Cherry blossom city charm (Instagram by @walking_philly)

Renewed call for poll workers ahead of next month’s primary

Some precincts have seen an unforeseen staffing shortage in poll workers in recent years, which left some divisions scrambling.

So far this year, the recruitment effort is ahead of schedule, but city leaders say they still need more volunteers to have an “equitable distribution” of workers across the region. Continue reading…

Poll workers at North Light Community Center in Manayunk in 2022. (Lizzy McLellan Ravitch / Billy Penn) Credit: Lizzy McLellan Ravitch / Billy penn

Where to have iftar and sohour in Philadelphia this Ramadan

With several of the city’s restaurants setting up buffets and special menus, this month offers a chance to explore a range of North African and Asian cuisine.

BP’s Ali Mohsen explores a range of North African and Asian cuisines, with several of the city’s restaurants setting up Ramadan buffets and special menus through April 9 to accommodate diners. Continue reading…

Chicken mandi, spicy labneh, falafel, and hummus at Fishtown’s Jordanian Alamodak Restaurant & Hookah Bar. (Photo courtesy of Alamodak Restaurant & Hookah Bar)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• Philadelphians, rejoice: Peak bloom for cherry blossoms is upon us. [Axios]

• This week, the What is West? public art project kicks off at Malcolm X Park, featuring free photography workshops. [West Philly Local]

• A music festival on church pipe organs around Philadelphia brings thunder down from the heavens — but only for a few more days. [WHYY]

• “No more excuses.” Mayor Parker’s plans to fight litter and illegal dumping in Philly. [Plan Philly/WHYY]

• New Philadelphia street banners honor a historically Black “city within a city.” [WHYY]

• Embiid’s playoff potential: The Sixers center has been re-evaluated by doctors and they are “happy with the progress” he’s making following meniscus surgery on his left knee. [WHYY]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has no public appearances scheduled for Monday.

ON THE CALENDAR

🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏽 What is a community captain? Learn more about how this network of leaders work to improve neighborhoods and help solve problems at the 3rd District’s Community Captain Info Session. (6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Queen Village Neighbors Association office at 709 S. 5th St.) 

✍🏼 Three poets perform: Ernest Hilbert, Petr Hruška and Rob A. Mackenzie read from some of their award winning work at Head House Books. (6:30 p.m., Tuesday, 619 S 2nd St)