A 26-year-old man died when a fire consumed a Southwest Philadelphia row home Wednesday night.
The man was found dead in a rear bedroom on the second floor of the house on the 2500 block of 67th Street, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
The man, who lived in the home, suffered severe burns, Small said.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the blaze.
Robert Braxton's family is joining the fight to end homelessness as a tribute to their slain son who's goal in life was to help the homeless. The RBIII Foundation donated $1,000 to the Chosen 300 Ministries to aid in repairing a roof at one of their facilities.
For Pennsylvania residents, a glass of craft beer at the local brewpub could soon get a little more expensive.
Beginning in June 2019, the state will start collecting 6 percent sales tax from brewers. That has some worrying that passing the cost on to customers could hurt business.
The tax initially was supposed to be collected starting on Jan. 1, but opposition from brewers helped delay it until June. They are expected to continue to seek changes.
Some craft brewers tell The Morning Call they are concerned about competition from bars that are able to sell their beer without the added tax.
The state revenue department tells the newspaper the tax isn't new, but that it's merely a clarification of existing liquor laws that require breweries to collect sales tax.
The first phase of Pennsylvania's "clean slate" law that seals lower-level, nonviolent crimes from public review has gone into effect.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports as of Wednesday, people can petition for certain misdemeanors, such as simple assault, intoxicated driving and theft, to be sealed.
Misdemeanor records will be automatically sealed in June if a defendant has gone a decade without a new conviction. The law also seals records of arrests that did not result in convictions.
The law does not expunge convictions, and sealed convictions will still be visible to police, courts and prosecutors.
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia says it will provide volunteer lawyers to help people see if their records can be sealed starting in January.
The organization has an online form where people can request assistance.
Three people are in critical condition after two gunmen fired into a crowd in North Philadelphia Thursday morning.
At least two gunmen came up on a crowd on the 2200 block of north Gratz Street and used a semiautomatic gun to fire multiple rounds before running from the scene, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
"We found 13 spent shell casings, so we know that a semiautomatic weapon was used," he said.
Police responded around 12:38 a.m. and found two men on the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, a 22-year-old, was taken to Temple University Hospital with wounds to his face, head, body and legs, Small said.
The other victim, a 39-year-old, was shot at least once in the chest and taken to Hahnemann University Hospital.
The third victim, a man in his 20s, was taken by private auto to Temple University Hospital. That victim sustained gunshots to his abdomen, stomach and both legs, Small said.
Witnesses told police that the gunmen ran away west down Susquehanna Avenue.
Multiple businesses and homes captured the shooting on surveillance cameras, and police are sifting through the video as they investigate the shooting, Small said.
No arrests have yet been made.
A Pennsylvania national guardsman faces attempted homicide charges after prosecutors say he fired at SWAT officers during a Christmas night standoff at his Chester County home.
Nathaniel Lewis, 34, surrendered to police Wednesday morning after a crisis negotiator sang Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" — made famous by Bing Crosby in the film of the same name — to him over the phone, the county district attorney's office said.
Lewis was taken into custody nine hours after he locked himself inside his East Vincent Township home. Prosecutors said officers responded to the house along Aftons Circle at 9 p.m. on Christmas after his estranged wife called for help. The couple have been going through a separation.
The wife told police that Lewis' sister-in-law went to the home to check on him but had trouble getting in. She eventually forced her way inside and found Lewis wielding a rifle. He fired four shots at the woman as she fled, police said. She was not hurt.
The Chester County Regional Emergency Response Team, a SWAT team, was called in after officers arrived. At some point during the standoff, prosecutors said Lewis fired upon police from his home. Bullets hit an armored truck with officers in and around it, along with a neighboring home and car.
A SWAT sniper returned fire. No one was hit in either case. A second SWAT team, the West Chester Emergency Response Team, was deployed to assist after the gunfire erupted.
Tom Hogan, the district attorney, also came to the scene and said he handed out Christmas cookies to the officers at the scene.
Lewis eventually surrendered at 7 a.m. Wednesday following the over-the-phone Christmas serenade. He was taken to Paoli Hospital for treatment of a minor head wound. A breathalyzer also detected alcohol in his system, police said.
