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The one and only Elmo of Sesame Street” asked people how they were doing earlier this week on “X.”
Elmo got a flood of responses, many of them from people who are struggling.
Even celebrities confided in Elmo.
Actress Rachel Zegler said she’s: “resisting the urge to tell Elmo that I am kinda sad.”
The Detroit Free Press is still dealing with the Lions’ loss in the NFC Championship and said, “We’ve been better, Elmo.”
Dionne Warwick just responded with this gif:
Elmo even caught the attention of the White House.
President Biden posted:
“Our friend Elmo is right: we have to be there for each other, offer our help to a neighbor in need, and above all else, ask for help when we need it. Even though it’s hard, you’re never alone.”
Elmo followed up with a post that he was glad he asked and promised to check on everyone again soon.
Check phillymag.com each morning Monday through Thursday for the latest edition of Philly Today. And if you have a news tip for our hardworking Philly Mag reporters, please direct it here. You can also use that form to send us reader mail. We love reader mail!
There’s a New Weather Woman in Town
There are a lot of weird things about Philadelphia. One is that many people seem to be obsessed with the folks who deliver the weather each night on Philadelphia TV stations. And, OK, full disclosure, I have interviewed Cecily Tynan, Karen Rogers, Hurricane Schwartz, Sue Serio, and Adam Joseph. So I may very well be part of the problem.
In any event, it’s time to welcome a new meteorologist to town: Payton Domschke. She headed to 6ABC from an NBC station in Cleveland. No, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, and the other 6ABC meteorologists aren’t going anywhere. Domschke is an addition to the preexisting team. A “much needed addition” in the words of Adam Joseph on Twitter.
Prior to Cleveland, Domschke worked in the Norfolk area. She’s originally from Chicago. No word on if she’s a Bears fan. (Then again, is anyone these days?) But her parents actually did name her after the late Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton.
To give you an idea of Domschke’s on-air personality, here she is November with Al Roker:
Good luck, Payton. Just know that Philly will eviscerate you if you get the forecast even a little wrong.
And Now for Some Bad News…
I do my best to keep things around here a little lighter than, say, Steve Keeley over at Fox 29. But today it’s a little hard to do that.
Meanwhile, there’s an investigation underway into a police-involved-shooting in Philadelphia from last Friday. It happened inside one of those corner stores with bulletproof windows, gambling machines, and beer for sale. Cops walk into the store and start questioning some men inside. It turns out one of those men had a concealed gun. The end result: The man with the gun wound up dead and one of the cops got shot. The cop survived. There’s lots of video of what happened. And investigators and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s office are trying to piece together exactly what happened and whether police followed proper protocols.
Finally, a police officer was shot early on Wednesday morning while trying to serve a warrant in North Philadelphia. SWAT responded to the barricade situation that ensued. And the police officer is listed in stable condition.
21: Maximum years one Philadelphia woman could face in federal prison if convicted on charges just filed against her stemming from a Frontier Airlines flight last November. The woman wanted to go to the bathroom, but the plane was preparing to land. According to the feds, she wound up pulling her pants down in the aisle, cursing and screaming at a flight attendant, and threatening to kill some of the passengers. Yes, alcohol was involved. Though as one colleague put it to me yesterday: “1) Frontier has made me that mad before. 2) I’ve had to pee that badly before.” You know, he’s right on both counts.
5: Number of speed cameras some local legislators want to add in Philadelphia.
$8 million: Amount partners in an upcoming Center City nightclub have dumped into the project. It’s called Midnight & the Wicked. And, naturally, there’s lots of velvet involved.
Reader Mail
Sometimes, the things you think will generate controversy don’t while more innocuous items do. On Monday, I told you about a novel anti-Valentine’s Day promotion. The long and short: an animal shelter names a feral cat after your ex-boyfriend and then neuters him. I thought it was hilarious. But others, who emailed me and commented on social media, not so much. One guy had this to say: “lol misandry is sooo funny.” Another gent: “Ah yes, let us turn benevolent population management into a sadistic act.” Chill, boys!
Where Are You Eating this Weekend?
I don’t know about you, but I’ll be trying my darnedest to get to one of Philly’s 50 Best Restaurants:
That’s the cover of our brand new February issue. And I have to say, it’s one of our best 50 Best lists in a long time. You can read the whole list here. But do get yourself a print copy as well. The thing is gorgeous.
And from the Make-It-Stop Sports Desk …
Due to those ol’ Circumstances Beyond Our Control, there was no Philly Today yesterday, so we’re appending yesterday’s sports news to today’s. It was back-to-back road games for the Sixers on Monday night as they visited the Trail Blazers. Joel Embiid was still out with his knee problems, and Tyrese was out with his bad ankle. Starting five: Nic Batum, Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul Reed and Pat Beverley. But the Trail Blazers have been terrible this year, so … didn’t matter. We were down 58-55 at the half.
And Portland came out hot after the break, going up 80-63 halfway through the third quarter on a 14-0 run. Great, great. Jerami Grant — remember him? — led all scorers at that point with 23. Even the Sixers’ official Twitter feed was getting snide:
And last night, against the Warriors? Well, Tyrese was still out, and so were Marcus Morris and Batum, but Joel was in as a starter, along with Beverley, Tobias, Oubre and Danuel House. They had a 12-0 run to lead at the first quarter’s close, 28-23. But Joel vanished into the locker room early in the second quarter and was wearing ice on his knee when he reappeared. He came back into the game, though, and the Sixers led through most of the rest of the half, until Golden State tied it with two minutes left, then went ahead on foul shots. We were down 52-50 at the half. Would Joel return or not?
He did return, for better or worse; a 17-4 Warriors run in the third quarter put them in the lead, 69-57, as Stephen Curry found his footing and was up to 25 points. Things were getting out of hand. Joel sat near the close of the third with four fouls and the team down 80-66. A Korkmaz three cut it to nine … did we still have a chance?
Tobias made it a three-point game four minutes into the fourth, and Embiid checked back in at 7:45. Eh, it got seriously ugly after that.
