Two local senators from opposite sides of the political aisle came together in Philadelphia Monday to close loopholes in existing gun legislation.

The new bill would require federal authorities to alert state authorities if someone who does not have the legal right to own a firearm attempts to purchase one.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and Delaware Democrat Sen. Chris Coons, would impact convicted felons, suspected terrorists and others deemed ineligible.

“[We] are working together to demonstrate that you actually can make progress, can find common ground, and do something to enhance the safety and security of the people we represent,” Toomey said.

Coons and Toomey unveiled the bill several weeks after the deadliest high shooting in U.S. history claimed the lives of 17 people in Parkland, Florida.

“We have to find ways to work across the aisle to reduce gun violence,” Coons added. “By ensuring that state and federal law enforcement are working together to prevent those who shouldn’t be able to buy a gun from getting one, we can make our communities safer.”

Currently, only 13 states, including Pennsylvania, run their own background checks using the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The remaining states, including Delaware and Washington, D.C., rely on federal officials to run some or all of its background check.

As a result, state authorities are not always aware when someone fails an FBI background check.

This proposed law would fix that loophole by requiring the FBI to notify state law enforcement within 24 hours when a person who is prohibited from owning a gun attempts to acquire one.

“The Parkland shooter was able to carry out this horrific attack because of multi-systematic failures,” Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who is also co-sponsoring the legislation, said.

“While we work to ensure that our background check system contains the critical information necessary to be able to conduct an effective background check, we must also ensure that federal and state authorities are successfully communicating with one another.”

A bill to strengthen the background checks law, called "Fix NICS," has gained bipartisan backing and support from the NRA. It's unclear if the Toomey and Coons bill will be added to Fix NICS or other legislation.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican in the chamber and the lead sponsor of Fix NICS, is a co-sponsor of the Coons-Toomey bill. The proposed legislation is one of a slew of gun bills Congress is considering in the wake of the Florida high school massacre that killed 17 people.

A spokeswoman for Cornyn declined to comment Monday on whether the Coons-Toomey proposal or any other legislation will be added to the Fix NICS measure.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, said no gun-related legislation would be heard in the Senate this week.

A third bill was introduced last fall in the House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Pennsylvania Republicans Rep. Pat Meehan and Rep. Ryan Costello. It is currently sitting in House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.

Oscar Eppley, executive director of Down the Line and Beyond, talks about how the organization uses tennis to teach kids valuable life lessons like building character and gaining confidence.

With one nasty storm just behind us and another potentially damaging storm on the way, it's best to be aware of how to handle damage to your home or vehicle.

Insurers provide tips to deal with damage inflicted on your property by a big storm:

1. Before a large storm hits, you can prepare your home by moving valuables away from doors and windows, according to United Policyholders.
2. Before the storm you should find a copy of your insurance policy and browse through it so you're aware of what is and isn't covered, policy limits and deductibles, United Policyholders say. 
3. If your home sustained damage in the storm, create a list of damaged items and take photos and do not throw away damaged items until after an adjuster visits your home, according to Central Insurance Companies. Also, save receipts of any money you do spend on repairs and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
4. Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as you can to report any property damage, according to Central Insurance Companies. Make sure you're aware of and abide by time limits to report a claim.
5. If you do end up needing reparation services to your roof, make sure the roofer is licensed and carries general liability insurance, according to insurance company Meemic. The company also warns against contractors who take advantage of people after a storm.
6. Tree fall on your car? If you have comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy, then storm damage should be covered but you'll likely have to pay a deductible, according to Progressive. 
7. Even after the storm has passed, many injuries can occur due to damage-related hazards, according to Progressive. Avoid falling or unstable trees, broken glass and downed power lines.

What do you do when the electricity goes out? Now, you can Plug In, and Power Up!

NBC10 and Telemundo62 are partnering with Comcast to offer viewers who lose power the ability to recharge their devices at participating Xfinity store locations in the region.

As power outages occur, listed locations will become active Plug In, Power Up sites to assist viewers in need. This is a FREE service and anyone is welcome to visit participating locations.

Download the NBC10 app for latest weather conditions, and check this page frequently for updates.

