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Did Phil "Forecast" Early Spring?

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Keep those winter coats on — Pennsylvania's famed Punxsutawney Phil groundhog has predicted six more weeks of winter.

Phil emerged from his lair in front of thousands of revelers around dawn Monday and was said to have seen his shadow.

A German legend has it that if a furry rodent sees his shadow on Feb. 2, winter will last another six weeks. If not, spring comes early.

In reality, Phil's prediction is decided ahead of time by a group called the Inner Circle on Gobbler's Knob, the tiny hill in the town for which he's named about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

Records going back to 1887 show Phil has predicted more winter 101 times while forecasting an early spring just 17 times. There are no records for the remaining years.

If it's any consolation, those hoping for an early spring can take comfort in another groundhog's prediction on Monday.

Staten Island Chuck in New York City didn't see his shadow.


Man Who Confessed to Murder at Bus Stop Denied Bail

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LATEST STORY: Social Worker Assassinated After Uncovering Staffer's Embezzlement of $40K, Police Say


The man who confessed to carrying out the execution-style murder of his co-worker as she waited for the bus last month was denied bail at his arraignment Sunday night.

Randolph Sanders, 36, was charged with the murder of Kim Jones at his arraignment in a Philadelphia courtroom overnight after he allegedly confessed to crime earlier Sunday, police said.

Jones, 56, was shot in the back of the head by Sanders, who was dressed in all black, on the morning of January 13 at 12th and Jefferson Streets, investigators said. Police sources said Sanders stalked the mother-of-two and newlywed before carrying out the crime.

Detectives tracked him down using surveillance video that captured his SUV near the scene, according to sources.

"He's an absolute scumbag, said Jean-Paul Jourden, Jones' son. "That's all I can think about this guy. To shoot a human in broad daylight in front of people and leave her on a corner." 

Both Sanders and Jones worked at Turning Points for Children, a non-profit program that provides parent education and family support services. Jones served as the director of the program while Sanders served under her as the assistant director. Sanders had worked at Turning Points for over two years according to CEO Mike Vogel.

"Through this entire investigation we worked closely with the Philadelphia Police Department and are relieved that they have found her killer, but devastated by the discovery," Vogel said in a released statement.

Sources told NBC10 Sanders believed Jones was planning on reporting to officials that he was misappropriating funds. To save his reputation, Sanders killed her before she could make that report, according to sources.

"Turning Points for Children is working to understand why this tragedy occurred, and fully cooperating with authorities," Vogel said. "Additionally, we will begin conducting our own internal investigation. Since Kim's senseless and tragic death, we have provided grief counselors to all our employees. We will continue to make those services available in light of today's news."

Earlier Sunday, crime scene investigators scoured the shooting scene for new evidence that may have been missed in their initial sweep. It's unclear if anything new had been found. Jourden, meanwhile, is still trying to cope with everything that has happened.

"It will get to the point where I'm just completely happy that the person is caught," he said. "But right now, at this moment, I'm more furious than happy." 

Sanders is also facing multiple gun charges.

His next court appearance is February 18.



Photo Credit: NBC10/Family Photo

Trial Begins for Day Care Worker

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The trial for Karen Thompson, a former day care worker charged with endangering the welfare of five children including two infants, will begin Monday. Authorities say she allegedly left the kids in a car while she went grocery shopping.

NJ Travel Changes, State Delays

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Non-essential state employees in New Jersey are not required to be into work until 10:30 a.m. in order to give road crews plenty of time to clear the snow and ice. Meanwhile, New Jersey Transit is cross-honoring tickets today to help with uncertain travel conditions.

Sledding Safety Tips

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A study warned about sledding dangers in 2010. Click here for more.

Some towns are even talking about banning sledding.
 
