🌱 A-Choo, Dog Flu! + Shore Scammer + Car Theft Shootout On Boulevard

Good morning, everybody. Yes, it is February in Philly and yes, it will be almost 65 degrees today. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days, including updates on:

• Philly area sees a spike in "dog flu" cases.
• A boardwalk game operator in Wildwood, NJ is fined for sketchy games.
• The owner of a stolen car tracks the thieves on Roosevelt Boulevard and opens fire.

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But first, today's weather:

Breezy with afternoon showers. High: 64 Low: 57.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Is Fido sneezing and coughing? Is Meatball running a fever and vomiting? Your four-legged pal might have the "dog flu" that has Philadelphia area vet's offices being bombarded with sick doggies. The symptoms are very similar to kennel cough and dogs can spread the virus by sharing toys! (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
2. Step right up and get scammed on the Wildwood, N.J. boardwalk! New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin fined Christine Strothers, a game operator in the shore town more than $15,000 for failing to comply with regulations and running sketchy games. The balls used for Strothers' basketball and quarterback challenge games were over-inflated and prizes weren't what was advertised (6abc Philadelphia).
3. It was a scene right out of the violent video game: Grand Theft Auto! When a car was stolen, the owner tracked it and found it on Roosevelt Boulevard. Police say he allegedly fired shots into the vehicle and the car thieves ran away but a gunshot victim matching the description of one of the car thieves showed up at an area hospital. The investigation continues. (Philadelphia, PA Patch).

Today in Philadelphia:

• Iron Hill x Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania GIVE 20 Event (11:00 AM)
• Greene Street Friends School Black History Month Film Event (6:00 PM)
• Curious About Cannabis? (6:00 PM)
• Board of Trustees Meeting - Philadelphia Academy CS (6:30 PM)
• ArtistsNConversation, online with Napoleon Jones-Henderson (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Yo, Pavarotti! Wanna go to Geno's? The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) presents "Don Pasquale" with a little South Philly flavor. Originally set in 19th century Rome, AVA brings it back to 1960s South Philly. (PhillyVoice)
• Their donuts are one of Oprah's favorite things! You can snag a dozen or so on Fat Tuesday if you get in line now! Check out Holmesburg Bakery's Facebook post on all the goodies they'll have for "Fasnacht Day." (Facebook)
• If you can't make it to Disney Land, try the Franklin Institute! Our buds at Wooder Ice got the scoop on it! "Disney100: The Exhibition, created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, makes its world debut at The Franklin Institute on Saturday, February 18th".(Wooder Ice)More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• 1600 Spruce Street Home, Design & Gift — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Presidents' Weekend of Fun and Flavor (February 17)
• Add your event

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— 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