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Could Disease and These Buggers End a Christmas Tradition?

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It’s a tradition that goes back generations for many families: heading to the tree farm a few weeks before Christmas to find the holiday centerpiece.

Some look for a tall tree. Some look for a fat tree. Some want sharp needles. Others want soft ones. All are looking for some QT with the fam.

But that annual custom is now facing an uncertain future, according to some farm owners in the region: In New Jersey, some farmers are seeing disease hit Douglas firs particularly hard and in Pennsylvania, an invasive insect is raising some concern.

“We’re getting to the point now where we have three to four years left of selling these trees,” Ryan Olson, owner of Indian Acres Farm in Medford, New Jersey said, of Douglas firs.

It takes 10 to 15 years to grow a Christmas tree, so a disease wiping out some of the stock could have lasting implications, he said.

Across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, the Spotted Lanternfly could impact trees across the state, though some experts say the bug typically stays away from trees typically used for Christmas. The Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association also said farmers are prepared to combat those insects.

For some families like Marianella Olivero's, who brought her family to Indian Acres Farm on Friday, chopping down a tree is a new experience they hope doesn't end anytime soon.

The Oliveros came to the United States from Puerto Rico, and this is the first time they are picking out a tree at a farm.

“It’s a wonderful new experience," she said. "We only see it in movies.”


Chaos at NJ Mall After Man Is Shot in Wrist on Black Friday

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A man was shot during Black Friday shopping at a New Jersey mall, sending terrified shoppers running and hiding in stores.

The man was shot in the wrist Friday night at The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, city spokeswoman Kelly Martins said. She said his injuries didn't appear life-threatening.

No suspect was in custody, and the victim was not cooperating with police, Martins said. Police were reviewing camera footage.

The mall was evacuated after the shooting, which happened in a hallway between a Tommy Hilfiger and a Marshalls store, Martins said.

Carli Disla, her boyfriend, and their 6-week-old daughter were in a Cohoes fashion store heading to the cash registers when the couple noticed people running.

"They were yelling, 'Hide, everyone, hide! They are shooting!'" Disla, 22, told The Associated Press in an interview via Twitter.

She and her boyfriend grabbed the newborn out of her car seat, ran to the back of the store and hid in its receiving area. The store's security gates were pulled down and the exits locked until police and state troopers told shoppers and staffers they couldn't leave until everything was under control, Disla said. They were allowed to leave around 9 p.m.

"It was a horrible experience and very traumatizing," Disla said. But fortunately, the baby didn't pick up on the fright — she slept through the whole experience.

Jeanette Bermudez told WPIX-TV she was working as a manager in a store when she suddenly heard people running so intensely they sounded like they were stomping. Bermudez and her coworkers shut the shop's security gate and ushered shoppers into the back.

Geni Genuino was getting some food when the sound of gunshots suddenly erupted.

"Everyone started running out of the mall," Genuino told the AP via Twitter, adding that the sound stopped for a few minutes, then seemed to start again.

Finally, Genuino found an exit and ran outside.

The mall had been open since 10 a.m. Thursday to accommodate Black Friday shoppers, and about 25,000 people visited throughout the two days, Martins said.

A call to the mall went unanswered, and a management representative did not immediately respond to an email.

Meanwhile, violence also broke out during the Black Friday rush at a mall in Syracuse, New York, where police told local media that two men were stabbed around 4:15 p.m.

It wasn't immediately clear what sparked the confrontation in a Macy's store at Destiny USA. Officers found one man stabbed in the abdomen and another man wounded elsewhere on his body. Both are in their 20s and were taken to a hospital, police said.

The mall's management said in a statement that the bloodshed was an "isolated incident" and "absolutely unacceptable." The management said it "strengthens our resolve to remain vigilant."

Deer-Related Crashes Spike in Pennsylvania

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If you live in the Valley and drive, there's a good chance you've struck a deer.

