UPDATE: Democrat Roni Green won the special election with about 85 percent of the vote. Green told The Philadelphia Inquirer that she will focus on “education, job creation and programs to prevent gun violence.” The election allows Green to serve out the remainder of Movita Johnson-Harrell’s term, which runs through this year. She will be on the primary ballot on April 28 vying for a full two-year term.

Voters in the 190th state legislative district (see map) will go to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 25 to elect a new state representative.

The special election features Democrat and union official G. Roni Green and Republican Wanda Logan (Facebook link), who is making her fifth bid for the seat and her first as a Republican. The seat was left vacant after Movita Johnson-Harrell stepped down following charges that she stole nearly $500,000 from her non-profit. She pleaded guilty and began serving a three-month jail sentence earlier this month. That will be followed by 8-and-a-half months of house arrest.  Continue Reading

UPDATE: Fresh Grocer will be closing the store at 40th and Walnut Streets in early March, according to Jennifer Rizzi, Director of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn has signed a lease with Acme Markets for this location. Acme is currently working on an anticipated timeframe for renovations to the existing facility and anticipated opening.

Fresh Grocer will leave its 40th and Walnut Street location this spring after four years of legal battle with the landlord – The University of Pennsylvania. According to a joint statement from Penn and Fresh Grocer, the store will close in March 2020, after almost 20 years in operation.

Penn terminated the Fresh Grocer’s lease in April 2016, claiming that the store had failed to renew it on time. Fresh Grocer countered with a lawsuit against Penn and refused to vacate the space until this spring.  Continue Reading

The Sanctuary Jam: A Philadelphia First: At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton Village (3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) is open to both Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania students and musicians as well as West Philly residents.

Visit with us and hear the best of the universities instructors in jazz, and if you play an instrument you’re invited to sit in. Come support Jazz in all its Glory…FREE PIZZA – GREAT MUSIC – NO CHARGE.

A wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon:  ALL ARE WELCOME!

(This post is sponsored by The Jazz Sanctuary).

Mercy Hospital in West Philadelphia, which has provided in-patient services to residents for more than 100 years, may terminate these services by mid-August, according to reports. The officials of the hospital, located at 54th and Cedar and operated by Trinity Health, have notified city health officials about their plans, WHYY reports.

“Hospital officials assured City health officials that if these services are terminated, the process will take months and be conducted responsibly,” Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said in a statement.  Continue Reading

Now through March 1st, members of the public are invited to choose a winner of the contest to redesign the ‘I Voted’ sticker that voters will receive at the polls on election days. The contest is organized by Philadelphia City Commissioners, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia.

Nine finalists were chosen from over a 150 entries. The judging team selected three adult finalists, as well as two from each of the college, high school and K-8 categories. Finalists range from professional graphic designers to elementary school students. The team of judges who selected the finalists were from a diverse background of art, education, and government, and each brought a unique insight to the process.  Continue Reading

Three siblings hope to open an Ethiopian coffee shop on the southwest corner of 42nd and Baltimore.

The trio, whose family is from Ethiopia, presented their plan to the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee on Monday. The proposal requires a special exception to put a coffee shop in the vacant storefront at 500 S. 42nd Street.

“Our goal is to really showcase our heritage,” said Tigist Hailu, who will open the shop along with her brothers. “One thing we feel is really missing in the neighborhood is the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.”

The proposal will go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in April and, if approved, interior innovations will begin shortly after.