🌱 Bobby Henon Sentenced + Pops Sounds of Trouble + U-Haul Van Chase

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Patty-Pat Kozlowski, your host of the Philadelphia Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days, including updates on:

• A corrupt ex-councilman is heading to federal prison for 3.5 years for fraud and bribery.
• The Philly Pops replaced leaders as they face financial trouble and concert complaints.
• Police chase a U-Haul van through Philly and end a crime spree.

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But first, today's weather:

Windy in the afternoon. High: 65 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. From City Hall to Federal Prison. Corruption, fraud and bribery is what former councilman and now convicted felon Bobby Henon has to show for his political career. The disgraced ex-councilman, who was also caught having an affair with his chief-of-staff and extorting a bribe to get her new windows for her home during the F.B.I. investigation, was sentenced to 3.5 years in federal prison. "The people of Philadelphia thought they were electing a councilman," said U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl, "but instead they were electing a minion." (inquirer.com)
2. First the Philly Pops got evicted from the Kimmel Center for not paying rent. Then it was announced after 44 years, the Pops were ending their concerts and organization — but that was quickly rescinded. Now, the leadership of the Philly Pops has either resigned or been replaced. Cue a melancholy tune for the local orchestra that still doesn't have a home for concerts.(msn.com)
3. It was a scene out of a movie. Philadelphia Police began pursuit of a stolen U-Haul van through the streets of Philadelphia and finally apprehended four suspects. A U-Haul van was reported stolen earlier in the week and then suspected in an attempted robbery of a 7-11 store where shots were fired. Police spotted the van on Delaware Avenue and a chase ensued until capture. One of the suspects arrested is a minor. (6abc Philadelphia)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• The Marital Home and Divorce (6:00 PM)
• Philadelphia Flower Show x The Rittenhouse Hotel's Mary Cassatt Tea Room (9:00 AM)
• Mandell Presents: Journeying to Justice in Global Prisons with Dr. Baz Dreisinger (6:00 PM)
• The Musical - Julia R Masterman (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Philadelphia Parks and Rec is really trying to hire lifeguards this summer. In fact, they raised $65,000 to get people to jump in a swimming pool in almost freezing weather! Check out these "cool" pics of the event and you can still donate without plunging! 'Philly Phreeze' polar plunge raises $65k to help open city pools (billypenn.com)
• We love a good pizza, especially if it fights racism with extra cheese! The pizza joint in Hatboro is doing crazy business after an irate customer spewed some nasty slurs and it was all caught on video. (Community supports Amy's Pizzeria after video of racist attack - WHYY)
• In memorial of fallen Police Officer Chris Fitzgerald- He always wanted to be a cop. Both his mom and dad are cops and a heartbreaking video of his little son shows the boy saying he wants to follow in his daddy's footsteps and help people too, so he's going to be a cop! Philadelphia Police Department: "The Next Philadelphia Police Department Recruitment Drive Will Start on March 6 to March 31. Start at $59,795 https://joinphillypd.com/" (Philadelphia Police Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!

— Patty-Pat Kozlowski

About me: Patty-Pat Kozlowski has been writing community news and Philly-cenric Op/Eds for over 20 years. A Jill of all trades she's been a stand-up comedian, chef, DJ, newspaper editor, food trucker and Parks Director for Philadelphia Parks & Rec as well as a community relations/legislative aide for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Philadelphia City Council.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Philadelphia Patch newsletter? Contact me at philadelphia@patch.com