The Roosevelt Island tram may be getting some company. 

A new push is underway to build a gondola that would transport passengers between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey.

Commuters headed to Manhattan from Staten Island would take the gondola from the Elm Park neighborhood to Eight Street in Bayonne, where they could catch the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and connect to a PATH train headed to Lower Manhattan.

The entire commute would take about 33 minutes, according to the Staten Island Economic Development Corp., which has been promoting the project and working to secure funding for a feasibility study, according to SILive.com.

The project would cost about $60 million, but the aerial cableway would be constructed without public funds, SIEDC said.

The company that designed the gondola, Leitner-Poma of America, plans to show off a gondola cabin at various spots on Staten Island in April.

The gondola cabin will first be driven through St. George, Tompkinsville and Stapleton for public viewing on April 20 before making stops across the island, SILive.com reported.

Stops include the College of Staten Island on April 21, the Staten Island Mall parking lot on April 22 and the Father Capodanno Boardwalk parking lot on April 23.

The gondola will also be shown at St. John’s University’s Staten Island campus and Wagner College on April 24 before a grand finale at the SIEDC Business Conference at Hilton Garden Inn on April 27.

NBC10’s Katy Zachry shares how Temple University’s walk against sexual violence is different (and expanding) this year.

With the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Field down to its final 4, the madness of deciding what is Montgomery County’s best pizza is down to four finalists.

Chiaro's Pizzeria of Green Lane is looking to defend its crown as it battles Bacco Italian Restaurant of North Wales in one semifinal match-up in Montco’s Best Pizza Tournament 2017. Angelo's Pizza of King of Prussia takes on Bravo Pizza of Worcester in the other pizza battle in the Final 4 of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board's March Madness-like competition to determine the county's favorite pizza.

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"When it comes to pizza, everyone has an opinion," the VFTC said on its website. "That's why every year we open it up to you to tell us your favorite pizza in Montgomery County."

Final 4 voting is open until midnight Wednesday in the second-annual tournament.

The winning pizzeria will get a one year membership on the Valley Forge Tourism Board; an official trophy; ad space in county dining guide, Crave; billboards and championship gear.

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Chiaro's of Green Lane has not had an easy road to repeat as they sneaked past (less than two percent wins) Sal's Bravo Pizza of Limerick, Basta Pasta of Skippack and Penny's Pizza of Limerick in the past three rounds to earn its spot in the Final 4. Will Chiaro's reclaim its crown? Check back to find out.

This week’s Wednesday’s Child is a 15-year-old girl with big dreams for the future that loves trying new things. She hopes a forever family will help her live life to the fullest. NBC10’s Vai Sikahema introduces us to Kathleen. To adopt any Wednesday's Child call 1-866-DO-ADOPT.

Legislation that would bring Pennsylvania into compliance with a federal law requiring updated forms of state-issued identification like driver's licenses passed through the state Senate this week.

The bill would repeal a 2012 state law that explicitly refused a Department of Homeland Security requirement for all states to upgrade the IDs that are issued to residents. It also asks the federal government for another extension to a June 6 deadline for bringing IDs into compliance.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will now take up the bill for consideration.

Gov. Tom Wolf supports the current effort to repeal the 2012 law and begin work on compliance, his spokesman said Thursday, though he added that Wolf would like to see some changes to the current legislation.

"While the governor would sign the current version of the bill in order to achieve that objective, he feels that in its current form, the repeal bill is overly prescriptive and may complicate PennDOT’s schedule for coming into compliance and make the process more confusing for residents," Wolf spokesman J.J. Abbott said.

Homeland Security gave Pennsylvania an extension in January after the state request more time to comply with the federal requirements, which were put in place to streamline the forms of identification issued by all 50 states and enhance the technology with which IDs are equipped.

Numerous states, including Pennsylvania, initially balked at the mandated overhaul on the grounds of cost and effort for the state Department of Transportation.

