Philadelphia welcomed an iconic speaker Wednesday night when the University of Pennsylvania hosted Caitlyn Jenner.

Jenner spoke at the Philadelphia university alongside Penn alumnus Buzz Bissinger -- who has done multiple interviews with Jenner both before and after her transition.

Jenner -- a former Olympic champion in decathlon -- became one of the most well-known transgender celebrities after her transition in 2015. Jenner has remained in the spotlight since her transition, often speaking about her experience. She is currently writing a memoir.

"I am not the normal story in the trans community," Jenner said during Wednesday night's event.

Tickets to the event at Irvine Auditorium quickly sold out. 

A homeless man dumped a woman's body along a quiet Bucks County road after she overdosed in North Philadelphia, said police.

Bensalem Police arrested Erik Finnegan for abuse of a corpse after they found Stephanie Machen's body along Mill Road near State Road – not far from the Poquessing Creek – Tuesday morning.

Police searched for clues after finding the 25-year-old Norristown woman's body in the shadow of Interstate 95.

On Wednesday, investigators said Finnegan admitted to dumping Machen's body. A judge arraigned him on an abuse of corpse charge and sent him to county prison on $10,000 bail.

Police said despite the arrest the investigation into Machen's death continued and asked anyone with information to call 215-633-3719.

Philadelphia parents will have to stock up on protective gear if their children plan to ride a hoverboard in the city. 

Philadelphia City Council passed a bill on Tuesday requiring children under 12 years old to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards whenever they are riding a “self-propelled mobility device”.

The bill was introduced in late January by Councilman William Greenlee after numerous reports of injuries related to the devices.

“I was shocked by the number of stories I heard around the holidays of people, both adults and children, sustaining serious injuries from falling off a hoverboard,” Greenlee said in a statement. “I think this legislation makes sense especially in a city with uneven sidewalks.”

Violation of the law will result in a fine of $25.

Two days after a Chester County woman was granted a protection from abuse (PFA) order, her husband raped her and attacked and terrorized both she and her cousin, according to investigators.

"This is a classic and terrifying case of domestic abuse, with violence masquerading as love," said District Attorney Tom Hogan in a statement about the Valentine's Day attack.

The victim was granted the temporary PFA Friday after her husband threatened her with a knife, Hogan said. She changed the locks in her West Nottingham home and her cousin stayed overnight with her for protection. 

Sunday morning, Hogan says the husband -- armed with a butcher knife -- kicked in the front door. He stabbed the victim's cousin twice in the chest, sliced him in the face with a box cutter and beat him with a wooden statue, according to police. He choked his wife until she became disoriented and threatened that every time she spoke, he would stab her cousin again, according to police. 

During the attack, the wife was able to call 911 and hide her cell phone with the line open. 

Police say the attacker raped his wife and was threatening to kill her, the cousin and then himself when state troopers arrived.

"Unfortunately, we have seen over and over again that the time of greatest danger for a woman is the exact moment when she is separating herself from her partner," said Deputy District Attorney Michelle Frei, the county's lead prosecutor for domestic violence cases.

The victim and her cousin were hospitalized. He needed surgery for his stab wounds and was in stable but serious condition three days after the attack.

The husband, who we are not naming to protect the identity of the rape victim, was charged with rape, attempted murder and related charges.

Neighbors called police in the Lehigh Valley after their homes suddenly rattled for several minutes Tuesday morning.

People living along the 2500 block of Ringhoffer Road in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania reported shaking windows and doors around 10:10 a.m., said Lower Saucon Police.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the IESI Bethlehem Landfill on nearby Applebutter Road had experienced an issue with its gas flare/air intake system that caused the flare to emit a pulse that “transmitted through the ground,” said police.

Residents on nearby Sherry Hill Road also felt the tremors, said police.

Crews at the landfill released a pressure valve to stop the shaking, said police.

Investigators asked anyone who might have felt the shaking to call them at 610-317-3110.

In a statement on Wednesday, Al Schleyer, district manager of Bethlehem Landfill, said that all equipment at the landfill was operating property, but that high winds had created an "influx of air" into the gas-collection system, causing a loud noise to emit from the mechanical system.

Schleyer said there was never a threat to public safety or the environment.

