🌱 Phils Opening Day Loss + Temple Honors Fitzgerald + FOP Traffic Jam

Hey, friends! It's Friday in Philadelphia and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening locally. Today we'll cover:

• The Phillies take an Opening Day loss to the Texas Rangers 11-7.
• A Philadelphia street where a Temple University Police Officer was killed to be renamed in his honor.
• Philadelphia's Driving Equity Act remains in place after court rules against the Fraternal Order of Police.

---

But first, today's weather:

Milder; a shower in the p.m.. High: 64 Low: 57.

---

Business owners and marketers in Philadelphia: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

---

Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Well, the shine from the National League Champs wore off quickly. As the Phillies played their first game of the 2023 season against the Texas Rangers for Opening Day, the Phils dropped the game 11-7. What happened? The 4th inning happened where the Rangers scored 9 runs against Aaron Nola on the mound. (inquirer.com)
2. The 1700 block of W. Montgomery Avenue will always be linked to Temple Police Officer Sergeant Christopher Fitzgerald. On Thursday, Philadelphia City Council voted to change the name in honor of the fallen officer who was killed in the line of duty on February 18. Seven hundred signatures from the community was needed for the street to be renamed "Christopher Fitzgerald Way." (WPVI-TV)
3. In 2022, Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced the Driving Equity Act. It prohibits Philadelphia Police officers to pull someone over if the primary violation is linked to a missing headlight or tail light, expired tags or inspection stickers or a damaged bumper etc. The Fraternal Order of Police sued saying that the new city law violates state motor vehicle code but the Court of Common Pleas disagreed. (WHYY)

---

Today in Philadelphia:

• Friday Night Jazz: Billy Paul Tribute (6:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• Opening Day Pretzels! They used to be four for a dollar at Vet Stadium! (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
• Get in line now! With Easter only a week away, right now is when you should head to Port Richmond and get in line for your Polish goodies! Our pal Bob Kelly from FOX 29 visited the Kielbasa Boys — the infamous CZERW BROTHERS (Stephen, Dennis, Jeff and John) as they carry on their family's traditions and recipes making parents Jan and Jennie proud! (Czerw's Kielbasa | Philadelphia PA | Facebook)
• Who wants ice cream? Remember the Graham Slam from Turkey Hill? It's back, so grab a spoon! (billypenn.com)
• Of course Philly has a WATER ICE flavored BEER! There's Now Rita's Beer, if you want to drink your water ice. (Philadelphia magazine)

---

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:

• STEM Adventures at Kiddie Academy of Feasterville (April 1)
• 2023 Regional Juried Spring Open Exhibition Reception (April 2)
• The Candy Lab: Join Us for Spring Break! (April 3)
• Yellowstone Paint & Trivia Par-Tea (April 20)
• Add your event

Featured gigs & services:

• Save $50 on Award-Winning Pest Control (Details)
• Add your gig or service

---

You're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another 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