But Wolf and legislators have begun to work on compliance in the last year as warnings that current driver's licenses and state-issued IDs would not be accepted at airports and in other situations that would hamper residents' ability to travel, work and access certain federal buildings.

A report on the cost of implementing the REAL ID law that was issued with the Senate bill said initial estimated costs of $120-140 million have now shrunk to $67 million since PennDOT has upgraded some of its technology already.

"Given the monumental inconvenience non-compliance will have on many of our constituents, the level of compliance PennDOT already has with REAL ID, and the few outstanding issues that remain, I believe it is now necessary for the General Assembly to give thoughtful reconsideration of Act 38," the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, said in a statement.

Act 38 is the 2012 law that prevents PennDOT from becoming compliant with the federal REAL ID law.

Philadelphia Police charged a young father with killing his 3-month-old son days after the boy wound up hospitalized.

Emergency responders found Javine Barratt unresponsive late on March 20 inside a bedroom of a home on the 2400 block of N 5th Street in North Philadelphia. Responding officers administered CPR as the boy was rushed to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in critical condition, police said.

The baby died at the hospital on March 23. The cause of death was ruled to be a homicide due to head trauma, investigators said.

On Wednesday, police announced murder and child endangerment charges against the boy’s father, 23-year-old Javine Barratt (same name as his son).

It was unclear if Barratt has an attorney who can comment on the case.

A Temple University student's latest project has landed a major national nomination from the Television Academy Foundation.

Senior, Eli LaBan has been nominated for a national College Emmy for his latest project, “Learn to Count in an Endangered Language.” LaBan produced the project while on a semester-long trip to Nicaragua. His short social media videos promote the importance of endangered languages on the remote Caribbean Coast, including Garifuna, Rama and Miskito.

“It feels amazing to be recognized as one of three finalists in the category out of thousands of entries from all over the country,” LaBan said. “Especially since the project is in such a non-traditional social media format.”

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LaBan is up against two other students in the ‘Series-Unscripted’ category and will be flown to Los Angeles for a networking summit and awards ceremony on May 24.

A former NBC10 intern, LaBan took home a professional Emmy for the work he did on NBC10 Digital's 'Generation Addicted' in 2016. 

Along with the Emmy nomination, LaBan’s project was also selected as a recipient of a fellowship grant. The grant is making it able for LaBan to return to Nicaragua after his graduation in May to continue developing the educational videos.

“This recent grant will allow me to continue building on what we started with this video series in collaboration with local grassroots cultural preservation and environmental organizations,” LaBan said. “We are planning on creating more educational video content to help make learning the languages more interactive and fun, as well as promoting sustainable indigenous farming practices and plant knowledge.”

LaBan says he is thankful for all the support he has gotten since beginning the project and is looking forward to expanding programs into local communities so that residents and students “will be able to participate in creating media towards the initiative of cultural preservation.”

“I’m lucky to have my family, friends and professors supporting me,” LaBan said. “I am especially grateful for the enthusiasm of friends and community members of Nicaragua who saw the potential of the project and allowed us to record a little bit about their lives.”

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NBC10 Responds and Harry Hairston helps someone who couldn’t get a solution after his new TV arrived damaged right out of the box.

Rabbis gathered Wednesday to hang mezuzahs throughout a new Main Line enrichment center set to open in April.

To prepare for the grand opening of the Barbara and Harvey Brodsky Enrichment Center of Jewish Family and Children’s Service on Montgomery Avenue in Bala Cynwyd, 18 Rabbis placed a mezuzah — a small, rolled up parchment scroll holding the Hebrew words of the Shema inside a decorative case — on doorposts of rooms inside the 18,000 square-foot building.

Mezuzahs are hung on just about every door way, with the exception of bathrooms and closets, as a reminder to those entering the space of their connection to the Jewish heritage, according to Jewish law.

The center has been custom-built to meet the needs of the community and is a place for visitors to seek services including family support, adoption services and health care, organizers said. The project is the fifth branch of the Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia offering therapeutic services and educational programs.