Joel Embiid went to the locker room after getting tied up with Jonathan Kuminga pic.twitter.com/bkOREMkd7F
Give Furkan his due; he had 16 points in the 119-107 loss — our fourth in a row. Please, come home soon, guys.
In other news, Ben Simmons was baaaaack for Monday night’s Nets game against the Jazz. He played 18 minutes and had 10 points and 11 assists in his team’s 147-114 win. Welcome back, Ben! Life’s so much more fun when we have you to kick around.
The Flyers also played last night. What happens to Carter Hart from here on in? Time will tell.
Any College Hoops News?
Marquette came to town last night to play Villanova. In their meeting two weeks ago, the Golden Eagles bested the Wildcats, 87-74. This time around, the ’Cats hung tough, were down 39-31 at the half, and actually outscored sixth-ranked Marquette in the second half but had another tough loss, 85-80, in their oh-so-tough season. Tonight’s schedule sees La Salle at Rhode Island and George Mason at St. Joe’s, both beginning at 7 p.m.
All Philly Today sports coverage is provided by Sandy Hingston.
Tributes are continuing to pour in for Broadway legend Chita Rivera, known for bringing to life some of theater’s most classic roles like Anita in “West Side Story” and Velma Kelly in “Chicago.” Rivera died Tuesday at age 91. CBS News’ Vlad Duthiers reflects on her decades-long career.
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MOBILE, ALA. — Because the Philadelphia Eagles are projected to have 8 picks in this year’s draft, including two second-round picks and four fifth-round picks, this year’s Senior Bowl is of particular interest. Let’s get to the notes.
• Usually there are around two to four guys who participate at the Senior Bowl who get picked in the first round. This year there should be at least a half dozen, and probably more. On Tuesday, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network released his first top-50 prospect list of draft season. 14 of those guys are competing here in Mobile.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Laiatu Latu, ED, UCLA
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Jackson Powers-Johnson, iOL, Oregon
Zach Frazier, iOL, West Virginia
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Chris Braswell, ED, Alabama
Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
Marshawn Kneeland, ED, Western Michigan
Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
I was surprised that BYU OT Kingsley Suamataia didn’t make Jeremiah’s top 50, but he’s here, too.
• My focus today was on the offensive tackles. I think it’s a near lock that the Eagles will take an offensive tackle early this year, and very possibly in the first round. Why?
Lane Johnson turns 34 in May, he has had injuries, and while he was still an elite player in 2023 there was some decline, in my opinion. To be clear, by “decline,” I should note that I have thought of Johnson as a top 20 type of player, league-wide, over the last half decade. He was still an All-Pro this season, and deservedly so, but I did not think he was a top 20 type of player.
The Eagles, as you should all be well aware by now, like to have succession plans in place along the offensive line early, and in some cases, extra early.
This draft is loaded with offensive tackle talent. You can conceivably get an OT at or near pick 22 that normally wouldn’t still be available, or perhaps in the second round when they might not otherwise fall that far. In other words, there should value at that position relative to draft position.
Suamataia’s measurements came in a little disappointing. BYU listed him at 6’6, 325. He’s actually 6’4 3/8 with 34″ arms. Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton, conversely, measured in at 6’7, 328, while Houston’s Patrick Paul, another guy who some consider a top 50 prospect, is 6’7 with 36″ arms.
Suamataia got work both at LT and RT, which is tough to do. He was up and down, and faced the best edge rushers here. Here he is against UCLA’s Laiatu Latu:
And here he is against Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland in 11-on-11’s.
(We’ll have more on Kneeland momentarily.)
Suamataia otherwise locked down the other edge defenders, but I came away a little disappointed with his first day.
The offensive tackles who did not disappoint were Guyton and Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga. Here’s Latu vs. Fuaga:
Latu had 23.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles the last two seasons at UCLA, and he is thought of as a very technically sound rusher, and Fuaga just dumped him.
Guyton competed hard, and played well:
.@OU_Football OT Tyler Guyton was one of the big winners today imo. Two reps where he was visibly pumped to compete (and win). His technique isn’t perfect (hand placement needs work), but he is so naturally explosive and strong pic.twitter.com/0xUJ6Mbv0p
That second rep was against Alabama star edge rusher Chris Braswell.
• The corners should also be of interest to the Eagles. The top rated corner in Mobile is Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, who finished second in the nation both in 2022 and 2023 with 19 pass breakups each season. Mitchell didn’t get to play against top-tier talent at Toledo, so he has something to prove here, and on Day 1 he got his hands on a lot of passes and looked like the best corner here.
Great rep by #Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell vs. speedy Jacob Cowing.
Love his patience/balance to transition with the WR and stay in his hip pocket all the way through the finish. pic.twitter.com/oJYbjPFYuZ
• I also tried to pay attention to the linebackers. When I published a list of 15 defensive players I’d be watching at the Senior Bowl, a bunch of people asked why NC State’s Payton Wilson wasn’t on it. (Seriously… there were tweets, DMs, and even an email.)
He’s a good player who racked up 138 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 INTs, and 6 pass breakups in 2023. There’s a lot to like. However, he has a serious injury history. He has torn his right ACL twice, he dislocated both shoulders in the same game in 2021 (necessitating surgery), and he’ll be 24 by the time he’s drafted.
He’s older than every player the Eagles drafted last year, except Sydney Brown, who is older by a month. He’s two years older than Kelee Ringo and Moro Ojomo.
So he’ll be a polarizing prospect. He had a good day, as he was in on a number of tackles for loss.
The linebacker who impressed me was Nathaniel Watson of Mississippi State. He had a big final season, with 137 tackles, 10 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He showed off good speed running sideline-to-sideline. Howie Roseman mentioned during his end of season press conference that the Eagles were looking for a WILL LB who could run and hit, and that they found that in Zach Cunningham. Watson can run and hit.
I’ll also note here that James Williams, who was a big, enforcer-style safety for Miami, is playing linebacker here. He measured in here at 6’4, 230.
• The Eagles need a slot receiver, and there are a lot of them here, in different flavors. There are three that I really like:
Malachi Corley, Western Michigan: Run after catch beast.
Ladd McConkey, Georgia: Ankle breaker.
Roman Wilson: Speed.
Nobody could cover McConkey on Tuesday.
