A teacher’s aide at a Delaware County middle school is accused of traveling to Texas in order to sexually assault a child.
Michael Robinson, a 43-year-old employee at Radnor Township Middle School, was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Radnor, Pennsylvania, officials announced on Thursday.
In August 2024, Robinson traveled to Tyler, Texas, after meeting an underage victim online, according to investigators.
Robinson then sexually assaulted the victim over the course of a weekend, officials said.
In December 2025, Robinson was indicted by the Smith County District Attorney’s Office and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, around 7:30 a.m., the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Radnor Police spotted Robinson on the 200 block of Windermere Avenue in Radnor, officials said. He was then arrested and transported to the Radnor Township Police Department for processing.
He is currently being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility and awaiting extradition to Texas.
At the time of the assault, Robinson worked at Radnor Township Middle School as a teacher’s aide, according to investigators.
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.
Shanee Mitchell, a police chief in Collingdale, Delaware County, was placed on administrative leave over a dispute about her work schedule, her lawyer said.
Enjoy a good laugh while you work out with Laughter Yoga in Pennsylvania.
Media, Pa — Alexa Fong Drubay is a local practitioner, master trainer, and all-around global ambassador of a growing movement in wellness called Laughter Yoga.
Founded 30 years ago by a medical doctor in India, Madan Kataria, laughter yoga does not involve poses. It is a series of simple movements, yogic breathing, and exercises designed to elicit intentional laughter.
The benefits can include stress relief and feeling connected, and it can help with anxiety, social isolation, and more. Laughter yoga can be practiced in-person or virtually, and Alexa leads both types of groups in the Philadelphia area. There are as many at 20,000 laughter clubs in 120 countries around the world.
Over 100 people were arrested over a two month period as three Pennsylvania counties confiscated illegal drugs and firearms coming out of Philadelphia as part of “Operation Clean Sweep,” officials said.
In a joint effort between the District Attorneys of Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware counties, officials reported to have stopped the flow of more than $365,000 worth of drugs coming from Philly’s Kensington neighborhood in September and October.
“The Operation Clean Sweep collaboration will make communities safer with arrests of dozens of drug traffickers and seizures of firearms and deadly poisons that are not contained by municipal borders,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
In total, the District Attorneys said that law enforcement arrested more than 100 people, confiscated 12 illegal firearms and seized large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone and other narcotics.
“For too long, Philadelphia has been the epicenter for the supply of dangerous drugs, but we recognize that the counties surrounding Philadelphia — Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware counties—are also part of the problem,” Montgomery County District Attorney Steele said.
According to DA Steele’s office, officials also worked with some people who were addicted to get them help.
“When we stand united in an endeavor like this, we are taking a stand against drug traffickers who are transporting and delivering poisonous drugs into our counties and into the hands of our loved ones,” Bucks County District Attorney Jen Schorn said.
Several agencies, including Montgomery County Detective Bureau, Bucks County Detective Bureau, Delaware County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police Department and other officials were part of the effort.
The Good Boy Dog Recovery group is used to rescuing dogs, but after a fox was caught on camera with what appears to be a plastic drainage pipe stuck around its neck, the animal lovers decided to step in and try to save the furry friend.
Nicknamed “Sly,” the fox has been spotted roaming around Broomall in Delaware County with a pipe stuck around its neck.
“I didn’t think anything else of it until i started seeing things on social media,” said Bill Shukar, who caught the fox on his chicken coop’s camera.
Other neighbors — and Good Boy Dog Rescue — took notice of Sly as well.
“We specialize in catching the uncatchable,” said Colleen Bell, the president of Good Boy Dog Rescue.
The group has set up feeding stations and is using drones and surveillance cameras to try and catch the fox.
“It’s very important that we figure out his path of travel to be able to set up feeding stations and live cameras,” Bell said. “And at the perfect time, we’ll set a trap and catch him.”
Bell said Sly has been spotted at least twice in the past three weeks with the pipe around its neck. And even though Sly looks healthy in the pictures so far, winter will present a challenge if the pipe is not removed.
