At least two children were hurt in a school bus crash in North Philadelphia Tuesday afternoon.

Officials say a school bus crashed into two vehicles on Van Pelt and Diamond streets. Two children who were on the bus suffered minor injuries in the crash and were taken to the hospital for treatment. No one was inside the two vehicles that were struck by the bus and no one else was hurt in the accident.

Officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

A Delaware County woman pleaded guilty in a hit and run that killed a young Philadelphia boy last year.

Shanika Mason, 28, of Sharon Hill, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident and involuntary manslaughter Tuesday. A homicide by vehicle charge was dropped as part of her plea deal however. She will serve two to five years in prison.

Mason was driving a black Ford Edge back on April 13, 2015 along 57th Street near Florence Avenue in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing section. At the same time, 4-year-old Latif (Abdul) Wilson was playing with his siblings outside their home on the 1600 block of South 57th street. Surveillance video showed the boy walking between two cars when Mason’s vehicle struck him, knocking him 15-feet into the road. Mason drove over the boy a second time before fleeing the scene, police said. The boy died from his injuries.

In the days that followed, police recovered the Ford Edge in a parking lot under Love Park in Center City. It wasn’t until late July when Mason was finally arrested however.  

Two elementary schools in the Neshaminy School District will close at the end of the school year after a vote Tuesday night.

The Neshaminy School Board voted to close the Lower Southampton Elementary School in Feasterville as well as the Oliver Heckman Elementary School in Langhorne.

Students from Lower Southampton will attend the new Tawanka Elementary School, which is currently under construction, in Lower Southampton Township at the start of the 2016-2017 school year. Students from Oliver Heckman will attend either Tawanka Elementary or the Pearl S. Buck Elementary School in Levittown at the start of 2016-2017 school year.

Neshaminy School District spokesman Chris Stanley says the closures are part of a plan to deal with a student population decline over the past 20 years that has left the district with an excess of aging school buildings.

“The goal of the plan is to match the number of facilities with the number of students attending, while also providing much-needed energy, comfort and safety upgrades to several remaining school buildings, many of which date back to the 1950’s,” Stanley said in a released statement. 

The District also closed Samuel Everitt Elementary school in Levittown at the end of the last school year. 

“By closing the three elementary schools and opening one new school under this plan, the District would save significant operational and administrative costs,” he said.

Stanley says the plan hasn’t led to a rise in taxes due to favorable bond rates, funding from the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act (GESA) and low construction costs.

A man is recovering after he was shot during a carjacking in North Philadelphia Tuesday.

Police say an unidentified gunman shot a 35-year-old man in the neck and then stole his vehicle at Norris and American streets at 4:55 p.m. The victim was first taken to Episcopal Hospital. He was then transferred to Temple University Hospital where he is in stable condition.

The victim’s vehicle was eventually located by police. The suspect is still on the loose however and a weapon has not been recovered.

The victim's mother-in-law told NBC10 he was on his way to pick up his son when he was shot. She also claimed he was being followed by a black vehicle prior to the shooting.

Philadelphia Police have identified a man who was shot and killed by an off-duty SWAT officer after he allegedly robbed an elderly victim.

Police say Quron Williams, 19, robbed a senior citizen on the 5700 block of Park Avenue around 2:20 p.m. Saturday. At the same time, SWAT officer Erik Bullock, a 19-year veteran who was off-duty, happened to be in the area.

Bullock identified himself as a police officer and ordered Williams to drop his weapon, investigators said. Williams allegedly pointed his gun at Bullock who fired his own weapon, striking him at least once.

Police say Williams then fled as Bullock chased after him on foot. During the pursuit, Williams allegedly pointed his gun at Bullock again. Police also say it appears Williams fired at Bullock at least once. Bullock once again opened fire, striking Williams.

Williams continued to run until he finally collapsed at the corner of Broad and Chew avenues. He was taken to Einstein Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:06 p.m. Saturday.

Police say the elderly victim was injured during the initial robbery. He was taken to the hospital where he received several stitches.

