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#CleartheShelters: #KittyKam

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As NBC10 and Telemundo62 work with Philadelphia area animal shelters to #ClearTheShelters on Aug. 19, you can get ready by checking out the exclusive "Kitty Kam" for the event.

The "Kitty Kam" shows off some of the adorable animals up for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA on Phoenixville Pike in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

"Kitty Cam gives a bird's-eye view into Kitty City, our community kitten room where adoptables hang out until they find forever families during Clear the Shelters on Saturday," BVSPCA marketing director Linda Torelli said.

You may also see a potential pet owner stop in to meet some of the felines looking to loving permanent homes. The camera is on 24 hours day and may be dark as the cats sleep at night.

If you visit the shelter on Saturday, you can adopt a pet without paying normal fees. You can also meet NBC10's pet-loving personalities Jessica Boyington and Keith Jones.

BVSPCA -- like many of the shelters that have pets up for adoption without paying some of the normal fees on #ClearTheShelters Day -- has a feline for everyone. So help NBC10 and Telemundo62 #ClearTheShelters. 

Click here for a full list of the 49 participating shelters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.



Photo Credit: Brandywine Valley SPCA

Wednesday's Child: Brian

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Brian is a young man who is fascinated with helicopters and flying. He's compassionate and easy going. Brain is yearning for a family to call his own. To adopt any Wednesday's Child call 1-866-DO-ADOPT.

Clear the Shelters: Adopt a 'Faithful Friend'

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Shannon O'Neill and Michelle Neef are with Faithful Friends Animal Society. They are in studio to talk about why it is important to get pets adopted this time of year.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Man Accused of Killing Wife Has Emotional Breakdown: Sources

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The first court appearance for a man accused of beating his wife to death and then dumping her body in a backyard swimming pool was delayed after the suspect had an emotional breakdown, sources told NBC10.

Norman Long put up a physical fight and had to be forcibly brought to his detention hearing at the Gloucester County Justice Complex in Woodbury, New Jersey late Wednesday morning, according to sources. Once Long appeared, he showed little emotion as attorneys discussed the allegations against him.

Long is accused of murdering his wife, Michelle Long. The 47-year-old woman's fully clothed body was found in the swimming pool on the cul-de-sac of her home on Forrest Court in Woolwich Township, New Jersey back on June 17. The medical examiner ruled she died from blunt force trauma.

On August 2, six weeks after his wife's body was found, Norman Long, 51, was arrested and charged with "purposely or knowingly" causing her death and trying to cover his tracks. Long, a self-employed construction contractor, is accused of "using physical force to cause blunt force head and neck trauma," according to Gloucester County prosecutor Sean Dalton.

"It was a violent attack by him," said Dalton. "The medical examiner found that there was bruising on her hands, consistent with defensive wounds. There was a struggle."

Long was committed to a state psychiatric hospital for observation following his arrest after stating he wanted to kill himself, Dalton said.

During Wednesday's hearing, more information was revealed about the timeline of the alleged murder, as well as a possible motive and evidence. Prosecutors say Michelle Long intended to leave her husband and was looking at homes for sale on the computer moments before she was killed.

"This is what happened as a result of him finding out about that," Dalton said.

Michelle Long's last text was at 5 p.m. on June 17 while her death occurred between 6:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. that evening. Prosecutors accuse Norman Long of beating her to death, placing her body in the swimming pool and then driving to a nearby car wash twice before spending 30 minutes at an Applebee's restaurant in Swedesboro three miles from his house.

"He removed himself from the scene for a time period, came up with the story that he found her in the pool," Dalton said.

Long then returned home and called authorities, telling first responders his wife had drowned, according to investigators.

Long "became combative" while CPR was being administered to his wife and had to be restrained, according to a police report. A small dog was also found dead in the pool when police arrived around 8:35 p.m.

"The information that he provided was not consistent with the evidence," Dalton said.

In addition to first-degree murder, Long also faces a count of concealing evidence and obstruction for placing his wife's body in the pool and "disposing paper towels containing the blood of Michelle Long in the kitchen trash can," Dalton said.

Michelle Long's loved ones shook their heads and shed tears Wednesday as defense attorneys asked the judge for leniency. Judge Kevin Smith ultimately ruled Norman Long's restaurant alibi and his wife's body in the pool was "an obstruction of justice," referring to it as a coverup that makes him a flight risk and a danger to the community. 

Since his arrest, Norman Long has not been placed in jail because he continues to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he is fit for incarceration. Neither his attorneys or loved ones commented on the case to NBC10 Wednesday.

