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Articles by Ed Specht
In South Jersey, residents continue digging out as deep freeze sets in
Parts of South Jersey got about 9 inches of snow Sunday, but by Monday, many residents said they were eager to get back to their routines. At one popular shopping center in Cherry Hill, there are mounds of snow, and they're going to be here for a while as temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing for days. Malek Sayegh and his wife braved the freezing cold after returning from their honeymoon in Costa Rica on Saturday.
Without water for 13 days, Philadelphia family searches for answers
The Philadelphia Water Department told them they had a leak and turned their water off 13 days ago. Now, a family in Mount Airy is desperate to have running water before the winter storm hits. Beverly McFadden and her husband, both in their 70s, live on Michener Avenue with their two grandchildren. They've been without running water since Jan. 9. The city had done work underground the day before, McFadden said. Right after, she and two other neighbors were notified about leaks.
Kindergarten, pre-K registration in Philadelphia opens soon as officials urge parents to sign children up
It's time to start getting ready for kindergarten and pre-kindergarten in Philadelphia. School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington launched the annual "Thrive at Five" program at Horatio B. Hackett Elementary School Wednesday to encourage parents to sign their kids up for pre-K and kindergarten. If your child will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, this is the time to get registered for kindergarten. The district said it has simplified the application process.
Ambler, Pennsylvania, family grateful to be alive after fire sends grandfather to hospital
An Ambler, Pennsylvania, family is shaken and displaced after their home on Highland Avenue was destroyed by a fire Monday morning. Andrea Lindsay and her daughter Brandi Akers, who lives nearby, had left together for work when Lindsay's husband called from their neighbor's house. "It was my husband on the phone, and all he said to me was that the house is on fire," Lindsay said. "My brother is the one who was downstairs in the basement, and he said he saw fire," Akers said.
Central High School wins Thanksgiving game vs. Northeast Philadelphia, continuing rivalry's long history
Central and Northeast high schools added another chapter to a storied Philadelphia sports tradition Thursday, meeting on the football field for the 126th time in what many consider the oldest public high school rivalry in the country. Alumni packed the stands as the longtime rivals clashed in a game that stayed tight into the fourth quarter. Central ultimately sealed a 22–14 victory with a late pick six, marking the school's first win over Northeast in more than a decade.
Philadelphia International Airport begins busy Thanksgiving week, nearly 1 million expected to pass through
Thanksgiving travel is officially underway, and AAA is predicting a record-breaking number of travelers. This week is also one of the busiest travel weeks at Philadelphia International Airport, according to officials. Before the sun was up Monday morning, the lines were long at TSA checkpoints, but wait times dissipated throughout the day. Nearly a million people are expected at the airport over the holiday travel period.
Delaware County anti-bullying nonprofit marks milestone with 2,000th sneaker donation
A Delaware County, Pennsylvania, nonprofit reached a major milestone Monday, giving away its 2,000th pair of sneakers through a program designed to support young people impacted by bullying. Teach Anti-Bullying, based in Delaware County, presented the milestone pair of pink low-top Nike sneakers to Clarence "Clay" Yates, a senior at Sun Valley High School in Aston Township.
Layoffs and service cuts coming to Pottstown Hospital, "blindsiding" health care workers and patients
Berks County-based Tower Health is laying off more than 100 nurses and health care workers and cutting services at Pottstown Hospital in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. On Monday morning, staffers, patients and community leaders rallied outside the hospital, voicing their concerns about the layoffs, some saying they felt blindsided by Tower's decision. Johnny Corson has spent four years in a fight to live. "I'm pissed off," Corson said.