“It is limiting his mobility a little bit,” Bell said. “He looks like he is a healthy weight, so he’s able to eat and drink. But as the winter comes, he’s going to have more trouble hunting. He doesn’t have full mobility of his neck, so we’re eager to get it off.”
If you see the fox don’t approach or chase it, Bell said. Instead, take a picture and send it to the Good Boy Dog Recovery team on Facebook with a date, time and direction of travel.
The Philadelphia region’s immigrant population has increased over the last decade, spurring economic growth and social prosperity, a new report says.
The report from The Welcoming Center says this influx of immigrants has allowed the region to stave off population decline and coincided with increases in household income and educational attainments, and a decrease in poverty.
The report, which covers Philadelphia and its four collar counties, concluded that immigration contributes positively to the region’s economy and the well-being of the population, but that opportunity gaps still exist for foreign-born people.
Anuj Gupta, president of The Welcoming Center, a Philly organization that promotes economic opportunities for immigrants, said he hopes the report’s findings can reshape the way people view immigration in the region and inform thoughtful policies.
“What we’re seeing is the story of collective prosperity while immigration has accelerated in the region, which kind of defies everything that’s being said about immigration right now,” Gupta said.
“In the suburbs, there is an opportunity deficit that’s not being met. There are immigrants that are highly skilled, highly trained, possibly with bachelor’s or graduate-level education that are underemployed.”
For Gupta, who grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, one of the most surprising regional trends was the decline of native-born populations against steadily increasing foreign-born populations.
Philadelphia’s foreign-born population rate grew from 12.69% in 2013 to 15.09% in 2023, the report shows, citing U.S. Census Bureau data. Similarly, the foreign-born population rate in the suburban counties grew from 9.09% to 10.66%. This growth allowed the region’s population to marginally grow over that same span despite native populations declining due to lower birth rates and moving elsewhere, the report says.
Additionally, as the native population has grown older, immigrants have made up a larger percentage of the region’s working-age population — those ages 25-54. The percentage of foreign-born workers in the region rose slightly from 2013 to 2023 as the percentage of native-born workers fell by 2 percentage points, the report shows.
“If not for the relatively recent uptick in immigration to all four of the collar counties, you would be talking about a region in decline, population loss and bigger workforce gaps than we already have,” Gupta said.
The report also shows that the region’s poverty rate has fallen as median household incomes and educational attainment levels have risen.
The average median incomes of foreign-born households surpassed that of native-born households in 2022. As of 2023, the average median income of foreign-born households was $101,321, slightly above the $99,114 made by native-born households, the report shows.
In Philadelphia, the poverty rates for foreign-born and native populations each decreased by about 4 percentage points from 2013 to 2023. The poverty rates in the suburbs fell slightly, but immigrants remain more likely to be impoverished — a deficit that Gupta said speaks to a “fundamental lack of understanding” of the economic opportunities that immigrants can provide.
“While immigrants are spread across a wide range of industries, they are also often working in jobs that do not fully match their skills and qualifications and highlights the need for policies that better match skills with opportunity,” the report reads. “Addressing these gaps is critical to fully leveraging the skills and supporting community resilience.”
The report shows that the region’s foreign-born population has long been more likely to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, though that gap has narrowed in recent years.
As the federal government cracks down on immigration, Gupta said he hopes the report’s data can be used for productive dialogue at the local level.
“We put the real information out, so if people want to make policy choices that still run contrary to the contributions that immigrants are making … it will not just damage individuals and families and our social fabric, but our economy,” he said. “I do believe that at the local level we can change the direction of thinking and discussion.”
History has been renewed at the Lansdowne Theater. Shuttered for nearly 40 years, the near-century-old space has been restored to its former glory.