Family members called Michelle Long a loving person.

"She did not deserve this at all, we are broken without her," Michelle Long's daughter Brittany Maguire said.

"She was known by friends and by family alike as a very caring, happy person, a successful businesswoman," Dalton said.

Norman Long doesn't face any animal cruelty charges in relation to the death of the dog as there is a lack of evidence, prosecutors said.


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Local Family Travels to Nashville for Next Week's Eclipse

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The solar eclipse is a phenomenon that some may never get to witness but in just five days six major cities in the U.S. will have a front row seat. A local family is hitting the road for Nashville, Tennessee for this once in a lifetime experience. NBC10's Tim Furlong has their story.

Woman Accused of Shooting, Killing Wife Inside NJ Home

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A Mount Holly, New Jersey woman is accused of shooting and killing her wife inside their home.

Laura Bluestein, 28, was arrested on August 7 and charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and tampering with evidence.

The investigation began on August 6 when police were called to Bluestein’s home on the 100 block of Mill Street in Mount Holly after being notified by a relative that an assault may have occurred inside the house. When they arrived they found the body of Bluestein’s wife Felicia Dormans, 29, inside. She was suffering from a gunshot wound to the face and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said Wednesday that Bluestein had physically abused Dormans and the two were discussing a separation prior to the fatal shooting. Dormans’ mother Christina Dormans told investigators she spoke with her daughter on the phone on August 6. Her daughter told her she and Bluestein had been arguing and she urged her to leave the house. It was the last time she spoke with her daughter.

During prior conversations, Felicia Dormans had told her mother that Bluestein physically abused her, according to investigators. In the aftermath of her daughter's death, Christina Dormans is now urging domestic violence victims to reach out for help.

“People in abusive relationships are not trapped,” Christina Dormans said. “They do not have to stay there. If you are in that kind of situation, please know that there is a way to get out before it gets to a point where somebody loses a life.”

A funeral for Felicia Dormans was held on Monday. She will also be honored at an upcoming Burlington County Silent Witness Project vigil which will pay tribute to slain domestic violence victims as well as survivors.

There were 61,659 domestic violence offenses reported to police in New Jersey in 2015, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. While the number decreased by 1 percent from the previous year, the number of domestic violence-related homicides rose by 7 to 49, officials said.

Help for victims of domestic abuse in Burlington County is provided for free by the Providence House which can be reached through a 24-hour hotline at 1-877-871-7551 or 609-871-7551. More information on their domestic violence services can also be found online here.

As she continues to mourn her daughter, Christina Dormans plans on volunteering at a Pennsylvania organization that offers services to domestic violence victims. 

“If I can save someone else’s life, then that is what I want to try to do,” she said. “I don’t want to see someone else go through this. Felicia was a beautiful person and my best friend. I miss her so much. She kept saying, ‘Maybe we can work it out,’ and I just kept telling her to come home.”



Photo Credit: Burlington County Prosecutor's Office
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Philly Pot Dispensary 'Unacceptable': Councilwoman Says

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Pressure to prevent a medical marijuana dispensary from moving into Philadelphia's Mount Airy neighborhood boiled into Wednesday as Councilwoman Cindy Bass announced she will ask the state Department of Health to revoke the facility's license.

The announcement was made just one day after more than 100 Mount Airy residents crammed into a Philadelphia zoning hearing to oppose the facility, which would be located at 8319-25 Stenton Ave.

"To have it here in a residential neighborhood is completely unacceptable," Bass said. "Medical marijuana ought to be placed … in a commercial corridor or, if possible, on or near a medical facility."

Councilwoman Cherelle Parker is among other local leaders calling for the repeal of TerraVida Holistic Centers’ permit to operate in Mount Airy. Parker has a history with the company’s president, Chris Visco, who is a former campaign consultant for State Rep. Chris Rabb.

Rabb represents portions of Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill. In 2016, he beat out former State Rep. Tonyelle Cook-Artis after Cook-Artis replaced Parker, who stepped down in 2016 to run a successful bid for Philadelphia City Council.

Rabb has since joined Parker in denouncing TerraVida’s Philadelphia location. The company also won permits for dispensaries in Montgomery and Bucks counties, but those are not under dispute.

“We don’t have a great relationship,” Visco said of Parker.

On Tuesday, Parker led a coalition of neighborhood residents into Center City for the zoning hearing. The group wore red to show solidarity and stickers that said “I live in Mount Airy and I oppose this location.” During that hearing, both Parker and Bass accused Visco of not reaching out to the community or attempting to hold meetings with the public and with its elected leaders.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires all operators of medical marijuana facilities to submit evidence that they will be in compliance with zoning requirements.

