At approximately 7:30 p.m., the Pottstown Police Department responded to Myrtle Street in the Bright Hope Community for a report pf a fight involving teenage girls and shots fired, police said.

When officers arrived, they located a 14-year-old girl with a gunshot wound to the chest. She was treated at the scene and quickly transported to a local trauma center, according to the police.

At this time what caused the fight that led to the shooting is unknown.

There is no further information at this time on this incident.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Pottstown Police Department Detective Division at 610-970-6574.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Eskins, 73, is a host on 94 WIP sports radio and Audacy is the parent company of the station.

“We learned of an unwelcome kiss by Howard Eskin towards an Aramark employee at Citizens Bank Park. We take these matters very seriously. We immediately investigated and took action to address the matter,” Audacy said in a statement.

A source familiar with the investigation says the incident happened in May.

Audacy investigated the matter along with Aramark and the Phillies.

“The Phillies take these allegations very seriously. We cooperated with our partners at Audacy and Aramark on their investigations. We support Audacy’s decision to suspend Howard Eskin from Citizens Bank Park,” the Phillies said in a statement sent to NBC10.

“The safety of our employees is paramount, and when we learned that an Aramark employee had been subjected to an unwanted advance by an Audacy employee, we immediately began an investigation, which corroborated the allegations,” Aramark said in a statement.

Eskin has been a fixture in the Philadelphia sports world since the 1980s. He has been broadcasting on both radio and TV, including for WCAU. He has worked at WIP since 1986.

Eskin will remain on air during his normal time slot Saturday mornings on the radio, a source told NBC10.

NBC10 reached out to Eskin for comment but have not heard back yet.

Christopher Bucceroni, 28, a nine-year veteran with the police department was identified as the driver involved in the hit and run that resulted in serious injuries.

He has been charged with third-degree knowingly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in serious bodily injury.

On June 20, at approximately 2;27 a.m. the Gloucester Police Department was called to the area of Erial Road and Blackwood-Clementon Road for a hit and run collision between a car and a bicyclist, according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.

Investigators determined that a dark colored SUV struck an 18-year-old man on a bicycle and failed to stop. The victim was found in the road suffering from serious injuries, police said.

The bicyclist was transported to the hospital where he remains in critical condition

Bucceroni was off duty and driving his personally owned vehicle, a 2020 Toyota Rav 4, at the time of crash.

On June 21, Bucceroni, of West Deptford, surrendered his personal vehicle and himself to police.

The investigation was immediately turned over to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit.

Bucceroni has been suspended without pay, with the intent to dismiss, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said in a statement.

“The men and women that I work with are good and noble public servants who go out day in and day out to serve our community with integrity and honor. We would ask that we not be judged by the off-duty actions of this one officer,” Harkins said in a statement. “Our heartfelt prayers and wishes for a full and speedy recovery, go out [to] the victim and his family.”

Here are some of the places in Philadelphia, the suburbs, Jersey Shore, Delaware Beaches and beyond where you can catch some fireworks starting July 3rd and lasting into the Independence Day weekend.

(Note that many of the shows with starting times before dark likely won’t happen until after the sun goes down. Also weather could impact if the show goes on at the scheduled time.)

Philadelphia

We have to start the list with the biggest fireworks show of them all, right in the heart of Philadelphia of course.

Wawa Welcome America Concert and Fireworks

• Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
• When: July 4th after 9:30 p.m.

Pennsylvania suburbs

Bethel Township Fireworks

• Where: 3280 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley (Bethel Springs Elementary School).
• When: July 3, at dusk

July 3rd Fireworks Display in Conshy

• Where: Borough of Conshohocken
• When: July 3, at dusk (approximately 9:30 p.m.).

Upper Darby Township Independence Fireworks Show

• Where: Monsignor Bonner Archbishop Prendie, Drexel Hill
• When: July 3 at 9 p.m.

Tredyffrin Township 4th of July Celebration

• Where: Wilson Farm Park
• When: July 4th from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Fourth Of July Celebration Kayak Tour

• Where: 1542 Mountain View Dr, Quakertown, PA 18951 (Nockamixon State Park)
• When: July 4th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Also note: The experience costs $69.95

Narberth Fireworks

• Where: Narberth Park
• When: July 4th at 9 p.m.

July 4th Fest at Sesame Place

• Where: Sesame Place Philadelphia, Oxford Valley, PA
• When: July 4th at 9 p.m.
• Also note: Tickets start at $35.

Abington Junior and Senior High Schools

• Where: 900 Highland Ave., Abington
• When: July 4th at 9:15 a.m.

Aston Township 4th of July

• Where: 2881 Pancoast Ave, Aston (Sun Valley High School Athletic Fields)
• When: July 4th at 9:30 p.m.

Southampton Days Fourth Of July Fireworks Celebration

• Where: 1255 2nd Street Pike Southampton (Tamanend Park)
• When: July 4th, at 9:35 p.m.

Phoenixville Fireworks

• Where Dayton Street Field
• When: July 5 at 9:15 p.m.

Friday Summer Series + fireworks

• Where:  Stockton Avenue (between Bridge and Ferry streets) in New Hope
• When: July 5 at 7 p.m.

The Summer UWINEd + fireworks

• Where: 931 Stony Hill Rd, Yardley (Shady Brook Farm)
• When: July 6, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Also note: Admission is $20 online and $25 at the gate

Ridley Park Fireworks

• Where: Ridley Park
• When: July 6 at 7 p.m.

Jersey Shore

Lower Township Independence Day Festival 2024

• Where: Emerson Ave & Beach Dr, North Cape May
• When: July 3, fireworks will be launched at about 9 p.m.

Lighthouse and Fireworks Climb

• Where: Cape May Lighthouse, Cape May Point State Park
• When: July 4th from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Ocean City Fireworks

• Where: Ocean City Boardwalk
• When: July 4th at 9 p.m.

Margate July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

• Where: The beach at Huntington Avenue, Margate
• When: July 4th at 9 p.m.

 Sea Isle Fourth of July Fireworks

• Where: 50th Street Beach
• When: July 4th 9:15 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

Seaside Heights Fireworks Show

• Where: Anywhere on the Seaside Boardwalk
• When: July 4th at 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Stone Harbor Fireworks

• Where: The fireworks are launched from the 95th St beach and can be viewed from up and down the Stone Harbor beachfront.
• When: July 4th 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Wildwood July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

• Where: The Wildwood boardwalk,  Pine Avenue & the Beach
• When: July 4th at 10 p.m.

South Jersey

Medford Township Fireworks

• Where: 86 Union Street Medford, NJ (Freedom Park)
• When: July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Haddon Township

• Where: Haddon Township High School Football Stadium (Haddon Township High School)
• When: July 3 at dark

Evesham Township 4th of July Fireworks Celebration 2024

• Where: 525 East Main Street Evesham, NJ 08053 (Savich Tract fields).
• When: July 4th from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Delaware

Hockessin 4th of July Parade and Fireworks

• Where: Swift Park, Piedmont Baseball Fields, Hockessin Library and Artesian Soccer Fields
• When: July 4th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

University of Delaware Athletic Complex Fireworks

• Where: The University of Delaware Athletic Complex
• When: July 4th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Fireworks Express

• Where: Greenbank Railroad Station, 2201 Newport-Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808
• When: July 4th train boarding begins at 6:45 p.m., train leaves at 7 p.m.

Historic Downtown Dover Fireworks

• Where: Legislative Mall, Dover
• When: July 4th at 9:15 p.m.

Fireworks at Dewey Beach

• Where: Fireworks will shoot off from a barge over the Rehoboth Bay in Dewey Beach
• When: July 4th at 9 p.m.

Rehoboth Beach Fourth of July Fireworks

•  Where: Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach 
• When: July 6, starting at 9:30 p.m.

Lehigh Valley (and beyond)

SteelStacks Fireworks

• Where: SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 
• When: July 4th from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Fightin Phils Fireworks

• Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading PA
• When: July 4th, game starts at 7 p.m.
• Also note: Tickets to the games are required

Dorney Park July 4th Celebration

• Where: Dorney Park Allentown, PA
• When: July 4th at 9:30 p.m.
• Also note: $40 tickets are required to enter the park

City of Allentown 4th of July Celebration

• Where: 2027 Linden St., Allentown, PA 18102
• When: July 4th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Shawnee Mountain Fireworks

• Where: 401 Hollow Road, East Stroudsburg, PA (Shawnee Mountain Ski Area)
• When: July 5, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Also note: $15 per car with proceeds going to Shawnee Vol. Fire Co. #36

On Nov. 24, 2023, at 12:58 a.m., a Lower Merion Township police officer was driving when he spotted a white Honda CRV that was stopped at a curb outside the Main Line Reform Temple on 410 East Montgomery Avenue in the town’s Wynnewood section, investigators said.

The officer then spotted two women – later identified as Sarah Prickett, 39, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and Sam Penn, 25, of New York — walking towards the SUV. Investigators said at the time there were recent reports of religious signs being stolen or defaced in Lower Merion Township which raised the officer’s suspicions. The officer then approached the Honda and found Prickett, Penn and a third woman, later identified as Mariana Chilton, 56, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, inside the vehicle, according to the criminal complaint. Investigators said the officer also spotted several pro-Israel signs inside the SUV.

The officer repeatedly told the women to lower the window, identified himself and asked the group about the signs inside the SUV, investigators said. Chilton then told him, “We are just taking them because we feel like it is a representative of genocide,” according to the criminal complaint.

When the officer told the women that the signs inside the vehicle belonged to the temple and that they had stolen them, Chilton allegedly replied, “Do you know what we can do sir, is we can just put them back.”

When the officer asked all three women for their identification, they allegedly became uncooperative and asked him why he needed their information.

Chilton told the officer she didn’t have her license or vehicle registration but gave him an insurance card for the SUV, according to the criminal complaint. The officer determined Chilton was the owner of the vehicle and had a valid license but had not registered it with her updated address.

After all of the women identified themselves, the officer moved the signs from the SUV, investigators said. One of the signs stated, “MLRT Stands With Israel,” two of the signs stated “We Stand With Israel,” and one of the signs stated, “Our Community Stands With Israel,” according to the criminal complaint.

On Nov. 27, 2023, at 9:33 a.m., the officer responded to the 500 block of Manor Road in Wynnewood for a report of a theft. The homeowner, Stephen Chopnick, told the officer he noticed someone had stolen his two “We Stand With Israel” signs from his front yard and he had last seen them four days earlier. Investigators later determined those two signs were the same signs that were found inside Chilton’s vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.

The officer then met with a woman who lived nearby. The woman showed the officer home surveillance video that captured Chilton’s Honda CRV driving past her home around the same time as the theft, investigators said.

That same day, the officer met with the executive director of the Main Line Reform Temple. She told the officer a security company that monitors the temple informed her that several pro-Israel signs had been stolen from the property. She later identified the stolen signs as the same ones that were found inside Chilton’s vehicle, according to the criminal complaint.

Chilton, Prickett and Penn were all arrested in connection to the incident.

Chilton is charged with conspiracy – theft by unlawful taking – movable property, conspiracy – criminal trespass, driving an unregistered vehicle, notice of change of name or address, failure to carry a license and receiving stolen property. Her case was moved to county court and is currently in the pretrial stage.

Prickett and Penn are both charged with theft by unlawful taking – movable property, receiving stolen property and criminal trespassing.

During an interview with NBC10 on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Chopnick told NBC10 he had replaced the stolen signs with new ones that also support Israel.

“I wouldn’t take a sign down. I’ve certainly seen signs that I don’t agree with,” Chopnick said. “I assumed it was somebody who took a different view of the issues in the Middle East than I do.”

Chilton is a professor at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She is also the director of Dornsife’s Center for Hunger-Free Communities, a research and advocacy center that focuses on developing solutions for hunger and economic insecurity. She also founded Witnesses to Hunger, a research and advocacy project that partners with experts on mothers and caregivers of young children who have experienced hunger and poverty.

Chilton also served as the co-chair of the National Commission on Hunger and was appointed to advise Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture on how to end hunger in America.

NBC10 reached out to Chilton’s attorney as well as Drexel University for statements. We have not yet heard back from them.

According to police, on Monday, officers arrested Kenneth Baldino, 71, of Winslow Township following, what they called a lengthy investigation after neighbors in the area of Fleming Pike in Hammonton complained about explosions over the course of “the past several months.”