Lansdowne, Pa. — History has been renewed at the Lansdowne Theater. Shuttered for nearly 40 years, the near-century-old space has been restored to its former glory. The theater original opened in 1927. An electrical fire caused it to close in 1987. After years of sitting empty the space got new life with a restoration project that took nearly 20 years. Lansdowne Theater is on the historic register. A blast from the past that remains one of the few theaters from the Hollywood movie era of the 1920s. The restoration project recreated the original theaters grandeur using images from the theaters former life to imitate the original stage curtain, the decore on the seats and lights that line the walls. Original items include the centerpiece chandelier and the neon clock on the front wall. And you can’t miss the marquee that welcomes guests to the new home for entertainment in Delaware County. The former movie house is now a live stage for music, comedy and community events.
A person is dead after officials said they were struck by a SEPTA train overnight in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
According to SEPTA spokesperson Kelly Greene, around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, an inbound Media/Wawa Line train struck a person on the track in the area between Morton and Secane stations.
The person was pronounced dead at the scene, Greene said.
There were people on the train at the time of the incident and they were brought to Center City by a shuttle bus.
“A shuttle bus accommodated passengers to Center City. Normal service will run on the line this morning,” shared Greene.
Haverford Township officials made the final vote on the ordinance that will require kids under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when riding on an electric scooter or bike.
A report of an active shooter at Villanova University in Pennsylvania on Thursday turned out to be a “cruel hoax,” according to the school president and the Delaware County district attorney.
Villanova University sent out a report of an active shooter in the Charles Widger School of Law around 4:30 p.m., advising people to move to a secure location and to lock and barricade doors.
In a letter to the community, Villanova University President Rev. Peter Donohue said that there were reports of a possible shooter at the law school during the school’s orientation Mass in the middle of campus.
Police from across Delaware County, Pennsylvania State Police and federal law enforcement responded to a possible active shooter situation at the university. At 5:47 p.m., Radnor police said there were no reported victims.
“There was a call that came in around 4:30 p.m. to law enforcement, a 911 center, saying there was an active shooter in the building, in the law school building, and that there was a victim, at least one victim who was wounded,” Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. “That has turned out not to be true. … There was never an active shooting on the campus.”
Stollsteimer said law enforcement remains on scene investigating.
The shelter-in-place order on campus was lifted at 6:32 p.m., Delaware County officials said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a post on X that he’s directed Pennsylvania State Police to “use every tool at our disposal to find the person or people who called in this fake threat and hold them accountable.”
“I know today was every parent’s nightmare, and every student’s biggest fear,” Shapiro wrote. “I’m profoundly grateful no one was hurt, and thankful to all members of law enforcement who ran towards reports of danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe.”
Thursday was “opening day” at Villanova, which included a family resource fair and info sessions, orientation, opening Mass and a family picnic, according to a schedule posted on the university’s website.
“Amid my thanks, I would like to apologize to our first-year students and their families,” Donohue said in the letter to the community. “This is not the introduction to Villanova that I had hoped for you. And while I cannot do anything to relieve the unrest that you are feeling right now, I can offer a prayer.”
Multiple 911 calls about shooter at Villanova University
In a statement, Delaware County communications director Michael Connolly described the first calls to 911: “Delaware County’s Department of Emergency Services received a call at 4:33 PM of shots fired from a man armed with an AR-15-style weapon on the campus of Villanova University, reports which later turned out to be erroneous. Multiple calls were received in which gunshot-like sounds were heard in the background, which are under investigation at this time.”
Law enforcement agencies were dispatched from “nearly every municipality in the region,” Connolly said, and 18 EMS units responded in case anyone was injured.
At 5:06 p.m., another call came in reporting a gunshot wound, and that was also unfounded, the statement says.
The investigation is ongoing into the incident, which Connolly said may be a “swatting” attempt. Swatting is a crime “with severe criminal consequences” under federal and state law, he said in the statement.
Connolly also praised first responders for their swift response to the calls.
“Shame on you”: Family at Villanova relieved that reported active shooter was a hoax
The Miller family was both frightened and relieved by the events that happened at Villanova University.
Allison Miller was on campus for her orientation day as an incoming freshman. The family was in Mass at the time.
