How much money have you made in past jobs?
It’s the question many job seekers dread on applications.
If a Philadelphia city councilman gets his way, though, it would be illegal for employers to ask it.
Patricia Greenwood knows the question all too well. Whether it’s on an application or during an interview, employers often put her on the spot requiring that she share how much she was paid in past jobs.
“I don’t like it. It’s not good at all. They’re not judging me on my character, on who I am. What my qualities are, my skills and my experience,” she said.
City Councilman William Greenlee doesn’t like it either. He says the question keeps women and minorities from getting a comparable salary to their white male counterparts.
“It’s kind of almost a common sense argument. Like why should somebody’s previous pay determine what their pay on their next job is?” he said.
On Thursday, Greenlee introduced a bill that would ban employers from asking applicants about their salary history. The legislation seeks to close the wage gap for women and minorities who census figures show continue to make less than their white male counterparts while doing the same jobs.
“If you base a person’s salary on what they previously made, that continues the inequities,” Greenlee said.
In Massachusetts, a similar bill passed with bipartisan support in August. Congressional Democrats have also introduced a bill.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania lawmakers are among a handful across the country following suit trying to capitalize on the momentum.
As for Patricia, the change can’t come soon enough.
“ Hopefully City Council will not wait too late to pass that,” she said. “It should be immediate.”
UPDATE: By mid-afternoon Friday, the National Weather Service had canceled most of its flood advisories in the region.
Flooding threatened a large part of the Philadelphia region Friday as rain, possibly heavy at times, and wind continued to pound the area Friday.
"The heaviest rain occurred overnight but we still could get heavy downpours during the day today," said NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Bill Henley. "And, with those heavy downpours – because we've already had tremendous rain in the area – there could be some flash flooding. It's not going to be widespread but something to be looking out for."
A Flash Wood Watch remained in effect through Friday afternoon for most of Delaware, parts of South Jersey and Delaware County, Pennsylvania. An earlier Flash Flood Watch for Philadelphia expired. The National Weather Service also issued a Flood Warning for Sussex County, Delaware until 3 p.m.
"Heavy rainfall will continue to affect the area through today," said the NWS. "Widespread 3 to 6 inches has fallen across portions of the Delmarva and southern New Jersey over the last two days, with higher amounts of 10-12 inches across far southern Delaware. Additional periods of moderate to heavy rainfall today will lead to more flooding and exacerbate existing flooding."
The NWS also warned of potential coastal flooding as rain and wind hit the coastlines.
"The heaviest rain occurred overnight but we still could get heavy downpours during the day today," said NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Bill Henley. "And, with those heavy downpours – because we've already had tremendous rain in the area – there could be some flash flooding. It's not going to be widespread but something to be looking out for."
Temps on Friday will only get into the 60s with wind and rain making it feel chilly. The rain will continue into the weekend with more of it expected Saturday.
"We will see some rain this weekend but it's not going to be the heavy rain we've seen (Friday)," said Bill.
After a dreary Saturday, Bill said more rain is possible Sunday but so is sunshine in the afternoon.
Vice President Joe Biden laughed and made the sign of the cross when asked to share his thoughts on the first presidential debate in his first appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" on Monday night.
"I've never quite seen anything like that," Biden told host Jimmy Fallon, noting that this observation comes from experience. He debated Republican presidential nominee Sarah Palin in 2008.
Monday night's showdown between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was the most-watched presidential debate ever. The Nielsen company said 84 million viewers tuned in. A majority of voters who either watched the debate or said they followed debate coverage said Clinton won, according to the NBC NewsSurveyMonkey Debate Reaction Poll.
"I've never seen anybody who knew as few facts," Biden said of Trump's performance. A chuckle from Fallon prompted Biden to say, "You know, it's not a joke." The vice president then warned the audience he will turn serious for a moment to talk about the election.
"What amazes me about Donald Trump, he's probably a decent guy, but his lack of sensibilities," Biden said.
The vice president said it was "callous" of Trump to say that he rooted for the housing market to fail because it would make for good business opportunities.