There were a few other slot receivers who did some nice things, but I’ll get to them in another notes post soon.
• I noted that we would come back to Western Michigan’s Marshawn Kneeland, who made Jeremiah’s top 50 list. He is explosive:
Kneeland’s production isn’t super impressive (12.5 career sacks), but he has decent enough size (6’3, 268) and obvious athletic traits. I’m curious to see how he tests at the Combine. Maxx Crosby was a traits-based prospect from a smaller school who has become an elite pro.
• At running back, a guy who escaped my radar this season who had a good day was USC’s Marshawn Lloyd. He had a nice day catching the football and running inside the tackles:
I also liked what I saw from Kentucky’s Ray Davis as a receiver. He made a really nice play on a back shoulder throw. Davis is a power runner, but he can also stay on the field on obvious passing downs because he’s a competent receiver.
• We’ll have more notes on Thursday morning, and maybe a list of players on Friday who stood out who we didn’t already profile this season in our prospects series.
MIDDLETOWN TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) — An investigation is underway in Middletown Township, Bucks County after a man was found dead inside a home on Tuesday night.
Officers found the victim in his 60s dead in an upstairs bathroom on the 100 block of Upper Orchard Drive.
Police initially responded to reports of a decapitated body around 7 p.m., but authorities have not confirmed the manner of death.
According to Middletown Township Police Chief Joe Bartorilla, the victim’s son fled in his father’s vehicle. He was taken into custody hours later, about 100 miles away from the crime scene.
Middletown Township police found a man dead inside an upstairs bathroom of a home on the 100 block of Upper Orchard Drive.
Bartorilla said the son lived inside the home on Upper Orchard Drive and is being considered a person of interest in the case.
“We were pretty confident that the person of interest is the person we were looking for, ” he added.
Police confirm officers are looking into a disturbing social media video that may be connected to this investigation.
The father and son have not been identified.
A motive for the killing is still under investigation.
BALTIMORE — The Angelos family has agreed to sell the Baltimore Orioles to a pair of billionaires, according to WJZ’s media partner The Baltimore Banner.
The sale agreement was initially reported by John Ourand from Puck News. He reported that the Orioles will be bought for $1.725 billion by billionaires David Rubenstein and Mike Arougheti.
Reports of an agreement to sell the @Orioles franchise to billionaires David Rubenstein & Mike Arougheti for $1.725 billion has some fans celebrating outside of Camden Yards @wjzpic.twitter.com/wyP7Qbha3z
Baltimore Banner sports reporter Andy Kostka said on X, the social media site formally known as Twitter, that the group of billionaires included “Maryland leaders, philanthropists and sports legends.”
It even includes the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, which broadcasts games of both the Orioles and Washington Nationals, according to the Baltimore Banner.
David Rubenstein is set to become the control of the Orioles after he agreed to a deal to buy a stake of the Orioles, a source close to the matter confirms to the Baltimore Banner.
The ownership group includes Mike Arougheti, Maryland leaders, philanthropists and sports legends
Ripken, who retired from baseball in 2001 following a 20-year career, is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was a 19-time MLB All-star, two-time MVP, two-time Gold Glove winner and helped the Orioles to the 1983 World Series championship.
He owns Major League Baseball’s record for consecutive games played with 2,632.
Ripken grew up in Harford County and was drafted by the Orioles in 1978. He made his Orioles debut in 1981.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott expressed excitement over the deal announcement.
I’m excited that David Rubenstein has decided to invest in his hometown!
Having the Ironman Cal Ripken as a part of the ownership group is simply the Old Bay on the Crabs.
I am extremely thankful to the Angelos family for all they have done & will continue to do for Baltimore. https://t.co/FoTttN9GTH
In December, Bloomberg News reported that Rubenstein was among those interested in purchasing the Orioles from the Angelos family.
Rubenstein, 74, was born in Baltimore, and he has a net worth of $4.6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Peter Angelos, 94, is the Orioles’ majority owner. His son, John Angelos, is running the day-to-day operations.
In December, a new long-term lease agreement was approved that would keep the Orioles at Camden Yards.
The Orioles are coming off a 101-win season, their best since 1980. They also made it to the playoffs, along with winning the American League East for the first time since 2014.
The team has a lot of young talent to showcase, led by Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Grayson Rodriguez.
Orioles fans have suggested that the new owners get to know the team’s supporters.
“The new owners, they need to get to know the fanbase a little bit,” Baltimore resident Austin Caufield said. “Come down to Pickles on opening day, see what it’s like.”
Caufield said he hopes the deal means that the Orioles won’t be going anywhere.
“What I’d like to say to the players is that we love you,” Baltimore resident Larry Wiczulis said. “We hope we can keep you as long as we possibly can, and I think with the new ownership and more money, more financial wherewithal, that we’ll be able to keep the players, keep the court here to build a dynasty here, and have multiple world championships in Baltimore.”
The Baltimore Banner reports that the timeline for the deal is still unknown and would need the approval of MLB owners who are expected to convene in Orlando next week.
Just over six years since leaving VetMedux to start Instinct Science, founder and CEO Dr. Caleb Frankel is acquiring his old employer in a move to merge two companies that have wide-reaching presences in the veterinary industry.
(The Hill) — Syphilis rates have continued to surge, reaching levels the nation hasn’t seen since 1950, according to new federal data released Tuesday.
According to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syphilis cases increased 17 percent in the past year and 80 percent in the past five years. With Congress set to cut the funding for workers who fight sexually transmitted infections, experts warn the record-setting epidemic isn’t likely to abate.
“The STI field has reached a tipping point. We have long known that these infections are common, but we have not faced such severe effects of syphilis in decades,” Laura Bachmann, acting director of CDC’s STD division, said in a statement.
“Recent public health emergencies diverted program resources and threatened the health of those already disproportionately affected by STIs. We must move now to pick up the pieces,” Bachmann said.
More than 2.5 million cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia were reported in the United States in 2022, though officials are most alarmed about the syphilis and congenital syphilis epidemics.
Reported gonorrhea cases declined for the first time in at least a decade while reported chlamydia cases were level. But the report noted that it’s not clear if 2022 marked a true decline, or merely a change in reporting and testing.