"All entities that were awarded permits provided this evidence,” health department spokeswoman April Hutcheson said.

Visco has said she spoke with Bass during a fundraiser for the councilwoman in February. At the time, she asked to schedule a meeting with the councilwoman to discuss the proposed dispensary, Visco said. Bass told her to speak with Parker, instead. When Visco reached out, Parker did not respond, Visco said.

But the email went to Parker’s campaign email address, which is not regularly monitored, according to a spokesman for Parker.

A series of missed opportunities continued through the winter and spring, culminating in late June when the health department issued permits for dispensaries. Both Parker and Bass said they only found out about the Stenton Avenue location through media reports.

"I feel that the application submitted was fraud. It should be repealed on that basis," Bass said. "It gives the impression that conversations were had. It really calls into question this organization and their means of operation. It’s not a good start."

All sides insist the issue is not a referendum on the medical marijuana program. Instead, Parker and Bass hope to move the location away from what is otherwise a quiet community.

“This is very much a residential neighborhood,” Bass said on Wednesday. “There are places where a dispensary can be located, but something that is untested, unproven, in the middle of a commercial corridor — we just think it’s an inappropriate location.”

Bass and State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, who represents portions of East and West Germantown, will issue a joint letter to the health department asking for the state to repeal TerraVida’s license.

Parker has already initiated a similar process at the city level.

Visco, who lives in adjoining Springfield Township, Montgomery County, said she is shocked by the opposition.

“This is a great neighborhood,” Visco said. “A lot of my [political] races have been in this area. We live right next door to this neighborhood.”

The easy access to public transportation and street parking made it an attractive location, she said.

“Our hopes are that we can come to some resolution and get the opportunity to speak to residents and address their concerns,” she said.

TerraVida and the councilwomen will return to a zoning hearing on Sept. 19.



Photo Credit: Alicia Lozano

Thousands March in 'Philly is Charlottesville' Rally

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A crowd, estimated to be over 2,000 people, is marching through Center City, Philadelphia in response to last weekend’s deadly violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia as well as President Donald Trump’s controversial comments placing blame on both the white nationalists and the groups that protested them.

The 'Philly is Charlottesville' rally, hosted by the interfaith organization POWER, began at 7 p.m. Wednesday as a group gathered outside the Congregation Rodeph Shalom Synagogue on 615 N Broad Street. The group then began marching down Broad Street at 7:15 p.m. The march will end at Arch Street United Methodist Church on 55 N. Broad Street.

During the event, faith leaders from across the city as well as members of POWER, presented their demands, including criminal justice reform and public education funding.

Saturday's rally in Charlottesville, which included neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klan members, is believed to be the largest gathering of white supremacists in a decade. The rally was in response to the decision to remove a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Chaos and violence erupted during the event as white supremacists and counter-protesters clashed in the streets.

After authorities forced the crowd to disperse, a driver, identified by police as 20-year-old James Alex Fields Jr., drove his Dodge Challenger into a group of counter-protesters, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuring several others. Two Virginia State Police troopers who were aboard a helicopter flying to the rally also died after it crashed outside Charlottesville.

In the days after Saturday's violence, President Donald Trump drew criticism after stating that both the white supremacists and the counter-protesters were at fault. Signs and chants criticizing the president were prevalent during Wednesday's march in Center City.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.


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Social Workers Coming to Some Philly Schools

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Social workers will soon be on hand at nearly two dozen Philadelphia schools. It's part of a new initiative aimed at helping students with behavioral effects due to poverty, homelessness and crime. NBC10's Aundrea Cline-Thomas has the story from South Philadelphia High School.

Clear the Shelters: Rebecca and Kobe

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Nearly 50 shelters across the region will be waiving adoption fees for this weekend's Clear The Shelters campaign drive. NBC10's South Jersey bureau reporter Cydney Long introduces us to Kobe and Rebecca who are grateful for this program.

Charlottesville Violence Leads to Conversations on Racism

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This weekend's violence in Charlottesville has sparked emotional and sensitive conversations across the country. NBC10's Steven Fisher spoke with parents about how they're using the tragedy as a teaching tool among their kids.

Local Republicans Defend President Trump Amid Controversy

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President Trump ended two of his councils after his comments on Charlottesville caused some CEOs to drop out. Some local Republicans say they see no problem with the president's response to the violence. NBC10's Lauren Mayk spoke with them to find out their point of view.



Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Lifeguards Rescue Pa. Girl Caught in Rip Current at NJ Beach

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Lifeguards jumped into action and rescued a Bucks County girl after a dangerous rip current nearly pulled her out to sea along the New Jersey coast Wednesday.

Alyssa Pandolfi of Langhorne, Pennsylvania was visiting the beach in Manasquan, New Jersey with her grandmother and 9-year-old daughter Angelina. Angelina was with a group of people in the water when she was suddenly carried away by a rip current.

“She went in and the waves, it just took her right out,” Pandolfi said.

Fortunately for the young girl a lifeguard was right there watching it all unfold. He and another lifeguard jumped in to rescue the girl as she fought through her fear to remain calm.

“I was nervous but then when the lifeguards came out I felt more, I felt brave,” Angelina said. “They just helped me but there was this one time where this huge wave came and I almost drowned because I couldn’t hold my breath any longer.”

The lifeguards pulled the girl to safety as a crowd on the beach applauded. The girl was not seriously injured.

Introducing the New Dorney Park FREE Pre-K Pass

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Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to! Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom are letting kids ages three to five in FOR FREE.

This special is a new type of season pass titled the Pre-K Pass that allows kids of the right age to go to the park for free for the rest of the 2017 season as well as the full 2018 season.

“We’re introducing the Pre-K Pass to help families with young children more easily and affordably enjoy everything that Dorney Park has to offer," said Mike Fehnel, Dorney Park vice president and general manager.

The average daily admission price for a child ages three to five is about $40.

Fehnel says the new pass is a benefit to the whole family.

“The Pre-K Pass allows parents to save money as the entire family experiences not only the kids' rides in Planet Snoopy™ but also roller coasters, thrill rides, shows and our fantastic water park," he said.

To ensure your kids get in free for the rest of the current season as well as the next, be sure to register between August 16 and October 29. Registration for the pass for the 2018 season is open until May 28, 2018.

After registering for the Free 2018 Pre-K Pass, follow the directions to submit and activate the pass.

New Bike, Pedestrian Ramp for BF Bridge Being Considered

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The Delaware River Port Authority is considering a new bike and pedestrian ramp for the Ben Franklin Bridge.

The new proposed South Walkway Bicycle and Pedestrian Ramp would “replace the existing stairway on the south side of the Bridge in Camden with a new ramp structure,” according to the Delaware River Port Authority website.

On August 1, the DRPA’s Operations and Maintenance Committee approved the proposal for the Ben Franklin Bridge and voted for the proposal to move forward for the full board to see.

On Wednesday, the full Delaware River Port Authority Board of Commissioners discussed the $7.9 million project on the bridge that was first opened to traffic in 1926.

As of now, the south side walkway is only available to those who can first climb a 25 foot staircase.

If the ramp is approved, construction on the bridge could begin in the fall and would be finished by the year 2019.

The Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program will grant $3.8 million and the William Penn Foundation will grant $400,000 for the project.



Photo Credit: NBC10 / Delaware River Port Authority

Bluetooth-Locked, Bike Sharing Program in Gloucester Twp.

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Gloucester Township, New Jersey is implementing a new Bike Sharing Program.

The program provides 10 bicycles at a kiosk for residents to ride. The bikes are secured by Bluetooth locks, so to use the bike, residents have to first download and sign up for the Movatic app. Once you’re ready for the free ride, a code will be given to you to unlock the bike.

Mayor David R. Mayer held a celebration on Wednesday for the launch of the new program, funded by the Camden County Open Space Grant and Gloucester Township. The celebration was held at the new GT Bike Share Kiosk which is located right next to the Health and Fitness Trial.

“We hope that this free bike renting program will significantly enhance our residents’ lifestyle and enable them to enjoy and explore our Township. The GT Bike Share program is ready for you to take a spin!” said Mayer.

The Gloucester Township Health and Fitness Trail is a three-mile stretch that runs in an abandoned railroad bed. The township plans to extend the route to 4.4 miles of “off-road paved trail.”

The new kiosk's location was chosen due to its closeness to the health and fitness trail and parking nearby as well as easy access.

“The new Gloucester Township Health and Fitness trail starts on Main Street near Grenloch Lake and ends at Landing Road," Mayer said.

“With 51 open spaces and recreational fields and over 40 tot lots, we place a huge importance on wellbeing and quality of life of our residents.”



Photo Credit: NBC10

NBC10 Responds: Kitchen Problems Leave Woman Unhinged

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Kitchen problems left a local woman unhinged. That's why she reached out to Harry Hairston and NBC10 Responds.

