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Meet One of the First Babies Born in 2019

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A family welcomed one of the first babies in the region on New Year’s. Baby Ujima was born at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg at 12:02 a.m. Coincidentally, the couple has a 10-year-old son that was also born on New Year’s Day.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Three Philly Homes Torched Within 90 Minutes

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Three fires were set at three different homes in Southwest Philadelphia early Wednesday morning. One location was at Spruce Street, and the other two were on Addison Street and Larchwood Avenue. A man was seen running away from the Larchwood scene. Police took that man into custody.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Sister's Crash Inspires Inventor to Create New Bike Helmet

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David Hall invented a helmet that he hopes encourages bicyclists to wear protective head gear. He was inspired by his sister, Rachel Hall, who was involved in an accident while on her bicycle without a helmet. The helmet is more convenient and stylish, to attract people to take more preventative measures while riding a bicycle, David Hall says.



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Inspired by Sister's Crash, Inventor Designs New Bike Helmet

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An inventor is turning his sister's near-fatal bicycle crash into a positive by engineering a helmet that will both protect and be worn due to its stylish design.

David Hall and his business partner, two former SpaceX engineers, came up with the Park & Diamond helmet after Hall's sister was hit by a car and left with severe head trauma.

The Temple University student was not wearing a helmet during the crash that left her in a coma for four months.

"What really came out of that while she was recovering and continuing to recover is just the question: why wouldn't she wear a bike helmet?" Hall said.

He and his partner set about designing a helmet that they hoped would actually be used while still helping cyclists during crashes, which in 2015 left 818 people dead and another 45,000 injured, according to the National Transportation and Safety Board.

The partners determined that the main reasons people don't wear helmets are because they're uncomfortable and inconvenient.

"They're big, they're bulky, they're not portable and they don't look good," Hall said.

With that in mind, the pair came up with the Park & Diamond helmet, named after the intersection where Hall's sister was hit.

On the surface, the duo's helmet resembles a baseball cap, a conscious design choice meant to appeal to those who don't wear helmets because they think they're ugly or unstylish.

But along with its sleek design, the Park & Diamond helmet also offers portability by folding down to the size of a water bottle, while still delivering the safety of a traditional helmet.

"We've shown not only is it as safe as a conventional helmet, at times it can be even safer," Hall said.

The collapsible cap retails at $89, but its true value is in the protection it offers, he said.

Rachel Hall is still recovering and remains a big source of inspiration, happy that her brother turned tragedy into advocacy.



Photo Credit: NBC10

NBC10 Responds: Apps That May Dupe You Out of Cash

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Most people use the touch ID to unlock your phones or the touch ID apps, but some cyber security experts say to be careful, because technology can sometimes work against you. NBC10 Responds Reporter Harry Hairston explains how you can be deceived and what you can do to protect yourself.

Where to Buy a Nick Foles Jersey Before the Playoffs

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With Nick Foles leading the Eagles to playoffs again, there has been a rush on his jerseys. We have tips on where and how to get that gear before the big game on Sunday.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Teen, 15, Charged with Murder After Baby Found in Dumpster

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A 15-year-old girl has been charged with murder for allegedly dumping her newborn baby in a dumpster.

The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital just after 10:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, police said.

The teenager, who NBC10 is not identifying, is currently hospitalized, police said.

Philadelphia Police said they were notified by the mother of a friend of the suspect, who approached police near the intersection of Judson Street and Lehigh Avenue and said she had found the baby boy.

They also said they believed the teen had given birth inside the bathroom of a home her mother shared with other tenants on West Lehigh Avenue. The teen then allegedly put the baby in a trash bag and may have killed him before doing so, according to investigators.

The baby was found in the trash bag at a lot about a block away.

The teen was initially charged with child endangerment. Police sources told NBC10 however that the autopsy revealed the baby died from asphyxiation and was born alive but killed a short time later. The teen was then charged with murder.

