3 winners, 2 losers of Penn this week

Winner: Amy Gutmann

Penn President Amy Gutmann’s contract has been extended to 2022, meaning she will continue to serve as Penn’s president until at least June 30 of that year. An email sent to the Penn community by David L. Cohen, chair of the Penn Board of Trustees, described Gutmann’s leadership as “transformational.” It goes on to say that extending Gutmann’s contract will allow the University to keep building on the success that she has helped bring to Penn.

Loser: Tarka Restaurant and Bobby’s Burger Palace

Two University City restaurants, Tarka Restaurant on 38th Street near Walnut and Bobby’s Burger Palace on Walnut Street near 39th, received health violations this month. Twelve violations were found at Tarka, including mouse droppings and insect activity in the kitchen. Bobby’s Burger Palace also received four violations.

Winner: Penn swimming & diving

Last week, Penn swimming and diving beat La Salle University’s men’s team by 29 points and their women’s team by 41 points. The men’s team had 10 first-place finishes and both teams ultimately won all of the scored events of the competition.

Loser: Supporters of a Pennsylvania vote recount

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein will face unique challenges in trying to pursue a recount in Pennsylvania. Candidates cannot directly initiate a recount request in Pennsylvania, unlike any other state. While Stein is planning a voter-initiated recount, her chances of success are slim.

Winner: Coffee lovers

A new coffee shop, Caffé Bene, has opened a new location on 38th and Chestnut streets just in time for finals. Along with coffee, tea and other drinks, the cafe also sells food, including grilled cheese sandwiches and honey bread. One of the leading cafes in South Korea, Caffé Bene has over 1,600 locations worldwide.