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RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Mastriano gets a boost from Trump
Establishment Pa. Republicans went into scrambling mode as state Sen. Doug Mastriano, an election denier with connections to QAnon, solidified his chances of getting the nomination for governor with a Trump endorsement. Two other candidates — Jake Corman and Melissa Hart — dropped out to endorse Lou Barletta, who’s been polling second. [Billy Penn/AP/WTAE]
• Pedestrians lose out in two locations
Addressing the situation in front of the Art Museum, where tourists and locals are stepping into traffic as they mistake rumble strips for a crosswalk, city officials said they’d add more signage. Meanwhile, the city says a rock garden that popped up at Fishtown’s new roundabout has to be dismantled so big trucks going through the neighborhood can drive over it. [Billy Penn/BP/Inquirer$]
• Family separations spur calls for reform
Parents who say their kids have been unjustly taken from their homes rallied in Love Park after a recent City Council committee report called out Philadelphia DHS for dangerous and inequitable policies. Some local child welfare experts said the report didn’t include enough data, but its recommendations are being echoed in the national conversation around foster care reform. [Billy Penn/Billy Penn]
• ‘Hustle’ trailer = welcome distraction as Sixers exit
Despite the Sixers ignominious exit from the playoffs, where Heat star Jimmy Butler rubbed in the fact that they traded him away, local basketball fans have something to look forward to. June 8 is the Netflix release date for “Hustle,” the Philadelphia-filmed movie that sees Adam Sandler playing a 76ers scout. He’s supposedly washed up, but also married to Queen Latifah — so there’s one win. [Yahoo/Netflix/Billy Penn/YouTube]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Primary election is Tuesday
Oh hey! There’s an election in Pa. this week. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. — here’s a map of the city’s 705 polling locations — and mail voters have until they close to return ballots (don’t bring them to the polls; use the drop boxes here). Whichever method you chose, take along our guide to all the candidates and questions — also available in Spanish. [BP/BP/BP/BP]
• Mask to stay at Philadelphia schools
A couple weeks after Philly public schools made masking options, the district is adding more flexibility. If students have a COVID exposure, but no symptoms, they can opt to wear a mask for 10 days instead of quarantining at home. School officials say the goal is to keep the highest number of kids in classrooms. [Phila SD/Fox29]
• Arctic Splash is ending cartons
This week may be one of your last chances to buy Arctic Splash in its signature paper carton. A rep from Dean Foods, the Dallas-based maker of the iced tea drink, said it’s ending production of the pint-sized containers. What does that mean for the famed Fishtown Iced Teas at Interstate Drafthouse? The bar is working on a plan — come to BP Quizzo this Wednesday night to see for yourself. [Billy Penn/Eventbrite]