Syphilis was nearly eradicated in the 1990s in the U.S, but it’s come roaring back largely due to years of underfunding public health, along with increasing rates of substance use and the mental health crisis.
CDC reported 207,255 total syphilis cases across nearly every demographic group and region in 2022, including newborns. In November, health officials reported a concerning rise in congenital syphilis— when an untreated infection in a parent is passed to an infant during birth.
According to CDC, there were more than 3,700 infants born with syphilis in 2022, the highest level in at least 30 years and a tenfold increase over the past decade. It’s a disease that impacts red and blue states alike — Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana represented 57 percent of all reported congenital syphilis cases in 2022.
Cases of primary and secondary syphilis — the most infectious stages of the disease — increased 10 percent in 2022 and 68 percent since 2018.
Syphilis during pregnancy can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, infant death and lifelong medical issues for both mother and baby. The disease is easily preventable if people can be reached with screening and treatment.
However, public health officials said they are worried they don’t have the resources to combat the surge. Health departments are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and mpox outbreak, and Congress is poised to claw back $400 million in public health workforce funds as part of the debt ceiling agreement between President Biden and congressional leaders.
“There’s no question that during the pandemic, public health was busy doing a lot of other things and we diverted a lot of people and resources and just attention … and that probably caused us to lose some ground on the progress that we’ve been making,” said Scott Harris, the State Health Officer of Alabama.
The National Coalition of STD Directors found states would need to lay off about 800 disease intervention specialists if Congress doesn’t stop the cuts from taking effect.
“What HHS says we need to do, what CDC says we need to do … rapid testing, reaching out to people in alternative settings and in places like prisons, those are all absolutely correct. But communities can’t follow through on that advice without funding and people to do it,” said NCSD spokeswoman Elizabeth Finley.
Harris said Alabama will lose about 24 front-line staff who work directly with patients seeking treatment for STIs, which poses a problem for a rural state with a large Black population.
Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by syphilis. Black Americans comprised about 30 percent of primary and secondary syphilis cases, but Native American/Alaska Native people had the highest rates with 67 cases per 100,000 people.
“Black Americans and Black Alabamians are disproportionately affected by STIs. People who are low income are disproportionately affected by STIs. Certainly, there are many low income Black Alabamians, who would then seem to be at risk … and so, we do have a lot of concern about what the what the future is going to hold there,” Harris said.
Don’t get me wrong, the Sixers are having a great season. It has been incredibly fun to watch after the less than optimal start to the season. Nick Nurse has been refreshing, and Embiid has played so well that I almost forgot James Harden was on the team this year; however, they still only sit at the third seed in the east with the Knicks close behind.
History of NBA Champions’ Seeding
Teams that finish the regular season with the 1 seed are the obvious favorites to win the NBA Finals. Teams with the 1 seed have made the finals 89 times, the 2 seed – 39 times, 3 seed – 16 times, 4 seed – 5 times, and the 5-8 seeds combined have made it 5 times.
So, historically, teams that fall out of the top 3 have a very tough time getting to the NBA finals. The Sixers are finding themselves falling into that territory right now. Between the rocky start with new players and a new coach, and Embiid missing his usual lot of games, they could find themselves as the road team in the second round of the playoffs if they aren’t careful.
What’s Gone Wrong So Far?
As usual, Joel Embiid has missed a ton of games so far this season. 12 to be exact. If he misses 5 more games, he will be ineligible to receive MVP even though he has dominated the league more than anyone has in years. This isn’t a “bash Embiid” session, but the big man needs to find a way to stay healthy. Home court advantage gives teams major advantages in the playoffs – as seen above.
Oubre and Melton have also missed 14 and 12 games respectively. These two should contribute heavily to this team, but with them missing so much time it has forced Nick Nurse to give more minutes to Korkmaz, Springer, and Martin, who will most certainly not see much time in the playoffs. These guys need to stay healthy to develop the chemistry needed for the playoffs and to give the team a boost to get better seeding before April 20th comes around.
A handful of others players have also missed a few games including Maxey, Tobias, Batum, and Beverly. Hopefully the team is getting the injury bug over with earlier so they can dominate down the road.
What’s Gone Right?
The Centers
First off: Paul Reed.
Out of all the injuries the Sixers have had, Reed has not missed a game. I don’t know why Glen Rivers hated this guy so much, but now that he has firmly taken the backup center position, he has done a great job. He is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and assists this year. It is nice to see him get a real chance.
Also, even though it was a loss, he had a career night against Jokic, scoring 30 points and 13 rebounds with no Embiid, Maxey, Tobias, or Melton. Having games like that against a premier player like Jokic could get him a starting gig somewhere around the league.
This goes without saying, but Embiid has been the other shining positive this year. He has just been so dominant in every game he’s played. By the way, he still has more points than minutes on the season. He is well on his way to be the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to do so, AND he is averaging more points per minute than Wilt did in 1961. What a phenomenal player.
We’ll Have to Wait and See
We can look at the history of the NBA seeding and talk about Embiid’s playoff woes all we want, but none of it means this will not be Embiid’s year. Continuing to play at this level will cause a lot of problems for teams in the playoffs. He will have to stay healthy, but the future looks bright for Embiid and the Sixers this year.
A semester at a state university or community college would cost just $1,000 for many students under a proposal Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he will detail in his second budget address next month.
Shapiro won the governor’s office in 2022 campaigning, in part, on improving access to higher education and developing Pennsylvania’s workforce to boost the state’s economy. In his first budget address last February, Shapiro declared the state’s higher education system broken.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed,” Shapiro said in a statement. “For some, that means going right into the workforce – but for those who want to go to college or get a credential, we need to rethink our system of higher education.”
Pennsylvania’s public universities have suffered disinvestment for 30 years, Shapiro said, leaving students without enough affordable options to earn a degree and enter the workforce. Pennsylvania spends less on higher education than any other state except New Hampshire, the governor’s office noted.
Enrollment in state universities and community college has decreased by about a third, the governor’s office said. And colleges are competing for the same students, duplicating programs, driving up costs and reducing access.