Police officials did not detail how many times these explosions may have occurred or what Baldino is alleged to have used to cause these explosions.

But, officials said that, through this investigation, police searched Baldino’s home and, allegedly, recovered a large quantity of explosives, illegal fireworks, and high capacity firearm magazines. These items were all seized by police, officials said.

Baldino has been arrested and charged with risking widespread injury, possession of destructive devices and related offenses.

Officials said that he is in police custody at the Camden County Correctional Facility.

The lawsuit, filed by District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, claims the mandate violates its contract and will harm city workers. The union, which represents 6,000 administrative and supervisory employees, also filed an unfair-practices complaint with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board.

Parker announced the mandate in May, saying she wanted to create a more visible and accessible government. The decision ended the city’s virtual work policy, put in place in 2021, and essentially returns employee scheduling to what it was before the coronavirus pandemic.

About 80% of the city’s 26,000 employees have been working fully on site since last year, while the rest have worked on site 31 to 75 hours per pay period, Parker said. Former Mayor Jim Kenney had left hybrid work decisions up to department heads.

The union sharply criticized the decision when it was announced, saying it was unilaterally imposed instead of going through collective bargaining. They also believe the policy will worsen the worker shortage the city has suffered since the pandemic.

They also argue that the city lacks enough office space to bring all employees back and that making the change over the summer, when children are out of school, complicates schedules for parents.

Parker, a Democrat, has said her administration does not believe the new policy is subject to collective bargaining. She also noted changes that were made to be more worker friendly, such as extending paid parental leave from six to eight weeks and designating the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday. Officials have also said there will be relaxed restrictions on sick leave to care for family members.

Business leaders welcomed the announcement, saying it will benefit workers and the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s downtown.

According to police, around 6:40 p.m. officers from the City of Chester Police Department responded to the area of 24th Street and Crosby Street after receiving reports of gunshots being fired.

Upon arrival, police said officers found a teen – later identified as 17-year-old Zaheem Sabree – laying on the street suffering from a gunshot wound to the left side of his head.

Police said Sabree was transported to the hospital were he later died from his injuries.

Police are now urging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact City of Chester Police Department Detective Michael Maher at 610-447-8428 or Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division Detective Sean Gallagher.

In a news release, Chester Upland School District confirmed that Sabree was a rising 12th grader and a dedicated member of the High School’s football prom since his sophomore year.

District officials wrote a statement saying in part:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this heartbreaking and difficult time.

The shocking passing of Zaheem yesterday is a major loss for our school community and affects everyone from classmates to teachers who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication and spirit as a member of our High School football program is irreplaceable and he will be missed by his teammates and coaches, who remember him not just as a player, but as a friend on and off the field.

Although school is not in session for the summer months, CUSD has put support services in place for staff and students since yesterday, and these services will be available through Wednesday, July 3.

Support services will be available at STEM Academy at Showalter, located at 1100 W. 10th Street, Chester, PA 19013. Additionally, anyone who needs services next week is encouraged to reach out to the district’s central administration office.”

The U.S. Interior Department approved the proposed Atlantic Shores offshore wind farm in New Jersey on Tuesday, giving a major boost to a project that would be the state’s first.

The project still requires an additional federal approval of its construction and operations plan, along with two state-level permits, before construction can begin.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said the department’s decision marked the ninth offshore wind project approved under the Biden administration, green-lighting 13 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 5 million homes.

“The Biden-Harris administration is building momentum every day for our clean energy future, and today’s milestone is yet another step toward our ambitious goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore energy by 2030,” she said in a statement. “Our clean energy future is now a reality. We are addressing climate change, fostering job growth, and promoting equitable economic opportunities for all communities.”

The project, consisting of two phases, would be built between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island in southern New Jersey. It would generate 2,800 megawatts, enough to power 1 million homes.

“This milestone brings us one step closer to delivering New Jersey’s first offshore wind projects, and for the state achieving its ambitious goal of 100% clean energy by 2035,” Joris Veldhoven, Atlantic Shores’ CEO, said in a statement. “We recognize the significance of this milestone, and we’re thrilled to work with our supply chain partners to continue making near-term investments and creating great paying union jobs.”

Opponents of offshore wind are well organized and vocal in New Jersey, and one of several groups against the plan, Protect Our Coast-NJ, said the federal and state governments “are forging ahead like a bull in a China shop, hurting overburdened communities and our incredible ocean with unwanted industrial construction projects.”

“Offshore wind construction and operations disrupts wildlife and ecosystems, and threatens the livelihoods of commercial fishermen and small businesses up and down the East coast,” the group said in a statement.

Atlantic Shores, which was given preliminary approval in 2021 by New Jersey utility regulators, has now gotten nearly as far as a previously approved project that would have been New Jersey’s first offshore wind farm. Danish wind developer Orsted was close to beginning work on two offshore wind farms but scrapped the project in Oct. 2023 after deciding it would not be economical.

Many of the state’s major environmental groups issued statements praising Atlantic Shores’ approval, saying it proves that offshore wind has regained its footing in New Jersey after the Orsted setback.

“The Biden administration’s approval of the Atlantic Shores project is good for our climate, our public health, our workers, and our wallets,” said Anjuli Busot-Ramos, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We are proud to see New Jersey move towards renewable energy and offshore wind development, and away from dirty fossil fuels.”

Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, added: “On the cusp of a historic heat wave, there is no better week for the federal government to give a green light to the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project. Every year without offshore wind providing power to our electric grid is another year we are overly dependent on fossil fuels to power our electric grid.”

The Interior Department said the project would be about 8.7 miles from shore at its closest point. But the company has previously said that it will not built right up to that line and that the closest turbines will be at least 12.8 miles from shore.

Atlantic Shores is a joint partnership between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development LLC.

The Interior Department approved construction of 195 wind turbines as part of the project; the company had sought up to 200.

The shelter says many pets tend to run away scared during fireworks displays and end up at animal shelters

From now through Sunday, the shelter is offering $7 adoptions for dogs and cats this week so they can free up space.

Kittens are not included in the adoption special. 

If you would like to see the animals that are up for adoption you can visit Homeward Bound’s website.

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The sun has been shining heading into Independence Day, but unfortunately clear skies aren’t expected to last through July 4th.

Whether you are planning to dance with Kesha and NE-YO at the Wawa Welcome America festival concert and fireworks along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, checking out a parade in your local town, cooling off at a pool party or in the ocean or just heading to a neighborhood barbeque, here’s everything you need to know about the likelihood for rain on Thursday, July 4, 2024:

Pleasant, clear days ahead of July 4th

The pleasant weather we enjoyed throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware Monday continues Tuesday and Wednesday, with low humidity and plenty of sunshine.

But unfortunately, changes are expected that could impact Fourth of July celebrations.

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Tracking rain on the Fourth of July

Later Wednesday, the high pressure that’s over our area will shift offshore, bringing more humid air and increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms — especially come Thursday evening.

You’ll notice the difference during the day Thursday, as it will be hot and humid with highs in the low 90s and feels-like temperatures in the mid-90s.

There could be a few isolated showers Thursday morning, but a higher chance arrives Thursday evening with an approaching cold front.

As of midday Tuesday, it doesn’t look like a washout for July 4th, but there is a possibility of scattered storms in the evening. Those storms could affect backyard barbeques, pool parties and fireworks displays.

It could be possible that some neighborhoods are getting rained on while people in other places view fireworks in a dry evening sky.

Keep ahead of Mother Nature on the holiday

The best bet to make sure you know when to expect rain on July 4th is to keep checking with the NBC10 First Alert Weather Team on NBC10 News and streaming on devices throughout the day and in our app to get the latest forecast.

Here is your guide to when the FREE music will begin and when you should look up to the sky for the fireworks finale.

What time do the Philadelphia July 4th concert and fireworks start?

The main concert featuring NE-YO and Kesha is set to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

The concert will be followed by Philadelphia’s largest annual fireworks display above the Philadelphia Museum of Art starting around 9:30 p.m. 

Gates open at 4 p.m., Wawa Welcome America said.

“The main entrance is located at Logan Circle at 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” WWA said. “If you have a ticket for the front section, you must enter at 22nd St. & Pennsylvania Ave. OR 22nd & Winter Sts.”

All partygoers are subject to search. Go to the festival FAQ section for a full list of what is and isn’t allowed inside festival grounds.

Hey Philly! Planning on coming to see @NeYoCompound and @KeshaRose on July 4th? Let's get you ready!! Learn more: https://t.co/MOvZ32nU9V pic.twitter.com/zFZhyOBCZL

— Wawa Welcome America (@July4thPhilly) July 2, 2024

However, show up early to Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for performances from Delaware Valley favorites DJ Diamond Kuts and Snacktime on the Pennsylvania Lottery Groove Stage from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to festival organizers.

(All times are weather permitting and subject to be adjusted)

Do I need a ticket to see the free concert?

“Tickets are NOT required to attend this event,” WWA said. “Tickets are required for the front section.”

There have been several chances throughout the festival and before to get those coveted up-close spots.

How can I get to the Wawa Welcome America concert, fireworks?

If you drive, expect to have trouble finding parking anywhere near the parkway, so SEPTA could be the way to go.

“The Ben Franklin Parkway is best accessed from Regional Rail’s Suburban Station, the 15th Street Market-Frankford Line [L] Station and Race-Vine or City Hall Broad Street Line [B] Station,” SEPTA said.

The public transit agency has added extra regional rail trains and express trains on its Broad Street and Market-Frankford subway lines. Click here for your full guide to SEPTA on July 4th.

Where can I stream Wawa Welcome America’s fireworks show and concert?

Thankfully NBC10 has you covered at home or on the go.

The entire event will be televised live during primetime in its entirety on NBC10 and Cozi TV & simulcasted from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4th on NBC Sports Philadelphia+.

The free concert will also be livestreamed on the NBC10 Philadelphia News channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as NBC10.com. The concert will be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo62.com.

What if I missed it? Can I stream the shows again?

Of course, you can catch replays on NBC10’s streaming channels and on NBC10.com. Keep an eye out after the final firework shines.

According to police, in incidents that were captured on surveillance cameras, an individual — or possibly two separate individuals — burglarized the school, located along the 400 block of N. 7th Street, over the course of two days, June 26 and 27.

Police shared video of these incidents on social media.

According to police, over the course of these two days, the School of Rock was burglarized and those responsible are believed to have stolen “numerous guitars and electronics.”

However, police are still working to determine of the same individual was responsible for the crimes on both days or if a different person may have been responsible for a burglary on each day.

The suspect from the June 26, 2024 incident was described by police as a man with a thin build and wearing all dark clothing. In the incident from the next day, police described the person believed to be responsible similarly as a man with a thin build who wore a a blue and white hat with “Viamericas” on the front and a blue and white baseball style jersey with “New York” and the number 2 on the front and the number 2 on the back during the crime.

Anyone who may have information on these crimes is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093/3094 or to submit a tip to the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Tips can also be shared here.

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Officials were expected to open the new ramp to traffic at about noon on Tuesday.

The effort completes the third and final project that was part of a widening effort of I-95 and a reconstruction effort on the interchange of Cottman Avenue to I-95 that was damaged when a tanker truck exploded on the roadway on June 11, 2023.

Along with a new ramp, the project also saw I-95 widened to four lanes between Rhawn and Levick streets.

The project was part of a $52.7 million contract and it also provided for improved surface streets serving the interchange and rerouted a sanitary sewer in order to accommodate the construction of the new ramp.

Recently, investigators learned that gasoline spilled out from an unsecured hatch on the top of the gasoline delivery tanker that overturned and ignited beneath an Interstate 95 bridge in Philadelphia a year ago, according to new details from federal investigators.

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Investigators believe the cover to the 16-inch “manhole” was open when driver Nathan Moody arrived at a Wilmington, Delaware, terminal to refill the tank and it was still not properly secured when he drove away to deliver it to a convenience store in Philadelphia, about 42 miles away.

The crash killed Moody and disrupted transportation along a vital interstate for weeks.