And here's some safety tips for families on Kids' Health:

Choose the Right Hill

When hills get coated with snow, they may all look like great locations for sledding. But not all hills are safe. Choose yours carefully. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

  • Select a hill that is not too steep and has a long flat area at the bottom for you to glide to a stop.
  • Avoid hillsides that end near a street or parking lot.
  • Avoid hillsides that end near ponds, trees, fences or other hazards.
  • Make sure the hill is free of obstacles such as jumps, bumps, rocks, poles, or trees before you begin sledding.
  • Choose hills that are snowy rather than icy. An icy slope makes for a hard landing if you fall off your sled.
  • Sled during the daytime, when visibility is better. If you go sledding at night, make sure the hillside is well lit and all potential hazards are visible.

Dress for Success

Since sledding involves playing in the snow outdoors during wintertime, chances are it's going to be cold. Frostbite and even hypothermia are potential dangers. So is hitting your head. Be sure to wear the proper clothing to stay warm and safe.

  • Wear sensible winter clothing — hats, gloves or mittens, snow pants, winter jacket, snow boots — that is waterproof and warm, and change into something dry if your clothes get wet.
  • Avoid wearing scarves or any clothing that can get caught in a sled and pose a risk of strangulation.
  • Wear a helmet designed for winter sports. If you don't have a ski or winter sports helmet, at least wear the helmet you use for biking or skateboarding.

Get more now on Kids' Health.



Photo Credit: dawn Kearns

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.

Man Confesses to Co-Worker's Execution-Style Murder at North Philly Bus Stop: Sources

A man has confessed to carrying out the execution-style murder of his co-worker as she waited for the bus last month, police sources tell NBC10.

Whitney Houston's Daughter in Coma After Being Found Unresponsive

Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of late singer Whitney Houston, is in a medically induced coma after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub, relatives told NBC affiliate WXIA.

Nationwide's Dark, Depressing Super Bowl Ad Causes Outrage on Twitter

Usually, there are two types of Super Bowl ads. There are the really funny, silly ones that make us laugh. And then there are the touching, heartwarming ones that make us well up a bit.

Ex-Power Ranger Kills Roommate With Sword: LASD

An actor who played a Power Ranger on TV fatally stabbed his roommate with a sword during a fight at their home Saturday in Palmdale, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said.

Dog Undergoes Surgery After Eating Pair of Boots

A dog is recovering after veterinarians removed a pair of women’s boots from his stomach.



Photo Credit: Surveillance Image Released by Philadelphia Police

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

Patriots Win The Super Bowl, Again: The New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24 on Sunday, claiming their 4th Superbowl title under head coach Bill Belichick. Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady,was selected as the Super Bowl's most valuable player; hit 3rd MVP title. 

In between the game were tons of commercials, including some commercials that caused outrage among viewers; and a half-time show performance by Katy Perry, who wowed the crowd with her surprise guest, Missy Elliott.

YOUR FIRST ALERT FORECAST

Rain is still falling in some parts of the city this morning, after a wintry mix fell throughout the region Sunday night. Expect to see some icy spots during your morning commute. Conditions will improve throughout the day as temperatures climb into the 40s. High temp: 47 degrees. Get your full NBC10 First Alert forecast here.

WHAT YOU MISSED YESTERDAY

Man Confesses to Murder of Co-Worker at North Philly Bus Stop: Investigators say the man who carried out an execution-style murder of 56-year-old Kim Jones at a bus stop in North Philadelphia last month, was her co-worker. Police say 36-year-old Randolph Sanders confessed that he stalked Jones and shot her in the back of the head at 12th and Jefferson Streets on January 13.

Sanders and Jones worked at Turning Points for Children, a non-profit program that provides parent education and family support services. Jones served as the director of the program while Sanders served under her as the assistant director. Find out more about what sources believe was the motive for the crime here.

AROUND THE WORLD

Trial of Ex-Patriot Aaron Hernandez Delayed by Weather: The murder trial of ex-New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is being delayed by a snowstorm that is expected to deliver more than a foot of snow in Massachusetts on Monday. Parts of New England are still recovering from the more than 30 inches of snow which fell last week. Hernandez is charged in the June 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd, who was dating his fiancee's sister. Find out when the trial resume here.

