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With $100k loan, Kensington food co-op debates how to survive
On the verge of closing, the Kensington Community Food Co-op just got a $100k bridge loan, and effectively traded its parking lot for a liquor license.
- Members are divided as the supermarket struggles to rebound, with some advocating for shutting down the free community fridge because of the atmosphere it attracts.
Said one member: “I don’t think we’re a charity.” Beatrice Forman and Lizzy McLellan Ravitch report on the brewing clash between the market’s mission and practices.
Philly just hired a night mayor. Consider him the czar of partying.
Philly’s new night time economy director has a mandate to increase support for businesses that operate after dark and services for people who work late.
- Often called a “night mayor” in other cities, the position went to Raheem Manning, a 33-year-old entrepreneur who built a successful event planning biz and has been to 200 cities around the globe.
Any good night mayor should know where to party, so Lizzy McLellan Ravitch quizzed Manning on his fave spots for getting down and turning up.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Jewish leaders from around Pa. came together to denounce Doug Mastriano’s links to the founder of social media site Gab, who has called for fostering a “Christian nationalist” society with no acceptance of anyone who isn’t Christian. [6ABC/NBC News]
- The family of James Lambert Jr., the senior citizen beaten to death in June, say they’ve been harassed by neighborhood kids. Lawyers for the defendants say their clients have nothing to do with the incidents. [Inquirer$]
- Even with efforts to ease the burden of assessments, ~130k owners are still set to pay more in property taxes than last year. Officials say the goal was to prevent dire outcomes for the most vulnerable homeowners. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
- A Philly organization that provides Chinese immigrant families with the tools to heal got new funding from the Scattergood Foundation to expand its mission. [Billy Penn]
- Ya Fav Trashman says his children’s book about sanitation workers and the power of clean streets is finally finished, and $5 of every book sale is donated to Philly public schools. [BP 2021/@YaFavTrashman]
- Philadelphia magazine is back with its annual “Best of Philly” list highlighting notable people, places, and things around the region. [Philly Mag$]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney has no public appearances scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
? Sip & Stitch lands at the Bourse for a beginner’s embroidery workshop. Tickets are $50 — hoop, needle, and spiked milkshake included. (1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 31) ? South Philly Barbacoa is turning 10, and they’re celebrating with a big ‘ol block party complete with an art exhibit, DJ sets, and free food. (3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 31)
? East Kensington’s Forin Cafe hosts a y2k-themed party — think local designers selling turn-of-the-millennium themed wares, lots of early 2000 club hits, and fun cocktails. (4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31).