Get ready for all the upcoming free events that include:

• 🏛️ 40 chances to visit museums like The National Constitution Center, the African American Museum of Philadelphia and Cliveden House.
• 🎉 Several block parties, including Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta and the Avenue of the Arts Block Party.
• 🎤 Eight concerts featuring artists ranging from Kid ‘n Play to LeAnn Rimes to Kesha.
• 🎆 And of course, four top-notch firework shows

All these events culminate on July 4th with celebration of independence on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring performances by music superstars NE-YO and Kesha before the city’s biggest and most spectacular fireworks show. 

So, what’s happening today? Here’s your guide to the free Wawa Welcome America fun.

July 2, 2024 

Red, White, & Blue To-Do

What: “Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began,” festival organizers said.

“A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond—the Red, White, & Blue To-Do—to take place on July 2.” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of ‘pomp and parade’ from one end of the continent to the other.

“The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned décor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, 2024, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors.”

The parade is set to start around 11 a.m. at the National Constitution Center. Here’s the route.

When: July 2, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Where: Historic District 

Here is a full list of participating businesses.

🎆 Day 14 🎆 Start your day with Red, White, & Blue To-Do hosted by @HistoricPhilly then check out the Go 4th & Learn: Family Fun Day in partnership with @CarpentersHall and @TheFranklin!

Learn more: https://t.co/Ru8rqEBMHQ pic.twitter.com/1TYfI6Ws1R

— Wawa Welcome America (@July4thPhilly) July 2, 2024

Go 4th and Learn: Family Fun Day

What: “Did you know that The Franklin Institute’s very first exhibit in 1824 was held in Carpenters’ Hall?” says the Wawa Welcome America site. “Celebrate TFI’s 200th Anniversary and the 250th Anniversary of Carpenters’ Hall, the host of the First Continental Congress in 1774, with entertainment, games and a unique model of this historic treasure built with LEGO bricks.”

Expect to not only build with LEGO bricks, but also check out a colorful chromatography activity.

When: July 2,  from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Where: Carpenters’ Hall 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Our America Now: Beautiful/Anonymous with Chris Gethard

What: “Experience the Beautiful/Anonymous podcast LIVE. One phone call. One hour. No names. No holds barred,” festival organizers said. “Join Chris Gethard as he takes a live phone call from an anonymous caller. This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival.”

Pre-registration is required.

When: July 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Fringe Bar, 140 North Christopher Columbus Blvd

Free Museum Days: Carpenters’ Hall Museum 

What: Visit this historic spot, “which in 1774 laid the foundation for American independence.”

“Carpenters’ Hall is the meeting place of the First Continental Congress. Celebrating its 250th Anniversary this year, our historic site welcomes visitors for free all year round,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Visitors can expect to engage with docents regarding the Hall’s long history, and learn more about the Carpenters’ Company, the oldest operating trade guild in America.”

Guests must RSVP in advance, click here for extra details. 

When: July 2, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Carpenters’ Hall 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Past events

July 1, 2024 

Philadelphia Zoo 150th Anniversary Celebration

What: “Join us outside the Philadelphia Zoo to celebrate the 150th anniversary of America’s first zoo.” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Guests of all ages can enjoy performances, face painting, arts and crafts, games and more! This free celebration will also feature unique opportunities to see some of your favorite animals and their keepers in an up-close and unique way.”

Free admission is from 3 to 5 p.m. “on a first come first served basis,” organizers said.

When: July 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: The Philadelphia Zoo 3400 W Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Gospel on Independence

What: Gospel on Independence returns again for Wawa Welcome America on Independence Mall.

EVENT POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY, JULY 1 – Due to severe weather, Gospel on Independence was rescheduled to Monday, July 1, at 7 p.m. at the same location – the Independence Concert Stage on Independence Mall at 6th & Market.

Monday’s concert will feature a choir comprised of over 100 Philadelphians, but will no longer feature a performance by Tamela Mann. Mann and her husband, David Mann, shared a special message with fans urging them to still come and appreciate the spiritual music.

Gospel on Independence fans! We have a special message from our friends @DAVIDANDTAMELA. We hope to see you all tomorrow night at 7 PM for Gospel on Independence. pic.twitter.com/viV8Sx98Wp

— Wawa Welcome America (@July4thPhilly) June 30, 2024

When: Rescheduled event moved to Monday, July 1, 7 p.m. 

Where: Independence National Historical Park 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 1910

Our America Now: A Conversation with Roxane Gay

What: “Join New York Times bestselling author and columnist Roxane Gay for a conversation about sharing our own stories on our own terms,” festival organizers said. “This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival.”

This event is sold out.

When: July 1 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Free Library of Philadelphia

Free Museum Days: Mütter Museum

What: Visit America’s finest museum of medical history and oddities.

“Explore special exhibits, attend pop-up exhibits and gallery talks from our Library and Museum staff, color our collection in the historic ambiance and stately architecture of Ashhurst and Mitchell Halls, and relax in our beautiful Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden,” the festival event page says.

When: July 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Mütter Museum 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Free Museum Days: National Liberty Museum

What: “Complete your journey through Historic Philadelphia by engaging in the power of liberty today at the National Liberty Museum,” festival organizers say. “Join us for activities marking the Independence Day season and delve into the rich complexity of the American story through our newest exhibition, In Pursuit: Artists’ Perspective on a Nation.”

Pre-registration is required. Click here for more details.

When: July 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: National Liberty Museum 

Free Museum Days: The Rodin Museum

What: See the beauty of architecture.

“Experience one of the world’s greatest collections of work by Auguste Rodin in an elegant Beaux-Arts style building and garden on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway,” Wawa Welcome America says.

When: July 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m 

Where: The Rodin Museum 321 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Days: The Barnes Foundation

What: One of the most impressive collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art is right here in the heart of Philadelphia.

“The minute you step into the galleries of the Barnes collection, you know you’re in for an experience like no other,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso hang next to ordinary household objects—a door hinge, a spatula, a yarn spinner.”

When:  July 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: The Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

June 30, 2024

Free Museum Days: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

What: Start your engines and celebrate the history of race cars in one of the region’s coolest museums.

“The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars, “Wawa Welcome America says. “Through our theme, ‘The Spirit of Competition,’ we celebrate the history and evolution of these magnificent machines.”

When: June 30, 2024  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum 6825-31 Norwitch Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Free Museum Days: Swedish Historical Museum

What: Learn all about Swedish history and its connection to Philadelphia.

“During your visit, explore our 12 galleries focusing on different aspects of Swedish-American history, art, science, textiles, and community,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Step inside a 19th-century farmhouse, take in the setting of an art deco lounge, or surround yourself with contemporary Swedish design.” 

When: June 30 from noon to 4 p.m.

Where: American Swedish Historical Museum 1900 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145

June 29, 2024

Avenue of the Arts Block Party

What: “The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more!” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Ellsworth, Arato Brothers Band, Joshua Mitchell, The Sidleys, The Wild Hymns, Queen City, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more! Snap a photo in NBC’s The Voice coach’s chair, take a stroll down PNC Arts Alive Alley, showcasing local artisans, or peruse ‘Philly Fresh Market,’ where locally sourced delights await at our farmers market. Kids and kids-at-heart can immerse themselves in ‘Avenue of Amusement‘, filled with nostalgic carnival games and thrilling entertainment for all ages. Challenge friends to a game of ping pong or enjoy the art of fashion with a free show from Philly Fashion Week.”

When: June 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: South Broad Street between Walnut & Pine Streets

U.S. Army Band’s ‘Pershing’s Own’ Concert + Fireworks

What: “The United States Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own will put on a patriotic, all-star concert followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink,” WWA organizers said.

When: June 29 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Where: Delaware River Waterfront 

Our America Now: Speechless GrandSlam

What: Who’s the “Best Philly Storyteller?” 

“This season, these Philly storytellers wowed audiences with amazing stories never saying sorry for who they are,” WWA organizers said. “Now, it’s time for them to compete for $250 and bragging rights for the year! Join host Betty J Smithsonian and guest judge Lamarr Todd for a fun night filled with the best stories in Philly. This event is FREE and is presented as part of the First Person Arts Festival.”

When: June 29 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

Where: World Cafe Live – 3025 Walnut Street

Free Museum Days: American Philosophical Society Museum

What: “The current exhibition, Sketching Splendor, explores how naturalists William Bartram, Titian Ramsay Peale, and John James Audubon made sense of nature’s complexities through their writings, drawings, and watercolors,” Wawa Welcome America says. “It highlights their approaches to capturing the natural world during a time of rapid intellectual, social, and political change.”

Click here for details.

When: June 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: American Philosophical Museum 104 S. 5th St Philadelphia, PA, 19106

Free Museum Days: Arch Street Meeting House

What: Take a trip back more than 200 years into Philadelphia’s Quaker history.

“Step inside this active Quaker meeting house to learn more about the stories of the people, the building, and the grounds of Arch Street Meeting House,” the WWA website says.

When: June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Arch Street Meeting House 320 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Days: Masonic Temple, Library and Museum

What: “The Masonic Temple opened in 1873 and contains artwork, frescos, stained glass, murals, and sculptures that connect Freemasons and non-Freemasons to an inspirational world of art, architecture, and history,” says WWA page.

A guided tour will be conducted of the building to the exhibit hall. Click here for more details. 

When: June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. 

Where: Masonic Temple of Philadelphia 1 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

June 28, 2024 

Celebration of Black Music Month + Fireworks

What: “Join us as we celebrate Black Music Month, which was founded in Philadelphia. says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Hosted and curated by Philadelphia music legend Dyana Williams, this brand new celebration will feature multiple different expressions of black music, performed by some of Philadelphia’s most well-known and sought-after black musicians. Guests will be treated to incredible music, food, and cocktails concluding with a dazzling firework display under the stars at the iconic Dell Music Center.”

When: June 28 from  5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Where: The Dell Music Center 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Free Museum Days: Fireman’s Hall Museum 

What: Be a firefighter for a day.

“Located in historic Old City Philadelphia, the museum is housed in a renovated 1898 firehouse,” Wawa’s page says. “Fireman’s Hall Museum is one of the nation’s premier fire museums focused on the preservation of Philly fire history and promoting fire safety. Philadelphia is the birthplace of the first volunteer fire companies.”

Click here to plan your visit. 

When: June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Fireman’s Hall Museum 147 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Days: Penn Museum

What: This museum is a blast from the past several different engaging exhibits.

Travel through the art of Africa to Mexico and even the Mediterranean while examining their cultural distinctions. In between your exploring, take adventures through the gardens and courtyards that are filled with seasonal foliage.

Online reservations are required for free admission. Click here for more details. 

When: June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: Penn Museum 3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Free Museum Days: Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion

What: “Philadelphia’s only Victorian historic house museum, Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, tells the stories of men and women in the period from the Civil War through 1900, using material culture and spaces to unpack this complex era,” Wawa Welcome America says.

Click here for more information. 

When: June 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion 200 West Tulpehocken Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144

June 27, 2024

Rocky Movie Night

What: Yo Adrian!

After being rescheduled because of stormy weather that was expected to pass through on Wednesday night, the Rocky Movie Night is happening tonight.

“Fans of all ages can again enjoy a free screening of the timeless classic, Rocky, on the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Guests are encouraged to come early to experience the new Rocky Shop and enjoy food and drinks from local food trucks and the pop-up beer garden produced by the Constellation Culinary Group,” says the Wawa Welcome America page. Free snacks will also be available courtesy of UTZ and Tastykake. 

“Immerse yourself in the spirit of Rocky by participating in one of two free 30-minute Rumble Boxing classes at the base of the steps. From first-time boxers to elite fighters, all are welcome, no matter their current fitness level. The two Rocky-themed free classes will offer an intense, dynamic shadow boxing & strength training workout set to old school favorites and new school beats.”

When: June 26 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Where: Art Museum Steps 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Wawa Hoagie Day

What: Wawa workers and volunteers will serve up about 25,000 Shorti hoagies, according to Wawa. Of those hoagies, 10,000 will be donated to Philabundance, the Veterans Multi-Service Center and Police Athletic League centers. The remaining 15,000 sandwiches will go to the general public.

“Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area,” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Guests can enjoy entertainment, including a performance by Voices of Service, a singing quartet of military veterans, along with free admission to the National Constitution Center all day – which includes a special Wawa History exhibit showing their more than 100 years of Philadelphia roots.”

When: June 27, 2024 at Noon

Where: Independence Mall 15 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Days: National Constitution Center courtesy of Wawa 

What: “The National Constitution Center is the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theater, we bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages,” WWA website says. “Visitors will have access to our signature attractions, including the moving live performance of Freedom Rising, Signers’ Hall, and our newest exhibit on the First Amendment.”

