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Pa. man accused of stalking underage girls using his drone calls it a 'hobby,' not harassment
A western Pennsylvania man is accused of using a drone to stalk and harass six people, including five underage girls.According to police, 44-year-old Michael Brackman, of Canonsburg, allegedly used a drone to follow his victims at least 120 times to stalk girls, following them when they left their houses, jumped on trampolines, visited a lemonade stand and a playground -- with the youngest being 12 years old. Brackman is accused of stalking his victims for one year."I'm not surprised, but I would say it's unique," FBI Supervisory Special Agent Tim Wolford said. "We have seen that child predators are becoming...
Pennsylvania lawmakers pass nearly $48B state budget almost 2 weeks late
Pennsylvania lawmakers ground through a flurry of votes Thursday to approve a budget deal, nearly two weeks into the new fiscal year after being slowed by disagreements during closed-door negotiations over Democrats' push for more public schools aid.The $47.6 billion plan for the fiscal year that started July 1 represents a 6% increase over last year's approved spending, with most of the new money going toward public schools and human services to boost pay for direct care workers.The plan also devotes more money to making college more affordable in a state that's rated as among the worst in the nation...
3 injured, roughly 50 displaced after 4-alarm fire destroys apartment building in Rhawnhurst
A massive four-alarm fire destroyed an apartment building in Philadelphia's Rhawnhurst neighborhood.The call came in around 9:24 p.m. Thursday for flames showing from the roof of the property located on the 7400 block of Roosevelt Blvd., just north of Cottman Avenue.Chopper 6 over apartment building fire in Rhawnhurst on July 11, 2024."On arrival companies found heavy smoke conditions emanating from the fourth floor. Companies went into service with an interior check to locate and find a fire while simultaneously looking for any occupants and making sure they were removed safely," said Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson.The fire reached four alarms before...
Video released from shooting that left toddler, 2 teenagers wounded in North Philadelphia
Police have released video from a North Philadelphia shooting on Thursday night that left a toddler and two teenagers hospitalized with gunshot wounds.The gunfire began around 8:40 p.m. in the 1300 block of North 11th Street near Master Street and ended in the next block over.Police say it began as a drive-by shooting before one of the gunmen got out of the vehicle, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, and continued shooting down the block.Multiple gunshots can be heard from a home surveillance camera as the Cherokee goes by.In another camera angle, a gunman on foot can be seen jumping into...
Kyle Lowry says he's re-signing with 76ers, staying in hometown
Kyle Lowry announced on Instagram on Thursday that he has agreed to remain with the Philadelphia 76ers.The deal is for one year, Lowry's agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.Talks with Bartelstein and 76ers president Daryl Morey ramped up last week as Lowry considered several contenders, sources told Wojnarowski. They landed on a deal Thursday for Lowry to return to his hometown Sixers where he'll shore up a veteran bench chasing a title around Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.Lowry, 38, joined Philadelphia in the spring after being bought out by the Charlotte Hornets, who had...
Family pleads for justice in mother's murder; 2 men wanted for questioning
Philadelphia police are looking for two men wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of 47-year-old Heather Rainey.The mother of two was shot near 7th and Poplar streets on June 22."My aunt had a name. Her name was Heather," said the victim's niece, Charlisa Mcrae. "She was a mother, she was a military veteran, she was a human being."Mcrae said her family hasn't been able to rest ever since the senseless murder."When I see her in my dreams, I ask her, 'What happened?' She just shakes her head," said Marceda Rainey, another niece.Police say the victim was found shot...
Director of New Jersey's State Commission of Investigation killed in car crash
The director of a state agency in New Jersey was killed in a crash in Hamilton Township, Mercer County.Police say Chadd Lackey, the executive director of the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation, lost his life in the wreck early Wednesday morning.It happened on Route 130.Investigators say another driver ran a red light, striking and killing the 55-year-old.In a statement, Governor Phil Murphy said, "Chadd broke barriers as SCI's first Black executive director."
Dartmouth suspends fraternity after Delaware student's death prompted hazing investigation
Dartmouth College has suspended a fraternity after the death of a student prompted a hazing investigation, a spokesperson for the college told ABC News.Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, was found dead Sunday off the shore of the Connecticut River on the school's New Hampshire campus, police said.READ MORE: Dartmouth fraternity member from Delaware dies, prompting hazing investigationFriends told student newspaper The Dartmouth he had been at a social gathering by the river the night before, which was thrown by his fraternity, Beta Alpha Omega, and a sorority, Alpha Phi.Police previously told New Hampshire ABC affiliate WMUR they are investigating...
Philadelphia woman with dyslexia becomes inspiring author and professor
Like many others, Tracy Johnson Rockmore struggled with dyslexia before she even knew she had it.After discovering the proper resources to help unlock her learning potential, she became inspired to help others.She created 'Vessels of Hope,' an organization that offers educational awareness, dyslexia support, and helps connect individuals in underserved communities with the proper resources they need.Johnson Rockmore is the author of 'Journey of Hope' and 'Flip the Script' and is also a professor at Harcum College.To learn more about Vessels of Hope, visit their website.RELATED: Philadelphia woman creates 'Queens United Against Domestic Violence' organizationDr. Fatima Abdul Johnson is an educator, metaphysician, and pageant queen who helps fellow victims of domestic abuse not only survive, but thrive.