“We were sitting at Mass, and I got a notification on my Apple Watch, and it said it was an active shooter alert,” said Allison Miller. “And then 15 seconds after that, everyone stood up, started rushing, absolute hysteria, which is understandable.”
Elizabeth Miller, Allison’s mom, was impressed by the university’s response.
“We were right by the altar, like right up front and the closest building is where they were ushering us in. It was like a stampede,” Elizabeth Miller said. “They were pushing me, we almost fell on the ground.”
“The people that organized the Mass were ushering us into the building, they gave us food, they locked us down,” she added. “They took care of us, they kept coming and giving us updates … I felt very safe with them.”
Corey Miller, Allison’s dad, also talked about how surreal it was.
“There were people falling down in the mud, crawling, falling over chairs,” he said. “Just trying to maintain order and move toward what turned out to be a secured building, it was the actual chapel that the Mass was taking place at.”
The dad also has some words to say to whoever is responsible for the hoax.
“Shame on you. This isn’t something you would expect in this country. I’m glad it turned out to be a hoax,” he said. “It’s a sad way to end a wonderful day. I’m relieved for everyone here on campus that hopefully everyone can go back to normal.”
The incoming freshman was still in complete shock.
“I just couldn’t believe that someone would do that. It’s actually insane,” Allison Miller said. “I heard other people at different colleges were experiencing the same thing.”
Villanova, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga each had false shooting threats
Tom Dougherty is a digital content producer for CBS Philadelphia. Before joining CBS Philadelphia, Tom covered sports for NBC Sports Philadelphia. He currently covers breaking news and sports.
A prisoner was captured after he jumped out of a constable’s car, stole another vehicle and ran behind homes in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a law enforcement source confirmed with NBC10.
The escape and capture occurred Tuesday afternoon in Media, Pennsylvania.
The prisoner, who officials have not yet identified, was being held at the Delaware County Courthouse. As the prisoner was inside a constable’s vehicle, he jumped out of the car, stole another vehicle that was passing by and drove off, according to the source.
At one point, the prisoner ran on foot behind homes on the 700 block of Pine Ridge in Media, the source said. He was later captured on Baltimore Pike at Exit 3 on I-476 shortly before 3:30 p.m., according to the source.
The source told NBC10 the incident was the second prisoner escape in Delaware County in recent months.
SEPTA general manager and CEO Leslie Richards will leave her job at the end of November in the midst of the public transportation system’s push for more state funding as it faces a projected $240 million budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.
Richards, who joined SEPTA in 2019, said Thursday she plans to expand her role teaching at the University of Pennsylvania and pursue other opportunities to serve the region. In May, she and SEPTA’s board agreed to a new contract that would have kept Richards as general manager and CEO for four more years and included a 21% raise, increasing her salary from $350,000 to $425,000. SEPTA officials did not say whether the authority’s budget issues played a role in the unexpected change in leadership.
SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer will serve as interim general manager during a nationwide search to hire Richards’ replacement.
“Leslie has been a dedicated public servant for nearly 20 years, and at SEPTA she has been a true champion for public transit and for our region as a whole,” SEPTA board chair Kenneth Lawrence said. “She faced extraordinary challenges over the last five years, and we deeply appreciate her service to the cause of public transit.”
Richards came to SEPTA after serving as secretary of PennDOT for former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. Within months of stepping into the role, the COVID-19 pandemic upended public transportation systems nationwide. Ridership plummeted, revenue declined and SEPTA saw an uptick in violent crime.
SEPTA became reliant on federal pandemic relief funding for its budget, and since that assistance has ended, it has warned state lawmakers that the annual budget deficits it faces could result in service cuts and fare increases as soon as next year. In the absence of new funding for the coming years, SEPTA might need to slash up to 20% of its service and hike fares by as much as 30%, SEPTA officials said earlier this year.
In the state budget passed in August, SEPTA received $51 million in one-time additional funding, an amount that falls far short of what’s needed to maintain service, officials said. Gov. Josh Shapiro had proposed a five-year plan that would have boosted statewide public transportation funding by $1.5 billion, largely using revenue from taxes on skill game terminals that are abundant in businesses across the state.