Runners Show Support for Victim of Sexual Assault at Park

Social Media Reactions Impacting Relationships

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The violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia sparked strong reactions across the country. Many people are taking to social media to express their views. People are learning however that posting your views on Facebook or Twitter doesn't come without a cost with relationships between family members, friends and businesses impacted. NBC10's Keith Jones has the details.

10 at 7: What You Need to Know Today

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Here are the 10 things you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.


TODAY'S TOP STORY 

Man Accused of Killing Wife Appears in Court: The first court appearance for a man accused of beating his wife to death and then dumping her body in a backyard swimming pool was delayed after the suspect had an emotional breakdown, sources told NBC10. Norman Long put up a physical fight and had to be forcibly brought to his detention hearing at the Gloucester County Justice Complex in Woodbury, New Jersey late Wednesday morning, according to sources. Once Long appeared, he showed little emotion as attorneys discussed the allegations against him. Long is accused of murdering his wife, Michelle Long. The 47-year-old woman's fully clothed body was found in the swimming pool on the cul-de-sac of her home on Forrest Court in Woolwich Township, New Jersey back on June 17. The medical examiner ruled she died from blunt force  trauma.

    YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST  

    Thursday is expected to see sun and humidity. Showers and thunderstorms are possible for Friday morning and could continue through the day. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be sunny with temperatures in the high 80s. Monday is expected to be hot and sunny. Showers are possible for Tuesday and Wednesday.  Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

    WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

    Thousands March to Protects Charlottesville Violence: A crowd, estimated to be more than 2,000 people, marched through Center City, Philadelphia in response to last weekend’s deadly violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia as well as President Donald Trump’s comments placing blame on both the white nationalists and the groups that protested them. The 'Philly is Charlottesville' rally, hosted by the interfaith organization POWER, began at 7 p.m. Wednesday as a group gathered outside the Congregation Rodeph Shalom Synagogue on 615 N Broad Street. The group then marched down Broad Street at 7:15 p.m. before arriving at the Arch Street United Methodist Church on 55 N. Broad Street. During the event, protesters expressed their views on the Charlottesville violence and President Trump's subsequent reaction to it.

    AROUND THE WORLD

    As Trump CEO Panel Disbands, He Ends Both: With corporate chieftains fleeing, President Donald Trump abruptly abolished two of his White House business councils Wednesday — the latest fallout from his combative comments on racially charged violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump announced the action via tweet, although only after one of the panels had already agreed to disband earlier in the day. A growing number of business leaders on the councils had openly criticized his remarks laying blame for the violence at a white supremacists rally on "both sides.” "Rather than putting pressure on the businesspeople of the Manufacturing Council & Strategy & Policy Forum, I am ending both. Thank you all!" Trump tweeted from New York. The decision came as the White House tried to manage the repercussions from Trump's defiant remarks a day earlier. Presidential advisers hunkered down, offering no public defense while privately expressing frustration with his comments.

      TODAY'S TALKER                

      Philly Marijuana Dispensary is 'Unacceptable' Councilwoman Says: Pressure to prevent a medical marijuana dispensary from moving into Philadelphia's Mount Airy neighborhood boiled into Wednesday as Councilwoman Cindy Bass announced she will ask the state Department of Health to revoke the facility's license. The announcement was made just one day after more than 100 Mount Airy residents crammed into a Philadelphia zoning hearing to oppose the facility, which would be located at 8319-25 Stenton Ave. Councilwoman Cherelle Parker is among other local leaders calling for the repeal of TerraVida Holistic Centers’ permit to operate in Mount Airy. Parker has a history with the company’s president, Chris Visco, who is a former campaign consultant for State Rep. Chris Rabb.

      SPORTS SPOT

      Phils Lose to San Diego: The Phillies lost 0 to 3 against the San Diego Padres. Get your full sports news at CSNPhilly.

      PHOTO OF THE DAY

      See more Top News Photos here.

      THROUGH IGER'S EYES

      @unusuallylovelyblog captured this cool image of some delicious looking cookies.

      Have an awesome Instagram photo you'd like to share? Tag it with #NBC10Buzz.

      TODAY'S VIRAL VIDEO

      This kickboarder accidentially hits a whale: Click here to watch.

      A LITTLE SWEETENER 

      Runners Show Support for Victim of Sexual Assault in Park: Runners gathered in Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, Montgomery County Wednesday night to show their support for a 19-year-old woman who was sexually assaulted at the park two weeks ago. Read more.


      That's what you need to know. We've got more stories worthy of your time in the Breakfast Buzz section. Click here to check them out


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