Boy back to running, playing sports after treatment for rare hip disorder
Click here for updates on this story PHILADELPHIA (KYW) -- A little boy from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, endured years of treatment for a rare childhood hip disorder, and now he's back to playing sports. Doctors say 9-year-old Landon Gallo had to be temporarily immobilized, making for a challenging journey. But now he's better than ever, even sprinting without pain, after his treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Montgomery County supervisor and day care owner charged with sexually abusing boy for years
A Skippack Township supervisor who was charged last month in Maryland for soliciting child pornography has been charged with allegedly sexually abusing a child for years in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, according to the county's district attorney.
Family opens lost letters sent by father during Second World War
DELAWARE COUNTY, Pennsylvania ( KYW) -- Letters written during World War II were finally received by the soldier's family in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, more than 80 years after they were sent. It's all thanks to a postage collector on a mission and a social media post. CBS News Philadelphia was there when a brother and sister opened the previously sealed letters their late father sent to his parents in 1944.
Pennsylvania family opens lost letters sent by father during World War II
Family members in Delaware County open letters sent by their father during World War II Letters written during World War II were finally received by the soldier's family in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, more than 80 years after they were sent. It's all thanks to a postage collector on a mission and a social media post. CBS News Philadelphia was there when a brother and sister opened the previously sealed letters their late father sent to his parents in 1944.
Philadelphia to throw "once-in-a-generation" monthslong celebration for U.S. Navy and Marines' 250th birthday
Philadelphia is throwing a "once-in-a-generation" celebration to mark the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Starting in early October, both sides of the Delaware River will host events, attracting hundreds of thousands of people, including active-duty service members, veterans and tourists. The parade of ships will kick off everything on Oct. 9.
Broad Street speed cameras on schedule to go live in mid-September, followed by 60-day grace period, PPA says
Speed cameras along Broad Street in Philadelphia expected to go live in mid-September The Philadelphia Parking Authority says all speed cameras along Broad Street will be installed by the end of the month. The cameras will go live in mid-September during a 60-day grace period when speeding drivers will be given a warning, the PPA says.
Former University of the Arts students find old projects at pop-up in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood
Former students and faculty from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia are getting a chance to reclaim items they thought were lost after the school's sudden closure in 2024. This weekend, Thunderbird Salvage, a thrift store in Kensington, opened a pop-up shop at their second location at 2856 Frankford Avenue. It's stocked with creative works, supplies and furniture salvaged from UArts' Anderson Hall. The building is slated to be converted into apartments.
Pennsylvania Little League team clinches spot in World Series with dominating win over Maryland
For the fifth straight year, a team from Pennsylvania is heading to the Little League World Series. The Glenmoore Little League team delivered another commanding performance Thursday, defeating Maryland 7-1 in Bristol, Connecticut, the second time they've bested the Maryland squad in just one week. The victory not only sends them to the Little League World Series but also keeps them undefeated in the tournament.
Concert brings families together at Ronald McDonald House in West Philadelphia
Pennsylvania band brings music, joy to families staying at West Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in West Philadelphia got a special treat on Tuesday evening: a summer concert from the Verdi Band of Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Families are on high alert after burglaries in Ewing Township, New Jersey: "Just feel real violated"
Many families in a New Jersey township are on high alert after a rash of burglaries happened in one night while many of the victims were sleeping. Home security video obtained by CBS News Philadelphia shows a suspect in the act of trying to break into a car before police said someone had burglarized at least seven homes in the same neighborhood in Ewing Township.
Full pads, scorching heat and a new Jalen-ism drops at Eagles training camp Tuesday
New Jalen-ism drops as the full pads come out at Eagles training camp Scorching heat, full pads and there were no excuses at Philadelphia Eagles training camp Tuesday. Oh, and a new Jalen-ism just dropped. "Fatigue makes cowards of us all," Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said Tuesday. The Eagles moved up the start of Tuesday's practice due to extreme heat in Philadelphia.