City Council sent a letter signed by all its members to Shapiro in August, urging him to push for another plan to allocate an additional $282 million for public transit in Pennsylvania, including $161 million for SEPTA. Negotiations in Harrisburg did not produce a deal before the end of the legislative session this month.
Republican lawmakers have questioned whether there is a stable funding source for the public transit package. Debate over Shapiro’s proposal broke down because of disagreements about how to regulate and tax skill games, which could be revisited next year and remains one of the most likely revenue sources for an eventual deal.
SEPTA has taken a series of interim steps to shore up revenue and chip away at the deficit. Parking fees are being reinstated at all Regional Rail lots and a proposal is under consideration to end fare discounts for riders who use SEPTA Key cards and other contactless payment methods on buses, subways, trolleys and Regional Rail trains. SEPTA also plans to install more fare gates designed to prevent fare evasion at more subway stations next year.
SEPTA also has enacted a partial hiring freeze and ended non-essential employee travel, in addition to shutting down ticket offices at 10 Regional Rail stations.
During Richards’ tenure with SEPTA, her key initiatives have included redesigning the system’s bus routes, modernizing trolley operations and revamping Regional Rail schedules to better serve riders.
SEPTA also has had its safety record fall under scrutiny. After multiple crashes involving SEPTA buses and trolleys last year, the Federal Transit Administration ordered SEPTA in July to undertake steps to address safety issues. A review of SEPTA’s operations found that it had “a deteriorating safety record” and a persistent shortage of transit workers, leading to fatigue among its operators.
SEPTA’s ridership has returned to about 75% of pre-pandemic levels as of October. The authority also reported Thursday that there has been a 34% decrease in serious crimes on the system through the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Let us be the first to tell you: October is a packed month at Philly theaters.
Between a number of companies kicking off their 2024-2025 seasons and special Halloween productions, there are tons of shows taking to the stages across the region. In fact, there are so many list belore would become unwieldy if we included them all, but there are a few more deserving of quick mentions: the Arden’s one-week extension of “POTUS,” the Wilma’s production of “Dog Man: The Musical,” based on Dav Pilkey’s beloved series and the Esparanza Arts Center’s original trilingual show, “Nichos.”
Here are 11 more shows at theaters in and around Philadelphia this October:
Oct. 1-6 | The Academy of Music | 240 S. Broad St.
If you can’t get enough of the “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” TV series, “The Book of Mormon” might quench your thirst … or cleanse your palette. The musical comedy from the creators of “South Park” follows two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as they travel to Uganda and attempt to convince unenthusiastic residents to join the faith. Tickets start at $29.00.
Oct. 3-Nov. 3 | Plays and Players Theater | 1714 Delancey St.
The annual variety show from 1812 Productions returns this month with musical parodies, improv and sketch comedy. This year, the show is themed around the presidential election, and political comedy fans might recognize Producing Artistic Director Jennifer Childs, who’s also directing “POTUS” at the Arden. Tickets start at $38.00.
Oct. 4-20 | Philadelphia Theatre Co. | 480 S. Broad St.
Premiering for the first time in the city, La Egoísta tells the story of Josefina, a Philadelphia stand-up comedian whose career is taking off right after the death of her mother and the sudden illness of her sister. The show was written by Philly’s Erlina Ortiz, the 2022 winner of the National Latine Playwright’s award and the director of the Power Street Theatre. Tickets start at $25.00.
Oct. 5-27 | The Media Theatre | Media, Delaware County
The talent of Elle Woods extends beyond legal expertise and the perfect shade of pink in this comedic production based on the hit movie. The award-winning show will leave audiences smiling and feeling a new sense of self-confidence, the theater says. Tickets start at $35.
If spooky is more your vibe, the Media Theatre is also putting on a one-night performance of “Dracula The Musical In Concert” on Oct. 28.