Police haven't revealed whether anyone else in the home knew the girl was pregnant or had given birth.

"That's what we're trying to determine," Philadelphia Police Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said. "Whether there was anyone physically present. There may have been people at home but they may not have been in the actual proximity to where she gave birth."

The teen was hospitalized for "precautionary medical treatment," police said. Investigators continue to collect evidence. Sources say the teen and her mother have both been cooperative throughout the investigation.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Mummers Group Accused of Racism Following Parade Skit

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A Mummers brigade with a history of controversial skits is fighting off allegations of racism after a New Year's Day parade performance in which Mummers depicted Philadelphia's mayor being led down the street on all fours by rapper Jay-Z.

Philadelphia City Council President Darrell L. Clarke on Wednesday demanded Finnegan New Year's Brigade apologize to Mayor Jim Kenney and Jay-Z for what the councilman deemed a display of "bigotry and intolerance" during Tuesday's annual Mummers Parade.

In the performance, an actor playing Jay-Z wears gold chains, bejeweled blazer and pants and waves around an umbrella while leading someone dressed as Kenney down the street on a leash.

The Kenney character, wearing an exaggerated long nose, crawls on his hands and knees while gesturing like a dog.

Clarke joined several social media users accusing the troupe of using blackface. "The skit involving a blackface Jay-Z walking a long-nosed Mayor Kenney like a dog was offensive, racist, and not even a little bit amusing," Clarke said in a statement.

The actor playing Jay-Z, however, told NBC10 that he is black and did not use any makeup during the skit other than a painted "J" and "Z" on either cheek.

The sketch is a reference to an editorial cartoon by Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News cartoonist Signe Wilkinson, Finnegan's Captain Mike Inemer said.

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That cartoon appeared to reference the mayor's decision to cut a deal with Roc Nation, a music and promotion company founded by Jay-Z, to keep the rapper's Made in America Festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The deal came after Kenney initially announced the city would be moving the festival due to "operational difficulties."

The mayor and city quickly backtracked after facing backlash from Jay-Z, who penned a scathing editorial published in the Philadelphia Inquirer. In the article, the rapper said he only learned of the move through the media and questioned whether mayor and city, "regularly reject minority-owned businesses that want to continue to thrive and grow alongside his city's people?"

On Wednesday, the city confirmed that it had greenlit the New Year's Day skit after reviewing the brigade's concept in advance and being assured by the group that the actor portraying Jay-Z would be black.

"The City condemns the use of blackface in any form and will continue to work with the Mummers to ensure future performances are nondiscriminatory," a statement from the mayor's office added.

Following the controversy, Inemer told NBC10 that he was surprised at the accusations of racism. "There was no racist intent," he said.

When told that the actor playing Jay-Z is black, Councilman Clarke acknowledged his error in an updated statement but insisted that the skit was "demeaning to people of color."

"Whatever the truth is of yesterday's performance - if the individual portraying Jay-Z is in fact a member of this brigade, for instance - people of color know minstrelsy when we see it," Clarke said.

"This event and related organizations undoubtedly have much more work to do to make all Philadelphians feel welcomed and included in this annual New Year's Day celebration."

Finnegan New Year's Brigade has courted controversy in the past.

In 2016, the comedy club centered its act around Caitlyn Jenner's gender transition. Behind him, a member was caught shouting, "F--- the gays! F--- the gays!" at parade spectators. The man also posed for photos with the sign.

At the time, Finnegan's apologized and said it banned the member from the group. It also apologized to those who took offense at the Jenner skit, though it said it was meant to be a satirical act.



Photo Credit: PHL17
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Hold onto Your Fingerprints: Avoiding Potential App Scams

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With every new technology comes the potential for pitfalls.

The rise in prominence of fingerprint-activated smartphones and online app purchases the last couple years now has some experts in the digital realm warning consumers to be careful what you press for.