Urban Youth Racing School opening new location in Spring Garden
They've been driving innovation and making STEM learning fun for city kids for more than 25 years.Now, the Urban Youth Racing School has shifted gears to a new location in Spring Garden and Action News got a first look at the 37,000 square foot space on 16th street ahead of their opening on Friday, July 12.Inside are racing simulators, CO2 Dragster tracks and larger classrooms for its students, plus a section detailing the history of motor sports.The new facility is in partnership with Harrisburg University.The school works to expose at-risk teens to the world of motor cars, with hands-on learning and just started programming in Chicago this month as well.Their goal is to expand to other cities, while being based in Philadelphia.
2nd teen who escaped Pa. detention center arrested, found inside stolen car
The second teen who broke out of a detention center in Berks County over the weekend was apprehended Wednesday night.Pennsylvania State Police say 16-year-old Dustin Lomas was found inside a stolen vehicle when he was arrested by officers with the Falls Twp. Police Department.Earlier this week, police arrested Tyler Lutz, 18, from Reading, after being spotted by a Tullytown Borough police officer.Lutz was at a local carnival and was trying to blend in with carnival employees, state police said.Both teens escaped from Abraxas Academy in New Morgan Borough on Saturday night.Further details on how the teens escaped were not released.Last September, nine teenagers broke out of the juvenile detention center but were all taken back into custody during a 10-hour search.
2nd suspect arrested after shooting in North Philadelphia leaves 7 wounded
A second suspect has been arrested after a shooting last month in North Philadelphia left seven people wounded.Khalif Duren, 23, surrendered to police on Wednesday. He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses.The first suspect arrested, 23-year-old Tyheed Harvey, was also charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses in the days after the June 19 shooting.A third suspect identified in this case, 20-year-old Amirah Square, remains at large.The shooting happened in the 2800 block of N. Bambrey Street.It was around 6:30 p.m. when three suspects pull up in a car, and at least one of them fired 17 gunshots down the block.The victims, who are between the ages of 16 and 46, were all shot while standing outside.The shooting reportedly stemmed from an argument between juveniles and that led to parents getting involved, police said.RELATED: Check the 6abc Neighborhood Safety Tracker
Michael Solomonov opening new 2-story restaurant inside 19th century firehouse in Kensington
James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov announced he's opening a brand restaurant in the city this fall.Jaffa Bar will be an oyster bar showcasing the coastal seafood flavors of Israel with the spirit of Philadelphia.His restaurant group's latest venture will open in a 19th century firehouse on Howard Street in the city's Kensington neighborhood. The firehouse was operational until the 1960s and is being restored into a massive 2-story restaurant.Business partner Steve Cook explains the vibe, and the inspiration for the name."If you think about the city of Jaffa, which is several thousand years old and it's on the coast, it's been a port where so many different cultures have passed through over the years," said Cook. "To be able to play with the traditions of the Philadelphia Oyster House, which is such a big part of our history here, through the lens of the Israeli flavors and the Mediterranean coastline, is really exciting."Cook and Solomonov have been a team for more than 20 years, creating award winning eateries across Philadelphia like Zahav, Dizengoff, and Federal Donuts, among others.Jaffa Bar is expected to open in early Fall 2024.For more information on Solomonov and Cook's Philadelphia restaurants, visit: CooknSolo.com
New app uses AI to match SNAP recipients with surplus food in Delaware
A new app is helping people who are facing food insecurity in Delaware.Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long unveiled the SNAP SmartShopper program in Wilmington on Wednesday.The app uses artificial intelligence to match SNAP recipients with surplus food at the grocery store that otherwise might get thrown out.Other benefits include digital coupons, dietary recommendations and recipes.Delaware is the first state in the nation to use this technology.
'Rocky' the rescue dog makes campaign stop in Philadelphia amid run for president
A formerly stray dog is hoping his next home will be the White House."Rocky" the rescue dog is running for president. He made a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday.It's only fitting that Rocky's first stop was at the Art Museum.He was saved from potential euthanasia in Florida. Now, he's in training with K9s for Warriors, which is the nation's largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans.The group says Rocky is proof that no matter where you come from, you can make a positive impact in the lives of others.For more information, including how you can support their efforts, visit the K9s for Warriors website.
Older adults shine on stage in Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's 'Carousel of Talent' show
About 40 older adults participated in Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's inaugural 'Carousel of Talent' Show, held at Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts."It was a great opportunity to highlight senior centers and the wonderful seniors and their talent that come each day to our centers," says Julie Nelson, Senior Center Manager for Philadelphia Senior Center.There were ten acts from nine different centers across Philadelphia, including the Norris Square Senior Community Center, the Firehouse Active Adult Center and On Lok Senior Center, just to name a few.Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging "Senior centers are really for...
Philadelphia ranks 6th among most stressed cities in America, study shows
The City of Brotherly Love ranks among the most stressed cities in America, and if you commute to work, you probably already know why Philadelphia made the top 10 list.Money, health and the economy are the top stressors putting Philadelphia in the 6th spot among more than 180 cities. WalletHub conducted this study and analysts say cities with high crime rates, weak economies and congested transportation systems lead to elevated stress levels for residents.Philly ranked 1st when it comes to traffic congestion, meaning that is the biggest stressor for Philadelphians. With what feels like non-stop road construction and the Schuylkill...
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