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Articles by Sam Britt
ShopRite partnering with health department, setting up mobile vaccination center in parking lot
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) ShopRite is joining the Philadelphia Health Department’s initiative to get more people vaccinated by starting a mobile vaccination unit, according to CBS 3. The unit will distribute the COVID-19 vaccine every Wednesday at the Penrose Plaza Shopping Center. The unit was previously used for COVID testing but has been repurposed to administer vaccinations as the Delta variant continues to spread across the country.
Philadelphia teens form group to combat COVID-19 vaccine misinfo
(Scott Olson/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A group of Philadelphia teenagers are working together to educate their peers about the COVID-19 vaccine, according to CBS News. The group is called Philly Teen VAXX Ambassadors and they organize events, visit neighborhoods and debunk vaccine misinformation on social media. Dr. Sage Meyers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said that memes and rumors online have had a detrimental effect on teens getting the vaccine.
Children breaking curfew in Philadelphia will be brought to resource center, not police station
(Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Juveniles caught breaking Philadelphia’s curfew may be taken to a proposed evening resource center instead of a police station as part of the city’s push to combat rising gun violence, according to Philly Metro. The evening resource centers could be open as early as October. There will be three centers opened during the year-long pilot program. The centers will be open to children ages 10 to 17.
Philadelphia school district considering vaccine mandate for staff
(Thomas Cain/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The Philadelphia teacher’s union came out and said that it supports a “negotiated” COVID-19 vaccine mandate for school staff, according to WHYY. The superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, William Hite, said that he supports a mandate. Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan said that a mandate has to include exemptions for religious and medical reasons in order to gain support from the union.
Man sentenced to 18 years for one of the 'largest green energy frauds in US history'
(Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A man was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in running a Ponzi scheme through his Bala Cynwyd business, according to KYW Newsradio. Authorities call it one of the “largest green energy frauds in US history.” Wayde McKelvy ran Mantria Corporation in Bala Cynwyd. He promised investors that they would receive a 500% return on their investment that would go into green energy and real estate.
Penn State to require masks indoors even for vaccinated persons
By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Penn State is requiring students, staff and visitors to campus to wear masks indoors regardless of their vaccine status, according to NBC 10. The university is planning to have in-person classes in the fall semester. The school hopes that students and employees will get vaccinated but if they are not by Aug. 9 they will have to go through testing throughout the fall semester.
Reports of tornadoes, along with wind and rain ransack Bucks County
By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Two tornadoes touched down in Bucks County on Thursday, leaving a wake of destruction to homes and businesses, according to CBS 3. The tornadoes, combined with heavy winds and rain, caused portions of the New Hope area to lose power. PennDOT reports that there are half a dozen roads closed due to trees in the wires and low-hanging trees. Reported damage includes multiple downed trees, one of which fell on a minivan, and roofs ripped off of barns.
Philly DA Krasner challenges Pennsylvania use-of-force law in Supreme Court
(Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Philadelphia’s District Attorney Larry Krasner is in Pennsylvania Supreme Court challenging their use-of-force law prior to the trial of ex-officer Ryan Pownall, according to Trib Live. Pownall is being tried for the shooting of David Jones, an unarmed man who was shot while running from a traffic stop.
Philadelphia health department 'strongly recommends' that residents wear masks indoors even if vaccinated
(Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The Philadelphia Department of Health issued new guidelines strongly recommending that everyone, including those who have been fully vaccinated, wear masks in indoor spaces, according to KYW Newsradio. This new guideline comes as the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread across the country. The new variant makes up 83% of sequenced samples collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to ABC 6.
Flyers trade Shayne Gostisbehere to Coyotes, gain cap relief
(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The Philadelphia Flyers have traded defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere to the Arizona Coyotes in order to free up cap space. The Flyers received nothing in return for Gostisbehere and had to include a second and seventh-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft in order to entice the Coyotes to take on his entire salary. Gostisbehere accumulated 219 points over his 381 career games in the orange and black.