Homicide and Internal Affairs are currently investigating. Bullock, who was not injured during the incident, was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

A Philadelphia mother is speaking out after she found an anonymous note insulting her young son who has autism.

[[375301291, C]]

Bonnie Moran is a stay at home mom with three sons, two of whom have autism. Her 3-year-old son Ryan also has ADHD and Pica, a disorder that causes him to have an appetite for non-food items.

[[375321041, C]]

Moran, who suffers from spina bifida, and her husband recently allowed Ryan to play outside in the backyard due to the warmer weather. Moran told Philly Magazine that at times Ryan was squealing loudly, which he often does when he gets excited. Moran says that may have led to one of her neighbors writing her a nasty letter targeting Ryan.

[[375373021, C]]

Moran checked her mail last Wednesday and found the handwritten note. It said the following:

To the parent of the small child at this house,

The weather is getting nicer and like normal people I open my windows for fresh air. NOT to hear some BRAT screaming his head off as he flaps his hands like a bird. I don’t care if it’s the way you raised him or if he is retarded. But the screaming and carr[y]ing on needs to stop. No one wants to hear him acting like a wild animal it’s utterly nerve wracking, not to mention it's scaring my normal children. By you just standing there talking to him don’t do anything. Besides you look like a moron as he walks all over you. Give him some old fashioned discipline a few times and he will behave. If that child needs fresh air…take him to the park not in out back or out front where other people are coming home from work, have a day off, or just relaxing. No one needs to hear that high pitched voice for hours. Do something about that child!

One of your neighbors

Moran told NBC10 she was shocked when she first read the letter.

“I sat there and blubbered like a little baby because it hurt,” she said. “It hurt to the core to be told your son is retarded.”

[[375450931, C]]

Moran eventually threw the letter out but not before posting a photo of it in a Facebook group. After posting it, she immediately received widespread support. While Moran still doesn’t know who wrote the letter, she takes solace in the fact that one person’s expression of hate led to an outpouring of love.

“The outpouring of people just loving my son and showing what a community is about,” she said. “What neighborly is about.”

Found your perfect pet match?

The next step is spoiling your newest family member with toys and treats.

While budgeting for pet ownership is serious business, some pet lovers spare no expense when it comes to making purchases for their furry friends. Pet owners across the U.S. spend billions on their pets — and not just on kibble and catnip. 

From high-tech gadgets to gourmet treats, here are some of the most unusual gifts to buy your pet: 

Cat Massager ($24.99)

After a long day of catnaps and clawing scratching posts, a cat needs to unwind. The Senses 2.0 Wellness center includes brushes, textures and massage ridges to help your cat groom and relax. The massager even has a gum stimulator that works like a cat toothbrush. 

FitBark ($54.95)

Need help keeping your pet in shape? FitBark allows you to covert your dog's everyday activity into points, and you track your pup's fitness progress. If the device shows your dog has been lazing around the house all day, it will encourage you to get your dog into healthier patterns by heading to the park, for example. The FitBark comes with a monitor, collar band and charging cord. 

Cat Puzzle ($12.95)

Let your cat stimulate its brain with a good, old-fashioned puzzle. The Cat Amazing puzzle encourages your pet to stay busy by trying to remove shapes from holes in a box. The interactive cat toy is ideal for kittens with developing minds and a lot of energy.  

Obey The Purebreed ($4.50-$26)

You probably realize that you are a mere servant to your dog, and obey its every command. Why not have the political propaganda illustrating that? T-shirts, buttons and mugs are among the items you can purchase to show loyalty to your K-9.

Cat DJ Scratching Deck ($35, plus $22 shipping)

Let your cat get a piece of the electronic music craze. DJs have been scratching vinyls for decades, and cats have been scratching everything... forever. The Cat DJ Scratching Deck dulls down cat claws and makes it look like your cat is about to drop the bass.

Snuggie for Dogs ($5.50)

A lazy Sunday calls for curling up with your dog in matching snuggies. The snuggie — a blanket with sleeves — can even be worn outside, if you are worried about your pet's legs getting chilly in the cold. The garment, made of "ultra-warm, machine washable fleece," comes in blue or pink. 