The center is scheduled to officially open Monday. For more information, visit the JFCS website.

A man accused of gunning down a beloved corner store owner inside her South Philadelphia business on Christmas Eve over a feud with the elderly woman's grandson appeared in court Wednesday as a close friend and her own grandson testified.

A preliminary hearing in Maurice Green’s murder case took place Wednesday and the judge eventually decided he would stand trial.

Green, who prosecutors say believed Marie Buck's grandson stole a valuable chain from him, allegedly sprayed bullets into Marie's Grocery at S. 6th and Titan streets just before 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, according to officials.

Buck was struck 11 times by gunfire. She died from her injuries inside the mainstay she's owned for four decades. On Wednesday, Yolanda Chirico, 89, testified about the morning she witnessed her friend Buck get shot in front of her in the store.

Homicide Capt. James Clark said the suspect, who has 17 prior brushes with the law for mostly drug crimes, didn't even fully step into the store that day. Dressed in all black, he opened the door, saw the grandmother and began shooting, Clark said.

"There is videotape of him parking the vehicle, walking down towards the store minutes before the murder, right after the murder, fleeing the scene, getting back into that vehicle and leaving," Clark said.

Green's attorney, Robert Gamburg, addressed the surveillance video.

"They put together a circumstantial case and I understand that but if you think you can make an ID from that video, you're a better person than I am," he said.

Investigators believe Buck was not Green's original target. Clark said the suspect went to the store that day to shoot her grandson, who was due to work that day but didn't show up.

Green allegedly told investigators the grandson owed him money from an expensive jewelry chain, Clark said. Green estimated the chain's value to be between $5,000 and $10,000. During his testimony Wednesday, Buck claimed he pawned the chain for $2,000 for drug money.

"The defendant had motive," prosecutor Jude Conroy said. "He was looking for the victim's grandson. His vehicle that is recovered matches to a T. Not just the make and model but the dents."

On Wednesday, Robert Buck's former girlfriend testified that she took the chain from Green's house at his request. Angela White testified that her and the grandson were addicted to heroin and crack and would buy drugs from Green. During that time, White said she began a sexual relationship with Green and while alone in his house last spring stole the chain while on the phone with the grandson. The couple then sold the chain on South Street.

The family hasn't opened the store since the killing. Some family members watched Wednesday's court hearing.

"I want the death penalty for him," said Buck's daughter. "I'm sorry. We don't blame my nephew -- not me, not my father, not my family."

Buck's daughter insists her mother would have given Green money for the stolen chain if he had simply asked.

"You don't just walk into somebody's grocery store and brutally kill them," she said. "You ain't getting your money back and you ain't getting your chain."

Green is scheduled to appear in court again on April 19 at 11 a.m. Families of both the suspect and victim got into a loud argument following Wednesday's ruling.

"Obviously, it's an emotional case," Gamburg said. "We have nothing but respect for the victim's family but by the same token it's not going to make it any better to have the wrong person convicted of a crime he didn't commit."

It's a restoration project years in the making. The iconic main fountain at Longwood Gardens will reopen to the public in a few weeks. NBC10's Erin Coleman was there for a first look at what garden leaders are calling the crown jewel.

Camden Mayor Dana Redd will not seek a third term as the city’s major. Redd made the announcement at Camden’s City Hall at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Redd, who was born and raised in Camden, built a reputation as the “comeback mayor” due to the revitalization efforts she made for the city. Freeholder Jeff Nash described Redd as a tenacious and tireless leader who helped stabilize city finances, transitioning Camden from a city with bad credit to the new home of Subaru, Holtec International and the Philadelphia 76ers’ practice facility.

“Her legacy is the revitalization of Camden City,” Nash said. “Not only in terms of the economic development that we’ve seen, two billion dollars of private investment in the city and the creation of those jobs but community policing.”

The creation of a regional police force in 2013 drew recognition from President Obama and helped Camden, once one of the country’s most dangerous cities, become a model for community policing. Residents who spoke to NBC10 said Camden still has issues but credited Redd with helping the community become stronger.