LOCATIONS:

Pennsylvania

3903 Aramingo Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19137

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1351 South Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

2329 Cottman Ave. #14
Philadelphia, PA 19149

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

106 Bartlett Ave.
Exton, PA 19341

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

116 Township Line Rd. #500
Havertown, PA 19083

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

130 Town Square Place
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

518 Oxford Valley Rd.
Langhorne, PA 19047

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2510 W. Moreland Rd.
Willow Grove, PA 19090

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

New Jersey

941 Haddonfield Rd.

Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

3371 US-1
Mercer Mall
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

500 Consumer Square
May’s Landing, NJ 08330

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2160 N 2nd St.
Millville, NJ 08332

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

42 Centerton Rd. #H-1
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1500 Rt. 47
Rio Grande, NJ 08242

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1256 Hooper Ave.
Toms River, NJ 08753

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

3841 Route 42

Turnersville, NJ 08012

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

2345 US Highway 22
Center Island
Union, NJ 07083

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

495 Prospect Ave #509
West Orange, NJ 07052

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Delaware

5601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Due to severe weather, participating locations are subject to change.

DOWNLOAD THE NBC10 APP TODAY FOR LIVE, UP-TO-THE-MINUTE STORM COVERAGE.

South Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center is undergoing some big changes this summer.

The upcoming renovations, part of an ongoing redesign project by Comcast Spectacor, will focus on the mezzanine level, which holds about 40 percent of the arena’s capacity.

The new-and-improved mezzanine level is expected to be completed this upcoming fall, and its new features will include:

• Open-concept concourses with city skyline views
• More than 150 LED screens, menu boards and illumination technology
• 8,000 new seats with cupholders
• Expanded food and beverage offerings
• Two open air lounges where guests can socialize and watch games
• New sound system throughout the entire arena

“We have kept a close eye on recent introductions and upgrades across the NHL and NBA landscape, and designed a strategy that embodies the ‘best of the best,’” Dave Scott, chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, the company that operates the venue, said in a statement.

The Wells Fargo Center hosts the Philadelphia Flyers, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Philadelphia Soul. It also hosts WWE events, concerts and even the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

The arena can hold 19,600 people for Flyers’ games and 21,000 for 76ers’ games.

“Our guests have unlimited entertainment options at their fingertips,” John Page, president of the Wells Fargo Center, said in a statement.

Court-side and rink-side suites will added during the next phase of redesign.

Renovations will be completed by 2021.

A pizza deliveryman is fighting for his life after he was shot in North Philadelphia Monday night.

The deliveryman was on the 2000 block of West Hagert Street shortly before 10 p.m. when a gunman opened fire. The deliveryman was shot in the neck and the gunman stole his pizza, police said.

The deliveryman was taken to the hospital and is currently in critical condition. No arrests have been made and police have not released a description of the suspect.

Students at two local schools won $10,000 thanks to NBC's new primetime show "Rise." Find out how the show was inspired by a high school theater department in our area.

The aftermath of a storm can be very challenging. The first thing you should do is take a deep breath, and carefully survey your vehicle. NBC10 Responds has tips for what you should do if your car is damaged during a storm.

Students at a school in the Kingsessing section of Philadelphia are being paid not to fight. So far it's working.

A Philadelphia sheriff's sergeant is accused of indecently assaulting a sheriff's deputy who worked for him.

On October 27, 2017, the 43-year-old woman told investigators in the Special Victims Unit that her immediate supervisor, Sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Postell, 42, indecently assaulted her. The woman said the incident occurred on May 16, 2017 while she was working on an assignment with Postell. Postell allegedly parked a vehicle under the bridge in the area of 16th and Westmoreland streets and indecently assaulted her.

The woman also accused Postell of sexually assaulting her during another incident at their workplace.

On Friday, Postell was arrested and charged with indecent exposure, indecent assault and simple assault.

Postell will be suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss, according to a spokesperson with the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. According to the spokesperson, Postell has been under investigation since November of 2017.

Chester County residents say three sinkholes that forced a family from their home were caused by a controversial pipeline.

Here are the top news stories you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.

TODAY'S TOP STORY 

'Gun Battle' Outside Lehigh Valley Gas Station Leaves 2 Dead: A triple shooting, described by police as a "gun battle," outside a Lehigh Valley gas station left two men dead and a third charged in the killings after being shot himself. Gunfire rang out around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday near the gas pumps at 1227 Airport Road, next to the Airport Plaza shopping complex, Allentown Police said. Cassieam Hicks, 28, and Danny Daniels Cancel, 36, of Bethlehem were killed. About 75 minutes later, a 24-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to his body was dropped off at the hospital by a car, police said. Authorities said the injured man, later identified as Kareem Sanders, was later charged with criminal homicide. He has been denied bail, according to court records.