$1,000 Jerky Treats ($1,000)

Even pets can have exquisite taste. This $1,000 jerky is made with all-natural Kobe beef infused with truffle oil. Organic Pet Boutique donates a percentage of the proceeds to Best Friends Animal Society, the nation's largest no-kill shelter. Don't count on your high-end pooch going back to store-brand treats after this gift.

Beer for Dogs ($23.99)

The dog is known as man’s best friend, so why not share a cold one with your pet? Crack open a Bowser Beer to flavor your dog's water or kibble. Bowser Beer allows owners to customize beer bottles with picture of their dogs. Don't worry: Your dog can still be the designated walker — Bowser Beer contains no alcohol. 

Tinkle Tush ($5.99)

Tinkle Tush is makes a fashionable accessory for your cat's behind. "Tinkle Tush is a jewel you hang from your cat's tail. Add some bling to your cat's bum and watch them strut their stuff," the company's website reads. The self-described "gag gift" is available online.  

Food Tree ($19.99)

It's not uncommon for cats to eat too quickly. The Senses Food Tree is a feeding solution that makes your cat work for its food. It is designed to make cats playfully paw their food through multiple side openings.

Philadelphia Police found one man dead and another barricaded inside an abandoned West Philadelphia home Wednesday morning.

Officers responded to a home along N Edgewood Street near Vine Street around 4 a.m. for reports of a gunfire.

When officers arrived they saw a man inside who wouldn’t let them in, said police. After about 90 minutes, SWAT officers broke into the house and found a 25-year-old man bleeding from his nose behind the front door, said police. He died a short time later at the hospital.

SWAT officers found a 23-year-old on the second floor of the home, said police.

"When they got to the second floor they found a 23-year-old male hiding in one of the rear rooms and SWAT officers took this individual into custody," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.

No word yet on what led to the deadly shooting.

A cigarette thief used distraction tactics to steal from a South Philadelphia Wawa, said Philadelphia Police.

After being caught on surveillance video around 4 p.m. on March 18 swiping cartons of cigarettes, the suspect ran out of the store along Columbus Boulevard, said police.

In surveillance video released by investigators you see the man wearing a gray hoodie, green hat, Beats-like headphones and dark pants talking to an employee who then appears to back away from the counter to get something. While the employee is away from the register, the thief reaches over the counter, grabs a couple of cartons of smokes and makes a dash for it.

Police hope someone recognizes the thief. They asked anyone who does to contact investigators.

Kobe Bryant will play the final game of his illustrious 20-season NBA career Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.

Bryant announced his retirement effective at the end of the season on Nov. 29 in a poem titled "Dear Basketball," published on the website The Players' Tribune. 

"This season is all I have left to give.
"My heart can take the pounding
"My mind can handle the grind
"But my body knows it's time to say goodbye." 

A video tribute to Bryant will be shown before player introductions and additional video tributes will be played during timeouts throughout the course of the game, John Black, the Lakers vice president of public relations, told City News Service. 

Bryant will speak to the crowd at the conclusion of the game, Black said. 

All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative program, T-shirt and ticket lanyard.

The Lakers issued a fraud alert on Monday to warn fans about the potential dangers of purchasing tickets for the game from third-party sources. 

The team encouraged fans to make their ticket purchases from the Lakers Ticket Exchange at Lakers.com.

"Lakers Ticket Exchange at Lakers.com is the only secondary site where purchases are authenticated and verified by Ticketmaster, and fans will be assured of entrance into Staples Center on game nights," said Tim Harris, senior vice president of business operations/COO.

Between 350 to 400 members of the news media are expected to cover the game, Black said. A typical game would probably have 125 to 150 media members, according to Black. 

A Fan Fest will be held from 4-7 p.m. outside of Staples Center and will include the photo opportunities with the five NBA championship trophies Bryant helped the Lakers win and the Laker Girls. 

There will also be fan interactive games, a live disc jockey, a ticket giveaway to tonight's game, face painters and a Kobe signing wall.

