Free hotel stays, free food and free slot play. The efforts of Atlantic City casinos to lure business to the faltering Shore resort with giveaways is failing to help boost the destination's economy

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Dorothy Lapsley told Bloomberg celebrating her 87th birthday at the Shore resort included promotions like a complimentary hotel room.

Her daughter, Barbara Lapsley, said they also enjoyed free food during their two-night stay in Atlantic City.

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"We get a sub sandwich from White House and it's so big you can eat it all day," Barbara told Bloomberg.

But their trip and the many others have yet to bolster Atlantic City's economy, which is steadily declining as the gaming industry's continues to slide.

Last year, the city's 12 casinos earned a total of $2.9 million in revenue, according to the state's Office of the Attorney General.

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But the previous year, those same twelve casinos, including Revel Casino and Hotel which opened to the public in April 2012, had $3.1 million in revenue.

The industry fared even better in 2011 with a slightly different set of twelve casinos, including the Trump Marina and the Golden Nugget which both closed in May of that year, brought in $3.3 million.

Making things even worse,  the city will have only 10 casinos after the Showboat Casino and Hotel closes Aug. 31 and possibly nine if Revel Casino and Hotel can't find a buyer.

To find out more about how the industry's decline is causing Atlantic City's economy to crumble, visit Bloomberg.com.

A federal court has ruled against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and several associated nonprofits seeking exemption from portions of the federal health care law they argue would force them to sanction contraception coverage for their more than 4,000 employees.

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In an opinion released Thursday, U.S. District Judge Ronald L. Buckwalter found that an Obama administration compromise allowing the groups to opt-out of paying for birth control - as long as they sign over that responsibility to a third-party health care plan - does not place a significant burden on their rights to religious expression.

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Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said Friday the church would appeal the judge's decision to deny the groups a preliminary injunction.

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"It's a reasonable request, and for believing Catholics, a fundamentally important one," he said. "We'll continue to press it in every way and at every level of judicial appeal available to us."

Buckwalter's decision Thursday landed in an already fractured legal landscape on what has become one of the most hotly contested issues in the rollout of President Obama's signature health care plan.

Nearly 90 cases have been filed across the country challenging contraception mandate as an infringement on religious liberties, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, and courts have varied widely in their opinions. Of those cases, 42 involve religious nonprofits, while 48 have been brought by religiously oriented for-profit companies.

In Pennsylvania, three Pittsburgh-based federal judges have granted exemptions for nonprofits tied to Geneva College, a Presbyterian school in Beaver Falls, as well as the Diocese of Erie and Pittsburgh.

Government lawyers have appealed all three, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has yet to rule on the issue.

The U.S. Supreme Court is also expected to weigh in on the for-profit side of the debate Monday with the release of an opinion involving the Oklahoma City-based craft megastore Hobby Lobby and Lancaster County-based cabinetmaker Conestoga Wood Specialties.

The Affordable Care Act requires employers with more than 50 workers to cover contraception without a co-pay.

Churches are already exempt from the mandate. But their nonprofit wings must submit a form to their third-party health plans declaring themselves a religious organization and requesting they not be charged for contraception use by their covered employees. Plan administrators, then, would cover the cost of birth control themselves but could apply for federal government reimbursement.

As in many of the suits filed so far, the Philadelphia Archdiocese argued that compromise still "creates a vital link in a chain toward the provision of contraceptive service" and makes it impossible to "adhere to their sincerely held Catholic beliefs on the dignity and sanctity of human life."

However, Buckwalter, an appointee of former President George H.W. Bush, sided with the six other federal courts that have so far rejected such arguments.

The Archdiocese's current health plan expires Monday, church lawyers said. If the Third Circuit does not grant the church's appeal by then, its nonprofits will either have to participate in the contraception compromise or face fines of up to $160,000 a day.

"We will be forced to choose between violating our deeply held religious beliefs," Chaput said in a statement, "or grave financial distress that threatens our ability to continue to perform the good works and ministerial outreach to people in need throughout the Philadelphia region."

This story was published through a news content partnership between NBC10.com and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Demolition contractor Griffin Campbell will remain in prison pending trial in last June's disastrous Center City building collapse, a Philadelphia judge ruled Friday.