It's not just in the Valley. More Pennsylvanians have collided with a white-tailed deer, as of June 30, than ever before, based on claims filed with State Farm, the top auto insurer in the state and country.

Travis Lau, the communications director for the Game Commission, said Wildlife Management Unit 4D, which has parts of Union and Snyder counties, and WMU3E, which has parts of Union and Snyder counties and the majority of Northumberland and Montour counties, both increased in estimated deer population in 2017 and 2018. WMU4D was a one-year increase from 63,000 to 100,000 and WMU4E saw a continuing trend from 62,000 to 70,000.

Because WMU4E is showing a trend, Lau said they allocated for more hunting licenses this year.

The numbers are based on estimates as well as what the commission knows about the harvest. The commission believes that only one-third of hunters report their harvest, said Lau.

While State Farm estimates deer-vehicle collisions have decreased slightly to 1.33 million, from 1.34 million, nationally between 2017 and 2018, they have gone up in Pennsylvania, to 141,777, from the previous year's 141,145. The company measures claims between July 1 and June 30 in each fiscal year, so the company could include a true rut, or mating, season.

More than half (58.7 percent) of the drivers who participated in an online poll at dailyitem.com said they have hit a deer while driving on Pennsylvania roads.

"November is usually the number one hit month when it comes to a (deer-vehicle) collision," said State Farm spokesman Dave Phillips. "The average claim is between $4,179 and $4,341. "We've probably been in the top five for as long as we've been doing this study."

Officer Bill Williams, of the Northeast Region of the Game Commission, said deer habitats are not shrinking in state or federal lands, but, "We're always losing habitat on private lands" that might push deer out of those areas.

When in the rut, deer tend to be less cautious, especially the buck, he said.

"The decrease in daylight increases testosterone in the bucks, so that keys them in to breed," Williams said. "They will chase a doe around until she is receptive. That could take days. They'll run across highways and roads."

During fawning season from May to June, does are also looking for a place for their young, he added.

"There's another spike in being hit," she said.

Phillips said 10 percent of all deer collisions with vehicles in the country occur in Pennsylvania.

"West Virginia is number one because of the odds or risk of a collision," Phillips said. "But 10 percent of all deer claims are in Pennsylvania, based on State Farm data and estimates."

He explained the odds are based on the number of licensed drivers and deer collisions.

He said drivers can reduce the risk of hitting a deer by being aware and slowing down.

"The main thing always is if an area is clearly marked deer crossing, you need to be cognizant of that," Phillips said. "The faster you're going, the more damage you're going to do to your car."

He said that sometimes it's better to hit the deer head-on rather than to swerve and risk tipping the car or going into oncoming traffic.

"Just slow down," Phillips said.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Shoppers Skipping Malls for Center City

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While Black Friday might conjure up images of packed malls, many people chose instead to go to Center City, where growth is driving higher sales.

PPA Announces Return of Free Saturday Parking

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The Philadelphia Parking Authority is bringing back a perk for drivers looking for a place to park their car while doing some holiday shopping.

From now through New Year's Day, meter and kiosk parking will be free throughout the city every Saturday after 11 a.m. In addition, drivers will be able to pay a flat rate to park in select garages between 11 a.m. and midnight.

"We want to encourage shoppers to come downtown and experience all the wonders and conveniences of holiday shopping in center city and any of our bustling commercial districts throughout the city," PPA Executive Director Scott Petri said in a statement. "Our aim is to generate more commerce and make it as convenient as possible for shoppers."

Drivers wishing to park in a garage can do so by asking the garage management office for an $8 validation ticket at the following locations:

 

  • AutoPark at Independence Mall
  • AutoPark at Olde City
  • Parkade on 8th
  • AutoPark at Jefferson
  • AutoPark at Gallery Mall
  • Family Courthouse Garage

 

Parking restrictions in residential areas will still be enforced.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Clear the Shelters: Sweetheart Chino Needs a Home

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Chino may be a big boy, but he’s a very calm sweetheart and even knows some tricks. He and other pups will be up for adoption with a waived adoption fee at the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia’s Hunting Avenue location through Sunday, Nov. 25.



