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11 Displaced by West Philly House Fire

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An late night fire has left nearly a dozen people without a place to live.

The fire started just around 10:30 p.m. Saturday inside a rowhome along the 100 block of North Lindenwold Street in the Haddington section of West Philadelphia, fire officials tell NBC10.

Eleven people made it out of the home without injury, officials said. It was brought under control shortly before 11 p.m.

The American Red Cross is assisting the residents affected by the fire.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Drexel Student Wins $100K Halftime Prize

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Paying for graduate school just got a whole lot easier for Drexel University student Mike Dodds thanks to a couple of football throws.

Dodds, a biomedical engineering master's student from Lenola, Pennsylvania, won the $100,000 grand prize in the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway on Saturday night.

The student had to throw as many footballs as possible into an opening in an oversized Dr Pepper soda can during halftime of the nationally-televised ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In a mere 30 seconds, he got 14 into the can.

"I'm pretty much a puddle of emotions right now," Dodds wrote on his public Facebook page. He went on to thank his family and friends for their support.

Dodds went head-to-head against another college student from North Carolina. That student won $20,000 toward his college tuition.

In a video submitted to the competition, Dodds said he'd like to open a company that will design and build implants and prosthesises for people.



Photo Credit: Dr Pepper
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High-Rise Fire Sends 2 to Hospital

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Paramedics took two women to the hospital after an early morning fire inside a Center City high-rise.

The fire broke out around 5:45 a.m. Sunday at the apartment building located at 20th and Market Streets in Philadelphia, fire officials tell NBC10.

It was brought under control just before 6 a.m., officials said.

Two women were taken from the building to Hahnemann University Hospital by ambulance. They were alert and wearing oxygen masks, but their official condition was not immediately known.

No word on damage or a cause.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Parking Kiosk Glitch Gives Drivers Free Parking

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A glitch with the Philadelphia Parking Authority's parking kiosks in the city has prompted the agency to open the spots up as free parking on Sunday. And officials say some drivers may have been unfairly ticketed because of the issue.

The tall green kiosks accept cash and credit card payments for a number of spots in Center City and University City.

Parking authority (PPA) spokesman Marty O'Rourke said there is an issue with the kiosks wirelessly transmitting credit card information.

On Sunday, the PPA will not be ticketing people who park in spots covered by the kiosks. Drivers still need to pay at single payment meters and adhere to other parking rules, O'Rourke said.

Officials are working to fix the issue, which began on Friday, but are not clear on when that might happen. If the kiosks are still not transmitting credit card data on Monday, drivers will have to use cash, O'Rourke said.

The problem began on Friday and PPA officials said some drivers may have been incorrectly ticketed because of it.

They are telling anyone who believes they were unfairly ticketed to email their Customer Service Department at sruiz@philapark.org.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Man Hit on I-95 While Helping Driver in Crash

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A man, who police say was trying to help a fellow motorist, is now fighting for his life after being hit by a vehicle on a busy stretch of Interstate 95 early Sunday.

The man was helping a driver who had gotten into a single car crash in the southbound lanes of the highway at the Route 291 exit in Tinicum Township, Pennsylvania when he was hit, Delaware County dispatchers tell NBC10. He was struck around 4:45 a.m.

The man was taken to nearby Crozer-Chester Medical Center where he remains in critical condition, officials said.

Police have closed off three lanes of the interstate at Exits 9A-9B as they investigate the incident. Drivers are being forced off the highway at the exit and then directed back on further down the highway.

Search for Shane Heads to the Linc

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Family and friends of missing college student Shane Montgomery are taking their search to Sunday's Eagles game as the investigation into his disappearance stretches into its 11th day.

The Montgomery family will be handing out fliers to Philadelphia Eagles fans outside Lincoln Financial Field starting at 11 a.m. Sunday. They are hoping someone may have a clue as to where the 21-year-old West Chester University student may be.