Click here for more details. 

When: June 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: National Constitution Center

June 26, 2024 

Free Museum Days: Woodmere Art Museum

What: “Housed in a 19th-century stone mansion on six acres in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Woodmere offers a unique museum experience that centers on the art and artists of Philadelphia,” Wawa Welcome America’s page says. “Vibrant exhibitions explore the achievements and social ideas of Philadelphia’s artists in the broader context of American art.”

Two exhibits will be on display. Click here for more details. 

When: June 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Woodmere Art Museum 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118

Free Museum Days: Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm

What: “Visitors will explore the first floor of the historic house – which was home to 9 generations of one Quaker family – and see rooms filled with some of the 10,000 objects they left behind from every period of American history,” Wawa Welcome America says.

Click here for more details. 

When: June 26, 24 from noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Wyck Historic House, Garden & Farm 6026 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Free Museum Days: The Fabric Workshop Museum

What: “The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted to the creation, presentation, and preservation of innovative works of art.”, Wawa Welcome America says. “Your free admission experience includes two visionary exhibitions by recent Artists-in-Residence that present immersive, interactive, and deeply personal environments.”

Reservations must be made in advance. Click here for more details.

When: June 26 from noon to 6 p.m. 

Where: The Fabric Workshop Museum

June 25, 2024

Celebration of Innovation and Education 

What: “In honor of Jefferson’s 200th Anniversary, join us at the new Jefferson Plaza in Center City for an afternoon celebrating innovation and education with free family-friendly programming for all to enjoy.” says the Wawa Welcome America page. “Founded in 1824 as one of the nation’s first medical schools, Jefferson has grown to become a national global research university with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, and the region’s largest health system.”

When: June 25 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Where: Jefferson Plaza 1115 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Free Museum Days: Stenton

What: “Stenton is one of the earliest, best-preserved, and most authentic historic houses in Philadelphia, the WWA site says. “Completed in 1730 as a country seat, plantation house for James Logan – Secretary to William Penn; merchant, politician, justice, scientist, and scholar – Stenton was home to six generations of the Logan family.”

Visit their website to register online and reserve a spot on the tour. Click here to plan your visit. 

When: June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Stenton 601 N 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140

Free Museum Days: The Underground Railroad Museum at the Historic Belmont Mansion

What: “Step into history at Belmont Mansion, where Founding Fathers like George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison once walked,” the WWA site says. “Follow the footsteps of revolutionaries, including the close friend of Judge Richard Peters, Marquis de Lafayette. Uncover the hidden tales of Belmont’s role in the Underground Railroad, a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom from the Antebellum South.”

When: June 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: The Underground Railroad Museum at the Historic Belmont Mansion 2000 Belmont Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19131

Free Museum Days Elfreth’s Alley Museum

What: Feel like a “Revolutionary” while taking a stroll down this neighborhood.

“The mission of the Elfreth’s Alley Association is to preserve and protect the Elfreth’s Alley historic district while interpreting the contributions of everyday Philadelphians to our American story,” the festival website says. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum interprets the lives of people who lived and/or worked on this historic street over three centuries.”

Click here to plan your visit. 

When: June 25 from noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Elfreth’s Alley Museum 126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106

June 24, 2024 

Declaration House Block Party

What: “Celebrate the opening of Monument Lab’s newest exhibition at the Declaration House at Independence National Historical Park.” says the Wawa Welcome America page. This block party will commemorate the unveiling of Sonya Clark’s The Descendants of Monticello with special performances and will showcase several historic and artistic organizations from the area, including the African-American Museum in Philadelphia, PhillyCAM, and more.”

When: June 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Where: Declaration House 700 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Days: The Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Department

What: The Free Library of Philadelphia has so much history to share.

“The Free Library’s newest exhibition, We Are What We Eat, explores the intersection of food, community, and identity,” Wawa Welcome America’s page says. “With recipes and cooking techniques passed down through generations, culinary heritage helps preserve the flavors and traditions of our ancestors.”

Click here for more information. 

When: June 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Where: Free Library of Philadelphia 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

June 23, 2024

Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta

What: This annual two-day family-friendly festival celebrates Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance and music is back in 2024, but with a new location. This year Merengue music icon Joseph Fonseca and Salsa star Huey Dunbar are set to perform on the JFK Boulevard Bridge in Center City since its traditional home at Penn’s Landing is under construction.

“While you’re there, be sure to delve into cultural cuisine at the Oasis Waterfront Food Market supported by the Philadelphia International Airport and explore the many vendors and activations, including the Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, featuring free health screenings, wellness information, and nutrition takeaways,” festival organizers say.

When: June 22 and June 23 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Where: JFK Bridge 20th Street & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Free Museum Days: Historic Strawberry Mansion

What: Grandeur on display.

“Historic Strawberry Mansion and the Committee of 1926 are pleased to announce a new special exhibit, opening April 20,” Wawa Welcome America says. “‘Framing Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Landmark Through Artists’ Eyes, 1842-2024’ aims to compile an overview of artistic depictions of the mansion featuring both new works and pieces pulled from the HSM archives.”

Guests have the chance to join hourly tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more information. 

When: June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Where: Historic Strawberry Mansion 2450 Strawberry Mansion Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Free Museum Days: Laurel Hill Mansion

What: “Laurel Hill Mansion welcomes families for a fun filled day of crafting – colonial crafts of tin punching, whirligig and more,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Guests will have an opportunity to try hand crafting guided by volunteer hosts and to take home a souvenir of their visit that they made.”

Guests can experience a tour of the historic house, garden and river view. Click here for more information. 

When: June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Laurel Hill Mansion 3487 Edgley Drive Philadelphia, PA 19121 

June 22, June 23 2024

Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta

What: This annual two-day family-friendly festival celebrates Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance and music. It is back in 2024 but with a new location. Merengue music icon Joseph Fonseca performed Saturday while Salsa star Huey Dunbar was set to perform Sunday on the JFK Boulevard Bridge in Center City since its traditional home at Penn’s Landing is under construction. However, Sunday’s concert was canceled due to weather.

When: June 22 and June 23 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Where: JFK Bridge 20th Street & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Free Museum Days: Science History Institute

What: Learn all about STEM.

“Join us in our museum for a family-friendly program that highlights the many strange and surprising stories from the history of science in the summertime!” says a post on the Wawa Welcome America page. “Take an up-close look at interesting items in our handling collection.”

Click here for more information.

When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Science History Institute 315 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Free Museum Days: Woodford Mansion Museum

What: Experience one of Philadelphia’s National Historic landmarks.

“Much of the furniture and decorative objects in the Mansion were made by Philadelphia craftsmen for families in the area,” Wawa Welcome America says. “They will hear about the Coleman, Barclay, Franks and Wharton families who used Woodford as a summer retreat, and they will learn the stories of Phila, Azmin, Hagar, Greenwich, and Peter, enslaved Africans who worked as domestic servants for the Coleman and Franks families.”

Click here for more information. 

When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Woodford Mansion Museum 2300 North 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Free Museum Days: Lemon Hill Mansion Museum

What: Lemon Hill Mansion is a historic house museum highlighting Federal architecture and featuring spectacular views of the city of Philadelphia,” Wawa Welcome America says. “Lemon Hill Mansion was built by wealthy merchant Henry Pratt in 1800 as the centerpiece of his garden estate.”

Guests can enjoy free jazz music on the front lawn from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for more details.  

When: June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Lemon Hill Mansion Museum

Free Museum Days: Paul Robeson House and Museum

What: The Paul Robeson House was the home of internationally renowned American bass-baritone concert singer, actor of film and stage, All-American and professional athlete, writer, multi-lingual orator, human rights activist and lawyer Paul Robeson from 1966 until 1976. The Paul Robeson House and Museum in Philadelphia is owned by the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. 

When: June 22 from noon to 4 p.m. 

Where: Paul Robeson House and Museum 

Friday, June 21, 2024

Kidchella Music Festival 

What: Celebrate Smith Memorial Playground‘s 125th birthday with the music of Alex & The Kaleidoscope, Johnny Shortcake, City Love, Ill Doots and the Soundspace Performing Arts dance troupe.

This is about much more than just rocking out with your little ones. Come for the featured art stations, fun giveaways, pre-show activities and mouth-watering treats. Click here for more information.

When: June 21 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Where: Smith Memorial Playground 3500 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121

Free Museum Days: Historic Rittenhouse Town

What: Take a trip back in time.

“Tour the 1707 Homestead, the first permanent home for the Rittenhouse family and the birthplace of David Rittenhouse,” Wawa Welcome America says. “The structure housed eight generations of the Rittenhouse family.”

Pre-registration is required. Click here for details.

When: June 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Where: Historic Rittenhouse Town 208 Lincoln Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Free Museum Days: The Print Center

What: “The Print Center, a nonprofit gallery located in Philadelphia’s historic Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, encourages the growth and understanding of photography and printmaking as vital contemporary arts through exhibitions, publications and educational programs,” Wawa Welcome America says. “The Print Center is an international voice in print; our global outlook coincides with a strong sense of local purpose.”

Don’t miss a chance to visit their three exhibitions on view. Click here for more information. 

When: June 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Where: The Print Center 1614 Latimer Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

Free Museum Days: Church Preservation Trust

What: Known as “The Nation’s Church,” Founding Fathers like John Adams and George Washington went there while Revolutionary era worshippers included Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, Betsy Ross, Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush and Francis Hopkinson.

Visitors have the chance to walk through the church and explore burial sites on the north and south sides of the churchyard.

Buy tickets through the front gates and click here for more details.

When: June 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Christ Church Preservation Trust 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital Community Day

What: Come together with friends and family for an evening of fun at Cherashore Playground, hosted by Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Guests will enjoy entertainment, free food — including samples of Rita’s water ice — giveaways, lawn games, vendors and a chance to learn about health care services and job opportunities at Jefferson Health.

When: June 20 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Cherashore Playground 851 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19120

Free Museum Days: Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center

What: Come to learn about some of the creatures making the Schuylkill River their home at the Fairmount Water Works. Collect a water sample at river’s edge and explore the micro-life in a drop of water. Try your hand at drawing some of the intricate and striking geometric designs of diatoms. Through hands-on activities, get to know the life of the freshwater mussel. Find out about our research on this important mollusk. It’s propagation season, so there is a possibility that we will be propagating mussels!

When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Fairmount Water Works 640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia PA 19130

Free Museum Days: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

What: Come to find a mixture of works across genres in our newest exhibition, “Artists as Cultivators.” You can expect to see our master painters, juxtapose stunning contemporary works and works on paper by Ruth Fine for our (Re)Focus participation. In this exhibition, you can expect to see notable artists such as Charles Wilson Peale, Vanessa German, Charles Gaine, Arthur Dove, Horace Pippin, to name a few.

When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Free Museum Days: The Independence Seaport Museum

What: The Independence Seaport Museum encourages visitors of all ages to discover Philadelphia’s river of history and world of connections. Through award-winning exhibitions, guests will learn the connection the Delaware River has not only with the city but also with the region as a whole. Learn the story of the founding of the United States Navy (which happened in Philadelphia) in “Patriots & Pirates” and discover how the Delaware River is a crucial component for 15 million people in “River Alive!”

When: June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Where: The Independence Seaport Museum 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Rhythms of Liberation: Juneteenth Block Party and Evening Conversation

What: Join The African American Museum in Philadelphia for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and culture during their annual Juneteenth Block Party. All are welcome to unite to celebrate freedom through music as we honor this year’s theme, “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music,” during Black Music Month. There will be live musical entertainment — including a performance by Kid ‘n Play — a vendor village, food trucks, interactive experiences, and activities for the whole family.

You can wrap up the event at night with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (tentative) and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, participating in the “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics” conversation moderated by journalist Soledad O’Brien.

When: June 19 from noon to 7 p.m. 

Where: Outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia at 7th and Arch streets

Free fun Jun 10

Visit dozens of Philly museums for FREE during Wawa Welcome America

Wawa Welcome America May 14

Kesha, NE-YO to headline 2024 Wawa Welcome America Concert on July 4th in Philly

Free Museum Day: African American Museum in Philadelphia

What: Enjoy free admission to experience the richness and vibrancy of African American heritage and culture that come alive in four magnificent exhibit galleries filled with exciting history and fascinating art.