• MORE ON THE SHOOTING
  

WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

Gunman Shoots Pizza Deliveryman in North Philly: A pizza deliveryman is fighting for his life after he was shot in North Philadelphia Monday night. The deliveryman was on the 2000 block of West Hagert Street shortly before 10 p.m. when a gunman opened fire. The deliveryman was shot in the neck and the gunman stole his pizza, police said. The deliveryman was taken to the hospital and is currently in critical condition. No arrests have been made and police have not released a description of the suspect.

• MORE ON THE SHOOTING
  

YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST  

Light late rain is expected for Tuesday with highs in the 40s. Heavy snow is expected on Wednesday along with winds and possible coastal flooding. The snow is expected to start early morning Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are expected to be partly cloudy and windy. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

Philly Sheriff's Sergeant Accused of Indecently Assaulting Deputy: A Philadelphia sheriff's sergeant is accused of indecently assaulting a sheriff's deputy who worked for him. On October 27, 2017, the 43-year-old woman told investigators in the Special Victims Unit that her immediate supervisor, Sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Postell, 42, indecently assaulted her. The woman said the incident occurred on May 16, 2017 while she was working on an assignment with Postell. Postell allegedly parked a vehicle under the bridge in the area of 16th and Westmoreland streets and indecently assaulted her. The woman also accused Postell of sexually assaulting her during another incident at their workplace. On Friday, Postell was arrested and charged with indecent exposure, indecent assault and simple assault. Postell will be suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss, according to a spokesperson with the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office. According to the spokesperson, Postell has been under investigation since November of 2017.

• MORE ON THE INVESTIGATION
  

AROUND THE WORLD

N. Korea Promises Not to Use Weapons Against S. Korea: South Korea says North Korea has agreed to impose a moratorium on tests of nuclear weapons and missiles if it holds talks with the United States. South Korea's presidential national security director said Tuesday that North Korea said it's ready to have "heart-to-heart" talks with the United States on issues regarding the North's potential denuclearization and the normalization of relations between Pyongyang and Washington. He said the North also made it clear that it wouldn't need to keep its nuclear weapons if military threats against the country are resolved and it receives a security guarantee. He said the North also promised not to use conventional or nuclear weapons against South Korea.

• MORE ON THE TALKS
  

That's what you need to know to Catch Up Quickly, but we've got more stories worthy of your time. Click here to check them out. 

A NJ Transit employee was suspended after allegedly claiming U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were on board a train conducting a sweep, according to the public transportation agency.

The alleged false announcement was made Monday during the morning commute aboard a Bayhead train headed to New York Penn Station.

According to an email provided to NBC 4 by Rory Fish, a rider who was present during the announcement, a crew member on the train allegedly made an announcement that ICE agents and those from the Department of Homeland Security were on board around 6:45 a.m. The same person allegedly made a second announcement about agents being on board “looking for illegals and other criminals" around 7:40 a.m., the email says.

Fish did not see any agents.

NJ Transit “has taken swift action by immediately suspending, without pay, the crew member who made the alleged train announcement pending the outcome of a full investigation” Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit, said in a statement.

Emilio Dabul, a spokesman for ICE, also denied there was a sweep on board the train.

“ICE was not involved with this. We do targeted enforcement, not sweeps,” Dabul said.

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol spokesman Anthony Bucci also said in a statement that there were no CBP agents on board the train.

About 36,000 Graco Table2Table 6-in-1 high chairs sold at Walmart have been recalled after at least five children were injured when their chair fell over.

The rear legs of the chair can pivot out of position, making it unstable, according to a recall notice posted last week.

The chairs were sold at Walmart stores from October 2016 to December 2017. They have the model number 1969721, which can be found underneath the toddler seat and on a label behind the booster seat.

Anyone with a chair should stop using it and contact Graco for a free repair kit by calling 1-800-345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET on weekdays or clicking here.

Five days after the first nor'easter slammed our region, crews are still working to remove downed trees and power lines and restore power. The race is now on ahead of a second nor'easter expected Wednesday.

