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Protesters March on Mummers Parade, 2 Arrested

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A small group of demonstrators protesting police brutality, poverty and inequality marched on the Mummers Parade this New Year's Day. The demonstration ended with two people being arrested.

The group of about 50 marched toward the Broad Street parade route around 1 p.m. Friday and at one point tried to pushed past police to get into the street, but were held back. The demonstrators instead kept to the crowded sidewalks and walked down blocked side streets around Center City.

"I think this movement here has changed the conversation a lot," said Lucy Duncan as she held a large sign carrying a quote from writer Ta-Nehisi Coates above her head. "I think that the whole system needs to be changed in order for justice [to come] for all the black folks that are getting killed."

Peaceful and loud at times, protesters held signs reading 'Fund Our Schools', black, transgender, convict, homeless, and refugee lives matter and 'Justice for Tamir Rice' -- the 12-year-old black boy from Cleveland, Ohio who was shot by police as he held an air pistol. A grand jury did not indict the officers for the shooting.

Some protesters chanted "No Justice" as they marched.

The group picked the highly-visible Philadelphia tradition not only to garner attention for their cause, but to also take aim at the Mummers.

"I've been a Mummer twice. I love it. But at the same time there are things that go on inside it like systemic racism that I'm not OK with," said protester David Laverdure.

Baron Harwell, another protester, said some routines are racist as Mummers use black face. A routine in this year's parade featured Mummers dressed in tacos with brown face.

A wench brigade took jabs at Caitlyn Jenner with some holding signs with her photo on a Fruit Loops cereal box beside Bruce Jenner on a Wheaties box. Philadelphia's incoming mayor Jim Kenney called the display insulting and hurtful.

"It was bad. Hurtful to many Philadelphians. Our Trans citizens do not deserve this type of satire/insult," Kenney wrote in a Twitter reply.

A few parade spectators exchanged words with the group and booed.

"It rubs me the wrong way quite actually. There's a time and a place," said Jeff Pierce.

Two people were arrested for failing to comply with police's orders. Police said a 45-year-old man was charged with disorderly conduct and a 34-year-old woman charged with disruption of a procession.



Photo Credit: NBC10 - Mitch Blacher
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Here Comes Winter: 'It's GO Time!'

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Great Time for a “Seinfeld” Reference
Since I believe that practically anything in life can be explained using a “Seinfeld” reference, here is the way snow and cold lovers will feel when they see the new long-range forecasts. “IT’S GO TIME!”

(The expression is from the episode where Jerry accidently challenged senior citizen Izzy Mandelbaum to feats of strength. Izzy, played by Lloyd Bridges, would infer an unintended challenge and yell: “It’s GO TIME!”)

Why “Go Time” Now?
Even in this new era of extremes, December 2015 stands out. To break a monthly temperature record is significant enough, but it’s being broken by the greatest margin of any temperature record. If such a record is broken by ½ of a degree, that’s a big deal. This record will be broken by around SEVEN DEGREES!

You might remember the most recent super-mild December in 2011. That winter ended up with only 4 inches of snow. Half of the years on the list of Top 10 warm Decembers ended up with EIGHT inches or less. And the average was 11.7 inches (about half of “normal”). So, there obviously needs to be a huuuuge change in the overall weather pattern to get to a cold and snowy period.

Here Comes the Change
I’ve been showing upper-air maps for a couple of months, illustrating the changes that would result in an extremely mild November and December. Here are examples from early November and early December. These maps show cold air in the West and warm air in the East. And if you trace the line from Philadelphia westward, you can see where our air would be coming from. In both cases it was from the Central Pacific Ocean, where it’s plenty mild.

Now look at the forecast maps for January 1st and January 13th:

Now some blue colors show up in the Eastern U.S. Those represent below normal pressures. Remember the “Polar Vortex”? It’s that circle north of the Great Lakes and it’s moving closer to us. Trace the air back from Philadelphia and we see our air will be coming from Central Canada in the first map and near the North Pole in the second. So, the Arctic air will have a clear path to us. The lines being so close together represent unusually strong winds-a strong Polar Jet Stream. And the top map shows what is known as the Subtropical Jet Stream coming from Northern Mexico to North Carolina. This is the branch that brings much of the moisture and helps develop big storms. It is also something that comes with any strong El Nino, let alone the strongest ever recorded like this year.

There are other signs of the types of blocking patterns that often lead to cold and snowy weeks, or even months, as we’ve seen in some recent winters. But this time, the Subtropical Jet is even stronger. Warmer air holds more moisture, so the super-warm Pacific and Atlantic can provide more “juice”. The “super Jet” and “extra juice” have already helped to bring:

  • record warmth in the Eastern U.S.-from Maine to Florida
  • record late start to snow season in Buffalo & other cities
  • record flooding on the Mississippi River
  • record snowfall in parts of New Mexico and West Texas
  • rare multi-day tornado outbreaks in the South

More Records to Come?
In the past decade, there have been many records set in Philadelphia for:

  • warmest months
  • warmest year
  • hottest summer
  • snowiest winters (#1 and #2)
  • wettest day
  • wettest months and several more…..

