Quantcast
Channel: Local – NBC10 Philadelphia
Viewing all 60465 articles
Browse latest View live

2-Year-Old Pa. Boy Featured in NYC Billboard for Down Syndrome

0
0

Porter Thompson, like most two-year-olds, takes swim lessons at the YMCA and loves to watch Elmo on Sesame Street.

What sets Porter apart though is that he has an extra 21st chromosome which means he has Down syndrome.

Porter was picked to be featured in the National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) annual video presentation in New York City this year.

Porter’s picture is one of 200-some photographs that were hand selected by the Society out of over 2000 entries.

On Saturday, September 20 thousands of people will get to see what his mom Danielle describes as “a really big smile” displayed on a big billboard at Duffy’s Square right near the McDonalds.

Danielle, Porter and Porter’s grandmother will be traveling from their home in East Norriton to the big apple to see Porter make his video debut.

The video shows both children and adults who have Down syndrome and how they are living their lives with their friends and family by their side.

Porter is full of personality but isn’t walking yet. Danielle explained that weak ankle joints and low muscle tone is typical of those with Down syndrome.

To talk, Porter often uses sign language that his 4-year-old sister Penny helps him learn.

Porter is full of personality too. “He’s the kid you find sitting on top of the table,” Danielle said.

He also has some pretty mature taste buds for a toddler.

“He’s definitely our foodie.” Recently Porter had his tonsils and adenoids taken out and the day after surgery he was already asking for pizza.

Danielle also described her son as resilient and so these are some of the traits that the annual video presentation aims to capture.

Following the video Porter and his family will board a bus that will take them to Central Park where they will walk with thousands of others in the NDSS’s Buddy Walk that’s celebrating its 20th year.

It’s the first year the Thompson family will be participating in the NYC Buddy Walk but they have been involved in the local Buddy Walk since Danielle first found out she was pregnant with Porter.

“I’m a little Buddy Walk obsessed.”

On October 4th, Porter, Penny, Danielle and the rest of “Porter’s Peeps” will put their yellow marshmallow peep-colored shirts on for the CHOP Buddy Walk at Villanova University.

October marks National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Last year “Porter’s Peeps” had the largest team of walkers with them. Danielle recalled though what she felt as a mother the first year they participated in the walk.

The family was greeted by Radnor High School’s football players and cheerleaders and they were all cheering “Porter.”

“I felt their support then and I lost it.”

That kind of support continues to pour in for Porter.  “Porter’s Peeps” is one of the top fundraisers with close to $6,000 worth of donations.

Besides the 2 mile walk around the track, there is also moon bounces, face painting and other family-fun activities.

In the meantime fun planned for Porter on Saturday following the Central Park Walk includes a trip to the toy store and hopefully a picture with Elmo.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia


Trooper Cruiser Involved in I-95 Accident

0
0

A person is entrapped after an accident involving a state police trooper police car on I-95 in Tinicum Township, Delaware County.

The accident occurred about 11:30 a.m. on I-95 near New Bartram Avenue.

Two lanes are getting by on I-95 Southbound.

It is unknown if the civilian or a state trooper has been entrapped. Injuries have been reported, but are unknown at this time. Medics are at the scene.

This is a developing story and updates will be posted here.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia

50 Immigrants Become US Citizens on Constitution Day

0
0

Fifty immigrants gathered at the National Constitution Center for a Naturalization Ceremony to become American citizens Wednesday morning.

Car Bursts Into Flames at Philly Int'l

0
0

A car on the tarmac at Philadelphia International Airport was engulfed in flames late Wednesday morning. No word on what caused the car to erupt, but no one was injured in the fire.

Preliminary Hearing for Man Charged in Duffel Bag Death

0
0

Jeremiah Jackson, the man charged with killing Art Institute student Laura Araujo in July and putting her body in a duffel bag, is in court today for a preliminary hearing.

What Parents Need to Know About Car Seat Safety

0
0

NBC10's Vai Sikahema talks to Kelsy Stenger, a Child Passenger Safety Technician at CHOP, about what parents need to know about car seat safety.

Photo Credit: AP Images

Outpouring for Baby Who Died After Pregnant Mom Shot

0
0

Dozens of people have raised thousands of dollars for the funeral of a newborn baby as authorities continue to search for the man accused of fatally shooting the infant's pregnant mom on a Philly street Sunday morning.

A GoFundMe page for Nicolleta Rose, the daughter of 25-year-old Megan Doto, was launched Tuesday -- the same day authorities named 27-year-old Devon Guisherd as a suspect in the pregnant woman's murder.

"Baby girl Nicolleta Rose survived but due to the amount of time she lacked oxygen to the brain she could not live," according to the fundraising website. "Nicolleta fell asleep in her paternal [grandmother's] arms, joining her mother in heaven."