He also questioned the assertion Trump made during the debate that he is "smart" for not paying federal taxes.
"What does it make the rest of us? Suckers?" Biden said. "Can you think of any president, any president that you have studied read about or knew, who who would say anything like that? Name me one president who would do that. It angers me quite frankly."
He continued, "It's one of the things that the American people really resent. The American people don't like being played for suckers."I can't imagine why somebody would say that makes me smart."
He ended his thoughts on the subject by quoting his dad.
"When someone would say 'Joe you know I pay too much in taxes,' he'd say 'it's a small price to pay to live in this country.' I mean just pay your fair share for god's sake."
Biden said he's not surprised the presidential race is close, according to some polls, but is surprised Trump "did as well as he did in the Republican primaries" and that "he's still in the game."
"I've never known of a candidate who knows as little about the world as this man does."
Paul Worley from the North Carolina Department of Transportation shared with the "Today" show's Jeff Rossen a handful of suggestions on how to minimize the danger if you're involved in a train crash.
Among the tips: sit in the middle of your train because the worst damage in a derailment is likely to be in the front and back cars; sit facing backwards so that if the train stops short or crashes you'll be pushed back instead of thrown forward; and the best way out in a emergency could come from removing an emergency window or popping out a door manually.
Under the Bridge downtown, that’s where people could soon be able to park again 15 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks caused officials to close the lots out of an abundance of caution.
The Delaware River Port Authority approached the Philadelphia Parking Authority about operating a paid parking lot under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Old City in May, according to documents obtained by NBC10.
The DRPA said that there is a need for more affordable off-street parking in the area surrounding the bridge on the Philadelphia side. The PPA Board approved the agreement that calls for a 10-year parking agreement between the agencies.
It would cost about $660,000 to lay concrete, install curbs and install electrical needed to transform about a three-block area under the bridge between the Interstate 95 on-ramp (near Front Street) and 4th Street into 196 parking spaces.
"The DRPA plans to work with the PPA to make necessary improvements to these areas in order to provide safe and secure parking for residents, businesses and visitors to Philadelphia," said it’s initial proposal submitted in May. "... Due to security concerns, it is anticipated that the parking areas will be limited to passenger vehicles parking on a month-to-month basis only and that transient parking will not be permitted." [[395436011, C]]
The PPA can’t charge parking fees that exceed "reasonable" rates "consistent with the comparable market rates." The agreement also calls for the PPA to not knowingly permit any flammable or hazardous materials under the bridge.
The PPA must pay $8,750 or half its monthly revenue to the DRPA each month, per the agreement. The DRPA also must pay back the construction cost of the lot in 10 percent intervals (90 percent after Year 1, 50 percent after Year 5) if they pull out of the parking deal at any time before the end of the 10-year agreement.
The agencies didn’t reveal when construction on the lot will be completed and people can begin parking. [[238427591, C]]
Whether you're interested in relaxing fall festivals or terrifying Halloween haunts, there is plenty to experience this month as the fall season comes into full swing.
If you live in the Philadelphia or surrounding area, don't miss out on the exciting events taking place:
On October 6 Night Market Philadelphia will host its final event of the 2016 season at the Navy Yard. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can enjoy food and live music.
On October 6 and 8 King of Prussia will become host to the Beerfest Royale where you can enjoy craft and international beer, plus food from restaurants in King of Prussia.
On October 9, 2016 Old City Fest comes to Old City. Art, design, fashion, food and culture are the main attractions.
October 14 through 29, experience Mud Island Halloween at Fort Mifflin participating in everything from paranormal investigations and candlelight ghost tours to a costume party and "Sleep With the Ghosts" overnight paranormal investigation.
On October 15, South Street becomes home to Bloktoberfest. The all-ages celebration of beer, live music, food and Philly is free-to-attend.
On October 21 and 22 Chestnut Hill Becomes Hogsmeade as the Harry Potter Festival takes over. Muggles and Wizards alike can experience everything from a pub crawl to a quidditch tournament so grab your wand and enjoy this spellbinding festival.