"We want to know and address the issues and concerns of our neighbors," Schleyer said in part, adding, "We appreciate the input, as this dialogue creates a foundation for positive relationships and future partnerships. Whatever the issue, we will work to resolve it with integrity and professionalism."

When a call comes in for a house fire, and firefighters roll out, they aren’t alone.

Many times, so-called fire chasers arrive before the Fire Department, and the Philadelphia Firefighters Union President Andrew Thomas tells the NBC10 Investigators some of these fire chasers can get in the way.

“They actually get a jump on getting to the scene,” Thomas said. “Their trucks can get in the way. They can prevent medic units from getting in. Or they can prevent medic units from getting out.”

The companies are restoration companies, which repair homes, and insurance adjusters, which work with insurance companies. Thomas says the fire chasers can get aggressive, and cross fire lines.

NBC10 Investigative reporter Harry Hairston recently went to several house fires, but none of the fire chasers at the scenes wanted to answer our questions.

Now, lawmakers are stepping in. Philadelphia Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell wants to make sure the restoration companies are regulated, and has proposed new legislation to do so. Insurance adjusters are already licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.

“The city can know that they’re licensed and that they’re legal and that they know what they’re doing,” Blackwell said.

This change would also impact restoration companies who come to scenes of water main breaks, and other home disasters.

Blackwell wants restoration companies put on a list, so they can easily be identified as licensed workers at the scenes.

If a fire chaser comes to your door:

• Consider having a lawyer look over any agreement before you sign.
• Consumers in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania all have three days to rescind a contract.
• If you have a problem with a public adjuster, file a complaint with the insurance department in the state.

A Philadelphia detective escorted a man out of police headquarters and after going out of view of the security cameras kicked him in the knee hard enough to break his leg, authorities said Wednesday.

Adam O'Donnell, 43, a detective with the special victims unit, was suspended with intent to dismiss after being charged with aggravated and simple assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, obstructing administration of law and official oppression.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Five didn't immediately return a call seeking comment on O'Donnell's behalf.

The Philadelphia district attorney's office alleged that O'Donnell was escorting a 45-year-old man out of the special victims unit on Feb. 3 when he kicked the man in the knee.

Prosecutors said the victim was able to stand but couldn't put any weight on the leg, and O'Donnell put him in an unmarked police vehicle and drove him to the Hunting Park neighborhood where he lives and then dropped the injured man off "on a random roadside." The victim was later treated for a femur fracture, "continues to walk with a limp" and is still being treated, prosecutors said.

"A senseless attack on one Philadelphian is an attack on all Philadelphians," District Attorney Seth Williams said in a statement, adding that he hopes the defendant is reminded that "when law enforcement does something to clearly hurt a complainant, it will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

O'Donnell, who was hired by the department in 2006, was one of two offices injured in a shootout that ended with the death of a suspect more than five years ago. Police said the officers pulled over a minivan that ran a red light in west Philadelphia on New Year's Eve in 2010, but the suspect opened fire when officers approached and they returned fire and killed him.

O'Donnell was hit in the stomach but was protected by his bulletproof vest and was treated at a hospital and released.

Police said Commissioner Richard Ross has suspended O'Donnell for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.

There are new calls for action against a birth control device that some say is dangerous and harmful to women.

Women across the country have reported numerous health problems which they claim were related to the birth control device “Essure.” Now a Pennsylvania congressman is speaking out, claiming he’s also uncovered hundreds of unreported deaths.

Essure is a metal coil implanted into a woman’s Fallopian tubes that’s designed to block pregnancy. Tamara Monroe of Levittown told NBC10 she immediately experienced problems when she used it.

“It was a horrible experience,” Monroe said. “I had a lot of fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, very bad abdominal pain, heavy bleeding.”

Monroe isn’t the only one who reported a bad experience with the device. A Facebook Page devoted to complaints about Essure has more than 27,000 followers. Those complaints drew the attention of Bucks County congressman Mike Fitzpatrick.

On Wednesday, Fitzpatrick announced he was pushing to have Essure pulled from the market until further safety studies are done. He also called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pull its approval.

“Women are being harmed,” Fitzpatrick said. “Citizens are being harmed.”

Fitzpatrick claimed the FDA did not adequately follow up on the device after complaints were made. Fitzpatrick also said there are massive inconsistencies regarding the number of deaths linked to Essure.

