Pedro Ramos, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Foundation, and Siobhan Reardon, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia tell NBC10's Tracy Davidson about the push to get people to break bread together during On the Table Greater Philadelphia on May 23.
Push to Talk Face-to-Face
↧
↧
How Fit Is Philly?
The American College of Sports Medicine is out with its annual American Fitness Index on the fittest 50 cities in the United States. The NBC10 Mornings Team takes exception to Philly's No. 32 ranking.
Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia
↧
James Dennis' Long Road From Death Row to Freedom
A judge has said James Dennis is "in all probability" innocent of the 1991 killing of a 17-year-old school girl, but it took a "no contest" plea to get him out of prison after a quarter century on death row.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office fought U.S. District Judge Anita Brody's order to retry Dennis or drop the charges, and ultimately negotiated the unusual plea agreement that let's Dennis maintain his innocence but prosecutors keep his conviction on the books.
"I just want the nightmare to end," Dennis told a judge as he made the plea in late December.
Finally, on Saturday, Dennis slipped out of his prison uniform and into a dark suit, walking out of prison where his fiancee and legal team were waiting for him. Smiling and laughing, they began the long drive to Philadelphia.
Photo Credit: Courtesy Rebecca Gordon
↧
Payment System Outage Jolts Starbucks Customers at Some Stores
Customers at some Starbucks shops hit a snag Tuesday while trying to fill up their coffee cups, CNBC reported.
Registers were knocked offline by a technology update that was being installed overnight, the coffee chain said.
Starbucks said the glitch still affected "a limited number of locations" in the U.S. and Canada by Tuesday morning.
"The stores will remain open during this time and, as always, our partners are prepared to take care of our customers to ensure they have the best experience possible," the company said.
Reports on Twitter showed some patrons scoring free cups of joe at affected locations.
Photo Credit: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images, File
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
↧
Huge Harry Potter Convention Coming to New Jersey Next Month
Dust off your wands and get ready to sip on some Butterbeer. A Harry Potter convention is coming to the Garden State.
PotterCon is set to take place at the Asbury Park Convention Hall on June 10.
Fans of the hit franchise can participate in events related to the series, including a live sorting ceremony, a costume contest, trivia and more, according to the event’s Facebook page.
The traveling 21 and older festival is being promoted as "the official day-drinking and mingling interactive destination for witches, wizards, squibs, and magical creatures alike."
Spark your interest? You can purchase tickets for the event for $15.
There will also be a PotterCon in Long Island this June, according to the event's website.
In 2016, over 3,500 fans of the franchise gathered at the PotterCons hosted in New York City and Memphis.
PotterCon was created in 2012 by writer, Margaret Kaminski. The event is not affiliated or endorsed by the Harry Potter franchise.
Photo Credit: Pottercon on Facebook
↧
↧
Crews Rescue Woman Trapped by Dumped Stone on Car Roof
Police in New Jersey found a driver pinned under a load of stone Monday afternoon so emergency crews worked to free the woman stuck behind the wheel.
Photo Credit: Manchester Township Police Department
↧
In this South Philly League, There is Faith in Basketball
Photo Credit: Sabrina Vourvoulias
↧
Tombstones Knocked Over at Historic Jewish Cemetery
An investigation is underway after tombstones were knocked over at a historic Jewish cemetery in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.
↧
In South Philly, A Lati-Mex Basketball League Stands Tall
Ever play basketball against much taller opponents who — regardless of your determination — win every tip off and get every rebound? Did you quit the game? No? Neither did members of the South Philly community league that plays and competes in the gym of St. Thomas Aquinas School on Morris Street in Philadelphia.
The teams of the Deportes Santo Tomás — informally referred to as the Lati-Mex league of South Philly — recently held the finals of their current season. Most of the players I saw on the court during the May 14 tourney were of average height for Mexicans and Central Americans — about 5' 7" give or take an inch or two — and quite a few (especially on the women's teams) were folks with whom I (5' 2") had no problem seeing eye-to-eye.
I had heard from reliable sources that in their first year of competitive play, some teams in the Lati-Mex league got tired of losing every tip off and rebound, and so had gone into North Philadelphia to "recruit" much taller Puerto Rican and Afro-Latino Spanish-speakers as ringers for the teams.
Yes, the story is true, Victor Manzanares admits, a bit reluctantly.
Along with Rosalio Luna, Manzanares leads and coordinates the Deportes Santo Tomás league, and agrees to speak to me about the league only after he and Luna set up folding chairs, dry mop the gym floor, haul and unpack everything needed from basketballs to tamales (more about those later) in advance of the games.
According to Msgr. Hugh Shields, the pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish which hosts the local basketball leagues at its adjacent school, Manzanares is himself a good basketball player. And a pretty competitive one. Nevertheless, Manzanares tells me, the imported players are (for the most part) no longer playing on the Lati-Mex teams because “people had gotten too focused on simply winning trophies.”