When: June 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

According to police officials in Upper Providence Township, the crash happened at about 7:55 a.m. along the Route 1 Bypass in Upper Providence Township.

The roadway between routes 252 and 352 was closed to traffic due to the incident as of about 8:20 a.m., officials said. It wouldn’t reopen until several hours later.

Léelo en español aquí.

Three people were killed in the crash, the official noted, however they have not yet released further detail on the victims and have not said if there were others injured in the crash.

One of the vehicles appeared to be burned out as SkyForce10 hovered overhead.

On Tuesday, a representative of Delaware County’s District Attorney’s Office said that investigators believe the crash happened when a community transit van rear-ended a vehicle that was towing a dumpster.

The van caught fire, and the driver and two passengers perished in the fire, the official said.

“I woke up to the sound of, like, sirens. I heard a loud crash,” Andy Taylor, who lives near the scene of the crash told NBC10’s Karen Hua. “There was just kind of like a loud roaring kind of sound, which I’m guessing was the fire.”

According to police, officers arriving at the scene found the van in flames and two of the passengers had been extracted from the wreck by passing motorists, though the victims were pronounced at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office.  

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

New legislation has passed through the state legislature and is now awaiting approval from Delaware Governor John Carney, a Democrat, that would introduce fines of up to $150 for each offense when owners allow their dogs to bark excessively.

According to the legislation, anyone who allows their dog to bark for “an extended period” — defined in the bill as continuously for 15 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more — could be fined.

The bill notes that for a first offence, pet owners would receive a warning. For a second excessive barking offense, an owner could be fined $50. A third violation would cost $100 and, any subsequent violation could see pet owners fined $150 for each time.

There are, however, some exceptions to this bill. The act exempts barking dogs if a person is trespassing on private property or if an animal is intruding on private property and if the dog is being teased or provoked.

Any dogs located in animal shelters, pet stores, dog grooming facilities, veterinarian’s offices and animal clinics would not be included in this legislation.

Also, dogs that are engaged in hunting, training, dog exhibitions, lawful performance competitions and herding would be exempted from this legislation, as well.

If this legislation is signed into law, it would take effect a year after the Governor enacts the bill.

The new jersey, hat, and merchandise collection takes inspiration from the ubiquitous Bethlehem Star. The letter style is also meant to be a nod to Bethlehem Steel logo.

Back in 2023, the IronPigs started their City Connect Series to honor each of the primary cities that make up the Lehigh Valley which include Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton.

Last year, the team paid homage to the local Allentown department store, Hess’s and its famous strawberry pie with a logo of the delicious dessert and jersey that featured the classic Hess’s print from their branding.

Next, in 2025 Easton will be honored.

The IronPigs will wear the new Bethlehem jerseys and caps on Friday, July 19 when they take on the Worcester Red Sox at Coca-Cola Park at 7:05pm.

Tickets for that game are available at milb.com/lehigh-valley.

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The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has reaffirmed the accreditation for the historically Black college.

Last fall, the Commission placed Cheyney on probation while citing deficiencies in areas including “ethics and integrity,” “design and delivery of students learning experience” and compliance with financial planning.

The Commission said Cheyney is now in “now in compliance with those standards”.

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Delaware May 24

Delaware College of Art and Design to close its doors at end of spring semester

“While we agree with this decision, we remain disappointed by the process to arrive at this long-overdue outcome and will continue to advocate for equity and transparency,” the university said in a statement.

The Commission said Cheyney’s next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2030-2031

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

1st voter: Majesty Moreland of North Philadelphia

:45 – Thoughts on the presidential debate

1:10 – Lack of confidence after debate

2:02 – Thoughts on Biden and Trump

2:36 – Whether or not Biden’s age impacts her vote

3:30 – Whether or not she will vote for Trump

4:00 – Where the debate leaves her as a voter

4:47 – Why she voted for Biden in 2020

5:30 – Whether or not Democrats should change their candidate

6:13 – Thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris

2nd voter: Irma Fralic of Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania

6:58 – Thoughts on the presidential debate

8:11 – Unanswered questions during the debate

11:20 – Whether or not she wants Biden and Trump to debate again

11:55 – Changing the party system

13:52 – Deciding who to vote for

3rd voter: Bill Schmidt of East Greenwich, New Jersey

15:36 – Thoughts on the presidential debate

16:52 – Thoughts on Trump’s answers during the debate

18:37 – Thoughts on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

20:45 – Who he would vote for today

21:13 – What he’s hoping comes out of the debate 

Battleground Politics with Lauren Mayk

Battleground Politics Jun 15

Sen. Steve Santarsiero speaks on securing votes for Biden in Bucks County

Battleground Politics Jun 15

Bucks County GOP Committee Chair Pat Poprik speaks on securing votes for Trump

You can subscribe to Battleground Politics on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever else you get your favorite podcasts. You can also watch or listen to every episode right here on NBC10.com, the NBC10 YouTube channel, and in rotation on our streaming channels.

Subscribe to Battleground Politics anywhere you get your podcasts: Spotify | Amazon Music | Apple Podcasts | Google Play (soon) | Art19 | RSS | Watch on YouTube

And, officials said, the same men may have used fake currency in an incident that happened at a CVS in East Bradford Township, as well.

Officials said the first incident happened on May 30, at about 9:15 p.m., when a pair of men entered a Star Gas and Diesel store along the 700 block of W. Cypress Street in Kennett Square and purchased several items using a fake $100 bill.

The same men, police believe, attempted to use counterfeit cash at that same store about two weeks prior. However, in that case, police officials said, a worker at the store noticed that the bill wasn’t real and confiscated it.

The men were both described at standing at about five-foot, five-inches tall and rode BMX-style bikes to the gas station.

Also, police are working to determine if the same men may have been involved in passing a counterfeit bill at a CVS in East Bradford Township late last month.

In this case, police said, someone used counterfeit bills to fraudulently purchase items at a CVS located along the 700 block of Miles Road at about 8 p.m. on June 30.

Police are asking anyone who might be able to provide information on these crimes to contact Officer Ortiz of the Kennett Square Police Department at jortiz@kennettsquarepolice.org or you can submit a tip online.

In a place with a long history of people living — and sometimes dying — under the Boardwalk, Atlantic City has launched an effort to address homelessness by preventing people from sleeping on public property and connecting them with shelter and services.

The effort comes only days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that municipalities can ban homeless encampments, something the city said would support its efforts to address homelessness.

It follows an April 19 fire that killed a man in a homeless encampment under the Boardwalk, months after another fire suspected of being started by homeless people burned a section of the boardwalk in front of Resorts casino. The damage has since been repaired.

“We cannot claim to be this world-class resort (if) we don’t handle the problems that the resort sometimes encounters,” said Mayor Marty Small, a Democrat.

The city is implementing plans by its Boardwalk Improvement Group, which includes using state funds to pay for workers, training and equipment to seek out homeless people and offer them help, including transportation back to where they came from.

But that offer is often rejected. Out of about 200 homeless people that city officials encountered since September, only five have accepted an offer to go back home, officials said.

Many others refuse help of any kind, said Jarrod Barnes, Atlantic City’s director of health and human services.

“When that happens, there is nothing we can do,” he said. “We can’t force them to accept help.”

A tour by city officials of places known to be where homeless people stay was only minutes old when they encountered a disoriented man sprawled across a sidewalk in the midday sun. An ambulance was called and he was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Not far away, in a vacant lot strewn with empty liquor bottles, two young women, who both described themselves as homeless, acknowledged having been assisted multiple times by city outreach teams.

Essence, who would not give her last name, said she was given a free stay at a motel by the city, but returned to the streets. At one point, she said, she lived in a homeless encampment under the Boardwalk, until police broke it up.

Tanisha, who also would not give her last name, said she had no idea where she would spend the night on Monday.

“We’re just trying to make a way, find a way,” she said.

But she acknowledged she and others living outdoors are not always ready to accept help.

“It’s really up to us to do what we got to do first,” she said. “The struggle is real.”

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, Atlantic City plans to introduce an ordinance in the coming weeks that would prohibit sleeping in public places. It could be adopted and put into place by September.

The outreach effort includes 10 full-time workers assigned to find and interact with people who are homeless, offering social services, a pathway into drug or alcohol rehab if needed, and a place to stay. Police assign officers to regularly patrol spots known as homeless gathering points, and police, fire department and public works officers have been trained on interacting with homeless people.

Small noted that some of the homeless encampments have shown signs of real ingenuity. Refrigerators and microwave ovens have been patched into jerry-rigged electrical connections.

And, he added, inhabitants at one encampment managed to tap into the hose of a line under the Boardwalk providing beer to a casino’s beachfront bar.

They’re called clinging jellyfish, small in size but have a painful sting so potent it could require a trip to the hospital.

These creatures have turned up mostly in back bays from Monmouth County all the way to Cape May, typically in shallow water with algae. Finding them in the ocean is highly unlikely.

Director of Marine Biology and Coastal Sciences at Montclair State University Dr. Paul Bologna has been studying the invasive clinging jellyfish since experts first confirmed their presence in New Jersey eight years ago.

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Bologna even takes his students on the water with him so they too can learn and understand the jellyfish.

“Consistently over time we are seeing them and that means that there’s enough of them here that the population is stable, which also means that it’s potentially growing,” Bologna said.

Earlier this year, a discovery near a beach in Brick Township caught researchers off guard. They found clinging jellyfish about 3 miles upriver from where the Metedeconk meets Barnegat Bay.

“We’ve never had them that far up river,” Bologna said. “It was really low salinity. We really were not expecting them. So that means that their ability to survive in our estuaries is really high.”

Their numbers usually start to go down when the water warms up, often around the 4th of July.

Caution remains key for these small jellies with a big sting.

According to police, the incident happened at a property along the 2200 block of Forest St. on Monday where a 33-year-old woman told officers that she was shot in the back by a three-year-old child.

Officials shared information of the incident online on Monday.

An investigation into the incident revealed that, prior to the shooting, 41-year old Brian Siegfried, of Williams Township, was spotted by witnesses playing with a handgun on the front porch of the home, according to police.

Law enforcement officials said that, in an interview with Siegfried, he told officers that he “cocked the gun and places it on a table and walked across the street.”

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In a statement to police, officials claim, Siegfried told investigators he “got tired” of holding the gun and put it down in a room where four toddlers, all under the age of five, were in direct vicinity of the handgun.

At some point, a three-year-old picked up the loaded weapon and accidently shot the victim, police said.

According to law enforcement officials, the woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she underwent surgery and was expected to survive.

The child was not harmed in this incident, officials said.

Siegfried has been arrested and police said, he has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and gun violations as he was subject of a protection from abuse order and was not legally permitted to possess a firearm.

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At least two people began shooting into the Twin Dragon takeout restaurant at South 27th and Dickinson streets in the Grays Ferry neighborhood shortly before 10:25 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, Philadelphia police said.

At least one person inside the store began firing back, Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

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Five men — aged between 21 and 45 — were hurt, four were shot in the legs and one was struck in his arm, police said. Originally police only reported four people were shot.

Police transported one man to the hospital, while the other four arrived in private cars, investigators said. They were all hospitalized in stable condition at area hospitals.

Five customers inside the takeout, including a child under the age of 10, were not struck by bullets, Small said.

Investigators found evidence of at least 40 shots being fired outside the takeout and another 12 being fired from inside, Small said. Police found at least one gun at the scene.

The shooters outside the store appeared to have fled in a dark-colored SUV, Small said.

At least one gunshot victim was being held as a suspect, Small said.

Police also held a car that was used to bring a gunshot victim to the hospital so it could be investigated for clues.

No motive was known for the shooting and investigators hoped surveillance video would help them track down gunmen, Small said.

Police asked that anyone with information call the Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 or submit a tip anonymously by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).

This wasn’t the first time a shooting took place at this same Chinese takeout restaurant as a teen was shot there while begging for his life back in 2017.

Caridad Gonzalez, 80, was called by Menendez’s lawyers to support their argument that hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash found in the Menendez’s residence during a 2022 raid was not unusual for a man whose parents fled Cuba in 1951 with only the cash hidden at home.