Man arrested in viral video showing him assaulting multiple unhoused people
By Dan Snyder, Stephanie Ballesteros, Ed Specht Click here for updates on this story PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania ( KYW) - An arrest has been made in a viral video showing a man hitting, kicking and throwing objects at several sleeping unhoused people. Police said 27-year-old Naeem Morgan was taken into custody Monday. "Morgan waived his Miranda rights and provided a statement to investigators acknowledging his role in the assaults," Philadelphia Police Department Capt. Jason Smith said.
Concerns grow in Norristown, Pennsylvania, after ICE arrests 14 undocumented immigrants at supermarket
Concerns are growing in the Hispanic community after Wednesday's ICE raid at a Norristown, Pennsylvania, supermarket ended with 14 undocumented immigrants arrested. Sharon Williams, who lives in Norristown, visited Super Gigante at the West Norriton Farmers Market the day after the raid on Thursday to shop and also show her support for her immigrant neighbors. "It's just very disappointing," Williams said.
Flooding in Upper Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, prompts multiple rescues, property damage
Residents clean up after rain floods roads, yards in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Parts of the Lehigh Valley saw torrential downpours Monday night, which led to flooding. Upper Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, was hit particularly hard. Mary Klingman has lived in Center Valley, a community within the township, for 25 years, and said she has never seen flooding to this degree. The National Weather Service says 6 inches of rain fell in Center Valley on Monday.
911 dispatchers in Delaware County recall "sense of helplessness" during Pennsylvania outage
911 outage in Pennsylvania sent "sense of helplessness" through Delaware County call centers The mission in every 911 center is to help people in distress as quickly as possible. Outages across the state on Friday shook confidence in 911, and Delaware County 911 workers are upset about that. Steve Castellano said outages Friday afternoon, when a still-unknown number of people were unable to get through to 911, were chaotic.
Trash mountains, "unbelievable" stench take over Philadelphia as municipal workers' strike continues
By Dan Snyder, Ed Specht Click here for updates on this story PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania ( KYW) - As the Philadelphia municipal workers' strike continues without an agreement, mountains of trash continue to pile, and the city is starting to smell. Many city streets are lined with piles of garbage, some so big that they're taller than people.
Trash mountains, "unbelievable" stench take over Philadelphia as municipal workers' strike continues
As the Philadelphia municipal workers' strike continues without an agreement, mountains of trash continue to pile, and the city is starting to smell. Many city streets are lined with piles of garbage, some so big that they're taller than people. At Princeton and Hawthorne in the city's Mayfair neighborhood, a heaping mound of trash has grown so large it has forced the city to put up tape and direct people to a sanitation convenience center at State and Ashburner for them to drop off their garbage.
Philadelphia kicks off Summer Meals program to address food insecurity across the city
The city of Philadelphia kicked off its Summer Meals program on Wednesday with Mayor Cherelle Parker passing out meals to area kids at Vare Recreation Center. The city is partnering with the School District of Philadelphia, Philabundance and other local organizations to provide free meals to anyone under 18 during the summer. "If we take care of each other, there's nothing we can't do," Parker said. Over 100,000 kids face food insecurity throughout Philadelphia, according to city officials.
PECO kicks off fan giveaway as Pennsylvania officials announce 2025 heat plan
With summer just around the corner, staying cool can be a challenge, especially when you don't have air conditioning. Some of the most vulnerable people in the Philadelphia area are getting some much-needed relief. PECO distributes 600 free box fans at senior centers in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. It's an annual summer tradition. "It's fantastic," Ellen Lucchetti, an 89-year-old from Springfield, said. "It's wonderful.
Philadelphia families react to sudden shutdown of Job Corps, which provides job training, education
A longtime federal program designed to give young people a second chance through job training is now on the chopping block. The U.S. government plans to shut down Job Corps centers across the country by June 30, and some Philadelphia-area students and graduates are expressing concern. Before joining Job Corps, 17-year-old Sincere Shaw said his future was uncertain. "I didn't know what I was going to do, I was skipping class," Shaw said.
