kicking it at the new patio at Interstate Drafthouse, so start assembling a team. Registration is free. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18).
? It’s Living History weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, and this year’s theme celebrates old-timey artisans with a slate of family-friendly crafts. Admission is $21 for adults, $13 for kids. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15).
? A vegan, gluten-free, and allergen sensitive food festival is taking over Society Hill’s Old Pine community center, which includes a stacked lineup of arepas, chocolates, and vegan jerky. Admission is free. (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15)