“They’ve been telling me that with respect to Essure there have been five fetal deaths,” Fitzpatrick said. “If you actually read the narratives of those reports that have been filed, those complains, the number exceeds 300.”

At a recent FDA hearing about the device, several doctors spoke in favor of Essure. Bayer HealthCare, the maker of the device, also sent NBC10 a statement on Fitzpatrick’s comments:

“We are aware that Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick held a press briefing on February 17th related to Essure® permanent birth control.

“It is not true that an investigation revealed “unreported” deaths with Essure.  Bayer reports adverse events to FDA consistent with FDA regulations.  The referenced data is also publicly-available.  While no method of contraception can offer 100% efficacy, Essure offers women a highly effective method of permanent birth control.  Irrespective of the type of birth control a woman uses, when pregnancies do occur, there can be complications.  It would be irresponsible to suggest that Essure causes fetal deaths when, after an unsuccessful Essure procedure, an undesired pregnancy cannot be carried to term.  In the post-market data, there is no data showing any increased risk of miscarriage and other complications compared to pregnancies in similar-age populations.  Ectopic pregnancies and blighted ovum are not considered fetal deaths and can occur for a multitude of reasons not related to Essure.   Moreover, the medical literature on pregnancy outcomes with Essure primarily comes from closely-monitored, desired pregnancies after Assisted Reproductive Technology1 and does not report high rates of premature membrane rupture, preterm labor or delivery, or serious complications.  

“The Congressman's statements repeat unfounded allegations from an unsealed legal or “qui tam” complaint.  These allegations were made over a year ago and the United States Department of Justice thoroughly investigated them.  After its investigation, DOJ declined to intervene and prosecute the case.  The qui tam plaintiff also voluntarily dismissed the case.  DOJ has closed its investigation. The matter is now fully concluded.

“Bayer is also aware of quotes on the number of members of a private Facebook group.  It is unreliable to cite that number of group members as if it were the number of Essure patients experiencing adverse events from the device.  Without transparency, the public cannot confirm how many members of the page are Essure patients, let alone confirm the nature of their health complaints, if any.

“As the federal authority responsible for assessing the continued safety and efficacy of medicines and devices, FDA held a meeting of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee in September to seek expert advice on the safe and appropriate use of Essure.  Contrary to other reports, the post-market data disclosed and discussed at this meeting did include ectopic pregnancy and preterm pregnancy complications.  There was agreement among the Panel members that Essure is an important contraceptive option and the Panel provided advice for FDA and Bayer to consider. We anticipate FDA to release a communication on that discussion by the end of this month.

“Choice of contraception and the decision to use a permanent method is a very personal one that should be made between a woman, her partner and her healthcare provider. Not every option is right for every woman. This is why choice is so critical. Tubal ligation and, actually, pregnancy itself, carry risks, which can be serious. 

“Bayer is particularly concerned about statements that may be creating an atmosphere of unfounded fear, or that may be encouraging women who are not experiencing adverse symptoms from Essure to seek removal of Essure.  The safety and efficacy of Essure, the only FDA-approved method of permanent birth control with a non-surgical procedure, is supported by more than a decade of science, as well as real world clinical experience, with the product studied with more than 10,000 women since Essure was first developed.”

Staff members at a Delaware elementary school are apologizing after a sarcastic “Hurt Feelings Report” was accidentally sent to parents.

The Lombardy Elementary School, located in Wilmington, mistakenly emailed the report to parents as an attachment. The sarcastic form states that its purpose is to “assist whiners in documenting hurt feelings.”

A spokesperson for the Brandywine School District told NBC10 in Philadelphia that a Lombardy Elementary School staff member accidentally attached the form to an email informing parents of upcoming school events and news.

“The attachment was something that had been sent to them from a person external to the school,” the spokesperson said. “It was not an official document of Lombardy Elementary or the Brandywine School District. This was an embarrassing mistake, but it was just that – a mistake. It should not have happened, and we apologize for the error.”

Under the “Injury” section of the form, it asks, “Did you require a tissue for tears?” It also lists “I am a wimp,” “I have woman/man-like hormones,” “I am a crybaby,” and “Two beers is not enough,” as possible reasons for filing the report.

“Tell us in your own sissy words how your feelings were hurt, as if anyone cared,” the report states.

The principal of Lombardy Elementary sent a recorded phone message to all parents apologizing for the form, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also told NBC10 a corrected email was sent to parents Wednesday afternoon.

