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Pot Conviction? This Bill Could Expunge Your Record

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As Pennsylvania inches closer to rolling out its medical marijuana program, a Philadelphia Democrat is introducing a bill to automatically expunge pot convictions for patients with legal cannabis recommendations.

“It will be for anyone with a medical marijuana recommendation,” State Rep. Jordan Harris told NBC10. “Should they have a possession conviction, they will have the opportunity vacate that conviction.”

Under Harris’ proposal, the expungement process would be automatic. He is currently looking for cosponsors. 

“It’s the fact that the past can continue to harm [patients],” he said. “There are a lot of people with convictions. We have to be sure that our laws are not contradictory.”

A 2017 report by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania found that black communities in Pennsylvania were disproportionately impacted by the war on weed.

In Montgomery, Bucks and Chester counties, black adults are nearly seven times more likely than white adults to be arrested for pot, according to the report. In Delaware County, the rate drops down to nearly five times more likely. And in Berks County, it's around four times more likely.

Harris' bill would allow patients to avoid legal fees and judges to avoid backlogs in court.

“It’s huge,” cannabis activist and reporter Chris Goldstein said. “You have nearly 20,000 marijuana arrests every year in Pennsylvania … and 65 percent are people under the age of 30.”

Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program is slated to take off in just a matter of months. Already dispensaries are opening up in the Lehigh Valley and Pittsburgh, and lawmakers are scrambling to tie up loose ends for the existing legislation.

On Monday, the Senate State Government Committee passed a resolution asking federal lawmakers to clarify the federal Gun Control Act. Currently, medical marijuana patients are excluded from buying or owning firearms.

A separate resolution asked Congress to remove marijuana from being listed as a Schedule 1 drug and to recognize its medicinal benefits. Currently, cannabis is considered the same as heroin and LSD at the federal level.

Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rolled back Obama-era protections that allowed states to determine their own marijuana laws. A delegation of Philadelphia-area state representatives called on federal authorities to provide "clear reassurance of non-intereference" in the state's program. 

The delegation sent a letter to officials on Jan. 22 but have not heard back, according to State Rep. Maria Donatucci's office.



Photo Credit: Rep. Jordan Harris via Facebook, Getty

2 Men Sought After Credit Skimmers Found in ALDI Stores

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Police in two Montgomery County towns would like to speak to a pair of men after credit card skimming devices were discovered on credit card machines at ALDI grocery stores.

The men were captured on surveillance video at the Lower Pottsgrove ALDI store along Armand Hammer Boulevard in late January. The chiefs of Lower Pottsgrove police and Limerick Township police are considering them persons of interest in their investigation.

Limerick Township police told NBC10 on Wednesday that the skimming devices, which allow thieves to gain hold of a customer's credit card information, were discovered on credit card machines at the ALDI stores in Limerick and Pottstown.

ALDI is not the only business to be hit by skimming thieves. Lower Pottsgrove Police Chief Michael Foltz said his detectives have been investigating a number of incidents of skimming devices being installed at businesses around the township. The thieves recently expanded into Limerick Township, he said.

An exact number of victims was not released, but Foltz said there were multiple.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lower Pottsgrove police at 610-326-1508 or Limerick Township police at 610-495-7909.

Card skimming devices can net thieves as much as $60,000 a year, according to the American Bankers Association. They're often used on ATMs and gas pumps.

Here's a few tips to protect yourself:

  • Check the credit card machine or ATM before a transaction.
    Run your hand around the card reader and pin pad, tugging at the hardware. If something is loose, you may want to avoid using that device.
  • Try to use mobile payment services like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
    Since your credit card information is securely transferred wirelessly using an encrypted feed, traditional skimming devices won't work.
  • Cover the pin pad with your hand when entering the number.
    Keeping your pin number private can derail any attempts to reuse your card information.
  • Go into the bank to make a withdrawal.
    This isn't always a viable option, but if the bank is open, you may want to pay the teller a visit to keep your card information safe.


Photo Credit: Lower Pottsgrove Police Department

Where Will You be Watching on Sunday?

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If you're planning to watch the game at a restaurant or bar on Sunday, you better plan ahead! Plenty of local spots will be packed with fans all day long. NBC10's Lauren Mayk reports.