Oct. 8-20 | Lightbooth Blackout | Chester, Delaware County and Oct. 31-Nov. 3 | Center City Stage | 825 Walnut St., 3rd Floor
The Mary Shelley classic gets a refresh in this performance from Lightbooth Blackout in partnership with the Lone Brick Theatre Company at Widener University. The new adaption fuses the book’s text with modern dialogue and an original score is played live during the show. Tickets start at $20.
If you can’t get enough of the bolted monster, Center City Stage is doing a stage production of “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.” The show starts out with a group of young artists together in a storm, but everything changes once lightening strikes. Center City Stage calls the show is an immersive experience that “blurs the line between reality and fiction.” Tickets are $25.
The semi-biographical show by Jonathan Larson, the late composer and co-creator of “Rent,” hits this suburban stage this month in Norristown. The musical follows a New York City composer on his 30th birthday as he’s on the precipice of his big break, starring Broadway’s Robi Hager and Angel Sigala alongside Montgomery County native Elena Camp. Tickets start at $25.
Oct. 9-27 | Hedgerow Theatre Company | Media, Delaware County
Delaware County native Dave Droxler wrote and stars in this autobiographical play about some of his most ridiculous and difficult moments in life and how his idol, Robin Williams, helped him through it. The show comes to the area after an off-Broadway run last year that won it five Broadway World awards. Tickets start at $35.
Oct. 9- Nov. 3 | Walnut Street Theatre | 825 Walnut St
Newark supergroup Franki Valley and the Four Seasons take the stage again in this Tony award-winning jukebox musical. Featuring hits like “Sherry,” “My Eyes Adored You” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” the show changes “seasons” to show the perspective of each of the group’s members. Tickets start at $49.
The Grammy-nominated choral drama tells the story of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was murdered in a hate crime incident in 1998. Philadelphia conductors Rollo Dilworth and Jay Fluellen lead more than 500 singers in play’s the final movement. Tickets are $36.
Oct. 10-20 | Bob & Selma Horan Studio Theatre | 62 N. Second St.
The Strides Collective’s production follows a gas station attendant who joins a past-life regression support group after the death of her ex-girlfriend. A hypnotherapist leads members of the group, who turn into the people from the protagonists’ life, through their journeys to find themselves. Tickets start at $25.
Oct. 11 – Nov. 3 | Bucks County Playhouse | New Hope, Bucks County
It’s not science fiction, Ariana Grande’s brother, Frankie Grande, returns for the titular role as Dr. Frank-n-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Based on the 1975 cult film, the musical follows an innocent couple who seek shelter at an old castle and encounter mad scientist Frank-n-Furter. Tickets start at $75.
The road to the White House goes straight through Pennsylvania. While there are a handful of other battleground states that could sway the upcoming presidential election, it will be very difficult for Kamala Harris or Donald Trump to find a path to victory without winning the Keystone State — and both candidates know it.
Simply put: “Pennsylvania will determine this election,” as Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd) said said during the Democratic National Convention.
Pennsylvania has a long history of picking winners. The state has been won for the eventual president in 10 of the last 12 elections, and it’s one of only five states that backed Trump, a Republican, in 2016 and Democrat Joe Biden in 2020.
For this election, there are seven clear swing states according to polling, and Pennsylvania has more electoral votes (19) than any of the others — Nevada (6), Wisconsin (10), Arizona (11), Michigan (15), Georgia (16) and North Carolina (16). Assuming the other 43 states vote as expected, Trump and Harris would both sit around 220 electoral votes in the race to 270, and Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes represents about 40% of the difference.
And if that’s not enough to show this state’s grave importance in the upcoming election, just look at how much time and money both campaigns have spent here.
Last month, Trump was in York County weeks after surviving an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (Ohio), was speaking in Philadelphia.
“Pennsylvania is an incredibly important state to me and President Trump,” Vance said during his visit. “It is a state with a proud energy tradition, a proud manufacturing tradition. We’re going to be here a lot.”