Philadelphia police officer charged with evidence tampering for allegedly deleting video off suspect's phone
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A Philadelphia police officer is facing charges in connection to allegations that he deleted video off of a suspect’s cellphone, according to ABC 6. Officer Tyree Burnett has been charged with evidence tampering, obstruction of justice and official oppression in connection to an incident that took place on March 23. Burnett approached Jacob Giddings while he was talking to his friend in the parking lot of a gas station in Olney.
Mobile vaccination vans stopping in Bridgeport and Stamford on Wednesday
(Fiona Goodall/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (BRIDGEPORT, Conn.) Mobile vaccination vans traveled through Fairfield County today to continue the state’s continued effort to get residents vaccinated, according to News 12. Residents do not need an appointment to get a vaccine from the van. The mobile vaccine centers will offer Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The vans will be making stops in both Seaside Park in Bridgeport and Leoni Park, Stamford Dog Park and Jackie Robinson Park in Stamford.
Bakery apologizes after parody of Philadelphia police shield is printed on cake
(Scott Olson/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A bakery apologized after printing a parody version of the Philadelphia police shield on an officer’s anniversary cake, according to ABC 6. Tina Jones, who was buying the cake for her friend who was celebrating 25 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, said this act was meant to smear the police. The Bakery House in Bryn Mawr contends that it was an honest mistake.
At least 275 Philadelphians had unemployment benefits halted with no warning, which could violate federal law
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Hundreds of Philadelphia area residents have had their unemployment benefits halted with no warning, notice or explanation, over the last six months, according to KYW Newsradio. At least 275 people have been affected and advocates say that this violates federal law.
Philadelphia school district to require masks in the fall
(John Moore/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Next fall, Philadelphia public school students and staff will have to wear face masks, according to NBC 10. School District of Philadelphia Superintendent William Hite said the decision to require masks is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines that students should be kept three feet apart and that unvaccinated people should wear masks.
Ben Simmons reportedly on trading block; Kings rumored to have sent offer
(Sarah Stier/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The 76ers have reportedly begun to listen to trade offers for All-Star point guard Ben Simmons, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania. The Sixers are reportedly asking for an All-Star caliber player in return for Simmons, who is a three-time All-Star and a two-time All-Defensive first-team player.
Trio of Philadelphia men arrested for illegally purchasing, selling guns
By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Three Philadelphia men were arrested for illegally obtaining and selling 37 firearms in Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties, according to WFMZ. Tyron Gresham, Nasim Smalls and Aaron Walker were charged with multiple felony counts including conspiracy, unlawful transfer of a firearm and materially false statements about firearms sales and transfers. Gresham purchased 37 guns for Smalls and Walker, who are not legally allowed to purchase or possess guns.
Couple who sent theme park employee to hospital over mask dispute convicted for assault
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Two people were convicted of assault in connection to an incident at a children’s theme park outside of Philadelphia last year, according to WJAC. Troy McCoy and Shakerra Bonds were convicted of simple assault and disorderly conduct for assaulting an employee at Sesame Place over a mask requirement on Aug. 9. The 17-year-old worker was sent to the hospital after reminding the couple about the mask policy.
Danny Green says Sixers fans need to stick behind players, not boo
(Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Free-agent guard Danny Green spoke on a podcast about something he dislikes about Philadelphia 76ers fans, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. Green was discussing how Sixers fans treated Ben Simmons these past playoffs as he struggled to produce offensively.
Sand tiger shark spotted in Milford
(COEX Aquarium via Getty Images) By Sam Britt (MILFORD, Conn.) A sand tiger shark was spotted at a state park in Milford on Tuesday, according to News 12. The shark was caught on video by a New Haven man at Silver Sands State Park. Animal expert Mark Fowler said that there is no need to worry because, for the most part, sand tiger sharks are harmless, despite their toothy appearance. They are an important part of the ecosystem of Long Island Sound, keeping the fish population in check.
New mural represents Philadelphians reconnecting with each other after 16 months of COVID-19
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A ground mural is being painted to celebrate a return to normalcy in Philadelphia after a year spent combatting COVID-19, according to Philly Metro. Mural Arts of Philadelphia and the city are dedicating a 33,000-square foot mural that is meant to represent people reuniting once again and experiencing things in the city that they have missed.