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Common Pleas Court Judge Benjamin Lerner said the Pennsylvania Constitution did not give him the discretion to grant the bail motion filed by Campbell's attorney, William D. Hobson.

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The state constitution permits bail for all crimes except where the possible penalty is death or life in prison.

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Although Campbell, 50, is charged with six counts of third-degree murder, state sentencing law includes a provision for mandatory life in prison without parole for someone convicted of two or more counts of third-degree murder.

"It seems I am bound by the rules," Lerner told Hobson.

Hobson asked Lerner to approve releasing Campbell on a rigidly controlled program of electronic house arrest. He said it could be two more years before the case comes to trial and Campbell's imprisonment makes it difficult for them to meet and review the voluminous evidence in the case.

Hobson presented 17 people, including Campbell's mother and stepfather, wife and daughter, and other relatives and friends to show the contractor has ties to the community and would not flee.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Selber argued that Campbell was simply not eligible for bail.

"We're talking about six people dead and 13 injured," Selber said.

Campbell and Sean Benschop, 43, an excavator operator, are the only people criminally charged thus far in the June 5, 2013, collapse of an unsupported four-story wall that fell and crushed the adjoining Salvation Army thrift store at 2136 Market St.

Benschop's attorney, Daine A. Grey Jr., was not part of the bail motion.

Benschop, like Campbell, is charged with six counts of third-degree murder, conspiracy and related crimes including 13 counts of reckless endangerment involving those injured in the thrift store.

A Philadelphia County grand jury is investigating the collapse and possible charges against others.

Hobson told Lerner he will file a motion with Common Pleas Court Judge Diana L. Anhalt, the grand jury's supervising judge, asking her to order the District Attorney's Office to provide more "discovery," or evidence, currently sealed with the grand jury, to help him prepare Campbell's defense.

That could be a difficult motion to win. Under grand jury rules, defense attorneys don't receive all the discovery until 60 days before trial and judges have been reluctant make exceptions.

Selber replied that her office has already provided Hobson "with all the evidence we have used to prosecute this case."

Pointing to the cardboard box of documents he received from the prosecutor, Hobson noted that discovery in the civil lawsuits filed about the collapse have already generated 60,000 documents and lawyers are preparing to take sworn depositions from 40 witnesses.

This story was published through a news content partnership between NBC10.com and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian remains optimistic about the city's future despite the downfall of the city's gambling industry including two casino closures and the possibility of a third.

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"Atlantic City's best days are still ahead of us," Guardian said in a statement Friday following Caesars Entertainment's announcement that Showboat Casino and Hotel will shut down Aug. 31.

He points to an increase in non-gaming revenue as a signal that the Shore destination is in the process of reinventing itself.

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"Our hotel occupancy is strong year-round and third-party revenues are increasing," Guardian said. "These are positive trends that have been underappreciated."

Luxury tax revenue, which accounts for the taxes collected on non-gaming services like hotel rooms, concert tickets, alcohol and even beach chair rentals, still lags well behind the amount of dollars gambling brings the city and the state.

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Atlantic City's luxury tax generated $35.5 million in 2013, according to a report from the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

Last year, gaming revenue garnered $205.2 million in taxes, which is more than $11.5 million less than what was collected in 2012, according to a report from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

The decline in gaming revenue is a concern since the city will have two fewer casinos by the end of the year and possibly a third if Revel Casino Hotel cannot obtain a buyer. But Guardian says the faltering gambling industry is a problem across the country.

"This is not just an Atlantic City issue, this is a state issue," he said. "It is also a gaming industry issue and a national issue because other cities have experienced these same pressures from the expansion of gaming."

These pressures have led the Shore destination's current administration to make developing other aspects of Atlantic City's economy a top priority, Guardian said.

"We are increasing our efforts to deliver more tourist attractions and special events activities for people to enjoy outside of the gaming industry," said Guardian, who listed air shows, parades, lightshows and dining as other reasons for visitors to come to AC.

"Atlantic City is undergoing a massive economic transition."

A man slashed another man's hand with a box cutter at a New Jersey grocery store Friday afternoon, in an attack police say was triggered by road rage.

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The stabbing happened at the ShopRite on the 1200 block of Blackwood Clementon Road in Gloucester Co. just after 4:30 p.m.

Police tell NBC10 that the suspect used a box cutter to slash the hand of another man.

