A little less Pep…
…In our step knowing that the Allegheny Avenue Pep Boys, owned by billionaire Carl Icahn, will soon be closing, the Inquirer reported on Sunday. The company, which turned 100 in the New Year, suffered losses in recent years due to a credit rating downgrade and was forced to close stores and garages across the country. Many are criticizing the move, saying that Philly – and the northeast especially – rely on Pep Boys’ investment for jobs. Manny, Moe and Jack were unavailable for comment.
State of Our City | Jan. 7-14
Some bite-sized morsels of news you may have missed in other places
$250 million
That’s how much New York’s Tunnels to Towers Foundation has donated to families of fallen first responders since its inception. Last month, a Philly family became the recipient of a great gift. Tunnels to Towers paid off the mortgage on the home of slain Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, who died earlier this year and left behind his wife and three children.
The foundation was created in 2015 and pays off mortgages for the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty who leave behind young children. Its goal is to ensure stability and security to families facing sudden, tragic loss. O’Connor, a 23-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty while serving a homicide warrant in March.