TODAY'S TALKER

Bobbi Kristina Brown, Daughter of Whitney Houston in a Coma: Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of late singer Whitney Houston, is in a medically induced coma after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub. Her father, Bobby Brown released a statement Sunday requesting privacy and saying his daughter needs "love and support at this time."

According to Roswell police, Bobbi Kristina Brown's husband, Nick Gordon, and a friend found Brown unresponsive in the bathroom of their Roswell, Georgia home, on Saturday. When police arrived at the home, Brown was not breathing and was not conscious. Police gave Brown additional care until she was taken alive to North Fulton Hospital in the north Atlanta suburbs.

SPORTS SPOT

Patriots Win: The New England Patriots made a major 4th quarter comeback against the Seattle Seahawks to win Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday. The Flyers send Petr Straka to the Phantoms.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

See more Top News Photos here.

THROUGH IGER'S EYES

@Jordanparenti took this great, black and white photo of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the U.S.

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

TODAY'S VIRAL VIDEO

Comedic duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, better known as Key & Peele do a hilarious parody of an NFL press conference with Seattle Seahawks players Marshawn Lynch (a man of few words) and Richard Sherman (a man of many). Watch the hilarious sketch here.

A LITTLE SWEETENER

Happy Groundhog Day: It's Groundhog Day, the day that Pennsylvania's beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil will forecast the end of winter. According to German legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow,winter will last another 6 weeks. If not,spring will come early. Watch the groundhog  make his appearance live 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


This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story on our mobile site.

2-Year-Old Falls from Window

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A toddler was rushed to a hospital after falling from a second story window overnight Sunday.

The two-year-old fell from a window in a home on the 1800-block of Susquehanna Ave, in North Philadelphia around 3 a.m., officials said.

The child was taken to Hahemann Hospital and is in stable condition, said police.


Wet Roads Impact Morning Commute

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The rain as well as melting snow is making for slick roads and NBC10's Jesse Gary is letting you know what you need to be aware of as you set out for the morning commute.

Montco Bridge Closed for Emergency Repair

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Commuters who rely on Easton Road Bridge in Cheltenham, Montgomery County are out of luck Monday morning because the bridge was closed overnight, police said.

Cheltenham Township Emergency Management made the closure annoucement on their Facebook page around 2:30 a.m.

 

Church Road between Bickley and Limeklin will remain closed until about 1 p.m. Monday while workers make emergency repairs on the bridge.

An official annoucement will be made when the bridge reopens.



Photo Credit: NBC10

NBC10 First Alert Weather: Wet Weather, Tricky Commute

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It's a slushy commute for most drivers in the Delaware Valley as overnight snow continues to melt with increasing temperatures expected to go up to 44 degrees today. Meanwhile parts of the Lehigh Valley are still dealing with icy roads as well as school closings and delays.

Domestic Violence Commercial's Local Impact

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NBC10's Katy Zachry checks in with a local women's shelter -- A Woman's Place -- to see what kind of impact a domestic violence awareness commercial that aired during the Super Bowl had in light of the recent Ray Rice and NFL scandal.

Air Force Base Runway Closed for $98M Reno

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The runway at Dover Air Force Base in Kent County will be closed for a $98 million refurbishment project to replace cracked concrete and asphalt that is expected to be completed next year.

Tractor-Trailer Crashes on Slippery Road

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NBC10's Matt DeLucia is in StormForce10 checking out road conditions in Lehigh County where crews are working to clear a jackknifed tractor-trailer.

Tractor-Trailer Spills Fuel, Shuts Down Road

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A tractor-trailer crash that caused fuel to spill in Montgomery County has a road shutdown for an undetermined amount of time, according to Lower Merion Township Police.

The intersection of Conshohocken State Rd. and Youngs Ford Rd. were shut down Monday morning after a crash involving a tractor-trailer caused fuel to spill all over the roadway.

An alert was sent out by Lower Merion Twp. informing drivers of the incident.

No word on what caused the crash.

Crews were on the scene cleaning up the spill.

It's unknown at this time how long the intersection will be closed but township officials are asking drivers to use Montgomery Rd. as an alternative.