"We are still looking for selfies, videos on Main Street with something in the background that might resemble Shane," Karen Montgomery, Shane's mother, told NBC10 on Saturday. She wore a green ribbon Saturday to honor her son. Searchers have been tieing green ribbons to poles around town to keep Shane's search top of mind.

Shane has not been seen since leaving Kildare's Irish Pub in Manayunk early Thanksgiving morning. The last signal from his cellphone was recorded along Main Street around 2:30 that morning. Police and the FBI are investigating the case, but so far have not uncovered many leads.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for anyone who can provide information that will lead the Roman Catholic High School alum's whereabouts.

Following the Eagles game canvassing, the searchers will return to Northwest Philadelphia where they will take part in a 6 p.m. mass and rosary service at St. John the Baptist Church.

Shane, who weighs about 140 pounds and stands 5-foot-11-inches tall, was wearing a buttoned- down gray shirt, gray hoodie and jeans when he left the bar. He also has a unique Celtic cross tattoo on his shoulder.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Philadelphia Police at 215.686.TIPS or the FBI at 215.418.4000.



Photo Credit: Family Photo

Beanie Sigel Remains Sedated, Critically Hurt After Shooting

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Beanie Sigel remains sedated and unable to talk with investigators after being shot outside his Jersey Shore home two days ago.

The Philadelphia rapper, whose real name is Dwight Grant, is in critical condition following surgery at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Friday, Pleasantville Police tell NBC10 on Sunday.

Sigel was rushed into surgery after being shot in the stomach as he returned to his Pleasantville home along the 800 block of Spruce Avenue. He had just dropped his kids off at school when the gunfire erupted.

The 40-year-old's attorney said it appeared that Sigel was not the intended target in the shooting. Police believe the shooting took place after an argument outside the home.

Pleasantville Police said officers executed a search warrant at the home on Saturday. They did not elaborate as to what they were looking for or what may have been found.

Detectives have been questioning several people in the case including a man that jumped from a car after fleeing the scene. They've been trying to talk with another victim, 22-year-old Umar Salahuddin, who was involved in the altercation. Police say he has been uncooperative and that his family owns the home.

Investigators are also waiting to speak to Sigel, but so far have been unable to get his side because of the severity of his injuries.

Sigel was shot a day before his federal probation ended. He had been under home confinement following his release from federal prison this summer where he served two years for tax evasion.

No one has been arrested in the shooting.

The rapper had three albums make it into the top five on the Billboard charts and was signed to Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records for a time. He has a concert, "Beanie Sigel: The Return," scheduled for Dec. 18 in Philadelphia.

NBC10's Ted Greenberg contributed to this report.


Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.



Photo Credit: Getty
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Man Found Stabbed to Death Inside Home

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A man was stabbed to death inside a home in the Strawberry Mansion section of the city Sunday morning.

The 54-year-old man was found inside a home on the 2500 block of West Dakota Street at 9:21 a.m. with a stab wound to his upper left chest. He was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:55 a.m.

While at least one person was taken into police custody, no one has been charged in connection to the stabbing.

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



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Protesters Stage "Die-In" Outside of Eagles Game

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Protesters staged a "die-in" outside the South Philadelphia Sports Complex following Sunday's Eagles game in solidarity with Mike Brown and Eric Garner. Check out pictures of the demonstration.

Protesters Stage "Die-In" Outside Eagles Game

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Protesters staged a "die-in" outside the South Philadelphia Sports Complex following the Eagles game Sunday night in a show of solidarity for Mike Brown and Eric Garner.

Clergy leaders with Philadelphia Organized to Witness Empower & Rebuild (POWER) called for a “Solidarity Die-In” which took place at the northeast corner of Broad and Pattison Streets. Around 200 protesters gathered outside the complex for the demonstration around 7 p.m.

Around 7:45 p.m. they laid down in the middle of the intersection for about four minutes and thirty seconds.

"It's symbolic of the four hours and thirty minutes that Mike Brown laid dead in the streets of Ferguson," a POWER spokeswoman said. 