If you live near or around the South Jersey area, you can experience fall festivals too:
On October 8, Pennsauken will host its Third Annual Pennsauken Harvest Festival. Here you can enjoy heritage, arts, food, music and so much more.
On October 15, Bordentown will host the Bordentown Riverfest where you can enjoy beer, music, food and activities for kids.
On October 16, you can experience pumpkin ring toss, painting and bowling at Rutgers Gardens Fall Festival from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
If you live in the Delaware area, there are fall festivals for you to experience including:
On October 1 with a rain date of October 2, the Delaware Coastal Airport will host the Wings and Wheels Fall Festival with food, World War II re-enactments, planes, plenty of cars and much more for you to enjoy.
October 24 through 26 the Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival will come to Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach for you to experience a costume parade, trick-or-treating, games and much more.
If festivals aren't for you, these attractions will be open all month:
Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA hosts events throughout the season as well as Apple and pumpkin picking.
Experience the Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia as you walk through the old prison not knowing who or what will be waiting for you around each corner.
Pennhurst Asylum in Spring City, PA offers a terrifying experience as it opens its door to the homes of lost souls of patients past. You won't know what to expect as you travel through the old asylum; the experience might leave you a little haunted.
Philadelphia's Fright Factory will keep you hoping that it is just a nightmare and that you will wake up.
The Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride in Glenn Mills, PA celebrates it's 25th year by adding Bates Motel Escape Rooms attraction.
You can ride the trail of terror at Miller Farms Haunted Hayride and Maze in Berlin, NJ if you want the entire family to be scared.
A new 2016 attraction, Bamboo Gardens Walk of Fear in Southampton, NJ will take you through scenes you may recognize from your darkest nightmares.
The Dark Carnival in Bayville, NJ will terrify your mind as you journey through their attractions and wonder what is real and what your mind is creating.
Bloodshed Farms Fearfest in Columbus, NJ will bring you up close to your greatest fears as you journey through their attractions trying to escape the scenes you would only expect in your nightmares.
Egg Harbor City's R and J Farm's Cornfield of Terror offers to give you the scare of a life as they bring the legend of a missing farmer to life and have you wondering if you will be the next victim.
Nightmare’s Haunted House in Laurel, DE was rated to be one of the best haunted attractions on the East Coast and will have you screaming the entire time you're there.
Wicked Woods in Wyoming, DE is one of the most horrifying trails in Delaware, but if you're too terrified to travel there at night they also feature daytime attractions.
Slaughter House Farm in Laurel, DE brings to life a morbid nightmare that will keep your heart racing as you travel through and try to escape it.
In addition to the traditional pumpkin and apple picking, you don't want to miss out on the fall festival and attractions near you this season.
By day, Sonya Sanders works for Sean Kilkenney. By night, Kilkenney works for Sanders.
That unique relationship began this week when Sanders starting working for Kilkenney, who is Montgomery County sheriff, as his office manager and policy director.
She also serves as president of Norristown Borough Council, which employs Kilkenney as municipal solicitor. The paid position is appointed annually by Norristown Council. Kilkenney charges $140 an hour for routine business and $165 for litigious matters, according to a news report last year. In his role as borough lawyer, he advises Council on matters of law and attends the governing body's monthly meetings.
Kilkenney said Sanders was picked from “numerous” candidates for the position in the sheriff’s office after the job was publicly posted. She was one of three finalists and eventually chosen after interviews with Kilkenney, his chief deputy and a lieutenant, the sheriff said Friday afternoon. Her salary is $50,933 and she began Sept. 26.
Her role as policy director includes "writing grants," Kilkenney said.
He said the hiring was ruled “perfectly legal” by an outside law firm consulted by Norristown and himself. That law firm, Timoney-Knox of Fort Washington, did recommend stringent limits on Sanders’s oversight of Kilkenney as Norristown’s solicitor.
“She is not going to take part in any decisions about me or my law firm,” Kilkenney said. “We consulted with Timoney-Knox on it. Obviously, I didn’t want to give that opinion.”