Inside the Eagles Vault

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If you're a true Eagles fan, this one is for you. NBC10's Harry Hairston took a look inside an Eagles vault that is home to historic memorabilia.

A Look at Minnesota's Winter Carnival

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While plenty are heading to Minnesota to see the birds take on the Patriots, Minnesota's Winter Carnival is also a big hit. NBC10's Steven Fisher gives you a glimpse at the icy attraction.

Justin Timberlake Prepares for Halftime Performance

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While fans prepare to watch the birds fight on Sunday, music fans are preparing for the biggest concert event of the year. Justin Timberlake spoke in a conference on Thursday about his upcoming halftime performance.

Birds Fan Rush to Minnesota

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NBC10 sent a team of reporters to Minnesota, and they are having no trouble finding Eagles fans there. NBC10's Dray Clark reports.

Eagles Fans Have Lost Their Everlovin' Minds


Road to Victory Bus Still Running

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If you haven't gotten a chance to see the Road to Victory bus, don't worry! The bus is still running all around our region. NBC10's Steve Sosna caught up with some Eagles fans with the bus.

Rain, Snow Mix Arrives Early on 2018 Groundhog Day

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Brief snow arrived pre-dawn Friday morning, as Groundhog Day started off with a sloppy early commute for some.

Rain began late Thursday as a storm system moved in from the west. The temperature across the Lehigh and Delaware valleys dipped enough below freezing for just long enough to change the precipitation into a wintry mix or snow for a short time in many areas.

Temperatures will remain in the 30s for most of early Friday into the morning commute.

There should be little accumulation for most of the region despite some snow continuing to fall on-and-off through the morning.

A handful of schools opened late Friday due to the weather.

By 8 a.m., most of the wet weather had moved off the coast with scattered snow showers remaining in some neighborhoods and leaving a dusting of snow.

The small system portends a larger one that will make Super Bowl LII on Sunday a messy travel day throughout the Philadelphia region and South Jersey.

"It could start off as a little bit of snow, especially in Lehigh Valley, Berks County, where maybe they could get a couple inches," NBC10 meteorologist Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz said. "But the atmosphere is going to be warming up big time, and changing anything to rain."



Photo Credit: NBC10 - Dan Stamm

Eagles Lifting Spirits of Sick 9-Year-Old

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Nine-year-old Danny Feltwell will watch Sunday's big game from his hospital room, but he's not letting that get in his way of cheering on the Eagles. NBC10's Ted Greenberg has his story.

Delco Coffee Shop Adds $5,200 Charge to Patriots Fan's Bill

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A Patriots fan walks into a Delco coffee shop...

No, this isn't the start of a joke. It actually happened on Thursday.

Decked out in blue Patriots logo gear, the guy — named Sal — sat down for lunch at The Coffee Station in Morton. The eatery served him, but let him know there was a price to pay for repping the evil empire in Eagles country.

At the bottom of his check, under the order of sweet potato fries, was a $5,200 charge. The PATRIOTS FAN fee.

Thanks to the charge, along with tax, the lunch check came out to $5,535.06.

Well played, Coffee Station.

The eatery posted the bill and a smiling Sal, a local guy who's a longtime Patriots fan, to their Facebook page.

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Joe Paciotti, the restaurant's marketing manager, said owners John and Barb Paciotti came up with the idea to print the spoof check.

They also had the entire Delaware County restaurant sing the Eagles fight song for Sal to hear. He apparently laughed along and took the razzing well.

Joe offered to buy him breakfast on Monday after an Eagles win as long as Sal wears Eagles gear.

As for Eagles fans, they're being rewarded with a 15-percent discount off their bill if they come in dressed in team gear through Super Bowl Sunday.

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Photo Credit: The Coffee Station
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Big Fish! NBC10 Morning Team Tries Ice Fishing

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NBC10's Vai Sikahema and Tracy Davidson take to the ice to catch some fish (or one very small fish) as they get a feel for Minnesota life while at the Super Bowl.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Underdog Shirts Remain Hot Items for Eagles Fans

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The Philadelphia Eagles are taking the underdog title all the way to the Super Bowl, as fans embrace it, retailers are finding ways to capitalize on it; and helping Philadelphia schools with the proceeds.