In fact, at the first game of these finals, between Camden’s highly favored Revolución and the local Scorpions, the tallest Camden player — “Coco,” by the name on his jersey — out jumps and effectively blocks many of his shorter opponents’ shots. He leads his team to an 85-29 victory.
When I ask the average height of the local players now that the “ringers” are no longer a factor, Manzanares demurs. “It wouldn’t be moral for me to say.”
He also won’t tell me the average age of the players, and when pressed, he explains that just saying that such-and-such is the average will automatically make some people feel like they can't participate, and that exclusion is what violates his beliefs.
“The league has always been about something greater than winning,” Manzanares explains.
The idea for the league originated at a meeting at the parish, where the leaders wondered what they could do for Latinos in the community that would provide safe, wholesome fun without being costly. There were already some established community basketball leagues that played in the school gym, and Luna, in particular, saw the formation of the Lati-Mex league as a way to be “in community” and to provide role models for the young people.
“Our faith and the basketball are connected,” Luna tells me when he and Manzanares switch places during the interview. (They do this with the scorekeeping during the games too — switch off after each game — so they each carry an equal share of the responsibility.)
“We start by praying,” Luna continues, “and as the players see us, they see the respect with which we treat the games, the equipment, the referees, the community … and we are modeling something important.”
The referees for the league’s games, Pete DeIuliis and John Morrison, have noticed. “The players of this league are really appreciative of our coming here,” DeIuliis says, “and we appreciate the respect they show us when we make a call. These folks have something really good.”
It wasn’t always easy. Neither Luna nor Manzanares knew how to score or keep the official records of league games, but they weren’t scared of the effort it would take to learn.
Likewise, none of the team members actually knew how to play basketball when they started. “They essentially played basketball like you play soccer,” Morrison says, “only using their hands instead of their feet. When they first started they wouldn’t really pass the ball, they’d let it glance off their hands in the direction they wanted.”
But all of them, leaders and players, have greatly improved according to the refs, and both of them mention that at most winter season games the gym fills to overflowing with community members who have come to watch and enjoy the Lati-Mex league's basketball and the festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
The day I’m there — Mother’s Day — isn’t that packed, but there are still dozens of children and teens who take to the courts between games to try shooting hoops like the big boys. And girls.
During the league's first season, there were no women’s teams. At the finals, after the last game, the sisters, wives, girlfriends, friends and daughters of team members and audience reportedly took the court and refused to cede it.
“What about us?” they asked. By the next season, there were four women’s teams in the league.
I watch a little of the game between the local Rebeldes (Rebels) versus the Camden, New Jersey, Panteras (Panthers). There is very little height difference on the women’s side, and the teams seem fierce and evenly matched.
I don’t stay for the remainder of the games, but I do make a beeline for the concession stand before I leave. The delicious smell of homemade tamales and tacos de plancha has been wafting across the court for the three hours I've been watching the games and conducting the interviews, and I can't wait to try the fare. When I discover I have my debit card but no cash, Ana — Victor’s wife — loads a plateful for me anyway.
“We never let someone go hungry if they have no money,” she tells me. "We're a community, and we look out for everyone."
The others working the stand with Ana offer me mangoes cut into flower shapes, chicharrones loaded with avocado slices, beans and cheese, water … without a moment's hesitation. They run the concession stand to raise funds for the parish, and Msgr. Shields tells me the group donates approximately $4,000 to $5,000 a year. "But they never forget what really matters," he says.
The folks at the concession stand are kind and make every toddler and child around them (and there are a lot) come up to me and formally shake my hand. They all thank me, repeatedly, simply for having been witness — for a few hours — of what they've built here in South Philly.
So I arrive at the gym thinking I’m going to be writing about a quirky and astute sports league, and as I leave what I find is that the story is instead about what can be (and is) built on faith — a league, sure, but more resonantly, a community.
Photo Credit: Sabrina Vourvoulias
↧
↧
Bucket List Ride in a Maserati
Photo Credit: NBC10
↧
Philly Student Injured in Tour Bus Crash Speaks Out
A Philadelphia student who was injured in a charter tour bus crash is speaking out for the first time as she and her classmates continue to recover.
On Monday Kayla Daniels, 13, was on a bus carrying 25 other students at Charles W. Henry School along with three chaperones and a driver. The students were headed to a field trip in Washington, D.C. Daniels told NBC10 it was a trip she and her classmates had been looking forward to.
"We're all going to different high schools so it was fun that we would actually have the chance to be all together on one trip," she said.
[[422315564, C]]
Daniels said they were all singing songs as the bus drove on I-95 in northeastern Maryland near Havre de Grace when a blue sedan began to pass them on the left. The car lost control and clipped the front of the bus, causing it to overturn, according to State Police.
"Then all of a sudden the bus started swerving and one of the kids yelled," Daniels said. "The first time it flipped over I guess I hit my head because after that I went to sleep and I don't remember anything else happening."