The demonstration was one of many sparked by the recent grand jury decisions not to indict the police officers involved in the deaths of Eric Garner and Mike Brown.

Brown, 18, was killed after being shot several times by Officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9 in Ferguson, Missouri. Wilson said Brown, who was unarmed, assaulted him and charged at him which prompted him to open fire in self defense. Brown's family and some witnesses disputed Wilson's report however. A grand jury declined to indict Wilson in the case prompting violent riots in Ferguson as well as protests nationwide.

Garner, 43, died July 17 in Staten Island, New York after police officers attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. Officer Daniel Pantaleo was caught on video wrapping his arm around Garner’s neck as the heavyset asthmatic repeatedly yelled, “I can’t breathe!” Garner was pronounced dead at the hospital an hour later.

On Dec. 3 a grand jury decided not to indict Pantaleo, a decision which also sparked nationwide protests.

"While the protests are in response to these two incidents, the demonstrators say they are fed up with a justice system that has no regard for African Americans," the POWER spokeswoman said. "Black teenagers are 21 times more likely to be shot dead by police than their white counterparts according to national statistics. Protesters say the overarching problem is structural, systemic, institutionalized racism."

Whether they were frustrated by the Eagles' loss to the Seahawks, the fact that the demonstration blocked traffic or a combination of both, some Eagles fans were not happy with the protest.

"I think it stinks," said one fan. "People have to leave."

Some of the fans chanted "a**holes" and "get a job" as the die-in took place. Aside from that however, there were no reported confrontations or violent incidents.

"Yeah they were shouting rude things," said Raheem Manning, one of the protesters. "It just shows that this matters. We're getting awareness out." 

After the die-in, the demonstrators stood up and continued protesting, chanting "Black lives matter," "Hands up, don't shoot," and "I can't breathe" before finally leaving the area.

"This is the first one I've been to and I thought it was an important one, during a big event where a lot of people who may be ignorant to our cause are here," Manning said. "I think the issue is you grow up as a young black male. I'm college educated but I still have the fear a cop may bother me for no reason."

As the demonstrators chanted, "Hands up, don't shoot," one Eagles fan, Ryan Shane, decided to chant back.

"Hands up don't be a criminal!" Shane shouted. "Hands up don't attack police officers! Hands up be a good citizen!" 

Shane later spoke to NBC10's Randy Gyllenhaal.

"I think it’s an absolute tragedy that that young man was killed," Shane said. "I feel terrible for the police officer. And I feel terrible for the family and I feel terrible for that young man losing his life. It's an absolute tragedy. But you know what? Hands up, be a good citizen. If a police officer tells you to do something, do it." 

Philadelphia Police closed the intersection at Broad and Pattison for about 20 minutes for the die-in demonstration. They also thanked the demonstration organizers for giving them advanced notice. The intersection was later reopened to traffic.

"First and foremost we gotta protect life," said Philadelphia Police First Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross Jr. "So we're out here to do that and make sure people get home safely. The fans and the demonstrators." 

No arrests were made during the demonstration, according to police.



Photo Credit: NBC10.com
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Infant, 4 Others Dead in NJ Fire

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Five people, including a 6-week-old baby, were killed Sunday in a New Jersey blaze that ripped through three homes and filled the area with smoke for hours, officials said. 

All of those who died in the blaze in East Orange were related, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

They were identified as: Alice Horton, 79, Breiona Love, 20, Lanore Carter-Love, 6 weeks, Randy Horton, 56, and Ronnie Horton, 60.

One family member, a woman who was not identified, escaped the fire by climbing out a window and onto the roof. She was rescued by firefighters.

The fire on North 17th Street was reported at around 6 a.m. Four hours later, firefighters were still spraying water on the homes and smoke still filled the street.

As news of the deaths spread, family members gathered at the site, crying and consoling each other. 

Chante Williams said she saw the flames from her kitchen window.

