🌱 Teen Shot 8 Times + 15,000 Oppose 76ers Arena + Penn Relays Return!

Hello, friends! It's me, Patty-Pat Kozlowski, your host of the Philadelphia Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out the most important things happening in town these days. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• A 16 year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot 8 times in Southwest Philly.
• The opposition against the 76ers Place Arena in Chinatown delivered 15,000 signatures to City Hall.
• The historic and beloved Penn Relays are back in University City as the track world runs in Philadelphia.

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But first, today's weather:

Cloudy; p.m. rain, breezy. High: 59 Low: 53.

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Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. A hailstorm of bullets flew in Southwest Philadelphia on Thursday leaving a 16 year-old boy clinging to life. Just after 6:30 p.m. police officers from the 12th District found the victim shot eight times in the 2100 block of South 67th Street. He was rushed to Penn Presbyterian in critical condition. A gun was recovered at the scene but no arrests have been made. (FOX 29 Philadelphia
2. Philadelphia City Council saw the Great Wall of Chinatown on Thursday. That's because over 100 citizens showed up to City Hall with a "wall of boxes" filled with over 15,000 petitions against the 76ers Place Arena proposed for development in Chinatown. First District Councilmember Mark Squilla holds significant power over the $1.3 billion project. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
3. On your mark, get set, go! Did you know the Penn Relays are the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, dating back to 1895? Over 15,000 athletes from nearly 200 colleges and universities as well as hundreds of high school runners descended onto Franklin Field of the University of Pennsylvania starting on Thursday. (Philadelphia, PA Patch)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Celebrate Mother's Day with Night Kitchen Bakery (8:00 AM)
• Free Comedy Show Friday Night! (7:30 PM)
• Bruce Montgomery Foundation for the Arts 2023 Springboard Showcase (8:00 PM)
• Philadelphia City Nature Challenge (12:01 AM)

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From my notebook:

• Phillies make a "MAJOR" announcement. There's a four legged friend in the Phillies dugout as the Phils introduced their new pet, service doggie, "Major." Already the Phanatic promised to take care of him and clean up the messes but we wouldn't slide into second base if we were you! (CBS Philly)
• Stock's Poundcake! Swiacki's Kielbasy! Delassandro's Cheesesteaks! That's the last meal wish list of Eagles Jason Kelce. Don't worry-there's more, a lot more! (CBS Philly)
• Opera Philadelphia: "You can enjoy this sparkly view and our new production of La bohème with $35 amphitheater tickets this weekend only through TodayTix! (Opera Philadelphia via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be 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