The Abington Police Athletic League (PAL), an organization giving children a free and safe place to hang out, is having a concert to benefit the organization. Abington Police Sgt. Greg Urban talked about the upcoming concert, featuring headliner Real Diamond at the Keswick Theater.

Winter refuses to leave without a fight.

Another powerful storm is heading towards our region, promising to dump several inches of wet, heavy snow for most of Wednesday.

NBC10 First Alert meteorologists are calling it “heart attack” conditions because the mixture of rain and snow will make precipitation extra dense and difficult to shovel.

"It's really a pain to get rid of," NBC10 First Alert meteorologist Steve Sonsa said. 

Medical experts also warn that overexerting yourself while clearing walkways could pose a serious health risk.

"Shoveling heavy, wet snow is comparable to a maximum stress test," said Dr. Vincent Figueredo, chair of cardiology at Philadelphia’s Einstein Medical Center. “That’s OK if you work out regularly and you’re used to having an elevated heart rate.”

If you’re not, be careful.

“Acute exercise can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure,” Dr. Figueredo explained.

People not accustomed to high intensity exercise should make sure to warm up, stretch and move slowly when clearing walkways. Consider using a small shovel to limit weight. Also, cover your mouth and don’t breath in too much winter air.

“Cold air can cause restriction to the blood vessels and that leads to decreased blood flow to the heart,” Dr. Figueredo said.

In fact, men are more likely to have a heart attack after a snowfall, probably from shoveling snow, according to Canadian researchers.

A 2017 study found a slight increase in heart attacks and deaths following a storm in Quebec. With each day of snow, these likelihoods increased. A single day of snowfall raised a man’s risk of heart attack by just less than one percent, the researchers reported in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

“Men are potentially more likely than women to shovel, particularly after heavy snowfalls,” researchers wrote. “Snow shoveling is a demanding cardiovascular exercise require more than 75 percent of the maximum heart rate, particularly with heavy loads.”

So how should you shovel when push comes to shove?

Pace yourself. Only shovel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Take breaks in between. If you feel lightheaded, slow down or stop. Be aware of heart attack warning signs: increased heart rate, shortness of breath, more sweating and tightness in the chest.

Shoveling is a tough upper body workout. It strains your heart more than walking or other low intensity cardio, according to Dr. Jon Rittenberger, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

"You can do some damage to your back if you're not doing it properly," Sonsa added. "If you have cardiac problems, have a neighbor do it for you."

Having said that, protect your lower and upper back. Try to push the snow rather than lifting it. Also, bend at your knees, not your waist, and use your core to do the most work. Your abs, quadracepts, hips and hamstrings will help stabilize your lower body without putting too much strain on your back, according to Adam Bornstein of Born Fitness.

He also recommends gripping the shovel as tightly as possible to avoid spraining wrists. Wear gloves and dress warmly so you’re not rushing to finish. Shoveling safety takes time, and doing it properly could make the difference between enjoying a warm cup of tea after or heading to the doctor’s office.

Other safety tips for surviving heavy snowfall:

DON’T walk without knowing your surroundings.

Be careful of snow and ice, and take steps slowly. Avoid shortcuts, too. Shortcuts can be dangerous because those paths are less likely to be cleared and treated. Also, be aware of what you’re walking under. Snow or ice could be falling from rooftops or trees.

DON’T sled if you don’t know the hill.

Sledding can be fun, but it can lead to injury if riders aren’t careful. Make sure the hill you choose isn’t too steep and that it has a flat area at the bottom to safely glide to a stop. Avoid sledding in areas the end near a street or parking lot or by ponds, trees or fences. Dress warm to avoid frostbite!

DON’T heat your home with stoves or charcoal grills.

When the power is out, it can be tempting to heat your home by stove or by moving the charcoal grill inside. These heaters release carbon monoxide, and it can poison you without you even knowing because it’s a colorless and odorless gas.

DON’T drink alcohol to stay warm.

Alcohol might make you feel warm, but it’s an old myth (sorry!). Alcohol actually decreases your core temperature and reverses some reflexes that control body temperature, like shivering, according to The New York Times and a study by the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.

Days after a hard-hitting nor’easter, the region is preparing for a second one. Crews are racing to finish clean-up in Delaware County and restore power before the next storm hits.