“It’s normal. It’s a Cuban thing,” she said when she was asked for her reaction to Menendez directing her to pull $500 in $100 bills from a boot-sized box in a closet of his daughter’s bedroom in the 1980s when she worked for him as a legal secretary.

She testified that everyone who left Cuba in the 1960s and 1970s kept cash at home because “they were afraid of losing what they worked so hard for because, in Cuba, they took everything away from you.”

Prosecutors say more than $486,000 in cash, over $100,000 in gold bars and a luxury car found at the Menendez home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, during the 2022 raid were bribe proceeds.

Menendez, 70, was born in Manhattan and raised in the New Jersey cities of Hoboken and Union City before practicing as a lawyer and launching his political career, Gonzalez said.

He has pleaded not guilty to bribery, fraud, extortion, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.

He is on trial with two New Jersey businessmen who pleaded not guilty after they were accused of paying him bribes to get favors that would aid them in their business and investment pursuits. A third businessman pleaded guilty and testified against his codefendants.

Menendez’s wife, Nadine, has pleaded not guilty to charges in the case, although her trial has been postponed while she recovers from breast cancer surgery.

During her testimony, Gonzalez told the dramatic story of her family’s exit from Cuba, saying they had a comfortable existence that included a chauffeur and enabled them to become the first family in their neighborhood to get a television before a competitor of her father’s tie and bow tie business used his influence to disrupt their life.

She said the man wanted her father to close his business and work for him and enlisted four police officers and two government officials to ransack their home one day.

She said her father stored his cash in a secret compartment of a grandfather clock that went undiscovered during the raid.

Once the family moved to America and the future senator was born, the story of their escape and the importance of the cash became a topic told over dinner as her father recounted Cuba’s history, she said.

“Daddy always said: ‘Don’t trust the banks. If you trust the banks, you never know what can happen. So you must always have money at home,’” she recalled.

She said other members of her family stored cash at home too, including an aunt whose home burned down without destroying the $60,000 in cash she had stored in the basement.

Later Monday, a sister of Menendez’s wife distanced the senator from his wife’s belongings, including gold and jewelry, and said her sister had not divulged her financial troubles to her, except to once ask if she would cosign on a financial loan after she defaulted on her house payments.

Menendez’s lawyers say the senator’s wife kept him in the dark about her money problems and help she got from businessmen to solve them.

The gymnast from New Jersey landed a coveted spot on the women’s gymnastics team over the weekend after a stellar performance at the U.S. trials in Minneapolis. At just 16 years old, she’s currently the youngest athlete of any sport competing on behalf of Team USA later this month.

The relative newcomer will compete for Olympic medals for the first time on the world stage, but she’s no stranger to winning. She recently competed in the 2024 Winter Cup, where she placed third all-around and clinched gold on the balance beam.

“I am so grateful to be here and to be selected on this Olympic team. I have made so many sacrifices to get here so I want to thank God, my coaches, family, my friends and my teammates. I just can’t believe that I am here,” Rivera told NBC DFW after making the team.

Rivera said she managed to keep her cool during the trials, despite going up against a roster of former Olympians.

“I thought of it as every other meet. Just going out there and doing my thing, basically doing what I do in the gym. I was just thinking its just me and my beam or just me and the bar. I try to calm myself down beforehand. I [was thinking] I’m like the underdog and there wasn’t so much pressure on me which was probably a good thing. I just went out there and did my thing,” she said.

New Jersey seems to be building a reputation for getting young athletes onto Team USA. Eight years ago, Old Bridge’s Laurie Hernandez traveled to Rio where she won a team gold and an individual silver medal on balance beam.

Who is on the women’s U.S. Gymnastics roster for the 2024 Olympics?

• Simone Biles
• Jordan Chiles
• Suni Lee
• Jade Carey
• Hezly Rivera
• Joscelyn Roberson (traveling replacement athlete)
• Leanne Wong (traveling replacement athlete)

The campaign — which the DNC calls a homepage takeover directing readers to digital ads — is set to launch Tuesday when readers access The Philadelphia Inquirer website, a DNC spokesperson told NBC10. The ads use clips of last week’s debate when the former president was asked if he would accept the results of the election regardless of who wins.  

Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, responded that he would “absolutely” accept them “if it’s a fair and legal and good election.”

The ads, which are also slated to appear to readers of the Arizona Republic and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, display the words: “Fraud. Liar. Denier.” 

The ad campaign comes as the Supreme Court ruled Monday in connection to the federal election interference case against Trump. The majority opinion stated that presidents are immune from prosecution for some actions, but not all — drawing a distinction between official and unofficial acts. 

The court sent the case back to a lower court to sort out which actions cited in the indictment were covered by immunity, though offered guidance including saying Trump talking with the Vice President about his role on January 6th was “at least presumptively immune” from prosecution. 

Former President Trump on his Truth Social account posted Monday “BIG WIN FOR OUR CONSTITUTION AND DEMOCRACY. PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!” 

Democratic President Joe Biden spoke about the Supreme Court decision on Monday night, calling the decision a “dangerous precedent” and saying “I dissent.” 

The DNC said the decision underscores the stakes of the election, and DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman called Trump “the most existential threat to America’s democracy yet.”

“Trump has shown over and over again that he has no remorse for his role in the insurrection on our nation’s capital, and now that the Supreme Court has emboldened his dangerous pursuit of power, there’s no doubt that his number one priority in a second term would be dismantling democracy as we know it,” Rahmi said in a statement. 

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Around 7:30 p.m., Wilmington firefighters responded to the intersection of A Street and South Walnut Street for a car fire, officials said.

While responding, the fire department was informed that there were two children who were trapped in the car. When they arrived, they learned that employees at a nearby detailing shop had pulled them from the car, according to the fire department.

The children, an 8-month-old baby and a 5-year-old, were treated at the scene and transported to the hospital suffering from extensive 2nd- and 3rd-degree burns. They were admitted to the trauma center in serious condition.

The driver of the car, the children’s mother, was able to escape the burning car and was also transported to the hospital with severe burns.

At this time there is no information about what caused the car to catch fire.

The abrupt announcement comes after the establishment has been in Center City for more than a decade.

Howl at the Moon posted a message on Facebook which garnered many responses from patrons who expressed their confusion.

One commenter asked, what are next steps for people that put down deposits for future reservations? Howl at the Moon responded that all reservations will be refunded, and that people can contact events@howlatthemoon.com if they have any further questions.

On its main website, Philadelphia has been removed from the locations tab. Howl at the Moon has 12 locations, including one on a cruise line.

“We want to thank all of the many thousands of people who patronized us week after week along with our loyal staff throughout the years,” they also said in the post.

NBC10 has reached out to the company for comment but has not heard back yet.

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Asmar Earp, 37, admitted to his role in embezzling federal benefits meant for the disabled child of his former girlfriend shortly after she went missing in 2017, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

Earp was in a romantic relationship with a woman identified as V.W. and shared a house with her when she started receiving monthly payments administered by the Social Security Administration for her disabled son who was a minor. V.W. was the one who received the payments since her son was determined not capable of managing the SSI benefits on his own.

On or around December 24, 2017, V.W. went missing and six days later Earp fraudulently gained control of V.W.’s son’s benefits by changing the PIN code on the debit card used to access those funds, officials said.

In March and April 2018, Earp also fraudulently used V.W.’s name, date of birth, and social security number to receive replacement debit cards to continue accessing and using V.W.’s son’s benefits.

“From December 2017 through February 2020, Earp and others acting at his direction repeatedly and fraudulently took the money intended to help V.W.’s son and used it on themselves,” the attorney’s office said in a statement.

According to the indictment, Earp and others under his direction, used the debit cards to withdraw the SSI payments in New Jersey and Ohio during the timeframe the attorney’s office mentioned.

In total, Earp caused the SSA to pay him approximately $19,797 in SSI payments that were payable to V.W. as her son’s representative and intended exclusively for his benefit.

Earp was charged with two counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain of the defendant, whichever is greatest.

The count of aggravated identity theft carries a statutory mandatory penalty of two years in prison, which runs consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain of the defendant, whichever is greatest.

V.W.’s whereabouts remain unknown as of February 2023.

Officials did not state whose care V.W.’s son has been in since she went missing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Khalif Duren, 23, and Amirah Square, 20, are both wanted on attempted murder and aggravated assault by handgun charges in connection to the shooting.

Duren stands 5-foot-6 and weighs 195 pounds while Square stands 5-foot-3 and weighing between 110 and 115 pounds, police said.

If you see either suspect, do not approach them. Instead, call 911 immediately. You can also send a tip by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477).

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The shooting occurred on June 19, shortly after 6:20 p.m. Philadelphia police officers were called to the 2800 block of North Bambrey Street for multiple people shot, investigators said.

When officers arrived, they found two women suffering from gunshot wounds to the leg, police said.

Around that same time three other people — a woman and two men — showed up to the hospital by private vehicles, police said.

The three women who were shot are 46, 29 and 34, police said. The two men who were shot are 23 and 19.

A sixth victim — a 16-year-old girl — at the scene approached officers and said she believed she was struck by a bullet, police said. She was transported to the hospital with a graze wound to her stomach.

A seventh victim, an 18-year-old woman, showed up to the hospital by private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the lower back.

All of the victims were listed in stable condition except for the 19-year-old man who was shot in the back. He was listed in critical condition, police said.

Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said all the victims were standing on the sidewalk when a dark-colored four-door sedan pulled up, going eastbound on Somerset Street, and possibly three men got out, investigators said. That was when more than 20 shots were fired into a crowd. The shooters then got back into the waiting car and drove off.

“We believe they shot into this crowd intentionally and that someone may have been the intended target,” Small said. “Very possible that several others or most of them were not the intended target, they were struck by stray gunfire.”

Most of the victims live along North Bambrey Street, Small said.

Real-time crime cameras and private cameras in the area did captured the incident, investigators said. The video shows the gunmen walking down the street before opening fire and then running off.

The three suspects were last seen getting back into the vehicle and going eastbound on Somerset Street, according to police. Investigators said two of the suspects were wearing all black clothing while the third suspect was wearing all white clothing.

Police described the suspects’ vehicle as a 2004-2008 charcoal gray Acura TSX with an unknown Pennsylvania tag, missing front grille, damage to the rear trunk with a yellow tie down strap securing the trunk and numerous decals in the rear window.

On Thursday, June 20, a law enforcement source confirmed with NBC10 that police found the vehicle. Police also spoke with a person associated with the vehicle though that person has not been charged, the source said.

Then, on Friday, June 21, a spokesperson with the Philadelphia Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in the shooting, 23-year-old Tyheed Harvey, 23.

“This senseless blatant disregard for life has no place in our city,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “The swift response and diligent work of our officers and Shooting Investigations Group Detectives have led to a significant arrest with more to come. I am both proud and thankful of the men and women of our department for the work they do each and every day.  We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice for the victims and safety for all residents of Philadelphia.”

Harvey has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy and related offenses, police said.

Children continue to be struck by gunfire in Philadelphia. So far, minors have made up around 13% of the nearly 540 shootings in the city this year, according to data from the City Controller’s Office.

During a business meeting back on July 13, 2023, the Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance amending the township’s code to regulate the usage of single-use plastic products.

Phase one of the plan, which banned single-use carry-out plastic bags, plastic straws, and expanded polystyrene food service products at restaurants, went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Township officials said the ordinance helps improve the environment by reducing unnecessary waste. Township officials also said stores and takeout spots can charge 10 cents for reusable bags to deal with rising costs.  

Businesses who violate the ordinance will first receive a written warning and will then be fined $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second violation and then $250 for the third and subsequent violations.

Tony Capone, owner of Angelo’s Pizza in King of Prussia, told NBC10 he’ll never charge his customers for bags. Despite not being a fan of the ban, however, he still stocked his business up with paper containers and paper straws.

“It’s a lot on us. Especially mom and shop places like us,” Capone said. “And if you go to fancy restaurants, they store a lot of plastic out there. Not that I go to fancy restaurants much. Because I cannot afford it.”

Debbie Biddle, a customer at Screwballs, a bar in King of Prussia, also told NBC10 she wasn’t a fan of the rule.

“I don’t like it,” Biddle said. “The reason being is everything else is in plastic, okay? You buy your vegetables. You buy your meats. Everything’s in plastic. So the consumer, I think is suffering with this.”

Christopher and Christina Cook — Connecticut residents who were traveling in the area and stopped at the King of Prussia Service Plaza — also weighed in on the plastic ban.