On Friday, Shapiro announced a three-pronged plan to reinvigorate public higher education by:
• Uniting Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities with the state’s 15 community colleges under a new governance system
• Setting tuition at those schools at $1,000 per semester for low and moderate income students and increasing Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants for students attending private universities by $1,000
• Distributing state appropriations to Pennsylvania’s state-related universities – the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State, Temple and Lincoln universities – according to a performance-based formula
Democratic lawmakers spoke in support of the plan, noting that it would help Pennsylvanians avoid the burden of student debt.
“We need to make it easier and more affordable for students to attend our state schools, which provide vital job training and a quality higher education for tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians every year and remove barriers for students transferring between schools here in the commonwealth,” House Democratic leaders said in a statement.
While Republican lawmakers said the plan was short on details, they said they were glad to see the administration join Republicans in putting students first while acknowledging the state’s financial needs.
“We will work with education stakeholders, the administration, and Pennsylvania families to continue moving away from the endless funding of systems in Pennsylvania so we can move toward a student-first, family-focused, and taxpayer-accountable system of higher education,” Jason Gottesman, spokesperson for House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), said.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) said ensuring that Pennsylvania is an economic leader depends on a strong workforce and jobs in the commonwealth and preserving access to higher education is a key to promoting economic growth.
Pittman said the changes that Shapiro proposed are substantial and his plan lacked information about how the state would fund them. Key considerations in implementing such changes include the cost to taxpayers and the impact on communities where state universities are located, Pittman added..
“Details matter and a proposal of this magnitude will require extremely close examination,” Pittman said, adding that he looks forward to discussing the proposal with Shapiro and fellow lawmakers.
For several years, funding for the state-related universities used only to provide tuition discounts for Pennsylvania residents, has stalled in the General Assembly during budget season. Republican lawmakers have cited objections to research using fetal tissue cells, gender affirming care, a lack of transparency, and rising tuition as reasons for withholding the two-thirds majority votes needed to approve appropriations to the private institutions.
State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), who is the GOP’s ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, was less complimentary of Shapiro’s plan, however, describing it as a “three-step plan for financial disaster.” It would come with unsustainable spending increases, depletion of the state’s $12 billion surplus and future tax increases, Grove said.
“The bottom line is this plan creates more bureaucracy, necessitates more spending, and creates more questions than answers,” Grove said, adding that it doesn’t comport with the Republican position that the state should fund students, not institutions.
“Shapiro should propose direct grants so every child of God will have options for higher education. But given his track record on reneging on school choice, it appears the Governor is once again siding with unions over students,” Grove said.
Shapiro’s announcement included statements of support from the heads of the state university system and each of the state-related universities.
PASSHE Chancellor Dan Greenstein said the consolidation of several state universities over the last six years has shown that collaboration benefits students, communities and employers. Shapiro’s proposal would build on the strengths of state universities and community colleges.
“Together we can create a new, larger system with better collaboration that gives students more pathways to a degree or credential, rapidly adjusts to the changing knowledge and skills employers want, and provides the lowest-cost option for students throughout their lifetime,” Greenstein said.
Performance-based funding for the state-related universities would not only improve transparency and accountability, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi said, but it would also help ensure positive outcomes for students.
“I am extremely pleased to see that part of Gov. Shapiro’s blueprint is a call to establish a predictable performance-based funding formula, and we look forward to working with the legislature to implement such a model,” Bendapudi said.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kim Lyons for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. Follow Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and Twitter.
MODESTO, Calif. (KTXL) — A couple of Northern California TikTok users have posted about their storage unit finds before, but a unit they recently purchased in the city of Tracy could be extra special: it may have belonged to legendary artist MC Hammer.
The storage unit had parachute pants, a couple of fur coats, an old Mac computer, and over 30 master tapes labeled Death Row Records with possible unreleased music from MC Hammer, DJ Quick, and Snoop Dogg.
“In the pictures, it just looked like a bunch of clothes laying in the back of the unit,” Alex Stevens told Nexstar’s KTXL, explaining they often pick up these units for about $5 and make between $100 to $200 off them. “This one just happens to be different.”
However, the guys who bought the storage unit aren’t 100% convinced it has ties to the artists.
“Until I actually hear from MC Hammer himself or Snoop Dogg, I don’t believe it,” Stevens said. “People claim to be managers, but all we have is the documentation, the tapes, and people are contacting me [claiming to be] affiliated with them. So obviously, something’s going on to where it’s related.”
Stevens and Andrew Cordova, who go by Central Valley Picker on TikTok, said they have been in contact with people claiming to be from Death Row Records, the music label MC Hammer was signed to in the 1990s.
Those who claim to be from the label have contacted the guys about acquiring some of the stuff, but they have not yet agreed on a deal.
Stevens and Cordova believe the items in the storage could be worth millions, creating a massive opportunity from a unit they paid $30 for.
“It’s amazing. You just don’t know what you’re gonna find when you get inside the unit, but this is probably one of our most amazing finds.” Cordova said.
In response to a post on X, a verified account belonging to MC Hammer said, “if this be truth a man spent $50 for such a gift are they not his? God bless him.”
KTXL reached out to MC Hammer and Death Row Records but has not yet received a response.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Officials released new surveillance video Tuesday from last week’s deadly police-involved shooting that injured an officer and left a man dead in North Philadelphia.
Philadelphia police and the district attorney’s office partnered to release the video, sharing two angles from inside the store.
WATCH: Full surveillance video of deadly Philadelphia police-involved shooting
Police release new surveillance video from Friday’s deadly police-involved shooting that left an officer injured and one man dead.
“Today is the day for the public to see the truth about what it is that is visible and occurred inside of the store,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said during Tuesday’s press conference.
“I want to acknowledge my officers who were involved in a difficult and life-threatening situation,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, noting that the department remains extremely limited in the type of information they can release at this time.
The shooting happened on January 26 inside Jennifer Tavern on the corner of N. Mascher and W. Cambria streets.
Alexander Spencer, 28, was shot and killed during a scuffle with police. During that scuffle, officials say Spencer fired a shot, hitting one of the officers in the leg. This prompted the injured officer’s partner to return fire, according to police.
