Mail ballots on the way; Last-minute Mother's Day; Citywide street cleaning

After a delay, primary election ballots are finally on their way to voters

Mail ballots for the May 20 primary election are finally being printed and sent to voters’ homes and election offices, after a dispute over one candidate’s eligibility was (at least temporarily) settled.

There are important races on the ballot, including for District Attorney and state Superior Court judgeships. The delay has caused consternation among some residents who are worried they won’t get their ballots in time. Continue reading…

A filled-out mail ballot goes in the yellow envelope, which then goes in the white return envelope. And don’t forget to sign and date on the back before mailing it in. (Meir Rinde/Billy Penn)

20+ Mother’s Day options to honor the mom or mother figure in your life

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, but it’s not too late to make that brunch reservation or plan a different outing to celebrate the maternal figure(s) in your life.

We’ve made a list of some of the options available around Philly, from the traditional (hello, brunch and afternoon tea!) to events with a twist (painting, jazz night, and make-your-own-bouquets!). Continue reading…

Afternoon tea at Elwood Restaurant is one of several ideas available for Mother’s Day weekend. (Courtesy of Elwood)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• “A deal is a deal” Shapiro says of Trump cuts to funding for Pa. farmers providing for food banks. [Capital-Star]

• Delaware County has opened the Crozer Transition Center inside the Chester Police Department, to provide job search assistance, career counseling and resume support for displaced workers. [6ABC]

• The city has kicked off another 13-week cleaning program that aims to visit every Philadelphia neighborhood before the summer’s end. [PhillyVoice]

• Generocity explores Philly’s attempts to combat food insecurity in a two-part series that explores proposed solutions and issues of accessibility, affordability and education. [Generocity]

• A new leash on life: Schuylkill River Dog Park completes six-figure transformation. [Fitler Focus]

• Suburban Philadelphia skaters find community in roller derby: “The harder you hit them, the more you love them.” [WHYY]

Philly DA Race

Days until Primary Day: 15 days

Primary Day 101
How to request, fill out and return your mail ballot
DA race: What you need to know about the Democratic primary candidates
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 20

Candidate appearances:

Upcoming: Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Latino DA Candidate Forum at Esperanza Arts Center
Recap of Larry Krasner and Pat Dugan’s first town hall on March 11.
Billy Penn’s recap of Krasner-Dugan debate on March 20.
Billy Penn’s recap of WHYY’s DA forum on April 22.

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker will deliver remarks at this kickoff press conference for the annual Wawa Welcome America event, at the Kimmel Center. (10 a.m.)

The Mayor will join Rebuild Philadelphia for its first-ever tri-graduation ceremo, at Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave. (2 p.m.)

The Mayor will celebrate the city’s first-ever city-wide community service competition for Philadelphia high school students, at Bossone Research Enterprise Center, Mitchell Auditorium, 3140 Market St., (5 p.m.)

The Mayor will deliver remarks at the PGA Tour Truist Championship event at the Franklin Institute, 222 N.20th St. (6 p.m.)

Tulips in Dilworth Park on the west side of City Hall. (Heather Chin/Billy Penn)

ON THE CALENDAR

❤️ 20+ Mother’s Day options
🌸 27 ways to get out and enjoy the spring weather
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide

Tuesday, May 6: Bridging Blocks | Transforming Public Transportation in the City
What are the challenges with public transportation in Philadelphia and how has it changed over the years? How do we ensure safe, equitable and accessible transit for all, while keeping fares affordable? Discuss these issues with guidance from WHYY and the Free Library at the Kingsessing Library. (4 to 5:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, May 6: Arts & Culture Planning Sessions – 7th District
Esperanza Arts Center hosts one of 10 citywide sessions around ensuring that arts and culture aren’t just an afterthought, but an essential part of our daily lives — embedded in the way we live, work and connect as a city. Free. (6 to 8:30 p.m.)

Thursday, May 8: City Fitness Studio Sessions at Jefferson Plaza
Crush your goals at these free outdoor workout sessions every second Thursday, from April through June and September through November. The April to June block focuses on cardio, core and martial arts-inspired movements. Free with signed waiver. (5 p.m.)

Thursday, May 8: Authors Unite @ Harriett’s w/ Agent & Author Eric Smith
Explore the world of pitching and publishing and everything in between at this event at Harriett’s Bookshop, whether you’re an aspiring author or a book lover. Free. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

Thursday, May 8: 8th District: Budget Town Hall Meeting
Learn more about Mayor Parker’s budget at the latest town hall, this time at Lindley Academy Charter School at Birney, 900 Lindley Ave. (6 to 8 p.m.)

Thursday, May 8: Climate Change in Philadelphia: A Community Conversation
Join this panel discussion of what climate change means for the Philadelphia region and what actions we all can take. Moderated by WHYY climate reporter Sophia Schmidt. Featuring experts from Penn, Drexel, Climate Central and Philly’s Office of Sustainability. Free, at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. (6 p.m.)

Friday, May 9: MILFADELPHIA: The Roast
Get ready to laugh till you cry (or cringe a little) at this roast of some of Philly’s biggest, baddest Mothers while raising vital funds for Asian Arts Initiative’s free Youth Arts Programs. Among those featured is WHYY’s own Kae Lani Palmisano! It’s a night of comedy, community and creativity — where the burns are hot, the food is delicious, and the cause is worthwhile. $80-$150 tickets; or $10 livestream ticket. (7 to 9 p.m.)

Saturday, May 10: Sidewalk Sale
Philadelphia Wardrobe hosts this sale from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with second-hand finds priced at $1, $5, or $10. Options for all genders and sizes. All proceeds directly support their mission of outfitting anyone in need for free. Cash or Square payments only.

Saturday-Sunday, May 10-11: VinylCon! Philadelphia
A music collector’s daydream come to life, VinylCon! is a two-day community celebration of collecting culture and new music discovery, plus memorabilia, ephemera, a full bar, interactive events, food trucks, and DJs with live music. At the 23rd Street Armory. $29.69 for Saturday OR $15.77 two-day pass. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day)