“We don’t get plastic bags in Connecticut. We haven’t for years. So, it’s not a big deal,” Christina Cook said. “Utensils is weird. I don’t like that. That’s not convenient for travelers. But the bag thing is not new for us.”

Other customers at the service plaza said they supported the ordinance, with one man calling it great for the environment.

Upper Merion Township is offering free reusable shopping bags for residents and customers at the Upper Merion Township building. The bags include a QR code which links out to more information on the town’s single-use plastic ordinance, which you can find here or in the document embedded below.

Twelve states and more than 500 cities across the country have implemented bans on single-use plastic bags. The bans have helped reduce litter and pollution, according to the research and policy center, Environment America.

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“This historic agreement is the result of negotiations, collaboration and hard work in the Parker Administration – and the previous Kenney Administration,” said Parker, in a statement on the renewal. “We have listened to the voices of our residents, consulted with our experts, and crafted a plan that we believe reflects our collective needs as a city. We are proud to provide broadband access at the speed of light for our residents who use our recreation centers.”

The agreement, which was set to expire next month, was originally inked in 2009 to provide cable and internet services to the city. Now, city officials said, the contract has been renewed for five-years and it will help bring internet connectivity to rec. centers and other properties to help ensure “they remain vibrant hubs of activity and provide digital inclusion for generations to come.”

Officials said that the terms of the franchise agreement are:

• Verizon will continue to pay the City the maximum franchise fees permitted by federal law (five percent of gross revenues).
• Verizon will provide $8 million over the five-year life of the agreement in grant funding to support Public, Education, and Government grants (PEG Grants) to Internet access providers. This includes PhillyCAM, the School District of Philadelphia and Channel 64.
• Verizon will also provide a grant of $500,000 for technology initiatives associated with its use of ‘dark fiber’ – another technological innovation for the City.
• Verizon will provide broadband internet access to 183 City-owned recreation centers within two years, and up to 261 additional City-owned properties at the City’s choosing.

“Our rec centers have to stay current with modern technology in order to engage communities and equip young people with the resources they need,” said Susan Slawson, commissioner of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, in a statement. “The renewal of the Verizon franchise agreement is going to be transformative for 183 of our rec centers and the neighborhoods they serve.”

The ordeal began shortly before 1:15 p.m. on Friday, June 28, along the 3400 block of Tampa Street. Investigators said a group of teen girls were fighting in the area. A white vehicle then arrived at the scene and a gunman exited the driver’s side door, police said. As several people fled, the gunman shot at them, chased the group and then fired another shot on the 600 block of E. Ontario Street, according to investigators.

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A woman, later identified as 59-year-old Gladys Rivera-Perez, was sitting on her porch at her home along the 3400 block of Crystal Street and heard the gunshots. She then went inside her home and was followed by the people who were fleeing the gunman, according to investigators.

The gunman then fired two shots into the home. A bullet struck Rivera-Perez in her back and exited through her chest and shoulder area as she tried to get to the second floor, police said. She was taken by a private vehicle to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where she was pronounced dead at 1:44 p.m. that day.

Responding officers received information that the gunman’s vehicle was traced to an address on the 1300 block of St. Vincent Street. A barricade situation was declared and police found the owner of the vehicle inside the home. The owner was taken in by police for questioning but later released pending further investigation.

Police described the suspect in the shooting as a 39-year-old Hispanic man with a stocky build, long beard, red shirt and dark-colored baseball cap.

If you have any information on the suspect’s identity or whereabouts, please call Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

As of Sunday night, there were 130 reported homicides in Philadelphia, down 38 percent from the same time last year, according to police data.

Philadelphia police recently increased their patrols in Kensington as part of the city’s plan to clean up the neighborhood. Only days after phase 2 of the plan began, a Philadelphia police officer was shot during a traffic stop in Kensington. He remains in critical condition.

That’s what Scott Stephenson, the president and CEO of Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution, whispered as a rare musket was brought into his view on Monday morning.

His remark was made during an event to celebrate the return of a Revolutionary War musket that was stolen nearly 60 years ago and will now be put on display for the public to see at the Museum of the American Revolution.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to be receiving this firearm, which was stolen from our predecessor, the Valley Forge historical Society, in 1968,” he said.

In fact, Stephenson said that he remembers, as a boy, reading about the American Revolution and seeing photos of this exact firearm in his youth.

As retold by Stephenson, the musket — which he said was not the work of one manufacturer, but was instead an “amalgamation of parts” put together by a Revolutionary War soldier — was stolen from the Valley Forge Historical Society in 1968.

“They were cobbling together what they can to get ready for this military conflict,” Stephenson explained. “This was a very effective, modern military technology circa 1774.”

The gun was stolen along with more than 30 other items from the Valley Forge Historical Society — the predecessor of the Museum of the American Revolution — and was sought for nearly 60 years, until a moment of serendipity brought it back into the hands of local officials.

“The assumption was that these things were long gone, never to be seen again,” said Stephenson.

However, recently the FBI and local law enforcement officials released a list of items important to American history that were sought in cold case robberies.

That list made its way into the hands of Joel Bohy, an appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow for arms and military items.

He remembered seeing a firearm like one described in the list at an antique gun show just a few weeks before he saw the list of items that were still being sought.

“The first gun on the list turned out to be this gun,” Bohy said.

Stephenson said that the owner seemed happy to return the item.

“The owner, who had purchased it in the 1960s, probably shortly after the theft, turned it over. He said ‘oh my gosh, I had no idea’,” Stephenson said. “So, it was just amazing how it all came together.”

Chubb, an insurance group, paid a claim on the firearm after the burglary. And, once the weapon was recovered, the company gifted it to the museum.

For Upper Merion Township Police Department Detective Brendan Dougherty, the effort was the culmination of 15 years of work. He said that his office reopened the case on the 1968 thefts from the Valley Forge Historical Society back in 2009 and they have been trying to recover items lost in that case ever since.

“This was something stolen from Montgomery County. It was something stolen locally,” Dougherty said. “So, it’s really, really special that something stolen from Valley Forge 56 years ago is back at home for us all to look at.”

And now, just in time for Independence Day, the firearm will be placed on display at the Museum of the American Revolution.

Police said a tractor trailer was traveling westbound within a work zone at mile marker 31 on I-78 in Hamburg Borough shortly before 8:30 a.m. when it struck the center concrete barrier, pushing several sections of the barrier into the oncoming lane of travel.

A 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe and another tractor trailer traveling eastbound on I-78 both struck the damaged concrete barrier. The impact caused the SUV to roll over and land on its roof within the westbound lanes of the highway and one of the two passengers inside the vehicle was ejected, investigators said.

The victim was taken to the hospital and is being treated for serious injuries.

Three people — a 62-year-old male driver, 19-year-old male passenger, and 18-year-old female passenger — were inside the SUV at the time of the crash. All three are from Fleming Island, Florida, investigators said. State police did not specify which passenger was ejected during the crash.

Police also said a 28-year-old man from Herndon, Pennsylvania, was driving one of the trucks involved in the crash, a 2000 Peterbilt 379, while a 42-year-old man from Hidalgo, Texas, was driving the second truck, a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia.

Police have not yet revealed if anyone else involved in the crash suffered serious injuries.

I-78 was closed in both directions at the scene of the crash for several hours. It later reopened.

Starting Monday, July 1, a new ordinance signed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker goes into effect that allows the PPA to ticket vehicles that are parked in the city that have tinting that is darker than state guidelines permit.

State law requires vehicle windows to permit 70% of light contacting the window to pass through it.

In a statement on the new efforts, City Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-6th dist.), who authored the legislation, said tinting that is installed in a vehicle by a manufacturer typically complies with state regulations.

However, he noted, tinting done by independent installers may not.

“While many who have had their windows tinted are law abiding citizens and have done so without any ill intent, we know that others have installed illegal tinting for the express purpose to avoid identification while committing crimes or engaging in inherently dangerous activities such as illegal street racing and drifting,” Driscoll said in a statement. “As city officials, we will not tolerate activities that endanger those who live and work here.”

The ordinance went into effect on Monday and those who violate the new law will face a $100 fine.

The move is focused on improving safety and cleanliness throughout the mass transit system and will allow officers to write ticket for violations of quality-of-life crimes, which would include consuming alcohol on SEPTA properties, public urination, smoking, littering and other offenses.

Fines will range from $25 to $150 and, officials have said, the effort is expected to push back on issues of disorderly conduct and, officials said they hope to crackdown on repeat offenders and improve the overall customer experience on SEPTA properties.

The enforcement begins Monday, July 1, 2024.

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“The shift to Code Violation Notices demonstrates our commitment to stepping up enforcement of quality-of-life offenses,” SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie Richards said in a statement on the new ticketing effort. “These violations are often the subject of customer complaints and can be associated with more serious crimes. Our customers and employees deserve to feel safe when they are traveling on SEPTA.”

Under this policy, Transit Police will issue a ticket to the offender and forward a copy of the ticket to the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Administrative Review. Riders who receive tickets will be given the option of paying the fine or requesting a court date in order to dispute the ticket.

The Office of Administrative Review, officials said, will be in charge of tracking unpaid fines and chronic offenders will be banned from being on any SEPTA property.

In a statement on the new practice, SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson noted that that it would be a step up over the Administrative Enforcement Notices that officers has been issuing since 2019, as these tickets would be court-enforced. .

“Code Violation Notices are legal instruments backed by the courts,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “With this change, SEPTA is sending a clear message to would-be offenders: If you commit an offense on SEPTA property, you will be held accountable.”

Officials said SEPTA Police will continue to increase visible patrols at stations as well as hire more officers.

Also, recently, SEPTA received a special prosecutor for crimes that occur on any SEPTA property. A Pennsylvania court rejected Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s lawsuit against Act 40, a law establishing a special prosecutor to handle crimes on SEPTA property.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry also announced that attorney Michael Untermeyer was named as the special prosecutor.

NJ Transit, which has been reeling from a series of service suspensions and delays between New York and New Jersey, implemented its first fare hike in nearly a decade on Monday.

In April, the transit agency’s board of directors unanimously approved the 15% fare increase for bus, train and light rail riders to take effect July 1, 2024. There will be a 3% annual increase indefinitely starting July 1, 2025.

Here’s an example of what we’re looking at:

NJ Transit’s neighborly reminder of the imminent fare increase was met with exactly what you’d expect.

It’s been an awful month for NJ Transit in terms of service to and from New York’s Penn Station. Service was suspended on at least five occasions in June, mainly during rush hour and largely because of issues related to Amtrak’s overhead wires.

Both transit agencies said last week they’d work together to accelerate investigations into the suspensions and shore up equipment.

NJ Transit’s hike, which was initially proposed in late January, comes after the agency’s preliminary estimates for Fiscal Year 2025 found a budget deficit of $119 million. The new prices hope to help close that budget gap.

Officials have known for a few years that they would run into this fiscal dead end. Even though NJ Transit ridership has reached about 80% of its pre-COVID levels, the agency is entering its fifth consecutive year of ridership below pre-pandemic levels. This low ridership has resulted in the loss of nearly $2 billion in fares, according to NJ Transit.

Despite NJ Transit using federal COVID relief funds over a few years to offset the loss, the funding will be exhausted in Fiscal Year 2025, the agency said.

Critics blasted the state for not acting sooner to prevent passing on the cost to riders.

Drivers were being diverted during Monday’s rush hour along I-476 southbound on the ramp to I-95 southbound after an overturned dump truck there caused all lanes of traffic to be closed.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, cleanup is expected to take several hours after a dump truck overturned at about 6:05 a.m. on the southbound ramp in Woodlyn between the two thoroughfares and spilled cargo across the roadway.

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As of about 7:45 a.m. traffic was being diverted to northbound I-95 and, officials said, tow trucks were on the scene working to clear the wreck.

However, officials said, the clean up effort is expected to take between one to three hours.

No injuries have been reported in this incident.

At about 11:30 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police officials announced that the roadway had been reopened after the truck was cleared and all debris had been removed.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

Specter died Saturday, June 29, 2024, due to complications of dementia at her Haverford, Pennsylvania, home, according to her obituary.

In mourning Specter’s death, Philadelphia Council President Kenyatta Johnson recalled her as a “former city council member, advocate for the arts, and human rights champion.”