Police searching for escaped prisoner in Media, Pennsylvania
Police are searching for a prisoner who escaped en route to the Delaware County Courthouse in Media, Pennsylvania, the county's district attorney's office and borough officials confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia. A Media borough spokesperson said the prisoner escaped from custody from the county's sheriff's department. The prisoner was last seen going north on Olive Street from 4th Street, according to the borough spokesperson. Officials are asking nearby residents to shelter in place.
Goodwill Fire Company in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, temporarily closes due to a lack of trained members
Shuttered and dark inside, the Goodwill Fire Company in Glenolden, Pennsylvania, sits empty on Wednesday. Darby Township officials say it is temporarily closed. "It's the pits!" Donald Kelley Jr. said. He lives nearby and just learned the news. "People need help. If they're going to need help, they are going to need help. Regardless of what the situation is," Kelley Jr. said.
Philadelphia police officer shot near Overbrook High School to be released from hospital
The Philadelphia police officer who was shot trying to break up a large fight outside Overbrook High School earlier this month is being released from the hospital on Thursday. The officer's identity has yet to be publicly released. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said he had recently graduated from the academy and had been on the job for only a few months.
Dump truck slams into home in New Jersey
By Taleisha Newbill, Jim McHugh, Aziza Shuler, Ed Specht, Joe Holden Click here for updates on this story GLOUCESTER COUNTY, New Jersey ( KYW) - The driver of a dump truck was removed safely after slamming into a home in Gloucester County, New Jersey, on Tuesday afternoon. Before the crash, the truck loaded with sand struck a utility pole and then ran through multiple lawns. The homeowner, who was inside the house on Glassboro Road in Woodbury Heights, has been rescued.
Trial continues for ex-Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial in 2023 fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry
Testimony was in its second day in the trial of former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial, charged with third-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry of Kensington in August 2023. Supporters of the Irizarry family demonstrated outside the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. Testimony has been emotional since the trial's start, with Dial and members of the Irizarry family seen crying in court.
What is Pope Leo XIV's Wawa order? We enlisted an Augustinian priest from Delco to find out.
In the weeks since Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, many in the Philadelphia region have taken some time to wrap their heads around the new pope's connection to Delaware County, Pennsylvania. One question that has come up is, what was the Villanova University alumnus' Wawa order? We asked a Delco native who has an office in the Vatican City overlooking Saint Peter's Basilica to find out the questions the Delaware Valley wants answered.
Video shows neighbor in Pennsylvania help rescue driver stranded in flood waters
Woman grateful for neighbor's kindness after rescuing her from flooded car in Marple Township A fast-moving, impactful storm brought heavy downpours and powerful wind gusts that toppled trees, impacting neighborhoods throughout the greater Philadelphia area on Friday. The downpours and flooding swamped streets across the region, including in Marple Township, where a neighbor helped rescue a woman from her flooded car.
Paramedics save baby outside closed hospital
Click here for updates on this story Pennsylvania (KYW) -- A dramatic moment unfolded outside Crozer-Chester Medical Center on Thursday after Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro held a press conference calling for stricter regulations of for-profit hospital systems. A car pulled up outside with a mother saying her baby was not breathing. Paramedics, who were outside the Delaware County hospital for the news conference, cradled the baby in their arms.
Paramedics save baby outside closed hospital
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Teen in stolen SUV crashes into home, narrowly misses homeowner in Bristol Township: "People were very lucky"
Dave Matthews is grateful that his 41-year-old son survived after Bristol Township police say a 16-year-old boy stole a SUV and crashed into his son's home. "He heard a big bang and he didn't know what that was, so he got up to investigate, and he went back down the hallway," said Matthews. "Next thing you know, he sees lights and there's a car in the house." Matthews said his son was sleeping in the living room due to a back injury. The SUV tore through a bedroom and bathroom.