In a few cases since the dawn of the Touch ID era, apps with names like "Heart-Rate Monitor" and "Calorie Tracker" have come along, hoping to get smartphone users to press their Touch ID pad while an inconspicuous in-app purchase appears.

If the unsuspecting user was still holding down their fingerprint when the purchase appeared, they may have been charged.

Those apps and others like them have since been pulled off major app stores like Apple's because they violate certain third-party app agreements, according to a report last month by Wired, the technology news site and magazine.

Still, experts like Ron Schlecht of BTB Security warn that app users should always be wary of using apps that request authentication like fingerprint scans.

He recommended buyer diligence on par with any purchase you'd make in the real world: read any disclaimers for the app and reviews from other users.

"First, you can read the reviews on the application. In most cases, people have already called out that it's a scam," Schlecht told NBC10 Responds. "In the information section, they'll actually tell you whether there are in app purchases."

Another simple way to avoid accidentally purchasing an app, or making an in-app purchase, is to go to the settings on your phone and turning off the Touch ID feature.

Camden the Safest It's Been in Years, Leaders Say

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Camden, New Jersey, is the safest it's been in years, according to city leaders. We speak to city residents and police about what's causing the drop in crime.

West Philly Grocery Store Owner Blames Closure on Beverage Tax

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A Philadelphia ShopRite owner is blaming the closure of one of his stores on the city's soda tax. But the city told us that he’s using the tax as a scapegoat.

NJ Man Injured During Shooting at New Year's Party at Airbnb

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Police in Ventnor, New Jersey, are still trying to track down the person responsible for a shooting at a New Year’s party in a house that was rented through Airbnb. The victim is said to be in stable condition after being shot multiple times when a fight broke out. The shooting comes less than a week after Ventnor officials made a move to target short-term rentals following recent complaints. 

Vandal Slashes Tires of 48 Vehicles on New Year's Day

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It was a rough start to the New Year for residents in Treydffrin Township after a vandal or vandals slashed the tires of nearly 50 vehicles.

Police say the vandalism occurred early Tuesday morning in the area of King of Prussia and Hollow Roads in the Wayne section of the township. A total of 132 tires on 48 vehicles were damaged, police said.

“My husband decided he’d start his New Year’s resolution and go for a run and came out and noticed his new car had a flat tire,” Kelly Hudson, of Wayne, told NBC10.

Hudson said all five of her family’s cars were damaged. She showed NBC10 surveillance video which captured a suspect. The sounds of two tires popping are heard in the video.

“We do see a skinny male coming up the driveway,” she said.

Jason Swift, another resident, told NBC10 he saw footage of the vandalism from a different angle.

“Imagine the car is behind me,” he said. “The tire is right here. They just back up and do one quick poke to the tire and just walk right away. We’re a tight-knit community. There’s never been anything like this before.”

A $500 reward is being offered to anyone with information that leads to an arrest. If you have any information, please call Tredyffrin Township Police at 610-644-3221.

ShopRite Owner Blames Beverage Tax for Closure of West Philly Store

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A Philadelphia grocery store owner is blaming the city's beverage tax for the closure of one of his businesses. But city leaders say he's using the tax as a scapegoat.

4 Firefighters Hurt Battling Boarding House Blaze

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Four firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries battling a pesky boarding house fire along West State Street in Trenton early Thursday. About eight people live in four units in the house, the owner says.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Woman Dies in New Jersey House Fire

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A New Jersey woman died in a Rahway house fire early Wednesday morning, authorities say.

Shonda Smith, 44, was found in her bedroom, likely overcome by smoke despite a working smoke alarm, officials said. 

Cellphone video showed flames engulfing the home on Washington Street. Neighbor William Calloway said he was about 15 to 30 feet away and "it felt like I was in front of a fireplace. It was real hot." 

Smith worked for Barnabas Health, but lived for her family and her community, throwing annual Halloween parties in her backyard, loved ones said. 

