We’re kicking off the weekend with a break from this week’s heat wave. I hope everyone was able to stay cool and stay safe. We’re getting some relief with lower temperatures over the next few days. The sun may be out but that doesn’t mean we can lose sight of what we’re working towards. Here’s the news you need and some suggestions to stay entertained. 

A gorgeous weekend saw people flouting the rules in place to help us flatten the COVID-19 curve. Health officials say we could see this reflected in our numbers over the next few weeks.  

Faces masks on busses and curbside library pick-up will be part of our new normal for the next while. The city offered a townhall explaining the economic recovery plan for the nation’s capital.  

COVID-19 cases have spread to every single community in our city. Ottawa Public Health used recent data to map the virus’s presence by ward.  

The city’s Human Needs Taskforce has conducted over a thousand wellness checks. A triage team was created to offer more support to vulnerable residents.  

The controversial debate surrounding an expansion to the city’s urban boundary ended with Council voting in its favour. We’re expecting 400,000 new residents over the next 26 years.  

And, we may just get a summer patio season. The city will waive the daily and annual permit fees your favourite establishments usually pay.  

What to watch, listen to, read and eat this weekend 

Watch: Today kicks off a free digital film festival put together by Tribeca, Cannes and TIFF. You can tune in until June 7 on YouTube.  

Listen: A live taping with the OG Hamilton cast drops on Disney Plus next week. This weekend is the perfect time to brush up on Lin Manuel-Miranda’s catchy tunes about the ten-dollar founding father.  

Read: JK Rowling waved her wand to bring some magic to quarantine. She’s back with a new children’s fairytale and she’s uploading chapters daily until July.  

Eat: Stella Luna gelato got me through this week’s heat wave. You can grab a cup or pints of your favourite flavours (I’ve been enjoying almond cappuccino) to-go from its locations in the Glebe and Hintonburg.