Winners & Losers

This week’s biggest Winners & Losers

Who’s up and who’s down this week?

By City & State

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Thanks to The Atlantic’s epic exegesis of the state of the American bread basket, its readers have now discovered what Philadelphians have long known: The cranberry-walnut bread at Parc is as much a destination in its own right as the Rittenhouse Square boîte. The same week that Stephen Starr’s perennially packed bistro topped the publication’s passionate but unscientific national survey of free restaurant breads, Philadelphians had new reasons to be proud – from Temple University’s historic donation and forthcoming honors college to the Philadelphia Ballet’s spectacular new headquarters and the city’s first WNBA team.

Keep reading for more winners and losers!

WINNERS:

Philly’s WNBA team -

The WNBA wait is almost over. The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors formally approved a professional women’s basketball team expansion in Philadelphia late last week. The team, set to tip off in the 2030 season, will share owners and an arena with the 76ers and the Flyers. And if you’re wondering what the team name should be, look no further than our poll, which showed the Philadelphia Freedom as a heavy favorite with nearly 40% of the public vote.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -

Just weeks before it was slated to shut down, Pittsburgh’s paper of record got a reprieve when it was bought by a Maryland-based nonprofit, the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism. The Post-Gazette will maintain its Pittsburgh home base and its twice-weekly print schedule, with help from a $30 million investment by Venetoulis founder and businessman Stewart Bainum Jr.

Sharif Street -

Philly politicos are lining up to support one of their own in the PA-3 Democratic primary. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker showed her hand in endorsing state Sen. Sharif Street over the likes of Ala Stanford and Chris Rabb – a good sign for the Street campaign, knowing how politically cautious the mayor has been in the past.

LOSERS:

Strippers & seafood -

Scampi and scantily clad: That was the unsubtle premise of a Johnstown venue its backer called Crabhouse Lounge. However, the combination seafood-parlor-and-adult-entertainment venue called off its May opening after city officials investigated complaints from its future neighbors – and found the exotic establishment was slated for a residential neighborhood.

Gaming grants -

The confidence game is waning in Dauphin County after a PennLive investigation exposed a number of issues with the gaming grant program. The report found that county gaming grants, intended for places such as casinos, have been consistently given to businesses run by county insiders and that multiple projects related to gaming grants haven’t happened – all while the county regularly waives audits and follow-up reports.

QVC -

Thirty years into the internet age, it’s hardly surprising that QVC, the TV shopping pioneer, is losing ground to more digitally adept competitors. The West Chester-based outfit, which previously merged with rival HSN, has filed for bankruptcy after years of declining sales and failed attempts to translate its success to TikTok and other social media channels. QVC says it will continue to operate while attempting another turnaround.

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