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The suspect, according to officials, took off on foot, but was located a short time later.

Both the suspect and the victim are being questioned at the Gloucester Township Police Station.

This story is developing. Check back for details.

Realen Properties is planning to break ground this summer on the first phase of a residential development at the Village at Valley Forge.

Many know the property off North Gulph Road in King of Prussia, Pa., for the Wegman’s that is located there and the building Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is constructing.

Realen plans to build an apartment complex with 363 units at the foot of what will be the Main Street of the site’s town center, said Dennis Maloomian, president of Realen Properties, which is developing the Village at Valley Forge in a joint venture with Northwestern Mutual. The complex will sit at the corner of Guthrie Road and Swedesford Road. Maloomian declined to disclose the project cost.

The design of the apartment building is different than what has traditionally been constructed in the Philadelphia area, Maloomian said. Called a “wrap” or “Texas donut,” the apartment building is wrapped around a parking structure, which is basically hidden from plain view. Read more about the new complex on PBJ.com

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For more breaking business news go to PBJ.com

Two people are dead following a head-on collision in Cumberland County, New Jersey Friday night.

State Police say the deadly crash happened on Route 49 near Estelle Manor Road in Maurice River.

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Two people were pronounced dead on the scene. Two others were taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, said police.

The circumstances surrounding the fatal accident are unclear at this time.

Check back for more details.

Police continue to search for the person who shot and killed a man during a fit of road rage on a Kensington street Friday night.

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Police identified the victim as 32-year-old Antonio Pedraza Saturday.

They say Pedraza was standing in the street outside his home on the the 2800 block of North 5th Street around 8:30 p.m. when an unknown man shot him in the head and chest.

• Man Shot, Killed on Philly Street

"Our shooting victim was on foot, just blocking traffic while arguing with his girlfriend causing people to back up in traffic, not being able to get around him," said Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small.
"For some reason our 32-year-old victim, just standing in the street, and the shooter in this green minivan got in some sort of argument with him. It appears that the motive in this case is just road rage and it resulted in a homicide."

They say the shooter fled the scene in that minivan. A female passenger was also in the getaway vehicle. 

Authorities recovered a van fitting the description on Indiana Street around 11 p.m. Friday, but they are still workign to confirm that it was the getaway vehicle.

The suspect is still on the run.

Detectives are pulling surveillance video from two nearby businesses.

Anyone with information is urged to call Philadelphia Police.

July 4th falls on a Friday this year, and you know what that means... We get an entire three-day weekend jam packed with entertainment options, woo hoo! We suggest you stay local on Friday for Philly's Party on the Parkway and 4th of July Jam and Fireworks Finale. For the road warriors itching to get out of dodge, here's an option for your Saturday.

Head down to Maryland for a free “Salute to Independence” Concert at the Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg (near Hagerstown). Every year on the first Saturday in July, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO) puts on one heck of a patriotic show at the battlefield, culminating in one of the largest, most spectacular fireworks displays in the state.

Count on hearing heart-swelling favorites like the National Anthem, Armed Forces Salute, Stars and Stripes Forever, Fanfare for the Common Man, American Salute, the 1812 Overture and more.

For more information, visit the Maryland Symphony Orchestra website.

Antietam National Battlefield is one of America’s National Parks and is the site of the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. On September 17, 1862 more than 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or declared missing in action after 12 hours of savage combat.

Salute to Independence Concert and Fireworks
Concert: 7:30 p.m
Fireworks: @9:45 p.m.
Antietam National Battlefield
Maryland Highway 65, Sharpsburg, MD 21782

INSIDER TIPS

Bring - Be sure to bring a blanket(s), plenty of water or soft drinks, and a flashlight. Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site.

Parking - Limited parking is available in the park and additional parking can be found on Rt. 65 and Rt. 34 bordering the park. Shuttle buses are provided from Route 34 between 3 and 11:30 p.m. but plan to walk another 300 yards or so. The cost is $2.00 round-trip and children under five are free.

Reserve your spot - Bring a tarp to mark your space in advance, but take note: Any tarp placed prior to 6 a.m., and/or not occupied by 7:00 p.m. will be removed. Label personal property with your name, just in case.

Patience – It’s a free concert, folks, so plan accordingly! More than 20,000 spectators are anticipated, so expect heavy delays. 