He said his role as solicitor for Norristown predates Sanders’ election to Norristown Council by a decade.
“I was hired well before Sanders has been on Council,” he said, adding that he has been solicitor for 13 years.
Sanders was elected in 2013 and took office Jan. 1, 2014. Her four-year term runs through Dec. 31, 2017.
Her biography on Norristown’s municipal website said she was born and raised in the county seat. It also notes that she “works for a financial investment company where she has been employed for over 21 years.”
Messages left for Sanders were not returned Friday afternoon.
Musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra went on strike Friday evening, minutes after they were scheduled to perform for an Opening Night gala at the Kimmel Center.
The vote took place inside the performance center shortly before the event's 7 p.m. start time. Carrying signs and, for some, instruments, the musicians loudly made their way through the the center to Broad Street where they began to picket.
A few of the musicians played their instruments as concert attendees filed out of the the hall.
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In a statement, the Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians said the strike is not a "greedy search for ever more money," but rather a stand for fair compensation.
"Over the past nine years, we have endured multiple cuts to our wages, pension, and working conditions in the hopes that our sacrifices would give the Association time to rebuild and restore us to our proper status," the statement read in part.
The Philadelphia Orchestra filed for bankruptcy protection in 2011 and emerged a year later. The 116-year-old institution is one of America's oldest and most acclaimed orchestras.
Musicians were working on a one-year contract that recently expired. They continued to work as negotiations continued, but those talks broke down Friday.
Under the orchestra's offer, musician's annual base salary would have been $127,608 a year with two percent increases for three years. A profit sharing fund would also have been created, officials said.
The musicians union said they are compensated much less than players in comparable ensembles like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony.
"If a talented musician has to decide between auditioning for Philadelphia or Boston or San Francisco, which orchestra will they choose?" the group wrote. "We can no longer remain silent while we continue in a downward spiral."
Earlier Friday, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra went on strike after rejecting a proposed 15 percent pay cut and pension and staffing reductions.
The Philadelphia Orchestra's weekend performances have been canceled. Contract negotiations are expected to resume on Monday.
Friday marked a sad day for Wilmington as the Delaware city laid two well-known firefighters to rest.
Christopher Leach and Jerry Fickes were killed in an intentionally set fire after being trapped in the basement.
But as funeral services went on in Wilmington, just 50 minutes south, there was a cause for celebration.
Kyle Benjamin prepared for the Monster Mile, a car race in which he would drive No. 40 Chevrolet, proudly displaying the Wilmington Fire Department crest on the hood.
“I felt like it brought us a little luck today, having it on the hood,” Benjamin said in a release after securing his first career win at Dover International Speedway.
A spokesperson for the track says dozens swarmed the car after it crossed the finish line, celebrating Benjamin’s win, but also remembering the fallen firefighters the car was represented.
Construction on an expansive elevated Philadelphia park could begin as early as this fall thanks to a $3.5 million grant.
The Center City District announced on Friday that construction of Phase 1 of the Viaduct Rail Park could begin this fall after a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant was awarded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Phase 1 of the project will improve the 1300 block of Noble Street and will transform a quarter-mile portion of the former Reading Viaduct into a green park with lit walking paths, seating, and gathering areas. The viaduct runs from 13th and Nobel streets across 12th Street to Callowhill Street
The entire Rail Park will connect Fairmount Park with Center City for a length of 3 miles. The trail will run through ten different neighborhoods and will expanse 50 city blocks, all on the tracks of the old Reading Railroad.
“The Viaduct Rail Park will be a welcoming green space amenity for residents, workers, and students from across the city, as well as visitors to Philadelphia,” said Paul R. Levy, President and CEO of the Center City District. “It will also help prompt new business and residential investment in the area. We are grateful to Governor Wolf and all the generous supporters who worked to make this new park a reality.”
The Center City District began the competitive bid process in July 2016 and once a contractor is selected, construction is projected to take 15 to 18 months. The project is being funded through a combination of state, city, foundation and private resources.