Photo Credit: NBC10

The Importance of Small Business Saturday in Philly

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For Rolo McKoy, Small Business Saturday is more than just about making money; it’s about helping the local community by providing job and doing work for his neighborhood. “If the business is getting help, then the business can continue to help the other people,” he said from inside Rolo Vinyl in North Philadelphia.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Rain Postpones Holiday Parades, Tree Lightings

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Inclement weather is forcing various organizations to postpone planned holiday events around Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia region is set to be hit by powerful rains Saturday afternoon through the evening, with Philadelphia itself set to experience strong showers starting around 4 p.m., NBC10 Meteorologist Krystal Klei said. Rainfall totals near 1 inch are possible.

The rain will extend east to New Jersey and down to Delaware as the afternoon rolls on. "We all get showers as we get later in the day," Klei said.

As a result, the Manayunk Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Canal View Park has been delayed by nearly a week. It will now take place Thursday, Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m.

Other events will not be postponed for that long.

The 12th Annual Grand Illumination, in which the American Heritage Union lights its 40-foot Christmas tree and illuminates its campus with over 35,000 lights, will now take place Sunday at 6 p.m. at 2068 Red Lion Rd. in Philadelphia.

The Main Street Vineland Christmas Parade, originally scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday on Landis Avenue in downtown Vineland, NJ, has been rescheduled to the same time Sunday.


Winterfest Opens at the Blue Cross RiverRink

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If you want to avoid the Black Friday shopping crowds today, go to the Blue Cross RiverRink,where Winterfest opens today. For opening day, they will stay open until 1am. This opening day is a great way to kick off the holiday season!

Flooding Threats Force Skaters Off the Ice

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Heavy rain has increased in our area and caused a stop to evening outdoor activities. Folks who gathered at the Philadelphia Blue Cross River Rink had to stop skating due to heavy down pours moving in.

Raging Fire Consumes New Jersey Home

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A couple that should have been celebrating the renovation of their home were instead picking up the pieces Saturday after their house exploded in Lawrence Township, Mercer County.

A raging fire greeted first responders on the otherwise quiet New Jersey street, a neighbor said.

“I was home and we heard a loud boom, went outside and the house was on fire already," neighbor Peter Pogrozewski said.

The house exploded in the afternoon, police said. Witnesses told police that a fireball ravaged the house. The homeowners, a wife and husband, escaped without injuries, police said.

Pogrozewski said the wife ran out but bystanders helped the husband escape. Neighbors said the house burned for nearly an hour before firefighters extinguished the flames.

The fire is under investigation.



Photo Credit: Courtesy

NBC10 First Alert Weather Goodbye Rain

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The heavy rain that hit the Philadelphia region is now gone and Sunday is looking sunny. However, parts of Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties, as well as parts South Jersey may experience minor flooding through the morning hours.

Last Chance: What You'll Find at the Frank Rizzo Estate Sale

Kardashian Curse?: Sixers Fans Want to Ban Kendall Jenner

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Kendall Jenner seems to have quickly become persona non grata at Sixers games, and a group of fans is now collecting signatures to ban her from home games altogether.

A new tongue-in-cheek Change.org petition is looking to ban Jenner from the Wells Fargo Center after she was spotted courtside during the Sixers' 121-112 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. It has collected nearly 2,000 signatures toward its 2,500 goal thus far.

The model and reality TV star is reportedly dating Sixers point guard Ben Simmons, and fans are not having it.

"It has come to the attention of Sixers fans that Ben Simmons has rekindled his relations with Kendall Jenner, a member of the notorious, career killing Kardashian/Jenner family," the petition reads. "We as Sixers fans cannot sit idly by and let Kendall Jenner ruin what could be a truly special Sixers season by her attendance at Sixers games."