Frustrations mount in Pennsylvania ahead of May 7 Real ID deadline
Long lines, frustration continue as Pennsylvanians rush to get Real IDs before May 7 deadline With the federal Real ID deadline just days away, long lines greeted customers Monday at the King of Prussia Driver License Center in Pennsylvania — and based on those CBS News Philadelphia spoke with, more people walked away empty-handed than with their new IDs. The May 7 deadline marks the start of enforcement for Real ID requirements to board domestic flights, enter certain federal buildings and...
70 arrested after massive crowd gathers for Bernie Sanders, May Day rally in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS Philadelphia) -- A massive crowd gathered at City Hall in Philadelphia Thursday for a May Day rally and to see Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders speak. The "For Workers, Not Billionaires" rally on the north side of City Hall drew a large crowd and shut down streets in the area. Sanders laid into the Trump administration's policies on taxes, immigration, federal cuts and more.
Massive crowd gathers in Philadelphia for Sen. Bernie Sanders, May Day rally
Massive crowd gathers in Philadelphia to see Sen. Bernie Sanders at May Day rally A massive crowd gathered at City Hall in Philadelphia Thursday for a May Day rally and to see Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders speak. The "For Workers, Not Billionaires" rally on the north side of City Hall drew a large crowd and shut down streets in the area. Sanders laid into the Trump administration's policies on taxes, immigration, federal cuts and more.
Delaware County lawmakers want Pennsylvania AG to take criminal action against Prospect Medical Holdings
Delaware County lawmakers want criminal investigation into Prospect Medical Holdings Delaware County's delegation of state lawmakers is asking the Pennsylvania attorney general to consider bringing criminal charges against Prospect Medical Holdings for closing the Crozer Health system. In a letter to Attorney General Dave Sunday, a group of state lawmakers requested that the attorney general open a criminal investigation into the California-based private health care company.
2 dead, 4 injured in Berks County, Pennsylvania, fire, police say
Two men died and a woman and three firefighters were injured Monday morning during a house fire in Robeson Township, Pennsylvania, police said. "I saw the black smoke first and then after 15 minutes, the flames were coming up through the roof," said Brian Osisek, who said he watched from his home across the street. The fire happened around 7 a.m. "It was very unsettling because we know the family," he said. Osisek said he prayed with other family members who arrived on the scene.
Junior high jumper Kampton Kam hoping to win big during 129th Penn Relays
Meet the Penn junior high jumper seeking to win big at 2025 Penn Relays From high school students to Olympians, about 17,000 athletes are competing at this year's Penn Relays. A Penn Track and Field team's high jumper is hoping to win big during the 129th running. "I'd say this is a stadium that, you know, radiates a lot of history, culture and tradition," Kampton Kam said. Franklin Field is a second home for Penn juniors. "It's just amazing that I get to practice here every day," Kam said.
Thousands of athletes compete on Day 1 of the 2025 Penn Relays in Philadelphia
Thousands of athletes and fans were at Franklin Field Thursday as the first day of the 129th running of the Penn Relays got underway at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Day 1 certainly has not disappointed. Several times the crowd has been brought to their feet. Some fans broke out binoculars while others brought a fan. "I think I handed off in second," said Sebi Hume. The cheers didn't stop even amongst teammates.
Delaware County EMS already feeling impact from Crozer Health hospitals closure
EMS workers sounding alarm with Crozer Health hospitals closing The closing of Crozer Health is impacting more than just employees and patients. Emergency medical services are now faced with driving patients to other hospitals that are farther away. Crozer Health began diverting patients from its emergency departments Wednesday and is no longer admitting new patients. Local hospitals have already reported an increase in patient admissions.
Plans change as Philadelphia-area residents travel to Rome to pay respects to Pope Francis
Ward Fitzgerald said he will remember Pope Francis for his humility and his sense of humor. "He loved to laugh, and he had a great sense of humor," said Fitzgerald. As president of the Board of Trustees of The Papal Foundation, Fitzgerald has had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis several times, as well as Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II.
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