“I remember my aunt sharing with me the work of Councilmember Specter when I was fresh out of college,” Johnson wrote. “She spoke of how she was a woman of the people and how she helped thousands of people through constituent services but especially those in need.

“Married to the late Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Joan Specter’s legacy was cemented as a renowned culinary expert, entrepreneur, and dedicated public servant.”

Specter moved from food to politics in 1979, winning election to City Council as a Republican at-large. She served council from 1980 to 1996.

“She championed non-partisan issues such as daycare, housing, child nutrition, and anti-discrimination,” Johnson wrote. “Her efforts led to significant legislation, including divestment from companies operating in apartheid-era South Africa, among others. Joan was also instrumental in promoting public art in Philadelphia.”

After leaving office, Specter continued to serve on boards, including the Hazel K. Goddess Fund for Stroke Research and the Children’s Literacy Initiative, according to her obituary.

Specter grew up in Philadelphia and was a alum of Olney High School, Southern Connecticut University and Drexel University.

Joan and Arlen Specter were married from 1953 until his death in 2012. The couple had two children Shanin, a Philadelphia-based attorney, and Steve, a California-based psychiatrist.

Specter’s funeral is set for Tuesday, July 2 at Har Zion Temple in Penn Valley, according to her obituary.

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NBC10 started getting multiple calls and emails from people Sunday night saying they were stuck on a plane or stuck in baggage claim waiting for their luggage to arrive. 

Hundreds of flights were delayed at PHL Sunday and more than 150 flights were canceled. Many people told us they were told weather was to blame.

Weather may impact flights at #PHLAirport today. Passengers are reminded to check with their airlines for latest flight information. pic.twitter.com/nAJqSt3vF7

— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) June 30, 2024

The delays meant some flight crews timed out — meaning they couldn’t work any more hours because of federal regulations. 

Passengers told us they were stuck sitting on a plane on the tarmac for hours — with no food, water or immediate answers. 

However, the big issue with a lot of travelers was that when they finally got off their planes their luggage didn’t get off with them. 

“We still have not gotten our bags yet,” a frustrated passenger said Sunday night. “No one is coming to talk to us, we haven’t heard anything about what’s going on with our luggage. And it’s horrible. You hear them chanting, they’s like ‘free our bags!’ Why won’t they let us know where are our bags?”

As of early Monday morning, dozens of bags were lined up in baggage claim, many people with final destinations in Philadelphia having left them behind rather than continuing to wait. There were also dozens of carts of bags taken off canceled flights that would need to be claimed.

While most if not all airlines dealt with weather cancellations and delays, most of the people with the baggage confusion we talked to flew on American Airlines, which operates around 60% of PHL flights. 

Later on Monday, American Airlines said that a four hour ramp closure due to lightning caused delays. Airline employees worked to assist customers and get crews into place.

The big announcement revealing Kesha and NE-YO as the headliners for the July 4th concert and fireworks came on May 14, 2024. Festival organizers used the announcement to also tease details about dozens of other free events taking place in Philly this summer.

With 16 days of family-friendly fun comes so many great events. Here are five big ones to look forward to:

Juneteenth Block Party featuring Kid n’ Play

What: The annual Juneteenth block party outside the African American Museum in Philadelphia that has become the kickoff showcase for Wawa Welcome America focuses on music this year with Rhythms of Liberation: Juneteenth Block Party and Evening Conversation that will feature hip-hop legends.

“There will be live musical entertainment, a vendor village, food trucks, interactive experiences, and activities for the whole family,” according to festival organizers.

Kid ‘n Play will be bringing their “House Party” outdoors to the stage hosted by WURD Radio‘s Tiffany Bacon and Andrea Lawful-Sanders. Rich Medina will spin tunes while Seraiah Nicole and Suede Lace also perform.

There will also be performances from Dance4Life and poetry from Philadelphia’s newly appointed Poet Laureate Kai Davis.

Besides the fun on stage, there will be face-painting and mini sports for kids, food trucks and a vendor village “showcasing a curated selection of small Black-owned businesses,” organizers said.

Beside that, there is free admission to the African American Museum and an evening conversation featuring “a pivotal conversation entitled ‘Shattering the Glass Ceiling: African American Women in Politics,'” organizers said. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (tentative) and Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton will take part in the conversation moderated by journalist Soledad O’Brien.

When: June 19, 2024, from noon to 7 p.m.

Where: 700 block of Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta featuring Joseph Fonseca, Huey Dunbar

What: This annual two-day family-friendly festival celebrates Hispanic culture and heritage through food, dance and music is back in 2024, but with a new location. This year Merengue music icon Joseph Fonseca and Salsa star Huey Dunbar are set to perform on the JFK Boulevard Bridge in Center City since its traditional home at Penn’s Landing is under construction.

“While you’re there, be sure to delve into cultural cuisine at the Oasis Waterfront Food Market supported by the Philadelphia International Airport and explore the many vendors and activations, including the Well-being on Wheels presented by Independence Blue Cross, featuring free health screenings, wellness information, and nutrition takeaways,” festival organizers say.

When: The event takes place on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: JFK Boulevard Bridge, 20th Street & JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Wawa Hoagie Day featuring free lunch

What: Free lunch alert! In what is one of the most-anticipated events of the entire festival each year, Wawa celebrates local hero’s with entertainment and free Wawa hoagies in Old City. Around 25,000 Wawa Shorti hoagies will be served.

It’s about more than just food:

“Guests can enjoy entertainment, including a performance by Voices of Service, a singing quartet of military veterans, along with free admission to the National Constitution Center all day – which includes a special Wawa History exhibit showing their more than 100 years of Philadelphia roots,” the Wawa Welcome America website says.

When: Free hoagies will be served on June 27, 2024, starting at noon. (People normally line up ahead of time)

Where: Independence Mall, 15 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Gospel on Independence featuring Tamela Mann

What: Gospel on independence returns again for Wawa Welcome America on Independence Mall.

WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson will host the performance featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Tamela Mann, which will pay “tribute to 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love,” organizers wrote.

“Join us for a moving and soul-stirring performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodlin and Zak Williams, debuting Created 4 This dance ensemble and 215 Gospel performers,” organizers said.

Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

When: June 30, 2024, starting at 7 p.m.

Salute to Service: United States Army Field Band featuring LeAnn Rimes

What: Grammy-winner LeAnn Rimes will join the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus to present “America the Beautiful.”

“We honor the veterans of every generation who answered the call to defend this great land, and recognize the Soldiers standing guard today in more than 140 countries around the world who are proud to call America ‘home,'” organizers said.

When: July 3, 2024, starting at 7 p.m.

Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

There are many more events and free museums to visit during the Wawa Welcome America festival. Of course, the main event happens on July 4th with the July 4th Concert featuring Kesha and NE-YO followed by fireworks on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

After declining his Clippers player option, Paul George has agreed to sign a four-year, $212 million contract with the Sixers, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia early Monday morning.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported the news.

George is a native of Palmdale, California, and played the past five seasons in Los Angeles. However, he’s set to join the Eastern Conference for the first time since his final Pacers season in 2016-17. 

The Clippers reportedly remained unwilling to offer the four-year contract George wanted. The team released a statement Sunday night acknowledging there was a “significant” gap between the sides in negotiations. That left the door open for the Sixers and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, who intentionally entered this offseason with close to zero roster certainty and sizable cap space.

Last season, George made his ninth career All-Star Game. Joel Embiid reached his seventh and Most Improved Player Tyrese Maxey earned his first selection.

“I would say the biggest need is not at (Embiid or Maxey’s) position — someone at the wing who can play and deliver at a high level in the playoffs,” Morey said in May at his end-of-season press conference. 

Health permitting, the Sixers will be optimistic about George’s specific skills coming to Philadelphia. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game last year, and he shot 41.3 percent from 3-point range on 7.9 attempts per game. George has proven capable of meshing alongside fellow stars, playing a larger role when injuries arise, and effectively defending top wings and forwards.

Like the Sixers, George’s 2023-24 season ended with a first-round playoff exit. He’s never been to the NBA Finals and the Sixers haven’t been past the second round of the playoffs since 2001.

Now, both parties will hope George’s dramatic move East results in a big breakthrough. 

The Sixers have also agreed to re-sign Kelly Oubre Jr. and to add Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon. As they build around the new trio of Embiid, Maxey and George, there’s plenty more free-agent action on deck.

According to police, the incident happened at about 12:46 a.m. on Sunday at a property along the 4700 block of Longshore Avenue.

Police officials said, at that time, a 28-year-old woman was shot in the face and was taken by private vehicle to a nearby hospital.

She was then transfered by ambulance to a hospital in North Philadelphia.

The woman has been hospitalized, but police officials did not immediately provide the woman’s condition after the incident.

Also, officials provided no motive for this incident and have not made any arrests. However, officials said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The “unprecedented leadership void” as of Friday in the Dauphin County clerk of courts office prompted the state Supreme Court to declare a “judicial emergency” and order the county’s president judge to appoint a temporary acting clerk. That person will serve until Gov. Josh Shapiro appoints an acting clerk, which is normally an elected position.

PennLive.com reports that the clerk of courts and the first deputy of the office resigned late Friday afternoon and the second deputy was fired. The abrupt departures followed “months of crisis” in the office that saw problems such as defendants stranded in jail, others picked up on bench warrants that should have been terminated and incorrectly recorded case dispositions and sentences, the outlet reported.

In May, the county’s president judge ordered the clerk of courts office to correct the problems or be held in contempt. A criminal contempt proceeding had been scheduled for Monday.

“While the clerk is an independently elected official, the efficient and effective operation of the office is critical to ensuring that the courts remain accessible,” Chief Justice Debra Todd said in a statement, also noting the need to ensure that “the essential recordkeeping function” of the office is maintained.

The abrupt departure of the clerk and two deputies necessitated “swift action,” the high court said.

According to police, the incident happened around 3:20 a.m. along the 1400 block of Kerper Street in Northeast Philadelphia.

At that time, officers found a 43-year-old man who was unresponsive in the roadway after he had been shot in the head.

Police confirmed with NBC10 early Sunday that the man, who police identified as Calton Brown, 43, of Northeast Philadelphia, was pronounced at the scene at 3:24 a.m.

However, police officials have not yet provided identifying information on the individual, nor have they provided information on what may have lead to this incident.

Also, law enforcement officials have not arrested anyone in this incident and have not yet provided any information on the individuals believed responsible for the man’s slaying.

However, police officials said an investigation is ongoing.

So far this year, according to statistics provided by the Philadelphia Police Department, there have been 127 homicides in the city since the start of the year. So far, that represents a 40% decline in homicides when compared to this time last year.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

The shooting happened just before 8 p.m. on the unit block of North 52nd Street, police said.

According to police, the incident happened at 23-year-old William Shirley, of the city’s Overbrook section, stood on the sidewalk along the unit block of N. 52nd Street.

On Monday, police said they believe Shirley was targeted, as surveillance video from the scene is said to show a vehicle arrive at that location before a gunman jumped out, armed with a rifle, and took aim at Shirley.

“The offender exited the vehicle, produced a rifle shot the victim multiple times in close range, and then fled the scene in a dark-colored midsized SUV,” police officials said in a statement on the incident.

The offender is described as a black male, wearing a mask, a black jacket or sweatshirt, dark pants, blue gloves, white and black sneakers, and armed with a rifle.

At this time there is no motive or arrest.

Shirley was taken to a nearby hospital where, officials said, he was pronounced at about 8:05 p.m.

No weapons were found and no one has been arrested yet in connection to this incident, police said.

An investigation into what happened is being led by the Homicide Unit with the Philadelphia Police Department.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

Just after 10 p.m., troopers were called to the Sunoco gas station located at 285 Christiana Road in New Castle for reports of a carjacking incident, officials said.

Once they made it to the station, they found that a 24-year-old man was pumping gas for a Chevrolet Malibu when a man wearing a mask approached him, officials said.

The man in the mask threatened the victim with a firearm while making demands, troopers said.

Delaware State Police said that the victim complied with the demands and the suspect got away with his cell phone and car keys.

The suspect then drove away in the victim’s car and went northbound on Airport Road, according to officials.

The victim was not physically injured in this incident, officials said.

An investigation is currently underway with the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit.

If you have any information, please contact Detective R. Strecker by calling 302-365-8413.

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