Harrison Jones/USA TODAY NETWORK
Former president Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the New Holland Arena on July 31 in Harrisburg, Pa. It was Trump’s first appearance in Pennsylvania since his attempted assassination in Butler, Pa.
Earlier in August, Harris picked Philadelphia as the place to announce her vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
“We know that Pennsylvania is core to our pathway to victory as we look at getting to 270 (electoral votes) which, of course, is our North Star,” Harris’ campaign manager Chávez Rodrigueztold Pennsylvania delegates last month, according to the Inquirer. “We want to reach Democrats everywhere they are throughout the state.”
Even the first Trump-Harris debate will be in the state, with the National Constitutional Center in Philly hosting the event on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
CHRIS LACHALL/USA TODAY NETWORK ATLANTIC GROUP
Vice President Kamala Harris stands with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia on Aug. 6.
As far as spending, both campaigns have allocated more money on advertising in Pennsylvania than any other state, according toAdImpact datafrom late August.
And whether Pennsylvania goes red or blue in November — Harris is leading Trump by 3 percentage points, according to the latestWashington Post polling data — could ultimately come down to voting in the Philly suburbs, which proved to be a major reasons the state flipped parties from 2016 to 2020.
While Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties each backed the Democratic candidate in both elections, Biden in 2020 significantly outperformed 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in those suburbs.
In head-to-head totals from 2016, Clinton won 57.27% of the vote in those counties compared with Trump’s 42.73%. Four years later, Biden received 59.56% to Trump’s 40.44%.
Eight years ago, the difference between Clinton and Trump in Pennsylvania was a narrow 44,292 votes, less than 1% of votes cast. If she had the same percentage of support among those four counties that Biden got four years later, she would have had 30,000 more votes, nearly making up the difference in the entire state.
Another factor will be voter turnout in these counties, which are some of the fastest-growing in the state. From July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Montgomery (+3,698), Chester (+3,146), Delaware (+847) and Bucks (+427) each saw an increase in residents — a rarity in a state that had 57 of 67 counties experience population declines over that time.
And the growth in these counties from 2016 to 2020 translated to larger voter turnouts: While Clinton had 188,353 more votes than Trump in 2016, Biden had 293,094 more than the former president in 2020.
But the increase in population in these Democratic-leaning Philly suburbs doesn’t necessarily equate to more votes for Harris.
Republicans see great potential to gain ground in Bucks County, which sided with Biden by more than 17,000 votes in 2020 when registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 10,000. In July, WHYY reportedRepublicans had flipped the county and held a registration advantage over Democrats by more than 200.
All around Pennsylvania, canvassers from each party are battling to win over voters. While there are more than 160 million registered voters in the United States, it seems like the entire election could be decided by the nearly 9 million in this state.
Two armed men held up a Brinks armored truck in Chester, assaulted the driver and stole money on Tuesday afternoon, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office said.
The robbery occurred at 12:16 p.m. in the parking lot of an AutoZone on Ninth Street and Avenue of the States, investigators said. After assaulting the driver, the suspects took his weapon. They then made off with hundreds of thousands of dollars, 6ABC reported.
One of the suspects was wearing a blue jacket with the words “Public Safety” on the back at the time of the robbery. The other was wearing a black jacket with a yellow reflective stripe.
Provided Images/Chester Police
Chester police are looking for two men, above, who robbed a Brinks armored truck at the AutoZone on Ninth Street on Tuesday afternoon.
The suspects took off in a black Nissan Pathfinder with a roof rack, black rims and a laminated paper Pennsylvania license plate with the number LLN-2328. Investigators said the vehicle is known to frequent Darby Township near Hook and Calcon Hook roads, and 410 Ninth St. in Chester.
There’s also a nearly identical Nissan Pathfinder with the same license plate number – on a real license plate – that was not involved with the robbery, police said.
Provided Images/Chester Police
Chester police are looking for the Nissan Pathfinder on the right, which was involved in an armored truck robbery on Tuesday. Its license plate number is on a laminated piece of paper, police say. Another Nissan Pathfinder, above left, has the same tag number on an actual license plate. It was not involved in the robbery.
