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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
Mayoral poll shows statistical tie, with women in the lead
The first independent public poll in the race to be Philly 100th mayor confirmed one thing: It’s a nail-biter.
- Undecided voters led the pack at 20%. Among those who did pick, there was a statistical tie — with women in the lead. Rebecca Rhynhart was at the top, followed closely by Cherelle Parker, then Helen Gym.
Candidates Allan Domb and Jeff Brown rounded out the top five. We’ve got all the details here, including who wins among specific demographics in the city.
Chef’s new project melds Chinese takeout and Black food culture
Ever gotten a fortune cookie that read “Do you have McDonald’s money?” It’s the kind of twist Philly chef Kurt Evans is bringing to his latest project.
- The Last Dragon, named after a 1978 kung-fu movie with a Black protagonist, is envisioned as a chain of local restaurants that melds the aesthetics of Chinese takeout with the spirit of soul food.
BP’s Ali Mohsen spoke with Evans about why this idea is so important to the chef — and how he came up with fusion dishes like collard green egg rolls.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pennsylvania is the only state that doesn’t put dollars towards defense attorneys for people who can’t afford one, but a $10 million line item in Gov. Shapiro’s proposed budget could change that. [Spotlight PA]
• Philadelphia’s $22 million community anti-violence grant program, where payment distribution was already in question, gave funds to several nonprofits with no employees or board of directors. [WHYY/Inquirer$]
• Philly will soon begin a public restroom pilot program, so how do mayoral candidates feel about stand-alone potties? [Billy Penn/Axios]
• On May 1 the PPA will launch a bike lane enforcement unit, comprising eight officers set to patrol roughly 80 miles of bike lanes in Center City, University City, and South Philly. [WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Wawa just opened its 1,000th store, as the Delco-based convenience chain’s grand expansion continues. [Billy Penn]
• Love it or hate it, Center City Sips is back starting June 7. Get ready for a neighborhood-wide happy hour every Wednesday until the end of August. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH: Apr. 30, 2023
Mayor Kenney starts his day at the Sheet Metal Workers headquarters at the 34th annual Worker Memorial Day, honoring union members who’ve died or been injured on the job (9:15 a.m.). He then heads to Kingsessing to celebrate the Taking Care of Business litter ambassadors who’ve cleaned up 85 commercial corridors citywide (10:35 a.m.). Afternoon brings Kenney to the Hands Around City Hall for Survivors of Sexual Assault event (2:55 p.m.).
ON THE CALENDAR
⚾ Billy Penn Phillies tailgate! Join us and the crew from the Hittin’ Season podcast at Citizens Bank Park for an afternoon tailgate with free hoagies from Nipotina, pizza from Slice, and beer from Evil Genius, plus a chance to be on the pod. We’ll be in M-N, aka the Jetro lot. RSVP to let us know you’ll be there. (3 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6)
🐦 Birding is a great way to get to know Philly’s many green spaces, but how do you do it with care? Anwar Abdul-Qawi leads a class in ethical bird photography at the Academy of Natural Sciences. (2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29)
🎤 Celebrate jazz siren and activist Nina Simone with “Four Women” at Harriett’s Bookshop in Fishtown, with a free afternoon of song, dance, poetry, and visual art. (2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30)
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