With a record El Nino to add to the already volatile mix, more extremes are likely around here this winter and spring.

And the “Disputed” Factor?
While the earth is just finishing the warmest year in recorded history, we need to remember that approximately 90% of the added heat has actually gone into the oceans. Is it a coincidence that the most dominant ocean/atmosphere phenomenon is at record levels? Look at the latest map of ocean temperatures compared to “normal” (anomalies):

That bright red band in the Pacific is the El Nino. But also look at how “red” the Gulf of Mexico and Western Atlantic are! And the rest of the Eastern Pacific is much warmer than normal, too. How can we scoff at the potential influence of the overall warming on so much extreme weather? Weather and climate are different things. But eventually, climate changes can and do lead to weather changes if they are strong or persistent enough.

The wild ride continues…….

Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz
Chief Meteorologist, NBC10 Philadelphia



Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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The Gallery's East End Closes

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The east end of the Gallery at Market East shopping center has been shut down as the urban mall readies for a massive overhaul.

Developers will remake the once popular mall into The Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia featuring a mix of regular and discount stores and restaurants.

The closure will have an impact on commuters who use used the mall to make a shortcut to SEPTA's Jefferson Station.

Riders will now need to walk outside to stairway entrances for the station which services SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line, regional rail and PATCO.

The closure is phase one of the project which costs $325 million. It's on schedule to open in 2017.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Fire Deaths Hit Record Low in Philly

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Fewer Philadelphians were killed in fires last year than ever before in the history of the city's fire department.

Fire claimed the lives of 12 people in 2015, according to department stats.

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer said Friday the results are the lowest number of fire deaths in the department's recorded history.

Fire deaths have been declining over the past decade from a high in 2006 of 52. The trend was bucked in 2014, however, when 32 people were killed including Lt. Joyce Craig.

Sawyer, who took over as commissioner in 2013, has been big on educating the community about fire dangers and says more than 10,600 lithium battery powered smoke detectors were installed over the past year.

The reduction comes as incoming Mayor Jim Kenney conducts a nationwide search for a new fire commissioner to replace Sawyer.

In 2015, the fire department responded to more emergencies than the year before at 307,360.



Photo Credit: Nikki Martin

SEPTA Officers Start Wearing Body Cams

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SEPTA hopes all of its officers will wear body cameras in about a week.

Man Sues After Tripping Over Carpet in Sands Casino

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Fred Madorma, a man who tripped on a carpet at the Sands Casino Resort, wants $150,000 in damages because he injured his hip in the fall.

NBC10 First Alert Weather: Clear and Colder

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It's time for the heavy coats now that winter weather is back in the area. NBC10 First Alert Weather Chief Meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz has your full forecast.

Changes Come to Pennsylvania Turnpike Tolls

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Driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be different in the new year, and that’s all because the tolls are increasing by six percent starting on Sunday, to help fund roadwork projects.

Cashless Toll Comes to Bucks County

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If you are paying with cash while crossing the Delaware River - Turnpike Toll Bridge, you will no longer have to stop and pay, but will get a bill in the mail for the fare.

Broad Street Run Registration Starts Soon

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Anyone looking to take up running as their New Year’s resolution can look forward to registrations for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. It opens on February 1, 2016.

Officials Want to Bury Stretch of I-95 to Build Park

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Mayor Michael Nutter announced a plan to bury a stretch of Interstate 95 and create a new connection to Penn’s Landing. NBC10’s George Spencer reports with the new plans and with a timeline on how long this project will take.

Homophobic, Racist Acts Mar Mummers Parade

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Led by a group of drag queens in heels, the 116th annual Mummers Parade strutted into Philadelphia Friday.

But despite a push to make the parade more accessible for underrepresented communities like Latinos, blacks and gays, the annual folk tradition was mired in a series of racist and homophobic acts along the parade route.

Wenches from Finnegan New Year's Brigade centered their act around Caitlyn Jenner's transition to a woman. In the performance for parade judges in the shadow of City Hall, a man dressed as Bruce Jenner drops into a wheelchair and changes into a woman's costume while Aerosmith's "Dude Looks Like a Lady" played.

Behind the guy, group members held up signs showing Bruce Jenner on a Wheaties cereal box beside Caitlyn Jenner on a Fruit Loops box. The group later marched down Broad Street with the signs — some being held by young children.

Just south of Lombard Street, a Finnegan member was caught on video shouting "F--- the gays! F--- the gays!" at parade spectators. The man also posed for photos with the sign.

"It's unacceptable. There's no place for it in Philadelphia," said Nellie Fitzpatrick, the city's Director of LGBT Affairs.

"We will be working to prevent this disgusting display of bias, hateful behavior in the future," she said.

John Holtz believes it was members from the same brigade who assaulted him a few blocks away near Broad and South streets.

Holtz, who is gay, said he was walking his parents' Shih Tzu near the parade route when he came upon four Mummers who ventured off Broad Street to pee in an alley. Wearing red, white and blue dresses and face paint, the men began hurling homophobic slurs at him, he said.