Parents told NBC10 the email was an unfortunate mistake but they don’t believe it was a reflection of the school.

A Montgomery County man who allegedly transported millions of dollars’ worth of heroin in car batteries across several states was arrested in one of the biggest drug busts in the county’s history.

David Pacheco of East Norriton was arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and other related offenses.

Pacheco’s arrest was the culmination of a nine-month investigation involving several agencies, including the DEA, Pennsylvania State Police, and four local police departments. Pacheco was first identified in April of 2015 as a suspect in a major heroin operation involving Atlanta, Montgomery County and New York City.

Officials say Pacheco, who owned D&J Towing in Norristown, made at least nine trips, starting in September, 2015, to New York City to service wholesale heroin buyers. During each trip, Pacheco drove to Atlanta where he received kilos of heroin that were stored in retrofitted, working car batteries, according to police. He then allegedly drove to Montgomery County and then to the Bronx where he was paid for the heroin. Police said he then returned to Georgia with the drug money.

Pacheco’s final trip occurred on January 10. He was pulled over by State Police at the King of Prussia Plaza toll on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Police said they found three kilos (6.6 pounds) of heroin with a street value of over $1 million stored in a car battery inside his vehicle.

Pacheco was arraigned and held in the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $1 million bail.

“Heroin is cheap, it’s deadly and it’s impacting the lives of too many families in Montgomery County and across the United States. We have severed an artery in a significant heroin trafficking organization, ultimately stopping the flow of this deadly drug into and through our area by David Pacheco,” said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. “Taking more than three kilos of heroin out of the pipeline is a huge success for the safety and well-being of the people of Montgomery County and the larger region.”
 

For the past few days, the NBC10 Investigators have exposed the tactics of some so-called fire chasers.

NBC10 Investigative Reporter Harry Hairston takes us to a West Philadelphia fire, and a woman who kicked the chasers off her porch.

Geraldine Fitzgerald’s neighbor’s house was on fire, and fire chasers showed up to make a profit.

“They have no place here,” Fitzgerald said.

The chasers didn’t just want business from the house on fire. They went to the neighbors, like Fitzgerald as well.

“I said if I had a gun, I would aim it at the door. I said, because you have no business doing this to people in the midst of their struggles and, you know, hard times,” Fitzgerald told the NBC10 Investigators.

Firefighter Union President Andrew Thomas said his members see firsthand what fire chasers can do.

“No one should have to sign a contract under duress,” Thomas said.

Thomas told NBC10 the fire chasers sometimes get in firefighters’ way and can be aggressive towards fire victims.

Now, lawmakers are stepping in. Philadelphia Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell introduced legislation that would force restoration companies to be licensed and get on an official list. Insurance adjusters are already required to be licensed.

“The city can know that they’re licensed and that they’re legal and that they know what they’re doing,” Blackwell said.

Mike O’Leary owns a restoration company called Protect Restoration. He told the NBC10 Investigators that some companies are aggressive, and some have gotten in the way of the fire department – but neither of those issues happen often.

O’Leary said the business is misunderstood.

“There’s a service that needs to be provided," he said. "We’re there to provide it.”

A South Jersey mother saved her infant’s life with help from 911 operators and the quick actions of police.

The mother, a resident of the Absecon Highlands section, called 911 to report her infant not breathing. The operator remained on the phone while the mother began CPR, according to a post on the Galloway Township Police Department’s Facebook page.

The post said Galloway Township officer Kevin Jorgensen arrived within three minutes and took over CPR, assisted by many other officers. Several EMTs arrived from Galloway Township and Atlanticare Paramedics.

According to police, the infant regained a pulse and was taken to the hospital. The baby was recovering.

“We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and highly trained group of men and women protecting and serving our community each and every day,” Galloway Township Police wrote on their Facebook page. “This is another example of the outstanding teamwork between our Police Department and our EMS professionals.”

A man and a woman have been arrested for allegedly attacking an Arkansas tourist Monday when he refused to buy tickets to the Statue of Liberty, knocking him unconscious and fracturing his skull, police said.

Robert Andersen, 25, was arrested Wednesday afternoon on felony assault charges in connection with the attack on Monday afternoon on South Street near Whitehall Street, police said. 

His alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Teresa Thorson of Brooklyn, was also arrested. 