Investigators found a rifle, spent shell casings and two firearm magazines in a second-floor bedroom, police said.
"This being SWAT, they ate the cookies, made fun of each other, and went home to their families, quietly satisfied with a job well done," Hogan said in a post to Facebook.
Lewis is charged with several counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and weapons violations.
"This defendant is lucky he did not kill a police officer," Hogan said in a news release on Thursday. "The SWAT team members deserve the highest praise for their courage and dedication. While the rest of the world was going to bed after a long Christmas day, our officers were laying their lives on the line for hours in the bitter cold."
Lewis remains in the Chester County Prison after being unable to post bail. It's not clear if he's retained an attorney. His status in the National Guard was not immediately known.
Some of Philadelphia's most historic landmarks will temporarily reopen to the public a week after the federal government shutdown forced their closure.
The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall will reopen ahead of one of the city's busiest times for tourism thanks to a roughly $32,000 donation to the National Park Service by Visit Philadelphia, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney's Office of Communications announced Thursday.
"While the federal government's partial shutdown continues to negatively impact services nationwide, I'm pleased that Visit Philadelphia is making it possible for people to continue to enjoy some of our city's most historic landmarks," Kenney said in a news release.
Both Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center were closed to visitors after the federal government went into a partial shutdown Saturday after Congress and the president reached a funding impasse.
The landmarks are a vital part of Philadelphia's tourism industry, which the mayor's office said attracted 43.3 million visitors and generated $11.5 billion in economic impact last year.
The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is the second-busiest for Independence National Historical Park, with its Independence Visitor Center expecting between 70,000 and 100,000 visitors this year, the mayor's office said.
Some 25,000 of those visitors are expected to visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell between Friday and Sunday.
"We felt that it was important during this very busy holiday week to make Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center available to our visitors and residents," Visit Philadelphia President and CEO Jeff Guaracino said.
The donation by Visit Philadelphia will keep the landmarks open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 30.
A police officer suffered serious injuries when the cop crashed a vehicle Thursday afternoon into an overpass at 12th and York streets in North Philadelphia, officials said.
The unidentified officer was rushed to a hospital, where he is in critical condition but stable as of 4:45 p.m., officials said.
The cop crashed about 4 p.m., and was able to escape the vehicle before the engine caught fire. The vehicle then ignited in flames.
It is not yet known what caused the crash.
Check back for more details as they become known on this breaking story.
A billionaire movie producer and philanthropist, born to a West Philadelphia cab driver and producer of the recent Hollywood hit "Crazy Rich Asians," is asking for more than $100 million for two of his homes.
Sidney Kimmel, who made his fortune in clothing, has had a Malibu, Calif., estate on the market for $65 million for over a year, and this month listed his New York City apartment for $39 million, according to published reports.
The Malibu property was initially listed in 2017 for more than $80 million, but was reduced to its current asking price in August. The 7,000-square-foot oceanfront house was built in 1978 and originally owned for two decades by "Tonight" show host, Johnny Carson. Kimmel bought it from the widow of Carson in 2007 for $45 million, according to a report in The Los Angeles Times.
Kimmel, whose clothing company Jones Apparel Co. was sold in 2014 for $2.2 billion, has been a movie producer for decades. He is credited with more than 55 titles since the 1980s.
He recently struck another Hollywood hit with "Crazy Rich Asians" earlier this year.
The New York City apartment is an entire floor at the Ritz-Carlton Residences on Central Park South. It is 8,000 square feet, including a master bedroom that is 2,000 square feet all by itself.
It also has sweeping views of Central Park, quite a lifetime away for the 90-year-old born in 1928 in West Philadelphia.
"Sidney Kimmel grew up in Philadelphia during the Great Depression. There can be no doubt that his ambition and drive are products of those hard times," according to a biography on his foundation's website.
He is listed by Forbes as worth $1.3 billion and is a leading cancer research donor in addition to his giving to construction of the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts on South Broad Street and other cultural institutions. In 2014, he gave $110 million to Jefferson Medical College, which was renamed the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.