More than $3,000 was raised in less than a day on the site, which indicated a funeral for the infant will be held Saturday. Doto believed she was having a boy and planned to name him Carmine, but the baby turned out to be a girl. 

Leann Hill, a coworker of the paternal grandmother, created the GoFundMe campaign hoping to ease funeral costs. Hill says anything left over will go to Doto's surviving two children. 

Doto was eight-months pregnant with Nicolleta when she was shot while sitting with a man outside a home on the 1500 block of Adams Avenue in the city's Frankford neighborhood Sunday, according to officials.

Medics rushed Doto to Temple University Hospital where she underwent an emergency c-section. Doctors pronounced Doto dead a short time later, according to police.

The deceased woman's boyfriend, who is the father of the newborn, said the baby girl died less than an hour after her delivery. Hospital officials said that the child died Monday at 1:13 a.m.

An arrest warrant was issued for Guisherd, of the 4200 block of Penn Street in the city's Frankford section, late Tuesday morning.

"He's considered armed and extremely dangerous," Philadelphia Police Captain James Clark said. "He has a very violent history and we need to get him off the streets." 

Clark said they were able to identify Guisherd as the suspect through tips from the public. 

"When you have a young lady and you have a newborn baby that never was given a chance, I just think it touched their hearts," Clark said.

Family members of the suspect insist Guisherd is innocent, but investigators are still searching for the man who they are calling a fugitive.

Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts is urged to contact police at 215-686-3334 or 3335.



Photo Credit: http://www.gofundme.com/ejsxog

WATCH: Man Uses Banana to Rob Grocery Store

0
0

Police are searching for a man who was caught on camera using a banana to rob a local grocery store.

The man entered the Tejada Grocery store on the 3800 block of Poplar Street Tuesday around 9:15 a.m.

Surveillance video shows the man picking up a banana from a counter and placing it inside his sweatshirt.

Police say the man then approached the 24-year-old store clerk and pointed the banana through his sweatshirt at her as if it was a handgun. He then allegedly demanded money and cigarettes from the clerk.

The man grabbed an undetermined amount of cash and fled on a bicycle, according to investigators. He was last seen riding his bike on 40th Street towards Wyalusing Avenue.

The suspect is described as a thin man standing between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-11 and weighing 140 pounds. He was last seen wearing a hooded sweatshirt with “Pacific Coast Hollister 19” on the front in red lettering and black pants.

If you have any information on the man’s identity, please call 215.686.TIPS (8477).
 

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia



Photo Credit: Philadelphia Police

Meredith Vieira Reveals #WhyIStayed

0
0

Amid the ongoing domestic violence controversy surrounding NFL player Ray Rice, Meredith Vieira opened up about her own past struggle in an abusive relationship as part of the #WhyIStayed movement.

“I want to explain to you why I stayed,” she told her audience in a pre-taped segment that aired Wednesday on her talk show.

During the segment, Vieira described how difficult it was to leave a former boyfriend who physically and mentally abused her. She stayed with the man partly out of fear, but also out of guilt, she said.

“Every time we would have a fight he would then start crying and say, 'I promise I won't do it again' and I would feel like maybe I contributed, somehow, to this,” she said. “And they are saying this about Ray Rice's wife, that it takes two to tango.”

The situation escalated one evening when the man threw her naked into a scalding shower, and then threw her outside into the hallway of their apartment building where she was forced to hide in a stairwell for two hours until he came, she revealed.

The video of Ray Rice hitting his now-wife, Janay Rice, prompted many on social media to ask the question of why she stayed with him. A victim of domestic violence, Beverly Gooden, explained why she stayed and began the Twitter campaign #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft, motivating other victims of domestic violence to share their stories.

The national conversation has unfolded ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness month in October.

“We all have to accept the fact that it's not just an issue with the NFL, it's an issue with all of our lives and until we take it seriously, more and more women are going to get abused,” Vieira said.

Despite knowing how difficult it can be to escape an abusive relationship, Vieira said she would advise her daughter Lily, 21, to leave.

“We didn't have shelters when this was happening to me. There was no hotline. I would say call the hotline," Vieira explained.

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence has information about keeping yourself safe.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia

Woman's Ears Nearly Fall Off After Brutal Assault

0
0

A homeless woman is fighting for her life after she was brutally assaulted in Camden.

Investigators say 54-year-old Sharleene Lightfoot was attacked sometime between 10 p.m. Monday and 1 a.m. Tuesday on or near Mount Ephraim Avenue in the area of Sheridan and Jackson streets. They also say more than one person may have been involved in the beating.

“It looked like she was dragged somewhere and beaten several times,” said Camden County Police Captain Greg Carlin.

Despite her severe injuries, Lightfoot miraculously managed to walk to Virtua Hospital and check herself in. 

