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Closed primaries mean 900k can’t vote in Pa.’s major races

Primary season is here, but not all voters will be able to weigh in on Pennsylvania’s hotly contested gubernatorial or Senate races.

  • The commonwealth has closed primaries, so only registered Democrats or Republicans can vote in their contests. If you want to change or choose a party for this election, you have until May 2 to do so.

With unaffiliated registration gaining popularity — it’s about 20% of Pa. voters under 35 — Asha Prihar reports on the renewed push to open the primaries.

Kensington food co-op says it has 6 months to prevent closure

After a decade-long struggle to open, and an unexpected boom during the pandemic, the Kensington Community Food Co-op has hit another rough patch.

  • KCFC has struggled to find its footing in the fast-changing neighborhood. Residents are more transient than other areas where co-ops have thrived — think Mt. Airy, West Philly, South Philly.

If members spent just $10 more per shopping trip it could save the store, the GM told Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, but there’s just 6 months to turn things around.

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled 

  • Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb posted a claim that he was endorsed by Philly’s Ward 5 Democrats — but it’s not true, and the tweet is still up. [Billy Penn]
  • Mail voting at City Hall started yesterday. You can request your mail-in ballot, receive it, fill it out, and return it all at once, if you want. [@PhillyVotes/Office of the Philadelphia City Commissioners]
  • Philadelphia’s stark wage gap in 2020: For every $1 full-time salaried white men made, white women made $0.87; Asian women made $0.65; Black women made $0.60; and Latinas made $0.54. [@EconomyLeague]
  • CCP students who need affordable housing can take advantage of a new Philadelphia Housing Authority program where they’ll pay no more than 30% of their income for rent. [Tribune$]
  • Katharine Davis will be the first woman and the first person of color to be president of the city’s selective Central High School, the nation’s second-oldest. [Chalkbeat]
  • The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is reopening May 13 for the first time in two years. Admission will be free for the near future, and the museum will be open Fridays through Sundays. [NBC10]
  • Any Hello Kitty stans out there? The truck is coming to Center City on Saturday with free treats and merch. [@hellokittycafetruck]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Kenney has no public appearances planned for today. His social media accounts noted you can now register your kids for summer camp, with dozens of options available here.

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 Fresh Prince reboot “Bel-Air” was shot in both California and Philadelphia, and the production team joins the Greater Philadelphia Film Office for a virtual Q&A on how they made it work. Tix are $5. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26)

?️ 14 local artists take over the Neon Museum for “City of Love: Artists Inspired By Philadelphia,” an exhibition that celebrates the diversity of Philly’s people, places, and things. Tickets are $10. (April 29-June 19)

? Temple hosts its first “Owned by Owls” street festival, an outdoor market next to Love City Brewing where all vendors are alumni of the school. (12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 30)