Sunday edition: Streeteries changes; Parks budget; One ballot question

RECAP: Looking back on the week that was

Philly restaurateurs make case for improving streeteries process

Restaurant owners, industry advocates, and city officials offered ideas on how the often cumbersome and frustrating process for approving and licensing of streeteries can be made better.

Is Philly’s Parks and Rec budget growing? It’s complicated.

While Mayor Parker’s budget seems flat for Parks and Rec, increased spending in other areas could actually mean more money for parks. Several councilmembers agree on the need to boost Parks & Rec spending and will likely push for that to be a priority in final budget negotiations.

Monday’s eclipse viewing underwhelmed some, especially at the zoo

Citizen scientists at the Philadelphia Zoo found the natural world largely unmoved by the celestial display.

The culmination of a young chef’s dream

After almost a decade on the local restaurant scene, Albert Murraku has launched his first bistro. With made-from-scratch pastas, La Sera Italiana was inspired by Murraku’s upbringing in Albania and his mother’s Italian-influenced home cooking.

VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead

Tax day arrives wth lots of money left on the table

The federal tax filing deadline arrives Monday, April 15 and advocates say up to 50,000 Philadelphia residents leave as much as $100 million ‘on the table’ by not taking advantage of available tax credits. You can access free tax prep help online.

Lifeguard bonus pay deadline looms

Future Philadelphia lifeguards can earn a $1,000 bonus if they register by Monday. It’s all part of an effort to hire 400 workers to monitor swimmers so all city pools can be opened this summer. Lifeguards who miss the April deadline are still eligible for a $500 bonus if they register by May 15 and work the entire summer. 

Last day to prep for absentee voting

Applications for a mail or absentee ballot must be received by your county election board by Tuesday, April 16 at 5 p.m. City Commissioner Seth Bluestein called the April 23 primary vote a “unique challenge” because it falls on Passover, which has forced some voting locations to move.