“Disappointing” primary election turnout worries observers
Only 17.7% of registered voters in Philly cast a ballot in Tuesday’s primary election. That’s just 183,538 of the city’s more than one million eligible voters. That low turnout was also evident across Pennsylvania.
Could the low turnout be an omen for November’s presidential election, where Biden and Trump face a range of challenges to getting out the vote? BP’s Meir Rinde and WHYY’s Carmen Russell-Sluchansky explore the issues at play. [Billy Penn/WHYY]
Sura Indian Bistro brings “mosaic” of flavors to Center City
It’s out with the Ancient and in with the ‘divine’ at 1726 Chestnut St., with last week’s opening of Sura Indian Bistro from the team behind Ancient Spirits & Grille, which had occupied the three-story space in Rittenhouse since 2021.
The name Sura comes from Sanskrit for “of the gods.” The overhauled menu, co-owner Syam Namballa told Billy Penn’s Ali Mohsen, explores centuries of Indian culinary arts. “We’ve revived the old, forgotten cuisines from different parts of the subcontinent and tried to make them as authentic as possible.” Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• A design change Pa. officials made to prevent voters from making a disqualifying error on their mail ballots appears to have backfired. [Votebeat/WHYY]
• Philadelphia voters approved a ballot question to front the cost of lawsuits for registered community organizations (RCOs). [WHYY/Billy Penn]
• Philly police are towing abandoned vehicles with extreme damage, flat tires, and no ID in an effort to clean up streets and open more parking in districts where there is a high volume of 311 complaints. [6ABC]
• Plants in Philly have a home away from home at the Germantown Avenue plant store Foliage Chestnut Hill, which also offers “plant sitting” and “plant hoteling” services. [CBS3]
• The first-ever cashless, contactless, 24/7 self-serve cheese dispensary in Olde Kensington continues Philly’s status as the birthplace of the automat. [Philly Mag$}
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events on her schedule today.
Yesterday, she announced five appointments to the Philadelphia Land Bank Board of Directors as part of an effort to reform the Land Bank to more swiftly move parcels out of its inventory.
ON THE CALENDAR
🤣 Friday, April 26: New Material Comedy Showcase
Listen to free stand-up comedy from local comics working out new material in Callowhill. Free; Seating is first come, first-served. (9 to 11 p.m.)
🛍️ Saturday, April 27: West Craft Fest
The spring edition of this West Philly local market tradition returns to The Woodlands after a two-year break. On tap are 100+ artists and makers with their wares, plus live music, food, and entertainment. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
🌎 Saturday, April 27: EcoFair at Cherry Street Pier
Get the 101 on what sustainability resources are available in the area at Green Philly’s family-friendly event full of shopping, workshops, speakers, and more. Free with RSVP. (12 to 6 p.m.)
🧣 Sunday, April 28: Building a Mummer suit
Discover what goes into making a Mummer costume at this hands-on workshop with Golden Sunrise N.Y.A. from the Fancy Division. Free, with $15 donations encouraged. (1 to 3 p.m.)
Catch up on the previous week
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