He spent a short time at Temple University before going into the garment industry.
He founded Jones New York in the 1960s, and grew the company to include brands like Nine West, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Joan & David, Gloria Vanderbilt, Barneys New York and Kurt Geiger. He took the company public in 1991, and ramped up his charitable efforts.
A decade later, in 2002, he stepped down as CEO, but remained chairman until 2014 when Jones was sold to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm.
(To see photos and listing details of the Malibu estate, click here. For photos and listing information of the New York City apartment, click here.)
Buena Regional High School's wrestling team got back to the mat Thursday in a meet in central New Jersey. But their teammate at the center of last week's controversial in-match haircut, Andrew Johnson, did not attend or compete. The debate continues over why Johnson was forced into such a difficult situation.
The busy transit agency that runs from Philadelphia to Atlantic City to New York City and dozens of stops in communities throughout New Jersey is yet to meet federal standards for Positive Train Control safety systems. It has already led to the closure of NJ Transit's Atlantic City Line.
A nine-year veteran of the Philadelphia police department was saved from a wreck Thursday night, moments before the vehicle exploded into flames. His mother told NBC10 he was talking in his hospital bed. Video from a passerby shows the dramatic rescue of Officer Matthew Smythe.
Four of six condominiums in a Ocean City beachside building were gutted by fire, and those who own the ruined homes are trying to figure out what to do next. Investigators also are working on finding a cause.
Kristen Houser, of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, say not only do investigators have to improve their handling of rape cases, but that the way rape victims are treated needs a complete change. Those looking for more information can go to Raliance at https://www.raliance.org/get-help/ or call (800)656-4673.
A Philadelphia tradition continues on New Year’s Day as the Mummers strut down Broad Street.
The Golden Sunrise fancy brigade gets the parade underway at 9 a.m. at City Hall. Wench, comic and string band divisions follow suit with the parade wrapping up around 6 p.m. at Washington Avenue.
With the annual strut comes plenty of road closures and parking resections. Some that already went into effect Thursday and the closures expand as 2019 approaches.
Here is the full list care of the City of Philadelphia.
Road Closures
Friday, Dec. 28:
Two east travel lanes on 15th Street will be closed from JFK Boulevard to Market Street from 10 a.m. to noon for equipment load-in. 15th Street may be closed completely for short intervals during this time frame if necessary.
Saturday, Dec. 29 and Sunday, Dec. 30:
Two east travel lanes on 15th Street from JFK Boulevard to South Penn Square will be closed for television compound setup starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. Closure to remain in place until noon on Wednesday.
From 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., 15th Street from JFK Boulevard to Chestnut Street and Market Street from 15th Street to 16th Street will be closed.
Starting at 4 p.m., Market Street will partially re-open east of 15th Street and 15th Street will partially re-open south of JFK Boulevard until 3 a.m. Jan. 1.
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019:
From 3 a.m. until the event conclusion, Market Street from 15th to 16th Street, 15th Street from Arch Street to Chestnut Street and JFK Boulevard from 15th Street to 21st Street will be closed.
From 7 a.m. until the event conclusion, Broad Street from South Penn Square (parade route) to Washington Avenue and Washington Avenue from 12th Street to 18th Street (dispersal area) will be closed.
“Vehicular traffic will not be permitted to cross Broad Street while the parade is in progress.,” the City said. “Delays can be expected during the course of the event. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time in areas near the event. Please refrain from double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow and is illegal.”
Parking Restrictions
Thursday, Dec. 27:
Parking is prohibited on the east side of 15th Street from JFK Blvd. to South Penn Square from 6 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2.
Friday, Dec. 28:
No parking from 2 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. on Jan. 2 on the west side of 15th Street from JFK Boulevard to Market Street and Market to Ranstead Street.
Monday, Dec. 31:
No parking from 4 a.m. on Monday through 8 p.m. Tuesday, on West Market Street from 15th Street to 20th Street and JFK Boulevard from 15th Street to 21st Street.