Admission is free.

To honor Bryant, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority will rename the Metro Blue/Expo Pico Station the Kobe Station form today. The station is two blocks from Staples Center.

The 6-foot-6-inch Bryant, a guard for most of his career but now listed as a forward-guard, has played in 65 of the Lakers' 81 games this season, his most since the 2012-13 season. Injuries limited him to six games in the 2013-14 season and 35 in the 2014-15 season.

Bryant is averaging 16.9 points per game, his least in a season he has played at least 50 games since the 1997-98 season, his second, when he started just one game.

In the final road game of his career on Monday, the 37-year-old Bryant scored 13 points, all in the first quarter, when he played all 12 minutes. He played six minutes, 57 seconds for the rest of the 112-79 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and had his knees and shoulder wrapped in ice as he sat on the bench. 

Bryant has showed flashes of his past brilliance this month, scoring 35 points, three off his season high, in Sunday's 130-110 loss at Houston, and 34 in a 107-100 loss to the Boston Celtics on April 3.

The Lakers have lost their past six games, 10 of their past 11 and 14 of their past 16. They are 16-65 and are guaranteed of having the worst record in their 68-season history.

Bryant officially became a Laker on July 1, 1996, when the team completed a previously agreed to trade with the Charlotte Hornets, who had chosen him five days earlier with the 13th choice in the NBA draft as part of the trade agreement with the Lakers.

Bryant played his entire career with the Lakers, helping them win five NBA championships, with him being chosen as the NBA Finals MVP for both of the past two championships.

Bryant's 20 seasons played with one organization is an NBA record. He is among five players to play at least 20 seasons in the league, along with Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish and Kevin Willis, who all played 21, and Kareem

Abdul-Jabbar, who played 20.

Bryant is the league's third leading scorer all time with 33,583 points, behind only Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928). He's also taken the third most shots all time, 26,150, again behind Abdul-Jabbar (28,307) and Malone (26,210).

Bryant was the league's MVP in the 2007-2008 season, received All-NBA honors 15 times, including 11 first-team selections, and was chosen to play in the league's All-Star Game 18 times.

At least 13 school districts in northern New Jersey were targeted by a robo-called bomb threats Wednesday morning, the latest cluster of a day-disrupting hoax that has become increasingly common in the state. 

Schools targeted on Wednesday were all in Bergen and Passaic counties and included districts in Fair Lawn, Englewood, Passaic Valley, Hawthorne, Midland Park, Lodi, Elmwood Park, Fort Lee, Leonia, Hackensack, Garfield and Paramus. 

Classes at all of the schools affected by the threats were cleared by bomb squads and classes resumed before noon.

At least two of the schools that received threats were on break this week, authorities said. Some others were undergoing standardized testing.

"We have to continue tomorrow," said student Liam Perfetti, who added that he had been ready for the derailed standardized tests.

Chopper 4 footage caught students being cleared out of a school in Lodi. Several other schools were also evacuated or placed on lockdown they were searched by police.

"I felt safe because we were being escorted by police and we were far from the building," said student Jasrup Singh.

Schools in northern New Jersey have been targeted by threats many times in the last several months. In January, 11 schools received robotic-sounding voicemail messages routed through California that alluded to explosives or mass shootings. 

In Bergen County alone, there have been 31 bomb threats at schools since January, not including Wednesday's threats. Sixty-four schools were searched in those threats. 

That's a significant jump from 2016, when the sheriff's office said it responded to 16 bomb threats.

New Jersey hasn't been alone, either. Areas across the country have been targeted by concurrent threats that closed down multiple school districts.

Philadelphia City Council convened Wednesday to hear about the budget plans of the departments that keep Philadelphians safe.

The Philadelphia Police Department will present its budget first Wednesday morning followed by the fire department and prisons in the afternoon, according to City Council's schedule.

WATCH the proceedings LIVE on this page

The fire and prisons pitches come a day after Mayor Jim Kenney formally announced new commissioners for each department.

Get more on Wednesday's proceedings at PHLCouncil's Twitter.