"I saw a lot of debris. I saw a lot of smoke. A lot of firemen working very fast, very effectively to get that fire out," she said.

Car Crashes Into Pole, Driver Hurt

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A car slammed into a utility pole in South Jersey overnight leaving its driver in very critical condition.

Investigators didn’t immediately reveal what caused the crash at Westfield and Sherman avenues in Pennsauken, Camden County.

The driver, a man in his 30s, was rushed to Cooper University Medical Center in very critical condition, according to police.

The force of the wreck left the one of the car’s tires in the roadway and the car wrapped around the police.



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

A Token Farewell: SEPTA Slowly Gets Modern

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Philadelphia's public transit system that still uses metal tokens and paper transfers — yes, in the 21st century — appears finally to be moving into the era of debit cards and pay-by-cellphone technology.

Riders can now see evidence of SEPTA Key, the long-awaited smart card system for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. Dozens of computerized kiosks, turnstiles and fare boxes have popped up in stations and on vehicles, and testing begins this month.

"We see this project as taking us in the fare payment industry from last place to first place," said Kevin O'Brien, SEPTA senior program manager.

What exactly does "last place" mean? Let's start with Philadelphia being one of the few cities in North America to still use tokens for buses, subways and trolleys. Chicago stopped selling them in 1999, followed by New York in 2003 and Boston in 2006. (Though Toronto continues to use them.)

However, SEPTA doesn't have token machines at every station, and cashiers aren't always on duty. When they are, they don't necessarily sell tokens; sometimes, they just accept exact change for the $2.25 cash fare — which, by the way, is higher than the $1.80 token cost.

Oh, and token machines don't take credit cards.

This is how the nation's sixth-largest transportation system operates? Incredibly, the answer is yes.

Which leaves a lot of ground to cover to reach "first place." But officials say that SEPTA Key, when fully implemented, will be the most comprehensive and seamless fare system in the U.S., offering multiple payment options and integration with commuter trains.

Every subway station will have kiosks that accept credit and debit cards. Riders with microchipped bank cards or a cellphone app can pay right at the turnstile or bus fare box. And forget about those paper bus transfers — Key cards recognize connected trips and deduct accordingly.

SEPTA has been promising the changes at least as far back as 2007 but didn't award the $130 million contract until 2011. The program was delayed by funding problems such as reductions in state aid and other mandated safety spending, agency spokeswoman Jerri Williams said.

SEPTA officials are coy about when customers will finally get Keys to the system; they say only that it should roll out in 2015 and be completed the following year. That's comparable to the five years it took Boston to fully deploy its CharlieCard system.

The Key card can't come soon enough for Catherine Anderson. The subway station closest to her west Philadelphia home doesn't have a token machine, and the cashier booth isn't staffed during off-peak hours.

"I just find that really frustrating," said Anderson, 31. "I don't know why there aren't token machines everywhere."

SEPTA does sell weekly and monthly passes that commuters can swipe in turnstiles and fare boxes. But they can't be renewed; riders have to wait in line to purchase new ones from an attendant at the start of each week or month. With the new system, those passes will be available — and renewable — at any kiosk, anytime.

Ravi Bayanker, who recently moved to Philadelphia, still can't believe his credit cards are useless in the current arcane system. He recently paid $5 to ride the subway because he had no tokens and the booth attendant wouldn't make change.

"What business in America doesn't give change to its customers?" he said.

Williams acknowledged the custom is cumbersome for riders, but she said it's efficient for SEPTA.

Bayanker longs for the MetroCards he previously used in New York, which he could load with money and use it at his leisure. "I just want a SEPTA pass with $100 on it," he said.

That will happen eventually, and Bayanker will even be able to add value to the card online. For now, he's better off stocking up on tokens, which are still used by 22 percent of riders, according to SEPTA officials.

The agency hasn't yet announced a phaseout date for tokens.

As troublesome as they can be, Anderson has a soft spot in her heart for the metal coins. She and her boyfriend even dressed up as a token and token machine for Halloween — whimsical costumes that brought a lot of attention on the street and on social media.