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

SEPTA Police Investigating Trolley Brawl

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SEPTA Police are investigating a violent, caught on video brawl on a trolley over the weekend.

The attack took place on the transit authority's Route 10 line at 11:23 p.m. Saturday night as it ran westbound toward West Philadelphia, SEPTA officials tell NBC10.

In the video recorded by a passenger and first published by blogger Brian P. Hickey, a group of people punch, stomp and kick a person laying on their back in the trolley's aisle. (The video was posted below, but the owner has since removed it from public view.)

At the same time, another group wails on a person sitting in a seat further up the trolley.

When people begin yelling that police were being called, the group moves toward the center of the vehicle. But fists keep flying.

SEPTA officials said the brawl lasted for some time before the trolley was stopped at 49th and Lancaster Streets.

Police will be releasing additional information later Monday.

This story will be updated.



Photo Credit: Brian Gregory
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story on our mobile site.

Police Sgt. Charged in Gun Turnover Case

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A Philadelphia Police sergeant has been charged with failing to identify himself while trying to turn over handguns to his colleagues in a different police district, prosecutors said.

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office on Monday charged Sgt. Brandon Ruff with one count of False Identification to Law Enforcement Authorities.

NBC10 first told you about the case involving Ruff last August. The 28-year-old was taken into custody while trying to anonymously give up three handguns to the 35th District in North Philadelphia. He was in plainclothes at the time.

Ruff, an 8-year-veteran last assigned to the 16th District, told NBC10 he was given the guns by an unidentified community member and simply wanted to get them off the streets with no questions asked.

That plan didn't pan out, however, as police asked for his name and where he obtained the weapons. He eventually gave a fake name, Ryan Jones, and birthday, prosecutors said.

When Ruff tried to leave, officers followed him and took him into custody outside. Ruff said he was treated unfairly and was brutalized. He filed a lawsuit against the department regarding the incident.

Ballistics showed all three guns were registered to different owners. One gun was reported stolen in a 2010 burglary in South Philadelphia, officials said.

A Philadelphia Police Department spokeswoman said Ruff will be fired after a standard 30 day suspension.


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



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Wet Conditions May Freeze Over

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Drivers are urged to be cautious in slippery conditions as temperatures are expected to drop causing Monday's rain to freeze. NBC10's Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz has the details.

Lawmakers Push to Ban Powdered Caffeine

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Pa. Senator Bob Casey and other legislators are calling on the Food and Drug Administration to stop businesses from selling caffeine powder.

10 Staffers Could Be Disciplined in Fire Dept. Sex Scandal: Sources

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As many as 10 Philadelphia Fire Department staffers could face disciplinary action for their role in a sex scandal currently under investigation by the city, sources close to the probe tell NBC10.

Fire officials are holding meetings this week with those directly involved in the scandal that centers around a female paramedic, according to sources.

Sources close to the investigation said while upward of 40 staff members have been interviewed, only 10 or less appear to be directly involved and could face discipline.

NBC10 previously learned officials have been investigating claims the paramedic engaged in sexual acts with multiple co-workers in firehouses across Philadelphia while they were both on and off-duty. She also allegedly shared nude pictures with some staffers.

Former Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers told NBC10 last week the alleged acts came to light after the woman filed an equal opportunity employment complaint with his administration. Ayers said his Special Investigations Unit began looking into the case before transferring it to the city’s Inspector General.

The fire administration and the firefighters’ and paramedics union, IAFF Local 22, are hoping to wrap up the case within weeks and move on from the embarrassing scandal, sources said. But a quick resolution could be slowed as staff members hire attorneys to represent them. Attorneys for the female paramedic at the center of the scandal said they could not comment citing the ongoing probe.

Current leaders have been mum on the investigation, only acknowledging its existence. During an appearance on NBC10 News @ 11 a.m. Monday, current Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer declined to comment until the investigation was finished. However, he did say he expects departmental polices to change as a result of the case.

“I think you always have to look at ways you can improve your organization and I guarantee that it will change departmental policy,” he said.


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

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