Feeling the Super Bowl Chill With Al Roker, Craig Melvin

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NBC10's Randy Gyllenhaal is in Minneapolis with the Today Show's Al Roker and Craig Melvin to talk weather, food, the Super Bowl and ice fishing.


Suspect in Blaze Bernstein Murder Due in Court

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A Southern California man charged in the killing of a University of Pennsylvania student is due in court Friday.

Authorities say Samuel Woodward, 20, of Newport Beach killed 19-year-old sophomore Blaze Bernstein and buried his body in a shallow grave at a neighborhood park not far from the Bernstein family's home in Lake Forest.

Bernstein, who grew up in Orange County and was visiting his family on winter break, was missing for a week after going out with Woodward the night of Jan. 2, according to authorities. Authorities searched for him with help from drone pilots and found his body at the park after rain partially exposed it.

Woodward is charged with murder and an enhancement for use of a knife. He is being held without bail.

Bernstein was gay and Jewish and authorities are investigating the possibility of a hate crime.

Authorities say the two men both attended the Orange County School of the Arts but they did not know if they were friends at the time.

According to a court filing obtained by the Orange County Register, Woodward told investigators that he became angry after Bernstein kissed him the night they went to the park.

At college, Bernstein was studying psychology and was recently chosen to edit a campus culinary magazine.

Hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil for Bernstein and his funeral.

If convicted of the charge and enhancement, Woodward could face as much as 26 years to life in prison.



Photo Credit: Orange County Sheriff's Office

Flu Tests Running Low Amid Virus Spike in NJ

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Flu shots aren't the only thing getting hard to come by: tests for the virus are also seeing shortages. Brian Thompson reports.

Wig-Wearing Woman in NJ Fraud Spree Nabbed After Near Escape

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Authorities have arrested a 43-year-old woman who has allegedly been involved in multiple fraud cases in various New Jersey counties after nearly losing the elusive wig-wearing bandit earlier in the day, officials said Friday. 

Cops had been inundating social media with photos of the woman, and they say a bank teller in Asbury Park recognized her from those pictures on Thursday and called police. The suspect had allegedly tried to make a withdrawal using a fake ID and stolen debit cards using the drive-up window at a PNC Bank on Sunset Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. As cops were on their way, bank staff said they though it was the same woman who had allegedly tried to commit similar fraud at other places that same day. 

When cops showed up to the bank, the woman noticed them and drove off. One cop tried to follow but police say she made several evasive maneuvers and lost him. 

About 15 minutes after cops got the call from the bank, there was another call about a woman trespassing on Heck Street, which was the same area in which the suspect's vehicle was last seen. She was gone by the time cops got there, but police were told she had been seen removing a vehicle's license plate and then running away, through a parking lot. 

The same cop who had tailed and lost her before recognized the vehicle as the same one from the bank. Cops flooded the area and found the woman not far away, on Asbury Avenue. She had identification on her indicating she was Brooke B. Slade, a 43-year-old woman from Arizona. Cops say she was positively identified as the woman in the earlier case at the PNC bank and the woman involved in the trespassing incident and was taken into custody.

Slade is charged with a litany of crimes, including eluding, Xanax possession, receiving stolen property, and a number of driving offenses. Cops say she is believed to have engaged in multiple fraudulent acts in various jurisdictions in the state, and is thought to be the same person of interest out of Toms River and Wall Township. Additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of the investigation. 

Slade's arraignment hadn't been scheduled as of early Friday morning. It also wasn't clear if she had an attorney. 



Photo Credit: Handout

WURD's Black History Month Event at Barnes Foundation

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NBC10's Rosemary Connors joins Dr. Tony Monteiro to discuss WURD Radio's The Philadelphia Negro: Past and Present event at the Barnes Foundation.

How Does a Minnesota Cheesesteak Compare to Philly?

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NBC10's Vai Sikahema found some Philadelphia Eagles fans in Minnesota, and had them test out Minnesota's best attempt at a Philly cheesesteak.

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