"We thought, 'We have to do it this year because next year the tokens may be gone,'" Anderson said.

Fire Burns for Hours at Vacant Apartments

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Firefighters battled a stubborn blaze early Monday at an abandoned Philadelphia apartment building known to be used by squatters.

The blaze broke out around 1 a.m. in a vacant apartment four-story building along Arrott Street near Oakland Street in Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood.

Firefighters quickly got to the scene but more than four hours later the fire continued to burn in certain parts of the building. A firefighter suffered cuts to his face.

Neighbors were evacuated from their homes and kept warm inside SEPTA buses.

Firefighters didn’t know an immediate cause for the blaze but they said that fire has broken out at the property before including a suspicious blaze last week. A squatter often seen at the property wasn't seen Sunday night, according to neighbors.

Crews blocked off Arrott Street throughout the morning as they battled the blaze. The firefighters finally squashed the flames around 5 a.m. and let nearby residents back into their home. But, around 6:30 a.m. flames started up again.



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Philly Steak Shop Holds Fundraiser for Shane's Family

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A day after family and friends of a missing college student took their search to Sunday's Eagles game a Philadelphia cheesesteak shop will hold a fundraiser for Shane Montgomery.

Monday marks 12 days since Shane vanished while barhopping with friends in Manayunk the night before Thanksgiving.

Chubby's Steaks along Henry Avenue in Shane's Roxborough neighborhood will donate a portion of all proceeds from 11 a.m. Monday to midnight to the Montgomery family.

"We at Chubby's pray for Shane's safe return," read a post on Chubby's Facebook page.

The Montgomery family has tireless handed out fliers in hopes someone remembers seeing Shane. Part of that effort included handing out info to Eagles fans outside Lincoln Financial Field Sunday, hoping someone had a clue as to where the 21-year-old West Chester University student may be.

"We are still looking for selfies, videos on Main Street with something in the background that might resemble Shane," Karen Montgomery, Shane's mother, told NBC10 on Saturday. She wore a green ribbon Saturday to honor her son. Searchers have tied green ribbons to poles around town to keep Shane's search top of mind.

Shane has not been seen since leaving Kildare's Irish Pub in Manayunk early Thanksgiving morning. The last signal from his cellphone was recorded along Main Street around 2:30 that morning. Police and the FBI are investigating the case, but so far have not uncovered many leads.

A $50,000 reward is being offered for anyone who can provide information that will lead the Roman Catholic High School alum's whereabouts.

Shane, who weighs about 140 pounds and stands 5-foot-11-inches tall, was wearing a buttoned- down gray shirt, gray hoodie and jeans when he left the bar. He also has a unique Celtic cross tattoo on his shoulder.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Philadelphia Police at 215.686.TIPS or the FBI at 215.418.4000.



Photo Credit: Family Photo

10 at 7: What You Need to Know Today

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Here are the 10 things you need to know to start your day from your friends at NBC10.

TODAY'S TOP STORY

SEPTA To Toss Tokens: Philly's public transit system is getting a major--and some would say, long overdue--upgrade. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has announced plans to officially begin testing its new computerized fare system that would do away with tokens and paper transfers.

Find out exactly when the new system will be up and running and why SEPTA senior program manager Kevin O'Brien believes the change will take the city's transportation authority from last to first place in transit.

YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST

It's cold today and temperatures are falling, making way for rain and snow that is set to arrive soon. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

Search for Shane at the Linc: Family and friends of missing college student Shane Montgomery converged outside Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday to hand out fliers to Philadelphia Eagles fans. Montgomery's mother said she hoped that someone would have a clue as to where her son might be. Montgomery has been missing since Thanksgiving morning. He was last seen leaving Kildare's Irish Pub in Manayunk.