Authorities allege Thorson approached the tourist and tried to sell him fake tickets to the landmark. When the victim refused, police say Andersen punched the man in the face.

The blow knocked the tourist unconscious and caused brain bleeding, police said. The man was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for a fractured skull.

He was in fair condition Wednesday, authorities say. 

Andersen was silent as he was led from a police station Wednesday night. 

Thorson told NBC 4 New York, "The tourist assaulted me," but declined to elaborate. 

At their arraignments early Thursday, Andersen was held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond, authorities said. Thorson was held on $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bond. 

Legal representation for Thorson and Andersen did not immediately respond. 

A deadly wreck closed a well-traveled South Jersey roadway early Thursday.

Andrew DeVecchis died after he lost control of his car along Delsea Drive (Route 47) near Arbor Avenue in Vineland, New Jersey shortly after midnight, said Vineland Police.

Investigators remained on the scene for hours as they worked to find out why the 27-year-old lost control of his vehicle.
 

TV reality-star Big Ang died in the early hours of Thursday at a hospital in Brooklyn after a yearlong battle with stage 4 brain and lung cancer.

"Mob Wives" producer Jennifer Fraziano said the 55-year-old, whose real name is Angela Raiola, died surrounded by family and friends.

Raiola's friend Vinne Medugno posted a message to fans on her official Twitter account, informing them of her death.

"It is with sad regret that we inform you that at 3:01 a.m. Angela Raiola peacefully ended her battle with cancer, and was called home," the message reads. "She was surrounded by nothing but love from her immediate family, and closest friends. YOU, (Her fans) were some of the most special people in the world, and she loved you immensely."

Late Wednesday evening reports that Raiola had died circulated on social media, prompting Medugno to clarify in a Twitter post that Big Ange was still alive, fighting and "in the hospital surrounded by her loved ones."

The mother of two and grandmother of six had undergone several surgeries since she was diagnosed last March with throat and lung cancer. 

In a teaful interview on "The Dr. Oz Show" last month, Raiola said her family was her reason to keep fighting. 

"I look at my kids and my grandchildren and I know how much they need me," Raiola told Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of the syndicated TV series.

The native New Yorker's hair, once long and dark, was pale and cut close-shaven in anticipation to losing it to chemo.

Raiola was the niece of the late Salvatore "Sally Dogs" Lombardi, who was a reputed captain of the Genovese crime family.

After gaining celebrity on "Mob Wives," Raiola got her own spinoff series, "Big Ang" and "Miami Monkey."

A gunman walked right up to a man just moments after he got out of his minivan in West Philadelphia overnight and killed the victim execution style, said Philadelphia Police.

The victim had just parked his van along 52nd Street near Pine Street and was walking on the sidewalk around 11 p.m. Wednesday when the shooter quickly approached from behind and opened fire at least six times, said police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Officers arrived a short time later to find the 31-year-old suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his back and legs. They rushed him to nearby Presbyterian Hospital but it was too late and doctors pronounced the victim dead.

Small called the killing an “execution” and said it appeared the shooter targeted the victim as the victim walked toward a bar.

Investigators said witnesses told them that the shooter darted down Delancey Street.

Investigators hoped that surveillance video would help them track down the gunman. Anyone with information is asked to contact Philly Police.

Don’t put that Mummers strut to sleep after New Year's Day. The Mummers — known for strutting down Broad Street — once again are adding Main Street to the mix.

The Mummers will march down Main Street in Manayunk on Saturday as a late Mardi Gras celebration.

Mummers will join Manayunk Development Corporation officials and U.S. Congressman Bob Brady (D-Pa. 1st District) to announce plans for this year's parade at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

After weather pushed back last year's first-annual Manayunk strut, mild and sunny weather is expected Saturday.

Organizers say they plan to keep the February edition of the parade — dubbed the “Mummers Mardi Gras Parade in Manayunk” — a family-friendly affair by keeping alcohol off Main Street and instead in the bars. The string bands will even use some local haunts as temporary houses once the parade wraps up, says organizers.

The hope is that the parade brings some extra business to Main Street bars and restaurants.

The parade route runs from Green Lane to Lock Street — about 1 mile — and exclusively features string bands playing the length of Main Street.

The hope is that by adding a parade in addition to the long-running New Year’s Day parade, the increasingly-expensive Mummers tradition can stay sustainable for years to come.