The officer who fired the shot has been identified as 33-year-old Ofc. Raheem Hall of the 24th Police District. He is a 6-year veteran of the force.
The officers were on routine patrol in the area while also keeping an eye out for a person wanted in a recent non-fatal shooting, Bethel said.
In the newly released video, one of the officers walks into the store, asking if anyone has a gun and checking waistbands.
WATCH: Police give update on deadly police-involved shooting
Philadelphia police provide new details and release new surveillance video from Friday’s deadly police-involved shooting.
“One of the bystanders apparently says something that alerted the group and that often heightened the officer’s presence,” Bethel said.
The officer then gets to Spencer and signals to his partner that he is armed.
The two officers and Spencer are seen in a short scuffle on the ground before you hear a shot and see blood coming from the leg of an officer.
Officials point out that at the time of the initial gunshot, both officers’ guns are holstered.
Seconds later, the wounded officer’s partner, now identified as Hall, fires at Spencer, killing him, before radioing for backup.
The injured officer, who was crouching, suffered four wounds when he was shot by a single bullet, Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said. He may have tried to fire back, but could not, he said.
“I think he tried, but it did not operate. The other officer did and that was the shot that struck Mr. Spencer,” Vanore said.
While officials did release surveillance video from inside the store, Bethel said the officers did not activate their body cameras, which were knocked off their clothing during the struggle.
A social media video circulating online is now part of the investigation. In the video, Spencer can be seen on the ground with officers on top of him moments before two gunshots are heard. The wounded officer’s partner can then be seen calling for help over the radio.
New video from the night of the shooting is being used in the investigation that left a man dead and an officer injured.
“We acknowledge the concerns of the community and the anger it has sparked by a video – a short video that was put online most recently. The dangerous rumors that come from that, the untruths that come from that are difficult to deal with. And so we’re working hard to disprove those rumors,” Bethel said.
Philadelphia police identify man sought for taking gun from scene of officer shooting
Quinones-Mendez is considered armed and dangerous. The Philadelphia FOP Lodge #5 is offering a $10K reward for any information that leads to his arrest.
The officer who was wounded was released from Temple University Hospital on Monday. The department has not yet released his name.
The officer who was shot was released Monday afternoon from Temple University Hospital.
In the last three years, Bethel noted that there have been five homicides, 17 non-fatal victims were shot 23 robberies, 62 aggravated assaults, 225 narcotics arrests and 14 illegal guns within 750 feet of the location.
“Where this incident happened is one of our primary districts that has a significant level of violence in that particular area. Where those officers are working is one of the most violent pockets in our area with almost 15 times the violence that we see in other areas of the city,” he said.
Philadelphia police are working with the DEA’s office and the two officers involved have been placed on administrative duties, per protocol.
“Our goal is to be transparent in this work. Our goal is to hold ourselves accountable for our work,” Bethel said.
While transparency was the main topic hammered home in this press conference, as well as the desire for the public to see what happened, the media was not allowed to ask any questions.
Action News has reached out to the police department to answer lingering questions, such as what happened in the store before the shooting, whether the “stop and frisk” was justified and if the officer’s actions before the shooting followed protocol. We have not yet heard back.
Hunter Biden again asked a judge to dismiss the federal gun case against him on Tuesday, arguing it is politically motivated and key evidence was tested after charges were filed.
Cocaine residue found on the pouch the president’s son used to hold his gun was only identified last year, after a scuttled plea deal and subsequent indictment, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney said in court documents.
The pouch was originally found in a trash can and not tested for fingerprints or to determine how long the residue had been there, defense attorney Abbe Lowell wrote. It had been in police evidence storage since 2018, and testing it last year to bolster the case is “’clear evidence’ of selective prosecution,” Lowell argued.
Prosecutors had been ready to strike a plea deal in the case, but Lowell argued they bowed to “political pressure” after the agreement hit the skids in court and was publicly pilloried by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, as a “sweetheart deal.”
Hunter Biden has been charged on nine tax-related charges, including three felony counts, according to court documents filed Thursday
Prosecutors, meanwhile, have said there’s no evidence the case is politically motivated, while “the strength of the evidence against him is overwhelming.” The charges were “brought in spite of, not because of, any outside noise made by politicians,” they said in court documents this month.
Hunter Biden has pleaded not guilty to lying about his drug use in October 2018 on a form to buy a gun that he kept for about 11 days. He has acknowledged struggling with an addiction to crack cocaine during that period, but his lawyers have said he didn’t break the law and another non-violent, first-time offender would not have been charged.
The yearslong investigation had looked ready to wrap up with a plea deal last year, but the agreement fell apart and now the president’s son is facing a possible trial this year while his father, President Joe Biden, is campaigning for another term.
Hunter was indicted in Delaware after the plea deal broke down following a hearing where a judge who was supposed to approve it instead raised a series of questions. He is also facing tax charges in Los Angeles.
The Shapiro administration said this pitch is the first “comprehensive plan of its kind” to assist with Pennsylvania’s economic growth in nearly 20 years.
Beyond the often stereotyped rowdy behavior, there lies a community united by unparalleled love and loyalty for their teams.
The emotional connection runs deep, and the dedication of Philadelphia sports fans is legendary, spilling over into the world of betting and online gaming. As Philly sports enthusiasts embrace the thrill of live casino games, they find a new avenue to channel their passion. To discover the best live casino experiences in Pennsylvania for 2024, you can view more here.
The Unmistakable Characteristics of True Philadelphia Sports Fans
The city’s blue-collar attitude is a defining characteristic that has shaped the identity of its sports culture. Philadelphia is a town where hard work, grit, and determination are not just virtues; they are a way of life. This ethos extends seamlessly to the sports arena, where fans mirror the resilience of their beloved city. The dedication of Philadelphia sports enthusiasts is perhaps best exemplified by iconic figures like Brian Dawkins and Allen Iverson, whose tenacity and passion on the field resonated with the city’s spirit.
Brian Dawkins, a former safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, is remembered not just for his stellar performances but also for the raw emotion he brought to each game. His intensity and unwavering commitment mirrored the city’s own ethos, making him a beloved figure among fans.
