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As Fetterman recovers from stroke, national focus on Pa. race

Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, front-runner for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Pa., had a stroke over the weekend, the AP reports.

  • Fetterman is on his way to a “full recovery” and suffered no cognitive damage, per his campaign. Meanwhile, surging Republican candidate Kathy Barnette is now banning reporters from her rallies, per WHYY.

The stakes are high, Lizzy McLellan Ravitch reports, because the nation’s eyes are on Pennsylvania — it’s considered a key Senate race come November.

Gloriously muddy Kensington Derby Fest draws hundreds

Umbrellas and confetti were present in equal measure on Saturday when the Kensington Derby & Arts Festival returned after a two-year pandemic break.

  • An obstacle course featuring costumed contestants riding human-powered contraptions is the event’s unique feature. The race route starts at a street fair with 100 local vendors — and ends in a mud pit.

Photojournalist Erin Blewett was there for Billy Penn, to capture the day in all its rainy, colorful, and undeniably muddy glory.

Procrastinator’s Guide to the primary election in Philly

Tomorrow is Election Day in Pennsylvania! Whether you’re filling out your mail ballot or prepping for the polls, the Billy Penn Procrastinator’s Guide is your cheat sheet to all the candidates and ballot questions. Here it is in Spanish, too.

Need to return your mail ballot? You have until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Here’s a map of drop boxes around Philly.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled 

  • Another move by Republicans to keep Mastriano from getting the Pa. gov nomination: McSwain’s major backer, Commonwealth Partners, announced it’s switching support to Lou Barletta, saying he’s the GOP’s best chance of winning in November. [Politics PA]
  • Benzene emissions at the former South Philly refinery are lower than when it was active, but Hilco’s cleanup process is still leaking 2x the EPA’s “action level.” [WHYY/Inquirer$]
  • A new bill in City Council aims to stop the decline of Philly’s tree cover by asking developers to pay fees for trees they remove and don’t replace. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
  • “She expects nothing in return except for the pure happiness of everyone she is in contact with.” Students at Little Flower High School in the Northeast love Ms. Stank, who does a lot more than teach Spanish. [Northeast Times]
  • Michael Schulson of Sampan and Double Knot is opening a new speakeasy in the Wells Fargo Building on Broad Street. Few details other than it’ll open this year or next. [Biz Journal$]
  • Oh nothing, just a horse chilling at the FDR Skatepark. [@billy_penn/reddit]

MAYOR WATCH

Nothing on Mayor Kenney’s public schedule today. Over the weekend, his social accounts shared his support for the right to safely access abortion services. He also sent well wishes to Lt. Gov. Fetterman after hearing news of the stroke.

ON THE CALENDAR

? This week is BP Quizzo! Our monthly trivia event about all things Philly lands at the home of Fishtown Iced Teas (RIP Arctic Splash Cartons). 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).

?️ At the Crane building in Chinatown, the Philly chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association hosts a free, in-person panel discussion around the WHYY special “Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders: A Philadelphia Story.” (6 to 8 p.m Wednesday, May 18)

? The Philly Truce Day Culture Carnival at Lighthouse Field in North Philly features live speakers and performances, education and job opportunities, a family fun zone, and a basketball tournament. (12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 21)