“If we could point to one thing, she has uplifted the spirit of the city,” said Carla Rhodes.

Residents say her replacement will have big shoes to fill.

“My heart is full,” said Ronja Butler. “We will miss her greatly.”

Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli released a statement on Redd Wednesday.

“On behalf of the entire Freeholder Board, I want to thank Mayor Dana Redd for her tireless energy and selfless sacrifices to the City of Camden over the last seven and half years and two terms in office," Cappelli wrote. "The city and its residents have benefitted immeasurably under her inspired leadership, navigating it through crisis and shepherding it through unprecedented growth."

"America’s greatest mayor transformed Camden from a municipality in dire straits with some of the nation’s largest challenges to a city fulfilling its promise of improved public safety, enhanced educational opportunities and better access to economic prosperity. During her tenure, the number of new projects announced and new investments being made in Camden is extraordinary in modern time. Her impact will have long-lasting effects on the city, and her legacy will benefit its residents for generations to come.”

A student aide was arrested for allegedly bringing a gun and ammunition to a middle school in Delaware County.

Domonique Jordan, 32, of Philadelphia, is charged with possession of a firearm on school property.

The ordeal began around 12:30 p.m. when Upper Darby Police received a call from the principal of Drexel Hill Middle School in Drexel Hill. The principal told police a teacher had found a .40 caliber bullet in a teacher/staff bathroom of the school.

Responding police officers searched the bathroom but didn't find anything. They then spoke with the assistant principal. While they spoke, Jordan came into the office while carrying a backpack, police said.

"I guess this is about the bullet found in the bathroom. It's my bullet," Jordan allegedly said.

Police asked Jordan if he had any weapons in the backpack he was carrying but he claimed he didn't, according to investigators. He then allegedly pulled out ammunition from his pocket.

"He reached into his pocket and pulled out a clip with 12 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition," said Upper Darby Police superintendent Michael Chitwood.

Chitwood said police then searched through his backpack and found a clip containing another 12 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, a third clip containing 17 rounds, an additional five rounds and a .40 caliber Glock. Jordan was then taken into custody. 

Chitwood said they likely wouldn't have known the bullet belonged to Jordan if he didn't come forward and admit it.

"He was concerned about his bullet," Chitwood said. "His hollow point .40 caliber bullet. We would've taken the bullet, interviewed everybody in the school and went on our way. Nobody had gotten any threats. He came in and wanted the bullet."

Jordan is a Personal Care Assistant who began working with an 8th grade special needs student at Drexel Hill Middle School on March 1. Chitwood said Jordan was not employed by the Upper Darby School District but instead worked with Staffing Plus, a Philadelphia-based company that provides care for special needs students.

"Obviously it's stupidity 101 to carry a gun with 45 to 46 rounds of ammunition inside a school," Chitwood said. "The second thing is that this kid that he's supposed to be monitoring is in 8th grade. What happens if that child or any child gets a hold of that gun or the firearm?"

While Jordan has a concealed weapons permit, Chitwood said it was still illegal for him to carry the gun at the school.

"You're not allowed to carry a firearm on school property unless you're a police officer," Chitwood said. "Period. He's a PCA. A personal assistant. He should not be carrying a gun and 46 rounds of ammunition in a school while taking care of a special needs child. It's just crazy. It's absolutely insane in this day and age."

Jordan did not have a criminal history prior to Wednesday's arrest. A spokesperson for Staffing Plus said Jordan no longer works with the company.

"Prior to his placement, Staffing Plus conducted a full and complete criminal background check, FBI check and Child Abuse History Clearance, as we do with all individuals that are going to work with children," the spokesperson wrote. "Domonique was completely clean on all checks. He had no criminal record and no prior arrests. Domonique is no longer associated with Staffing Plus."

North Philadelphia is quickly becoming a main attraction due to new developments and renovation. NBC10's Brandon Hudson has the details. 