Photo: Damir Kopezhanov/Unsplash
Similarly, Allen Iverson, a basketball icon who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, personified the city’s never-back-down attitude. His fearless approach and dedication to the game endeared him to the hearts of Philadelphia sports enthusiasts, forging an unbreakable bond between player and fans.
Philadelphia sports fans eagerly anticipate key events that showcase their teams’ prowess. The Eagles’ training camp is a hallowed ground where fans can catch a glimpse of their favorite players preparing for the upcoming season. The excitement in the air is palpable as fans watch with bated breath, hopeful for a successful campaign.
When the Flyers return to the ice, the city comes alive with the echoes of cheers reverberating through the streets. The fans’ passion for hockey is undeniable, and they rally behind their team with an energy that is infectious. The unity in the stands is a testament to the strong bond that connects the community through their shared love for the game.
As the Sixers pursue success on the basketball court, Philadelphia fans eagerly await news of free-agent signings. The anticipation and speculation around player acquisitions add to the excitement and build the foundation for the upcoming season. It’s a time when the entire city is buzzing with enthusiasm, fueled by the hope that the roster changes will bring about a championship-worthy team.
In Philadelphia, sports are not just a form of entertainment; they are a communal experience that binds the city together. The passionate and sometimes boisterous nature of Philadelphia sports fans is not merely a stereotype; it’s a reflection of the deep emotions and unwavering loyalty that define this remarkable community. Beyond the cheers and jeers, Philadelphia sports fans embody the heart and soul of a city that takes pride in its teams and stands by them through thick and thin.
What Other Nations Can Learn from Philadelphia Sports Fans
While the reputation of Philadelphia sports fans often precedes them, there’s much more to their fervor than meets the eye. Beneath the surface of their rowdy exterior lies a blueprint for sports fandom that other nations can learn from, enhancing the overall experience of supporting their teams.
Passion Knows No Bounds
Philadelphia sports fans exemplify an unmatched passion for their teams. Whether celebrating a victory or weathering a defeat, their dedication never wavers. Other nations can learn the importance of unwavering support, realizing that true fandom extends beyond the glory days and into the challenging times. Embracing the journey with resilience and enthusiasm strengthens the bond between fans and their teams.
Community Engagement
In Philadelphia, sports are not just a spectator sport but a communal experience. Fans gather in bars, homes, and stadiums, creating a sense of community that transcends individual differences.
Other nations can emulate this by fostering a sports culture that brings people together, emphasizing the shared joy and camaraderie that sports can provide. This collective experience enhances the emotional connection fans feel with their teams.
Identification with Players
Philadelphia sports fans identify not only with the success of their teams but also with the players who embody the city’s spirit. The connection with figures like Brian Dawkins and Allen Iverson goes beyond their athletic achievements; it’s rooted in shared values and a sense of belonging. Other nations can encourage a deeper connection between fans and athletes, emphasizing the personal stories and characteristics that resonate with the local community.
Anticipation and Hope
The anticipation surrounding key events, such as training camps and free-agent signings, creates a sense of hope and excitement that permeates the entire city. Other nations can learn the value of maintaining optimism and enthusiasm, even in the face of uncertainties.
The anticipation for upcoming seasons becomes a shared experience, fostering a positive outlook that enhances the overall enjoyment of sports.
Respect for Tradition
Philadelphia sports fans respect and celebrate the traditions of their teams. From the iconic Eagles’ fight song to the rituals associated with game day, these traditions create a sense of continuity and heritage. Other nations can appreciate the importance of preserving and honoring the traditions that make sports unique to their culture, reinforcing a sense of identity and continuity across generations.
In essence, the heart and soul of Philadelphia’s sports fans lie in their ability to turn sports into a unifying force, a source of pride, and a shared experience that goes beyond wins and losses.
Other nations aspiring to cultivate a rich sports culture can look to Philadelphia as a model, understanding that true fandom is a celebration of passion, community, and enduring loyalty.
The outpost that was hit had not been the target of previous attacks and thus its air defenses were not as strong as U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria that have been under constant threat of attack since October, the official said. The air defense system heading to the outpost is designed to intercept drones.
About 350 U.S. Army and Air Force personnel are stationed at the outpost, known as Tower 22, according to the Defense Department.
The Pentagon said Monday that the number of wounded had risen to more than 40 after a drone strike hit their sleeping quarters in the pre-dawn hours on Sunday.
“People were actually in their beds when the drone impacted,” Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.
This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows the military base known as Tower 22 in northeastern Jordan on Oct. 12, 2023.
Planet Labs PBC / AP
Singh said the attack was inconsistent with prior strikes because it hit living quarters and was early in the morning. The Defense Department is investigating how the drone evaded air defenses, she said.
“We are trying to figure out how a one-way attack drone was able to evade air defenses and was able to kill three of our service members and injure dozens more,” she said.
Tower 22 did not have the same air defenses as the special forces base located about 15 miles north in al-Tanf, Syria, which has been under frequent attack. The deadly attack on Tower 22 was the first time a drone had landed on the Jordanian side of the border.
Since Oct. 17, there have been at least 165 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq, Syria and now Jordan by Iranian-backed groups.
As the NFL playoffs surge ahead, they hint at the looming arrival of 2024’s grand sporting spectacle, i.e., Super Bowl LVIII.
Two formidable teams will compete for supremacy and the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy in Las Vegas, their every move scrutinized by millions worldwide.
As we navigate through the four playoff rounds, this piece aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the essential information leading up to Super Bowl LVIII.
When and Where
Super Bowl LVIII is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 11, 2024. The NFL regular season recently added a game, which accounts for the departure from its traditional slot on the first Sunday of February. Regarding kickoff time, in the UK, it will be set at 11.30 pm. However, across continents and time zones alike – viewers can expect action to commence on US soil precisely three hours earlier: specifically, at 3.30 pm PST. This corresponds to an East Coast start time of 6:30 pm.