“If it wasn’t for the grace of God getting her to the hospital by herself, she walked there and she collapsed, she wouldn’t be with us today,” said Lightfoot’s sister Rachel Robertson.

Lightfoot’s ears were nearly severed off after the attack. She also suffered several lacerations, head trauma and a collapsed lung. She is currently intubated and in critical condition.

“She has a broken eye socket,” Robertson said. “She has three fractured ribs and her face looks like a watermelon. She has blood on the brain. And someone did this to her.”

Several days after the brutal assault, police are still trying to track down the culprits, which has been difficult due to Lightfoot’s condition.

“There were some things that she managed to say,” said Captain Carlin. “It sounded like she was trying to say there was more than one perpetrator. We’re not certain of that.”

Lightfoot is scheduled for another surgery Thursday. After that, police and family members are hoping she’ll be able to provide more details about what happened.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. If you have any information, please call Camden County Police at 215-546-TIPS.
 

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Man Shot, Killed Inside Chester City Home

0
0

A man was shot and killed inside a Chester City home Wednesday evening.

The victim, an unidentified man in his 40's, was inside a home on the 1100 block of Hancock Street around 6:20 p.m.

Investigators say the man did not live at the home and several other people were inside with him. While he was inside the family room, an unidentified gunman opened fire.

The victim was struck in the torso. He was pronounced dead at the scene after police arrived.

The suspect is described as a man in his early 20's wearing a red and black leather coat.

This story is developing. Stay with NBC10.com for updates.
 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

PHS Fall Festival

0
0

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) celebrates the start of fall this weekend with their ever-growing Fall Festival!

 

In addition to the crowd-pleasing Plant Dividend Tent (for new and existing members) and exclusive sneak peek at the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show (Lights, Camera, Bloom!), you’ll uncover a fertile crop of activities happening all around the Navy Yard grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Highlights include live music, a farmer’s market where you can hunt and gather locally-grown produce (including organics), a garden market featuring all sorts of plants and garden tools and a pop-up Franklin Flea Market for digging up antique, vintage, handmade and up-cycled treasures!

 

 

Keep the little tykes entertained with crafts, races and other activities designed to educate, engage and entertain in The Kids Zone. Cultivate new skills by participating in DIY workshops, or harvest fresh ideas for your own garden from on-site experts.

 

Afterward, toast to your newfound knowledge in the alfresco, pop-up beer garden provided by the Yards Brewing Company. That'll make your visit to the Garden Bounty (flower arranging, herbs and vegetables) or Garden Giants contest areas even more interesting!

 

 

Entertainment Lineup

 

 

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Jesse & the Revelator
12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Greg Davis
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Independence School of Rock Band

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. - 2stock Acoustic Band

 

 

For more information, visit PHS.org, after the jump!

 

 

If you can’t make the festival (and even if you can), be sure and visit the PHS Pop-up Garden on South Street, open daily through October.

 

 

Insider Tips

 

 

Festival admission and parking are free. For driving directions, follow the click. If you prefer public transportation, hop on SEPTA’s Route 17 Bus to the Navy Yard.

 

PHS Fall Festival
Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Navy Yard Parade Grounds
South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19112

 



Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Philly Celebrates Signing of Constitution

AC Council Votes to Ban Sale of Toy Guns

0
0

City Council members approved a plan Wednesday night that will make it illegal to sell or own realistic-looking fake guns in Atlantic City.

In a 9-0 vote, council members approved an ordinance that will ban the sale, possession or use of any imitation firearm that isn’t bright, transparent or in fluorescent colors, according to the Atlantic City Press. The ordinance will also ban the sale of toy pistols with metal caps to minors.

Authorities and officials in Atlantic City pushed for the ordinance, claiming that fake guns were often used to commit real crimes.

“Our police officers have been finding these guns being used in robberies and attempted robberies,” said George Tibbitt (D), an Atlantic City councilman. “It’s gotten way out of hand.”

While the fake guns are supposed to have bright red tips to indicate they’re not real weapons, police say a toy they recently seized was difficult to distinguish from a real gun once the tip was taken off.

“Our police department has gone into the stores and found the red tips taken off,” Tibbitt said. “Some of the salesmen will actually even show you how to take that red tip off.”

Under the ordinance, violators will face a maximum fine of $50 and up to 30 days in prison. The ordinance is now awaiting the mayor’s signature.

NBC10's Ted Greenberg contributed to this story.

Copyright Associated Press / NBC 10 Philadelphia



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Urn Containing Ashes Found Near River

0
0

Police in South Jersey are trying to reunite an urn with ashes inside with its rightful owner.

The urn was found partially buried along the Great Egg Harbor River in Hamilton Township back in July of 2013. Over a year later the owner has not come forward.

The urn has the word “Mom” engraved on the side. If you have any information on the owner, call Detective Frank Schalek at 609-625-2700 ext. 567.
 