Philly residents question why police appeared to wait before intervening in white supremacist rally
(Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A group of white supremacists held a rally in Philadelphia on Saturday and residents are questioning why the police seemingly waited to intervene, according to CBS 3. The group, Patriot Front, showed up in Center City with around 150-200 members.
Schedule for Fourth of July fireworks in Philadelphia area
(Yana Paskova/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Fireworks are a staple of the Fourth of July holiday weekend so here is a list of places to catch them around Philadelphia. July 3 at 9:45 p.m. Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia Fireworks will be shot off of the top of the Live! Parking garage and be visible for all around the South Philadelphia area. The best viewing area is the DVYAA Ballfield at 7th and Packer Streets, according to ABC 6.
Eagles center raises $100k for charity while bartending in Sea Isle
(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce helped raise money for charity on Wednesday by tending a bar in Sea Isle City, according to KYW Newsradio. Kelce was the guest bartender at Ocean Drive in Sea Isle City to raise money for the Eagles Autism Foundation. A line formed around the block a half hour before the doors to the bar opened. "It's great, man. I was wondering how it would turn out," Kelce said.
Philadelphia to receive relief from heatwave in the form of storms, showers this weekend
(Hulton Archive/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) After suffering through the latest heatwave the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley area can expect a bittersweet reprieve in the form of severe storms expected for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to FOX 29. Wednesday was expected to be the hottest day of the year.
After a year on the run, US Marshals take suspect in fatal 2020 hit-and-run into custody
(Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) After evading law enforcement for more than a year, the suspect wanted in connection to a fatal hit-and-run crash in Philadelphia was taken into custody on Monday, according to ABC 6. Aaron Sims was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in West Philadelphia. He was charged with the death of Chloe Robertson. Robertson was being driven in an Uber on January 25, 2020, when a vehicle rear-ended the car on the Vine Street Expressway.
Philadelphia councilwoman detained for protesting at Capitol
(Lisa Lake/Getty Images for MoveOn.org) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A Philadelphia city councilwoman was detained alongside over a dozen protesters at the State Capitol on Wednesday while demanding more school funding, according to the Washington Examiner. Helen Gym protested alongside the group POWER, a faith group that represents 50 congregations in Pennsylvania. They were detained after blocking the entrance to the Senate chamber.
Pennsylvania struggling to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly menace
(Matt Cardy/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Pennsylvania is attempting to crack down on the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that cause serious damage to plant life, according to NBC 10. The species was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014. The state encourages people who find the bugs to do whatever they can to kill them. Fines are now being issued to businesses that are not diligent in containing the flies in quarantined areas.
CT native added to the first-ever US Skateboarding Street Olympic team
(Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (OLD SAYBROOK, Conn.) A Connecticut native has made the roster of the first-ever U.S. Olympic skateboarding team and will compete at the 2021 Summery Olympics in Tokyo next month, according to the Connecticut Post. Alexis Sablone from Old Saybrook was one of 12 skateboarders named to the team on Monday. This will be the first year that skateboarding is included in the Olympics. There will be two types featured, park and street skateboarding.
Nationals GM Mike Rizzo calls Joe Girardi a 'con artist' after Tuesday night's foreign substance debacle
(Rich Schultz/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo did not hold back when asked about Philadelphia Phillies manager Joe Girardi’s decision to request a third inspection of Max Scherzer for foreign substances, according to KYW Newsradio. Rizzo was asked if he believed that Girardi was utilizing the inspection as a way to disrupt Scherzer’s rhythm, rather than genuine concern over the use of foreign substances. "What are we, idiots?
Philadelphia to begin implementing plastic bag ban in July
(Cate Gillon/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Philadelphia’s plastic bag ban will begin on July 1 after being delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Mayor’s Office of Communications. Philadelphia uses almost one billion plastic bags a year, according to the statement. These bags account for 10,000 hours of lost labor by the staff at the recycling facility because bags are not recyclable curbside and get caught in recycling equipment.
