🌱 Catholic School Fire + Deadly Shooting At Bar + SEPTA Riders Revolt

Hello again, neighbors! It's Wednesday in Philadelphia and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally, including news on:

• A three-alarm fire blazed through Our Mother of Consolation Parish School in Chestnut Hill.
• Fighting outside the Good Times Bar ends with deadly shooting.
• Back that bus up! SEPTA's bus route changes cause riders to revolt!

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But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 63 Low: 48.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Our Mother of Consolation, pray for us! A three-alarm fire tore through the Catholic school in Chesnut Hill yesterday afternoon. Around 40 students were in the building for after-school activities when the blaze broke out and all were safely evacuated. A Philadelphia firefighter was injured while battling the fire. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
2. A fight turned deadly with one man being shot and killed outside the Good Times Bar in West Philadelphia. Police say surveillance cameras show the alleged shooter walking away from the scene of the crime. The victim, after being shot, crawled his way into the bar's take out area but succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital. Police are investigating and looking for the suspect. (6abc Philadelphia)
3. Don't mess with our bus routes. SEPTA had to put the brakes on a bus route revamping project after a groundswell of opposition from riders and Philadelphia City Council caused them to backtrack. The plan called for reducing the agency's bus service from 125 routes to 99. (WHYY)

Today in Philadelphia:

• 11th Gr SAT Day - MAST Community Charter School (12:00 AM)
• Baking Your Holidays A Little Sweeter! (8:00 AM)
• Member Meeting - The Alliance of Community Service Providers (9:30 AM)
• Jack Wolgin Visiting Artist Lecture: Hito Steyerl (6:00 PM)
• Philadelphia Hawks Australian Rules Football Practices (6:00 PM)
• NJ Boat Safety Certificate Exam (6:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at El Camino Real Restaurant (7:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Trolley Tap House (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Do you really want to know the answer? Can you handle the truth? Philadelphia Magazine asks: How Many Cheesesteaks Can You Eat In Ten Minutes (phillymag.com)
• (I guess the Philadelphia Water Department never met my dog, Gary.) Philadelphia Water Department: "🐾 Dogs can't flush! But dog poop can be flushed down the toilet. You can also bag it and trash it, but don't leave it on the ground to wash into storm drains and our waterways. Check out more info about pet waste and water quality➡️" (Philadelphia Water Department via Facebook) P.S.-Gary can't flush, he doesn't have thumbs.

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new 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