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After outcry, Penn releases hold on student’s master’s degree
A recent New Yorker investigation detailed a pattern of intimidation and retaliation by Penn against former student Mackenzie Fierceton.
- The university accused Fierceton of falsifying her background as an abused foster child after publicity around her Rhodes scholarship. A day before a campus protest, Penn released its hold on her master’s degree.
The rally saw dozens demanding Penn apologize, Beatrice Forman reports, and better treatment of low-income, first-generation students.
Free coffee day at Wawa, Pa.’s largest private company
It’s Wawa’s 58th birthday, which means free coffee all day for all customers — an estimated giveaway of about 2 million cups.
- DYK: Wawa is the largest privately-owned company in Pa., with more than $11 billion in revenue. It’s nearly half-owned by staff thanks to one of the largest employee stock ownership plans in the country.
A Wawa turkey hoagie is on our OG list of essential sandwiches (we gotta update that), but there was plenty of Twitter hate yesterday when we suggested the hoags are actually good.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- State senator Jake Corman announced he was dropping out of the crowded gubernatorial race — then reversed himself after Trump called: “He encouraged me to keep fighting, and that’s what I’m going to do.” [WHYY]
- Several state legislators from Philadelphia face primary challenges this May, including West Philly Rep. Amen Brown (implicated last summer in deed fraud) and Northeast Philly Rep. Kevin Boyle, arrested last fall for harassment. [City & State/Billy Penn/WHYY]
- Starting in June, Pa. addiction recovery homes must be licensed to operate or face fines up to a $1,000 a day. Only a handful have completed the process, though there’s a new group working to help clean up operations in Philly. [Spotlight PA/Billy Penn]
- State law doesn’t allow parking-protected bike lanes on state roads. Advocates from Philly are pushing Harrisburg to change that, after a Center City pilot showed they’re safer. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- Golden Dragon recently opened in West Philly. Alongside dishes like kimchi and egg sandwiches, it has a community mission, with programs like a monthly free brunch for neighbors. [Eater]
- Those puffy, colorfully dipped donuts you keep seeing on Instagram are coming to Philly. Mochinut announced forthcoming locations in North Liberties, Chinatown, and Old City. [@mochinutco/Wooder Ice]
MAYOR WATCH
Nothing public for Mayor Kenney today — as of yesterday, he’s out of town. Per a spokesperson, “The mayor has previously planned personal travel through the holiday weekend.”
ON THE CALENDAR
? Billy Penn Philly Quizzo with Newbold Exchange: Our monthly trivia night heads to South Philadelphia this month — and there’s free beer for everyone who registers. Test your local knowledge and win prizes while hanging out at a new coworking space in a former silent motion picture house. Free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28)
?️ The Barnes Foundation Young Professionals Night features a tour of the exhibition on Southwest Native art, live music, and a chance to donate some new or gently used business-wear to The Wardrobe. Tix range from $15 to $28. (7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, April 14)
✍? Looking for a way to get politically active and meet people? Non-partisan group Vote FWD hosts a letter-writing happy hour at Indy Hall, with beer, snacks, and writing supplies provided. (6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 18)