[[422446113, C]]
Daniels suffered bruises to her face. As of Tuesday, four of her classmates as well as a teacher, Brittany Jacobs, remain hospitalized. Jacobs, a special education teacher, is in critical condition.
"Miss Jacobs, she's always there whenever I need a problem solved," Daniels said.
[[422394653, C]]
Parents are thankful to the first responders, including a bus full of Philadelphia Police officers who were at the right place at the right time on I-95.
[[422330743, C]]
"Give a thanks out to the officers who actually jumped out and helped them," said Kayla's father Haidache Daniels. "Put my hands out and clap. Because God sent them and if they weren't there, this situation might have been worse."
[[422386963, C]]
↧
NJ Police Search for Crook Caught on Camera
After a string of break-ins into local businesses, New Jersey police are searching for one man they've caught on camera several times. NBC10's Cydney Long has the story.
↧
Do You Know a Community Hero?
Wawa wants to recognize heroes in the community giving away $80,000 in grants.
The Wawa Foundation is asking people to share heroic stories about the work being done by Philadelphia-area non-profits "serving the greater Philadelphia area by assisting others and building stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety and mentoring and inspiring our youth."
The winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant with three runner-ups getting $10,000 each. The winners being announced on July 4th at the Wawa Welcome America festivities, said Wawa.
“The Wawa Welcome America! Festival is built around activities and events celebrating the everyday heroes who have made our country and city great, so we are thrilled to present the second annual Wawa Foundation Hero Award during this very appropriate time,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s President and CEO.
Complete the online registration form and share a video of 4 minutes or less to sumbit your nomination. The deadline for entries is May 21.
You can also see the stories of last year's winner and finalists.
NBC10 and NBC10’s parent company Comcast are partners in Wawa Welcome America.
↧
↧
White House Speaks on Alleged Leaked Classified Intel
The White House is responding to reports that Donald Trump leaked classified information, and now politicians from both parties are reacting.
↧
NBC10 First Alert Weather: Temperatures Rising
Tuesday brought plenty of warmth and sunshine to our region, but the temperatures aren't done rising yet. NBC10 meteorologist Tammie Souza has your forecast.
↧
Pennsylvania Makes List of Top States For Lyme Disease
Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut
↧
Kentucky Derby Event in Bala Cynwyd
A Kentucky Derby party was held at West Laurel Hill in Bala Cynwyd during the big race. Money raised during the event went towards the Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy.
↧
↧
Philadelphia 76ers Get Number 3 Pick in the NBA Draft
The Kings finally came through ... for the Sixers.
Sacramento jumped into the top three of the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday, but the Sixers were able to swap thanks to their 2015 trade with the Kings. Thanks to the swap, the Sixers, who landed the fifth selection, walked away with the No. 3 pick in the draft for the third time in four years.
The Los Angeles Lakers held onto their own pick, which came in at No. 2, and the Boston Celtics walked away with the top overall selection.
The Sixers could go plenty of ways in a loaded draft class (see top-10 prospects for team). With a frontcourt rotation that still needs to be figured out, the team could opt to go for one of the class' promising point guards (see top point guard prospects).
↧
Pilot Survives After Small Plane Crashes in Eagleswood, NJ
A pilot survived after a small plane crashed in Ocean County, New Jersey.
The plane crashed onto the lawn of a home on the 100 block of Laurel Hill Lane in Eagleswood Township Tuesday night. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was not hurt in the crash, according to police.
The incident occurred a day after a small plane that was attempting to land at Teterboro Airport crashed into a residential area in Carlstadt, New Jersey, killing two crew members.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
↧
'This is Us' Stars Speak on Second Season
From laughter to tears, one hit show brought thousands of people together last fall. As the popular series prepares for a second season, the stars are reflecting on how the show has impacted their own lives.
NBC's hit show, “This Is Us” brought viewers plenty of heart-wrenching moments throughout the first season, and now viewers are counting down the days until the lives of Jack, Rebecca, Kate, Kevin, Randall, Beth and the rest of the family can continue.
And the stars of the show are just as excited.
Justin Hartley, “Kevin” on the show, says the show has brought his own family together. His daughter, son, and wife can all watch the show together and talk about it afterwards, he said.
“That’s kind of nice,” Hartley told NBC10’s Jacqueline London in an exclusive interview.
Susan Kelechi-Watson, "Beth" on the show, says she is moved when watching her costars.
"Sometimes it's just the performance of my peers," Kelechi-Watson said. "They really do some special, vulnerable, open things."
Those vulnerable moments from the actors translate into relatable moments for viewers every week, bringing viewers to tears frequently.
"I'm blown away by the amount of excitement surrounding this show," Milo Ventimiglia, "Jack" on the show, said. "And people look forward to a good cry."
The hit show will return for the second season in Fall 2017. This time, you'll have to tune in to NBC's revival of "Must See TV" Thursday's.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