"They would decorate the whole backyard, and the community was invited, even family and friends," said Bishop Charles Smith, a family friend. 

Firefighters were still trying to put out the fire hours later, when Smith's sister rushed to the scene.

"It's not real. I'm going to wake up," said a stunned Monica Smith. 

"She was my baby. She had a heart of gold. Would give you anything she has," said Smith. 

Fire officials are looking for a cause of the fire. 



Photo Credit: News 4 NY

Surgery Center Sued for Potentially Exposing Patients to HIV

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Several patients who fear they were exposed to hepatitis and HIV are joining a class action lawsuit against Health Plus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, as they anxiously await test results.

State investigators say the New Jersey surgery center that may have exposed more than 3,000 patients to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C used poor drug storage methods, an outdated infection control plan and unacceptable sterilization practices.

Mahogany Clifton, a mother from Paterson, New Jersey, had shoulder surgery at the center in May of last year. She is now one of thousands of patients who are at risk of exposure to the diseases.

“Now I need a blood test because I’ve been exposed — I “might” have been exposed,” Clifton said amidst tears. “To me, these are deadly diseases. What about my job? What about my child? What about my life?”

Attorney Michael Maggiano, who has filed the class action lawsuit, says his clients are being victimized yet again because Health Plus will only pay for testing if patients go to Hudson Hospital in Secaucus— a hospital owned by the same company as Health Plus.

“I think it's unfortunate that they've taken the position, I think it's hard on people who have already suffered that no they have to pay for lab studies,” Maggiano said.

Cristal Irons of Newark had a message for the surgery center: “Why would I trust you with my tests when I couldn’t even trust you with my health?”

Health Plus says that of the 186 patients tested so far, one has tested positive for chronic hepatitis. It is unclear if the patient had it prior to treatment at the center.

According to the report from the state Department of Health made public in late December 2018, operating rooms at the HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook were not properly cleaned and disinfected between procedures.

“This is an insidious systemic collapse of an institution,” Maggiano said.

In one instance, an inspector saw a stretcher in a hallway with a blood-stained sheet that wasn't properly disinfected even after the inspector pointed it out to staffers.

State surveyors also found the facility improperly stored sterilized items, jeopardizing their cleanliness, while other sterilized instruments revealed rust-like stains, the report said.

Nearly 3,800 former patients have been urged to get tested. The health department says the risk of infection is low, noting the recommendation for testing was made out of "an abundance of caution."

State health officials have said anyone who had a procedure performed at the center from January to Sept. 7 this year may have been exposed.

The attorney for Health Plus spoke over the weekend saying the center has taken corrective action and is complying with state demands.

“We regret this situation deeply we understand the concern and the frustration,” attorney Mark Manigan said.

This is little consolation for potential victims who will have to undergo tests for up to a year before they get a clean bill of health.

Forever Stamp Price Increases Are Biggest In US Postal Service History

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As the new year begins, the United States Postal Service is telling customers about changes in 2019 that could impact their mail. 

Starting Jan. 27, Forever stamp prices will increase from 50 cents each to 55 cents each. The 10 percent increase is the biggest in USPS history. 

The price hike is to offset losses from 2018. The post office had its worst year yet, resulting in about $4 billion in operating losses. USPS said in November that  sales from shipping and packages had soared 10 percent but rising pay and benefits and higher transportation costs led to the overall decline in revenue, Reuters reported

Postal employees said it is important to keep the stamp price increase in mind if you plan to print shipping labels at home. 

"If you come to the post office, we'll weigh it and put the correct postage on," said Eva Jackson, spokesperson for the USPS San Diego District. "If you're at home, that could create a problem if you don't have enough postage on there." 

Locals say they will be supporting USPS in a personal effort to keep the federal agency afloat. 

"Keep using the post office, that's my tip," said Kristen Winter as she was mailing letters at the Carmel Mountain Postal Store on Rancho Carmel Drive. 