Group of women use Instagram to raise awareness of harassment taking place in Northern Liberties - News Break
(Scott Olson/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) An account has been created on Instagram that allows women to report incidents of harassment in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties area, according to ABC 6. The account is called Watch Out Philly. Almost a dozen women have used it to report incidents of bike grabbing, slapping and groping. One victim described an incident that occurred while she was walking at night on 2nd Street.
After shocking upset, Ben Simmons bears brunt of Sixers fans' criticism
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The future of Ben Simmons in Philadelphia has become extremely murky after the Sixers point guard struggled in multiple games in the 76ers upset series loss to the Atlanta Hawks, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. Head coach Doc Rivers was non-committal when asked by reporters if a team could win a championship with Simmons as their point guard. “I don’t know that question or the answer to that right now,” Rivers said.
Germantown residents protest destruction of 169-year-old house
(Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Philadelphia police were called to deal with protesters in Germantown who were attempting to halt a planned demolition of a historic property, according to ABC 6. A developer recently bought the Pearson House and is planning to demolish it to create apartments. Nearby residents wanted the house, which was built in 1852, to be preserved by the city. They filed an appeal as a group on Tuesday in an attempt to halt the demolition process.
CT House Democrats scrambling to save recreational marijuana bill after Lamont veto threat
(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (HARTFORD, Conn.) Democratic leaders in the state House of Representatives spent Wednesday morning attempting to save a bill that would legalize recreational marijuana in Connecticut, according to the Stamford Advocate. The bill was passed by the Senate with a 19-12 vote. The bill would allow the purchase and possession of marijuana by those over 21. However, Lamont has concerns over the bill’s “social equity applicant” system, according to CT Mirror.
Philadelphia unveils new electric school buses
(William Thomas Cain/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The School District of Philadelphia is unveiling its new electric school buses on Tuesday, according to ABC 6. The district bought five buses that were paid for with funding from a Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant. The buses give off zero emissions, creating a healthier environment for students, drivers and residents. The district is the first in Pennsylvania to buy electric buses.
Protesters gather outside of Bridgeport PD on the 4-year anniversary of the death of Jayson Negron
(Angelo Merendino/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (BRIDGEPORT, Conn.) Protesters gathered outside of the Bridgeport Police Department Headquarters on the four-year anniversary of the killing of Jayson Negron, according to News 12. Negron was a 15-year-old who was shot by Bridgeport Police Officer James Boulay in 2017. Negron was driving a stolen Subaru Forrester on Fairfield Avenue when a police car began pursuing him.
Greenwich Patriots, anonymous anti-vax group, shuts down fundraising due to privacy concerns
(Justin Tallis - Pool / Getty Images) By Sam Britt (GREENWICH, Conn.) Two fundraising pages belonging to the group called the Greenwich Patriots have been taken offline due to privacy concerns, according to the Greenwich Time. The Greenwich Patriots are a political advocacy group that runs campaigns against school mask mandates, critical race theory, vaccination and other conservative identity issues. The group is anonymous and has received funds from 30 donors.
Philadelphia to lift two remaining COVID-19 restrictions on Friday
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) On Friday, Philadelphia will lift the final two remaining “Safer-at-Home” restrictions, according to FOX 29. These two restrictions are indoor mask mandates and the 11 p.m. curfew for restaurants. Both will be removed at 12:01 a.m. People who were vaccinated at least two weeks ago no longer need to wear a mask indoors or outdoors to remain safe.
Philadelphia police officer under investigation for allegedly deleting video off suspect's phone
(Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A Philadelphia police officer is being investigated by internal affairs after allegedly deleting a suspect’s video off their phone during an arrest, according to ABC 6. Jacob Giddings was sitting in his car on March 23 when an officer approached the vehicle and asked to see his identification. The officer then opened the door and Giddings tells him he will record the incident. The phone drops as Giddings is removed from the car.