AROUND THE WORLD

Death Toll Rises After Typhoon Hits the Philippines: At least 21 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful typhoon moved through the Philippines. Hundreds of thousands of families that were evacuated ahead of the storm returned to their battered homes on Monday. Typhoon Hagiput made landfall over the weekend, hitting some of the same areas of the Philippines that were devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan last year. 

TODAY'S TALKER

Protesters Stage Die-In Outside Eagles Game: Hundreds of protesters staged a die-in outside of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex following the Eagles game on Sunday in a show of solidarity for Mike Brown and Eric Garner. The protest was led by clergy with Philadelphia Organized to Witness Empower & Rebuild (POWER).

The protest snarled traffic, as demonstrators laid down in the middle of the intersection at Broad & Pattison Streets for about four minutes and thirty seconds. Read more about Eagles fans' reactions to the protest here.

SPORTS SPOT

Eagles Lose Battle of the Birds: The Eagles took a loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but remain in third place in the NFC division. CSNPhilly has the details.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

See more Top News Photos here.

THROUGH IGER'S EYES

There's many ways to view a bridge. Here's a different look at the Ben Franklin as captured by @ghostgonewild.

Have an awesome Instagram photo you'd like to share. Tag it with #NBC10Buzz.

TODAY'S VIRAL VIDEO

Anything can happen in a New York City subway. This is, by far, one of the coolest things we've seen in a while. Self-described folkadelic band Coyote & Crow do an impromptu cover of "Me and My Uncle" by the Grateful Dead. Watch as folks waiting for the train join in the fun with dancing.

A LITTLE SWEETENER

Porta-Potty Rocket Launch: A rocketry club in Michigan took "one small step for mankind" this weekend when it launched a porta-potty into the sky. The makeshift rocket flew into the sky and landed nearly 2,000 feet from its launching spot. Read more on the 'Potty Rocket' here.


That's what you need to know. We've got more stories worthy of your time in the Breakfast Buzz section. Click here to check them out


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In Case You Missed It: Yesterday's Top Stories

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Didn't have a chance to catch the news? Here are yesterday's top stories.

Protesters Stage 'Die-In' Outside Eagles Game
Protesters staged a "die-in" outside the South Philadelphia Sports Complex following the Eagles game Sunday night in a show of solidarity for Mike Brown and Eric Garner.

Beanie Sigel Remains Sedated, Critically Hurt After Shooting
The Philadelphia rapper, whose real name is Dwight Grant, was in critical condition following surgery at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Friday, Pleasantville Police told NBC10 on Sunday.

Delaware Teen Dead After Being Hit by Truck
A 17-year-old died after being struck by a truck near Bowers Beach.

Necrophilia Motivated Stepdad in Killing: DA
Necrophilia motivated a man to fatally shoot his stepdaughter last month, according to a Pennsylvania prosecutor.

Parking Kiosk Glitch Gives Drivers Free Parking
A glitch with the Philadelphia Parking Authority's parking kiosks in the city has prompted the agency to open the spots up as free parking on Sunday.



Photo Credit: AP

Driver Shot to Death Through Window

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A gunman opened fire on a man inside a car on Hortter Street in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.

Mo'ne Davis' Big Honor

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Little League baseball phenom Mo'ne Davis will receive the Sports Illustrated "Sports Kid of the Year" award.

Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated for Kids

29 Displaced, 2 Hurt in Newark Blaze: Firefighters

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Dozens of people were displaced and two firefighters were hurt after a four-alarm blaze ripped part of a block in Newark early on Monday, fire officials say.

The fire broke out on the third floor of a home on Bloomfield Avenue at about 1 a.m., according to Newark fire officials and residents.

Flames quickly jumped to three other adjoining buildings, torching several apartments and businesses in the process. Each of the buildings was heavily damaged.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control at about 3:30 a.m., firefighters say. No residents were injured, but two firefighters had minor burns.

Twenty-nine people were forced out of their homes, firefighters say. The Red Cross brought in a bus to keep the residents out of sub-freezing temperatures.

It’s not clear what sparked the blaze.

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