Lodging - If you decide to stay overnight, you'll find a few of the area's lodging options after the jump.

We're a few days away from July 4th, but the party is already starting in the city of brotherly love. The Wawa Welcome America Liberty Block party begins today on the west side of Broad Street in Center City, near the Shops at Liberty Place on 16th and Chestnut Streets.

The event starts from noon through 10 p.m. Due to the party, there are road closures in the following areas until midnight:

• Chestnut Street, between 15th and 18th streets
• 16th Street, between Ranstead and Sansom streets
• Ionic Street, between 16th and 17th streets
• Ludlow Street, between 17th and 18th streets

Get the full weekend events guide, including times, locations and tickets, here.

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Didn't have a chance to catch up on local news yesterday?

Miss Delaware Stripped of Crown: This is Not Fair
Amanda Longacre, a long-time Delaware resident, has been stripped of her title as Miss Delaware 2014 because she's too old.

Mother Brutally Beaten by McDonalds Worker Speaks
A young mother was brutally beaten in front of her 2-year-old son outside a South Jersey McDonald's in what may have been a fight about workplace gossip.

NJ Teacher Keeps Job After Reporting Kids' Sex Play
An Atlantic County kindergarten teacher who reported two five-year-olds after they emerged from a bathroom and said they had engaged in sex play will not lose her job.

Woman Killed in Motorcycle Crash
Delaware State Police are investigating a motorcycle crash that killed one person and seriously injured another.

Final Defeat for Students in "Redskins" Controversy
School administrators in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, have delivered a final blow to students hoping to ban the use of the word "Redskins" in their high school newspaper.

A young boy is fighting for his life after a hit-and-run in Camden.

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The 8-year-old boy was on Westfield Avenue and North 32nd Street Friday night when he was struck by a speeding vehicle passing by. The vehicle fled the scene east on Westfield Avenue towards Pennsauken, New Jersey.

The child was taken to Cooper University Hospital where he is currently in critical condition. According to witnesses, the hit-and-run vehicle is a red Dodge Charger. 

If you have any information on the driver’s whereabouts, please call Camden Police.

 

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. signed a development agreement with a local franchisee in order to expand its growth in the Philadelphia market, almost doubling its restaurant base from 23 to 40 by 2018.

In an effort to penetrate the Philadelphia market, Checkers sold three of its company-owned restaurants to Jay Pandya, a multi-unit Checkers franchise owner, and president and CEO of Rohan Group, through a development agreement. Pandya currently owns and operates more than 100 restaurants, including two Checkers locations in Allentown, Pa. and Bethlehem, Pa.

And this is big news, according to Jennifer Durham, vice president of franchise development of Checkers and Rally's Restaurants. Read more about the new complex on PBJ.com.

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For more breaking business news go to PBJ.com

Camilla Ware fought back the tears as she remembered the loved ones and home that she lost to an early morning fire in North Philadelphia.

"My grandparents lived in this house for 55 years," Ware said. "To see it destroyed in flames and not only that but to have my loved ones perish in the fire, is a pain that I can't even describe."

Ware's aunt, 69-year-old Gwendolyn Cofield and Ware's cousin, 5-year-old Lamar Anthony James, were killed in the blaze.

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The fire began around 12:05 a.m. at a home on the 1500 block of North 6th Street. Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer says there were heavy flames and smoke on the second floor that quickly spread throughout the house.

Cofield and her great-grandson Lamar were trapped in a third floor bedroom. While the home had working smoke detectors, investigators say the door was not shut in the room where the fire started and the victims did not have enough time to escape as the flames spread. By the time firefighters arrived, it was already too late.

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“One of the things that is also important is that if you have a fire in the home, you close the door so the fire doesn’t spread throughout the home,” Sawyer said. “Even though the victims were above the fire, the fire spread to the floor where the victims were at. If the people would’ve been able to close their doors, that would’ve brought them a little more time to be rescued.”

Cofield was loved by many in her neighborhood. According to residents, she helped keep the block clean and also threw a Father’s Day party for the men in the area.

"They were wonderful, beautiful people and they will be truly missed," said Ware, who was not home at the time of the fire. "We're a very tight, close-knit family and this is a really, really tragic time for us. We're just going to rely on our faith to get us through." 

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The Red Cross is currently assisting 12 other people who were affected by the fire.

The Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the cause.