Mary Mason, one of Philadelphia's greatest radio hosts is now struggling with financial troubles after her grandson allegedly stole nearly $1 million from her. NBC10's Deanna Durante has the details. 

If you would like to donate to Mason, call the Mary Mason Care Project at 484-262-9388. You can also send money to 744 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19147.

A Pennsylvania nurse grieving the recent loss of her own mother saved the life of a baby boy after the child's mom flagged her down.

Mary Henry was driving in Washington Boro, Lancaster County Monday when she noticed her 1-year-old son Easton wasn't breathing. Henry pulled into a parking lot and flagged down passing vehicles for help. That's when Alexis Allen spotted her and stopped her vehicle. Allen, who happens to be a nurse, performed CPR. Within a minute the boy started breathing again. The child, who suffered a seizure, was taken to the hospital and released after a few hours.

"God puts people in the right place at the right time," Henry said. "I couldn't thank her enough from the bottom of my heart."

Henry says she is also a certified nursing assistant.

"We are trained for that kind of stuff," she said. "But it's different when it's your son and you're first hand."

Allen says her mother, who was a nurse as well, had recently passed away and she had attended her funeral a day before Monday's incident.

"I feel like I gave everything and then some," Allen said. "And I feel like that was my mom. If I could breathe that last breath into this little boy, that's definitely what I did."

Police arrested a teen boy accused of damaging a Northeast Philadelphia synagogue. Police announced Wednesday a 14-year-old boy was charged in the vandalism of Temple Menorah-Keneseth Chai on Tyson Avenue.

A maintenance worker arrived at the synagogue Monday morning to find a broken window and baseball-sized rock inside the decades’ old temple, Philadelphia Police said.

Workers at the temple believe the vandalism took place over the weekend. Surveillance video shows two teens between the ages of 12 and 14 outside the synagogue Sunday shortly after 5 p.m., police said. Investigators treated the incident as a vandalism rather than a hate crime. Police say they spoke with a second teen but have not yet revealed if he'll face charges as well.

Monday's incident was the third time the synagogue had been vandalized. The FBI investigated after December and January incidents of vandalism that prompted the Citizens Crime Commission to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The synagogue installed surveillance video after eight windows were broken in the January incident.

No one was injured in any incident. Synagogue President Malcolm Adler claimed the synagogue was also vandalized three to four years ago when someone painted a swastika on an outside wall. 

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The son of a Philly-based restaurateur and entrepreneur passed away. Anthony James Lucidonio III died Monday at the age of 35. His father, Anthony Lucidonio Jr., better known as Tony Luke Jr., made the announcement on his Facebook page.

A funeral service will be held for Lucidonio III at the Bradley Funeral Home in Marlton, New Jersey Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lucidonio III’s father Tony Luke Jr. is one of the founders of the cheesesteak franchise Tony Luke’s. In addition to being a restaurateur and entrepreneur, Luke Jr. is also an actor, TV host, screenwriter, songwriter and sports reporter.

Montgomery County placed at the top of a newly-released study of health by county in Pennsylvania, ranking first in a category that measures smoking and obesity rates, clinical care options and poverty.

Philadelphia finished dead last in both the "Health Factors" and "Health Outcomes" categories of the study that analyzed all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which conducted the analysis.

Montgomery County finished first in the "Health Factors" category and fourth in "Health Outcomes," which measures length and quality of life, the report said.

"We are especially proud that we lead the rankings in areas in which our county health services have a direct influence – reducing rates of smoking, obesity, food insecurity, teen pregnancy, children in poverty, and sexually transmitted disease,” said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Montgomery County board of commissioners and an anesthesiologist. “The report showcases that investments in these areas yields real rewards and that we, as a nation and a county, must continue to fund those programs that support the health and well-being of Montgomery County residents.”

Chester County did even better than Montgomery County overall, placing first in "Health Outcomes" and third in "Health Factors." Bucks County also did well, placing sixth and second in those categories, respectively.