This year, the Super Bowl – notably held in Las Vegas – will kick off earlier than its usual time to align with the east coast’s prime-time viewing slot. The historic Allegiant Stadium, a $1.9 billion masterpiece and home of the Las Vegas Raiders, is serving as this game’s venue. Its regular capacity stands at 65,000, which can be exceeded for major events like The Super Bowl, potentially reaching over 70,000 spectators.
How to Watch
Photo: 3D Animation Production Company/Pixabay
The NFL in the United States has signed a revised 11-year contract with its four primary broadcasters, introducing a new rotational hosting system for the game. This year, CBS assumes the role of host broadcaster while Paramount+ provides streaming services.
We anticipate that Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, our esteemed commentary duo, will enliven the airwaves with their presence. ITV1 will broadcast Super Bowl LVIII in the UK; additionally, they’ll stream it online via ITVX. Coverage access extends to Sky Sports subscribers as well. Moreover, TalkSport plans to provide radio coverage for the game.
Half-Time Entertainment
Rihanna’s stellar performance at Super Bowl LVII fuels anticipation for an equally unforgettable show in Las Vegas. The duty of entertaining Allegiant Stadium and the global audience during the half-time spectacle has been conferred upon R&B sensation Usher. Coincidentally, he plans to release his highly anticipated album “Coming Home” on February 11 – the same day as the Super Bowl.
Recap of Super Bowl 2023
The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious in the previous edition of the Super Bowl, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 38-35. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, named as Super Bowl MVP, left an indelible mark on this championship game.
Super Bowl 2024 Contenders
Following the completion of the 18-week regular season, the Super Bowl culminates as a finale to NFL playoffs. Fourteen teams qualify for these playoffs; notably, by securing the top two seeds in both AFC and NFC – they earn byes in the initial playoff round.
Elevating Super Bowl LVIII: A Fan’s Guide to Interactive Thrills Through Sports Betting
Anticipating Super Bowl LVIII with a fever pitch, fans across the globe prepare not only for the titans’ clash on the gridiron but also seek ways to amplify excitement. They are engaging in NFL sports betting – transforming the championship game into an interactive, multifaceted experience.
This year’s Super Bowl finds its vibrant host city in Las Vegas, a locale long synonymous with the thrilling realm of sports gambling. So, gamblers can immerse themselves in myriad betting options – thus injecting further excitement into this already electrifying event.
Through player-focused bets, fans find one of their most popular avenues to engage with the game. This form of gambling on individual player performances during the Super Bowl has evolved into a dynamic and entertaining facet of sports betting. Fans now have options that range from predicting which player will score the first touchdown to wagering over total yards gained by star quarterbacks. They can tailor these bets, aligning them perfectly with their favorite players’ field prowess.
Prop bets, fondly cherished by strategic game enthusiasts for their plethora of options, enable fans to wager on various aspects that are not directly linked with the final outcome of a game; these range from predicting the national anthem’s duration to guessing post-game celebrations Gatorade shower color. Injecting an element of unpredictability and fun, such bets transform Super Bowl LVIII into a truly immersive experience— one that transcends the conventional dimensions of fandom.
As we stand at the edge of the greatest kinetic display known in sport, Super Bowl LVIII also bears a storied convergence of athleticism, spectacle, and exuberance that is life in Las Vegas.
The new date, the inaugural appearance of the Allegiant Stadium as a host venue and an exciting set of events thus are making this Super Bowl one-of-a-kind in NFL history.
An early morning car crash in North Philadelphia left a fiery mess of debris in front of a Family Dollar store.
At 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, a Mercedes-Benz sedan collided with a Dodge tow truck at 22nd and Cambria streets, police said. The impact caused the car to knock down a light pole and a traffic light before it crashed into the Family Dollar and caught fire.
According to police, the sedan ran through a red light as it was traveling westbound on Cambria Street, striking the truck, which had been driving northbound on 22nd Street.
The crash damaged the metal gates of the grocery store and caused the sedan to catch fire, investigators said. The Family Dollar also was damaged by the fire, including its sign, which was charred.
The sedan and the tow truck ended up on the sidewalk in front of the store. The driver of the sedan, a 24-year-old man, was taken to Temple University Hospital for treatment and is in stable condition, police said. The truck driver was not injured.
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WGN) — A therapy horse that helps kids with special needs almost suffered “catastrophic” injuries Saturday after he got stuck in a tree.
Joe the horse was in the pasture Saturday afternoon when it was time to go back into the barn at Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, a non-profit based in Merrillville, Indiana.
“We went to go bring horses in from the pasture, their ankles were deep in mud from the rain and snow,” said Morgan Fields, an employee at Exceptional Equestrians. “We noticed Joe standing under the tree, but he wasn’t moving.”
Once staff members got closer, they noticed that Joe’s hoof was stuck in the “V” of the trunk.
“If he tried to jump through (the tree), there would have been catastrophic injuries,” Fields said. “We thought, ‘Are we going to have to watch this horse that we love die?’”
(Courtesy of Beth Gagliardi)
Joe has been a part of Exceptional Equestrians for the last eight years. The nonprofit helps kids with disabilities and says that in addition to helping to build self-confidence and communication skills, horse riding can improve muscle issues.
To help free Joe, frantic calls were made to 911 as well as to friends at Excelsior Equestrian Center.
The group knew it was crucial to keep Joe calm, but the pressure of the moment was one of the things that helped save him.
“A wonderful trainer showed up and Joe was so exhausted, he didn’t have enough room to expand his lungs, so he passed out,” Fields said.
Once he lost consciousness, the group lifted his hooves and used ropes to get Joe out of the tree.
The Hobart Fire Department helped flip Joe over so he wouldn’t injure himself on the tree getting up.
“Seeing Joe get to his feet and walk calmly back to the barn, bearing weight on all four legs was nothing short of a miracle,” Fields wrote on Exceptional Equestrians’ Facebook page.
Joe, who suffered some abrasions, is “not out of the woods” but is doing much better.
“Joe is doing well and might be enjoying just a little spoiling!” Exceptional Equestrians said on Facebook.
Joe after the incident
One of his abrasions
The tree was cut down Sunday to prevent this from happening again. The nonprofit said it is planning fundraising efforts to provide shelter from the elements for the horses “now that the natural shade in this pasture is no more.”