"They start giving me some kind of crap, because I'm a big guy and I have this little fluffy dog," he said. "They were calling me faggot, calling me gay, and all this, and I'm right next to Broad Street, I see children playing right at the edge of the street."

Holtz said the comments got to him and when he went over to confront the men, they started attacking him.

"His buddy jumped in, clocked me in the face," he said. The assault left him with a large swollen welt on his cheek. "My friend ended up jumping on him and wrestled him, and before I knew it, they disappeared into the crowd and the cops were asking some questions."

Officers offered to take a report, but Holtz declined because he didn't want to ruin the rest of the day at the police station, he said.

NBC10 reached out to Finnegan N.Y.B. for comment about the act and incidents, but didn't hear back directly. On Twitter, the group said one member doesn't speak for the entire group.

"What a joke. Everyone is to sensitive. This is why we're in the comics," another tweet said.

The group wasn't the only brigade labeled insensitive by some officials and paradegoers.

Sammar Strutters' "Siesta Fiesta" act had the comics donning brown face and dressed in sombreros and ponchos. Some performers wore taco costumes.

A few Mummers carried signs reading "Mummers Lives Matter" and "Wenches Lives Matter" -- a take on the national Black Lives Matter movement protesting police brutality and inequality.

They carried the signs in the parade as about 50 protesters representing the actual movement demonstrated on the sidewalk. Two protesters were arrested as they tried to break onto Broad Street to disrupt the parade.

The controversial incidents came as city officials added a new division this year, called the Philadelphia division, grouping together lesser represented communities like Latinos, blacks and gays to foster openness and diversity.

Latino groups San Mateo Carnavaleros and Los Bomberos de Calle, black drill team Second 2 None and LGBT drag brigade Miss Fancy make up the division.

Responding to a tweet Friday evening, incoming Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney blasted the Jenner act.

"It was bad," he wrote. "Hurtful to many Philadelphians. Our Trans citizens do not deserve this type of satire/insult."

Rue Landau, director of the city's Commission on Human Relations, said the acts had no place in the parade or city.

"While the Commission appreciates that Mummers’ leadership took steps for a more diverse parade, more needs to be done to end these public displays of bigotry," she said.



Photo Credit: Anthony/NBC10

People Plunge Into Atlantic Ocean on New Year’s Day

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Many people spent their New Year’s Day plunging into the Atlantic Ocean for the annual Polar Bear Plunge. NBC10’s Ted Greenberg reports after being there for all the action at the Jersey Shore.

SEPTA Rolls Out Body Cameras for Officers

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The movements of every officer with Philadelphia’s main transit authority will be recorded while they are on duty.

Beginning on New Year’s Day, all members of the SEPTA Transit Police Department received body cameras.

When the plan was first announced back in August 2015, SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel said: "I'm doing this because I think that it gives our police department more credibility with the community -- that they'll have more trust with us, that they feel there's some kind of check and balance.”

Some officers who trained with the cameras last week are already wearing the devices. Nestel said every officer should be ready to use them within the week.

The transit authority spent nearly $300,000 on the cameras for the more than 270 officers who are expected to use them.

Each officer will be responsible for activating the camera to record any incident. Cops ignoring protocol will face "serious repercussions." And Nestel said, if he has his way, officers could be fired for not recording when they should.

SEPTA intends to hold a news conference this coming week to provide details on the program.



Photo Credit: NBC10

Rare Earthquake Hits New Jersey


It’s Almost Time for Broad Street Run Registration

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If you plan on running in the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia, registration is right around the corner.

Runners can begin registering for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run beginning February 1.

This year’s race will be held on May 1.

For the second straight year, NBC10 and Telemundo 62 will broadcast the entire race live from start to finish.

The race is the largest 10-mile road race in the county. The first Broad Street Run was held in 1980.

‘Goldo’ Looking for a ‘Furever’ Home

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NBC10’s Rosemary Connors and Michelle Grossman sit down with Amy from ACCT Philly to meet "Goldo," a fun and energetic small dog looking for a furever home.

Graduation Day for New Firefighters

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Eighty-two firefighters will join the Philadelphia Fire Department after a graduation ceremony for the cadets at Temple University’s Performance Arts Center in North Philadelphia.

Beloved Police K-9 Passes Away

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A police K-9 who was a loyal member of a police department in South Jersey for more than for three years has passed away.

The Winslow Township Police Department reports K-9 Zeus has died.

Zeus, a beloved member of the Department, graduated patrol school in 2009 and worked until 2012 when he had to retire due to a degenerative hip disease.

Zeus made valiant contributions to the WTPD with nine apprehensions and many patrol job assists.

A posting on the department’s Facebook page read: "We will miss him greatly."



Photo Credit: Winslow Township Police Department

Child Ejected After Van and Tractor Trailer Collide

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A child was ejected from a minivan after the vehicle collided with a tractor trailer on Route 1 in London Grove Township Saturday.

The accident occurred at milemarker 15.7 Saturday afternoon. The child was taken to DuPont Hospital. Officials have not yet revealed the child’s condition.

Crews are currently at the location of the crash though lanes are currently open.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.



Photo Credit: Anonymous
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