Yo, Philly In the News

Oh, Neil Stein, how the mighty have fallen. Neil Stein, former Philly restaurant tycoon, will be sentenced today following his guilty plea last Summer on filing false tax returns. The government is expected to request a sentence of 18-24 months in the pokey - Stein lucked out: the max is nine years. No word on the future of Stein's sole restaurant, Rouge.

Despite Philadelphia's ever-rising violent crime rates, crime is down by 10% in Philadelphia schools. Paul Vallas, district chief executive, thinks it's because Big Brother is watching - over 900 security cameras have been installed in 60 of the worst schools, with more installations planned. Phillyist wonders when the first lawsuit will arise from a creepy janitor using the security cameras in restrooms to beef up his barely legal porn collection.

Lawyer Ron White may have passed on prior to his corruption trial, but his illegal business affairs never seem to die. Three area businessmen who were heavy contributors to a political committee run by White are under investigation. Joseph C. Moderski, 68, of Bryn Mawr; Terry F. Crockett, 61, of Center City, and Eric M. Selby, 39, of Montgomery County, Md. could be indicted in as little as two weeks on charges they cooked up a scheme to defraud the company that manages advertising at the Philly airport.

Photo credit: Phila. Travel Guide