City Council pushes for $100 million for anti-violence programs
(Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The majority of Philadelphia’s City Council has proposed to almost triple Mayor Jim Kenney’s original proposal of $34 million of funding for anti-violence measures, according to ABC 6. With at least 230 homicides this year, the Council began to push for $100 million to be allocated to anti-violence efforts as they met to discuss the city’s 2022 fiscal year budget.
Phillies offering free tickets to fans who get vaccinated at the ballpark
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) The Philadelphia Phillies are giving free tickets to fans who get the COVID-19 vaccine this week at the stadium, according to CBS 3. All fans ages 18 and up in attendance during this week’s series against the Atlanta Braves will have the opportunity to take the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Fans who get the vaccine will receive two free tickets to a future select Phillies game, concession credit and a giveaway.
Philadelphia judge suspended for 'inexcusable' conduct in Family Court
(Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A Philadelphia judge will be suspended for her improper conduct that a state judicial panel said was “blatant and inexcusable,” according to CBS 3. Common Pleas Court Judge Lyris Younge will serve a probationary term for the rest of her tenure through 2026. She will be barred from serving in Family Court and has been ordered to write apology letters for her actions.
Bridgeport man donates to replace stolen ice cream cart
(Stefan Zaklin/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (BRIDGEPORT, Conn.) A Bridgeport man donated money to replace an ice cream cart that was stolen, according to News 12. The cart was used to hand out free ice cream to children at charity events. The donor gave $650 in order to replace the cart. The cart was stolen in April and police are still investigating the incident. Michael Rosnkick, a local attorney, said that the story of the man buying a new cart moved him. Follow me to see more articles like this.
Joel Embiid out with knee injury for Sixers Game 5 matchup with the Wizards
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has a small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee and is considered day to day, according to the team. He will not play in Game 5. Embiid was injured in the Sixers Game 4 loss on Monday after he fell to the floor after bumping into Washington Wizard’s center Robin Lopez while attempting a layup. He fell awkwardly onto his backside and his legs came out from under him.
Philadelphia offers hundreds of events to celebrate Pride Month - News Break
By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) With the calendar switching to June it means that it is once again Pride Month in Philadelphia. This year there are almost 300 events celebrating LGBTQ pride, according to Kory Aversa, the organizer of Philly Gay Pride Month. “I'm really proud of them, it almost tears me up when I think about it, and that there's literally something for everyone. For the first time ever, I've seen events for teens. I've seen events for seniors. I've seen events for the trans community.
South Philadelphia chefs break cheesesteak world record
(Noam Galai/Getty Images for NYCWFF) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A group of South Philadelphia chefs broke a world record on Monday by creating a 510-foot cheesesteak, according to . Rim Café shut down several blocks for the attempt, from Wharton Street to Washington Avenue, with the proceeds raised going to those who have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic. They got help from local restaurants like Geno’s, Pat’s and Tony Luke’s. 500 pounds of meat were donated as well.
Tiny art gallery in Fishtown supports local artists
(Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) A local artist in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood has opened up a miniature art gallery to showcase the work of local talent, according to ABC 6. Sarah Rado opened the Philly Tiny Art Gallery in a planter outside of her home on East Cumberland Street. "I am really inspired by all the little free libraries," Rado says. "I've seen other little free art galleries pop up around the country.
District Attorney Larry Krasner fends off Carlos Vega in Democratic primary
(Scott Heins/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Philadelphia District Attorney was able to fight off police-backed challenger Carlos Vega in the city’s Democratic primary, according to ABC 6. Krasner was able to win the primary despite Philadelphia’s surge of crime over the past year and a half. Krasner is supported for his progressive views on social justice and criminal justice reform.
SWAT officer who pepper-sprayed protesters on I-676 has charges dismissed
(Mark Makela/Getty Images) By Sam Britt (PHILADELPHIA) Charges were dropped against a former Philadelphia SWAT officer who pepper-sprayed protesters on I-676 last summer, according to ABC 6. A Philadelphia judge ruled on Monday that Richard Paul Nicoletti did not commit a crime when he pepper-sprayed multiple protesters on June 1, 2020. The judge ruled that Nicoletti had been authorized to clear the highway and was given pepper spray to do so.
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