USPS said that it had expected 16 billion letters, gifts and packages to be sent out between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. The estimate for 2017 was 15 billion. 

The service has been taking steps to compete with major online retailers like Amazon. During the busy winter months, some local post offices set up a drive through the holidays so that customers did not have to leave their cars to mail letters and packages. 

The Forever stamp price increase was approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission. 

'Strange' Note Adds to Mystery of Deadly Mummers Crash

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Two young couples ending the night after the Mummers Parade were heading to a South Philly diner when an apparently troubled man slammed his car into their SUV, killing three people.

Keith Campbell, 29, was possibly suicidal and likely stabbed himself while driving his white Audi sedan wildly in South Philadelphia in the early hours of Wednesday before crashing head on into an SUV, police said.

Campbell appeared to be stabbed 15 to 20 times in the chest and abdomen with a bloody knife that was found in his car, investigators said Wednesday. Overnight into Thursday, Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said investigators also found a rambling note inside the suspect’s car.

Investigators stopped short of calling the note a suicide note but Small characterized it as “rambling, paranoid, strange.”

The SUV driver Joseph Ferry, 36, of South Philadelphia; his fiancée Kelly Wiseley, 35, of Glenolden, Pennsylvania; and Dennis Palandro, 31, of Morton, Pennsylvania; all died at the scene, police and family said.

Palandro's 30-year-old wife survived the crash and is being treated at the hospital for a broken pelvis and other injuries, police said.

Ferry and Palandro helped the South Philadelphia String Band to a second place finish in the annual Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day and they were headed to the Oregon Diner for a late-night bite when suddenly, police said, the suspect’s car crossed the median at high speed on Packer Avenue.

Campbell is expected to survive his injuries. Toxicology reports could reveal more about his state of mind at the time of the crash, Small said.

"It's highly unusual, I've never seen it before," accident division Capt. Mark Overwise said about the wreck.

Police plan to charge Campbell with multiple counts of vehicular homicide and causing a crash involving death or bodily injuries. It was unclear if Campbell has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

Ferry and Wiseley had just become engaged on Christmas, Ferry's cousin, , country music singer Payton Taylor, told NBC10. Palandro is the son of South Philly String Band's captain.

"We are deeply saddened at the loss of our family members," the string band said on Facebook.



Photo Credit: NBC10
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Man Sentenced for Fatal Head-On DUI Crash Into Lyft Vehicle

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A Canadian man has been sentenced after drunkenly driving his pickup truck head-on into a Lyft ride-sharing vehicle in Bensalem, killing a passenger and severely injuring the passenger's wife.

Shane Learn, 49, of Toronto, was sentenced Wednesday to four and a half to nine years in prison for the April 28 crash that killed 57-year-old Neil Weiner and severely injured his wife Audrey Shapiro, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office announced.

Learn pleaded guilty in November to homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, aggravated assault and related charges, the district attorney's office said.

Officials said Learn was driving a 2014 Ford F-150 truck northbound along the 4000 block of Richlieu Road around 6:45 p.m. on April 28, 2018, when he left his travel lane and struck a guardrail. The truck then veered into the northbound lane and struck the Lyft vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu.

Weiner, of Holland, Pennsylvania was seriously injured and taken to Jefferson Hospital, where he died the next day.

Shapiro was seriously injured and the Lyft driver suffered minor injuries.

Learn's eyes were bloodshot and police noticed alcohol on his breath, according to the affidavit. Learn failed two field sobriety tests and registered a .162 percent blood alcohol concentration after taking a breath test, according to the affidavit.

Learn allegedly told officers he drank two beers and a double Jameson shot before driving.

"It was my fault," Learn said, according to the affidavit. "I crossed the line."

At his sentencing, Learn's attorney told the judge that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has filed a detainer for his client, and he expects Learn will be deported to Canada after serving his sentence, according to the district attorney's office.



Photo Credit: Bucks County District Attorney's Office
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