Photo Credit: Hamilton Township Police

Counselor Accused of Stealing iPads From School

0
0

A counselor is accused of stealing a dozen iPads from a South Jersey elementary school.

Fardiea Mitchell, 40, of Willingboro, New Jersey was arrested and charged with theft Wednesday.

Mitchell allegedly stole 12 Apple iPads valued at $4,800 in all from the Twin Hills Elementary School in Willingboro Township. The theft was first reported back on September 9.

During the investigation, Mitchell was named a person of interest and was eventually charged after being questioned by investigators.

Officials say Mitchell is a Crisis Intervention Counselor with the Willingboro School District and had access to the stolen iPads while working with a summertime program at Twin Hills. Investigators believe Mitchell acted alone in the theft. He was lodged in the Burlington County Jail in default of $5,000 cash bail with 10% option.

The missing iPads have not been found and police continue to search for them. Investigators also say there is no connection between the incident and a previous theft of Apple iPads from the school district that was reported back in February 2013.
 



Photo Credit: Willingboro Township Police

Coach Accused of Harassing Players

0
0

Delaware State basketball coach Tamika Louis was reassigned after a parent accused her of threatening and harassing her players. NBC10's Tim Furlong has the story.

Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Thief Steals Instruments From Local Elementary School

0
0

Police are searching for the thief or thieves who stole nearly $4000 in instruments from a Bucks County elementary school.

Investigators say the culprit broke into the Brian Heckman Elementary School on Maple Avenue and Cherry Street in Langhorne at some point between midnight and 7 a.m. Tuesday. Once inside, the thief entered the modular music room and stole six violins, a trumpet and a clarinet. The total replacement cost for the stolen instruments is approximately $3,700.

“I think it’s pretty said,” said Casey Shtino, the mother of a student at Heckman. “It’s in the back of the building and it’s for the kids. Why are you taking things from kids?”

Middletown Township Police are handling the investigation. If you have any information on the theft, please contact them at (215) 949-1000.
 

Assistant Coach Allegedly Connected to Gay Couple Attack

0
0

An assistant coach for a local high school basketball team was fired Wednesday for his alleged connection to the attack on a gay couple in Center City.

Police say the man, who has not been officially charged, is a person of interest in last Thursday’s assault on two gay men. Police are in the process of interviewing several persons of interest after they released surveillance video and photos of a group of men and women who may have been involved in the attack.

Sources told NBC10 some of the alleged attackers were alumni of Archbishop Wood Catholic High School in Warminster, Pa. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia told NBC10 that one of the persons of interest was also the assistant basketball coach at Archbishop Wood.

“He was not a teacher at the school but serving as a coach on a contract basis. He was terminated this evening and will not be permitted to coach in any Archdiocesan school,” the spokesperson said. “We expect all those who work with students in our schools to model appropriate Christian behavior at all times.”

Archbishop Wood also released a statement earlier Wednesday on the alleged attack:

Earlier today, Archbishop Wood High School became aware that some of its former students were allegedly involved in the assault of two men in Center City last week. This afternoon, administrators communicated with the entire Archbishop Wood school community to make it emphatically clear that the school does not, under any circumstances, tolerate or condone the violent and hateful behavior displayed by those who took part in this senseless attack.
 
Administration also stressed that Catholic schools are centers of learning where students are expected to treat each other in a Christ-like manner at all times and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. The actions of those who took part in the attack are reprehensible and entirely unacceptable. They are not an accurate reflection of our Catholic values or of Archbishop Wood High School.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

$1M Powerball Ticket Sold in Philly Set to Expire

0
0

Almost one year ago, a lucky person bought the winning Powerball ticket at a Center City newsstand. But that person’s luck could soon run out if he or she doesn’t come forward and claim the prize…fast.

The $1 million ticket was sold at Loges Newsstand on 101 S. 18th Street back on September 18, 2013. The ticket matched the first five numbers of 7, 10, 22, 32, and 35 but not the Powerball of 19. The person who bought the ticket will only win the $1 million prize if he or she comes forward on Thursday, the final deadline to claim it.

“I know I’d be looking through my drawer if I had it on that day,” said Steven Letnianczyn, a regular customer at Loges.

Balbar Singh, who works at Loges, hopes the winner comes forward in time, and not just for the winner’s benefit. According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, the business that sells the winning ticket wins $10,000. But if the ticket goes unclaimed, the business may not be able to collect all of the money.

“That’s not good because we get commission too,” Singh said.

Another deadline is also soon approaching for the winner in last year’s Mega Millions drawing. The $250,000 ticket was sold at Hansa Newsstand on 3501 N. Broad Street on September 27, 2013 and matched the first five numbers of 9, 23, 27, 49 and 51 but not the Mega Ball of 38. September 26 is the deadline for the person to claim the $250,000.

Click here for directions on how to claim your lottery prize.
 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com
Viewing all 60465 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images