Not only did new star Jimmy Butler have an off game against the Cavs, but he also suffered an ankle injury, and the petitioners knew exactly who to blame for that.

"At this point, Jenner is not only damaging the future of this franchise but the livelihood of innocent men as well. It is disgusting behavior on her part," reads the petition.

And of course, the fact that the Sixers suffered their first home loss to the worst team in the NBA also did not go unnoticed.

"It is not a coincidence that the Sixers, who had started the season 10-0 at home, lost their first home game of the year the first time Jenner shows up."

Everyone knows correlation does not mean causation, but those petitioners certainly make a good point.



Photo Credit: CSNPhilly.com

Teens Hospitalized in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving SEPTA Bus

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At least five people were taken to a hospital following a crash between two cars and a SEPTA bus Sunday.

A 17-year-old passenger in one of the cars involved said he and four other teenage friends were traveling together when the crash happened at the intersection of Somerset Street and Aramingo Avenue. Witnesses and police officers who happened to be at a nearby gas station rushed to help pull people from the wreckage.

It was unclear what caused the crash, but the white sedan in which the teens were traveling sustained major front-end damage.

The other car involved, a blue sedan, also sustained front-end damage. First responders had to force open the doors to pull out the two women inside before taking them to a hospital.

One bus passenger reported minor injuries, while the driver was uninjured, SEPTA said. Buses were being temporarily rerouted around the intersection.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.



Photo Credit: NBC10

The Pros and Cons of 'Hybrid' Life Insurance

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Many people don’t plan when it comes to getting long-term care insurance, but it’s something that’s important as they get older. Jamie Hopkins, an associate professor at the American College of Financial Services, talks about the pros and cons of so-called hybrid life insurance, in which people get long-term care coverage when they’re alive or a death benefit upon passing.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Expert Weighs in on Alleged GoFundMe Scam

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Lee Allman is an expert on litigation, trust and estates, and wealth planning. He describes why the alleged GoFundMe scammers might have turned on each other and what might be next for prosecutors.



Photo Credit: Burlington County Prosecutors Office via AP

Why is Hunger Rising in Philadelphia?

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A study from Hunger Free America found that food insecurity in Philadelphia jumped by 22 percent between 2012 and 2017. Stefanie Arck-Baines, of Philadbundance, says 1/3 of people the group serves are children.



Photo Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File

Gas Leak Closes Del. Memorial Bridge

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The Delaware Memorial Bridge is shut down in both directions due to a gas leak, the Delaware Department of Transportation said Sunday.

The complete shutdown happened around 5 p.m. Sunday. The closure is sure to add a major headache to the busy Thanksgiving travel period as many families return home from holiday visits.

We're still working to confirm the source of the leak.

Drivers are encourage to avoid the bridge.

Travelers heading to New York and points north can continue on I-95 through Philadelphia and cross into New Jersey via the new interchange in Bucks County.

Drivers heading south on I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike should cross over into Pennsylvania via the Commodore Barry Bridge and pick up I-95 in Chester, Pennsylvania.

First Alert: Heavy Rain on Monday Could Bring Flooding

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Heavy rain will once again inundate the Philadelphia region on Monday afternoon bringing the potential for flooding during the evening commute.

The NBC10 First Alert Weather Team has issued a First Alert for you to be aware of that potential flood threat.

While there could be a few showers Monday morning, most of the morning commute should be quiet and cool.

Heavier rain and downpours will start to roll in around lunch time Monday and continue through the evening commute. A 1/2-inch to 1 1/2-inches of rain is possible.

While this typically wouldn’t produce flooding, this time the ground is saturated and can’t handle much more rain so any additional rain may trigger more flooding.

In addition to fresh water flooding, coastal flooding is possible down at the shore for tomorrow’s morning’s high tide cycle, which takes place around 10 a.m.

Stay with the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team for additional updates on tomorrow’s heavy rain and flood potential.



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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