Don’t Hold Your Breath for Ryan Howard’s Return

Howard Likely Out Through June. If you were holding your breath for Ryan Howard’s return to the Phils lineup, it’s probably in your best physical interest to exhale. Yesterday, Ruben Amaro Jr. said that it’s unlikely that the Big Piece will be back before July. [CSN]

Romney Gains Favorability Among Women. A recent ABC News/Washington Post poll shows that Mitt Romney has his highest favorability yet among registered voters thanks to a surge in support from women. Barack Obama’s overall popularity took a hit in the poll. [ABC News]

SRC Expects Protests. The School Reform Commission is expected to pass a $2.5 billion budget today while hundreds are organizing a protest. A few weeks ago, 14 people were arrested for sitting in Broad Street during an education rally. Those who oppose the budget say it shortchanges students. [Inquirer]

Black Developer Wants Philly Casino. R. Donahue “Don” Peebles is the 52-year-old grandson of a hotel doorman. Last year, Forbes listed him as the 10th wealthiest black American. Peebles, a developer, has his eyes on the Pennsylvania casino license that Mayor Nutter hopes will remain in Philadelphia. [Inquirer]

Phils Rally Past the Mets. Cliff Lee couldn’t nab that evasive first win of 2012, but the Phils put a tally in the right column on the back of a Carlos Ruiz pinch-hit home run and some late-inning magic from Shane Victorino. [MLB]

SEPTA Employee Shot. A SEPTA employee was getting into his van in the city’s Eastwick section to go to work early Thursday morning when he was shot from behind multiple times. One of the bullets hit him in the head. He was rushed to HUP where he’s undergoing emergency surgery. [NBC Philaelphia]

Guy Escapes Taser, Steals Second Car. Last night a man stole a car, evaded police, crashed the car, fought a cop, was hit with a Taser, escaped again, stole a second car at the scene of the accident and got away. [6 ABC]