Additional Parking Restrictions on Jan. 1, 2019:
Temporary No Parking Zones from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday (Both sides of street unless noted):
• JFK Blvd from Juniper to 15th Street (south side)
• JFK Blvd from Broad to 16th Street
• Juniper Street from JFK to South Penn Square
• South Penn Square from Juniper to 16th Street (south side)
• Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 16th to 19th Street
• North Broad Street from Cherry to JFK Blvd (west side)
• 15th Street from Race to JFK Blvd
• 16th Street from Chestnut to Race
• 17th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Ludlow
• 18th Street from Race to Ludlow
• 19th Street from Ben Franklin Parkway to Chestnut
• Cherry Street from 15th to 17th
• Arch Street from 15th to 17th
• Washington Ave from 12th to 18th
• Broad Street from Arch to Ellsworth
Parking is prohibited from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. on 15th Street from Arch Street to JFK Boulevard.
Parking is prohibited from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Chestnut Street, from 16th to 18th Streets.
Parking is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 1500 block of Ranstead Street.
If you plan on driving into town for the parade, the city has a list of available paid lots nearby the route.
Public Transportation
SEPTA’s Regional Rail can be used to access Center City. All lines will be operating on a Sunday schedule.
All buses with the exception of the Route 204 will operate on a Sunday schedule, SEPTA says.
“A number of buses that operate on and around the Mummers Parade route will be on detour,” SEPTA said. “Full details on adjusted bus routing and real-time detour updates will be posted on the System Status section of SEPTA’s website. Customers can also check TransitView or follow @SEPTA_Bus for service information throughout the day as detour information is subject to change.”
Public Safety Info
The City urged people to not leave any items unattended and to be prepared for congestion near the parade route. If you see something say something and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Parents should keep a close eye on their children and attendees are urged to wear appropriate outdoor attire for this time of year.
The parade route is a “No-Drone Zone.”
Happy New Year’s and happy strutting!
Visit Philadelphia has donated about $32,000 to reopen the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for holiday travelers through the weekend despite the ongoing partial government shutdown.
An auto body shop fire caused the partial closure of the busy Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia Friday.
The blaze broke out around 8:45 a.m. at a business along Bennett Road near the Boulevard (Route 1) and quickly spread to three alarms, Philadelphia police said.
When firefighters arrived, flames and smoke were shooting through the roof. It took around 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
Police closed the northbound lanes of the Boulevard between Comly Road and Plaza Drive as firefighters had hoses on the road as they battled the fire nearby.
The Boulevard opened again around 11:15 a.m.
Students are now learning how to code at the same time they are learning how to read. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math. Friends Select is the only school in Pennsylvania to offer this program and has an entire library dedicated to it.
A New Year's kiss during the Times Square ball drop is a romantic dream for countless couples. But truth be told, isn't it a little cliché at this point?
Yes, you can make the trek across two states and then wait among throngs of tourists and hope to catch a glimpse of the crystal ball from way in the back.
Or you can stay local and ring in the New Year a little differently. Can you say Peep drop? Or Mushroom drop?
That's right, Pennsylvania's renowned for ringing in the New Year with its own creative drops.
In Bethlehem, the home of candy company Just Born, Inc., you can watch as a giant, illuminated, 400-pound Peep chick make its way down a pole during the 10th annual Peepfest. And you don't even have to stay up late for this unique drop, as it happens at 5:15 p.m. Monday.
If you're not a Peep person, you can always head over to Harrisburg, where a giant strawberry will descend on Market Square to accompanying fireworks.
In Kennett Square, people celebrate the area's mushroom-growing industry with a giant mushroom drop downtown.
Lebanon honors its Pennsylvania Dutch traditions by lowering a giant bologna, which this year will be carried by a new mascot: The Bologna Ranger.
Beavertown sticks to its namesake by dropping a life-size plush beaver named "Bucky." Dillsburg also sticks with the word play by dropping a giant (dill) pickle.
Pottsville gives a nod to local brewery D.G. Yuengling & Son by raising a giant replica lager bottle, while Shamokin honors its history of coal mining by dropping a giant lump of coal.
And of course, in Hershey, a 7-foot-tall, 300-pound Hershey's Kiss will rise three stories up the historic Hershey Press Building. And rest assured, this Kiss will include the tip.