Anyone who comes into contact with the vehicle or the suspects is advised to exercise caution. Investigators said the suspects were armed during the robbery and no weapons were recovered at the scene.
Anyone with information relating to the robbery can contact Delaware County CID Detective Vincent Port at (610) 891-5337 or Chester Police Detective Ryan Stewart at (610) 447-8429.
Brinks, a cash-handling security company, told CBS Philadelphia regarding the robbery: “In general, and in the interest of the safety of our employees and others who may be affected on matters concerning law enforcement, we do not comment.”
An all-star game for a good cause makes a comeback on Thursday, May 30.
The 46th annual Delaware County Hero Bowl kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, Pennsylvania.
It’ll be the best of the best for this all-star football game with 90 local athletes teaming up and competing against each other.
The DelVal Blue team will have students from Academy Park, Archbishop Carroll, Bonner-Prendie, Cardinal O’Hara, Chester, Chichester, Delco Christian, Interboro, Pennwood and Sun Valley high schools.
These students will face off against the Central Red team that will have students from Conestoga, Garnet Valley, Harriton, Haverford, Lower Merion, Marple-Newtown, Penncrest, Randor, Ridley, Springfield, Strath-Haven and Upper Darby high schools.
Officials say that pre-game activities will start at 6:00 p.m. with an All-Star high school mile relay event happening at half-time.
Tickets are just $10 and are available at all Delaware County police and fire departments. If you aren’t able to stop by before the game, tickets will be available at the game.
All proceeds for this all-star game benefit the Hero Scholarship Fund.
The Hero Scholarship Fund was founded in 1977 and provides scholarships for the children of police officers, firefighters as well as emergency medical service personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty, according to event organizers.
Police in Delaware County responded to a Chester, Pennsylvania, business due to a reported shooting Wednesday.
Officers were dispatched to West 4th Street around 8:30 a.m., Delaware County dispatchers said.
Delaware County Linen operates out of the location police responded to. The family-owned company serves other businesses with laundering services and linen rentals and sales.
Officers from the Collingdale Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at the 100 block of Lafayette Avenue around 4:20 p.m. Upon their arrival, they found the two victims.
One had received a gunshot wound in the torso, while the other was shot in the foot. EMS units took the two victims to Crozer-Chester Medical Center for their injuries.
The victim suffering a gunshot wound in the torso was pronounced dead by emergency department staff shortly after his arrival. Police have not commented on the status of the other victim.
Police also have not released the names of either of the victims nor have they commented on any suspects or potential motivations.
Local officials urge anyone with information on the matter to contact Collingdale Police Department Sergeant Patrick Crozier at (610) 586-0502 or Delaware County Criminal Investigative Division Detective Michael Jay at (610) 891-4161.
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — A Delaware County community came together on Saturday night to honor the life of a local teen who was killed in a car crash earlier this week.
In just 17 years, Damien Hocker left a lifelong impact in Ridley Township and beyond, especially on his friends.
“He was a great person,” said Patience Dorell. “Always brought light to every situation.”
17-year-old Damien Hocker
“Damien was a very sweet, kind, loving person,” added Kyla Banks. “He was always there for everybody at the hardest times.”
Hocker was walking home from the gym Tuesday night when police said he was struck and killed by a vehicle on West MacDade Boulevard and Fairview Road in Ridley Township.
Witnesses said the driver initially left the scene but returned shortly after. Police said the driver was interviewed and later released.
Pedestrian injured after being hit by car in Ridley Township, Delaware County
Friends and family shared endless memories of Hocker through tears and some laughter at a candlelight vigil at Ridley Park Lake Saturday night.
“He was loving, caring,” said Hocker’s brother, Bryant Colp. “Whenever he loved something, he wouldn’t let go of it.”
Colp said his brother had a passion for music and fitness.
Friends recalled how heartbroken they were upon hearing that Hocker was killed.
“I just dropped on the floor and I just bawled,” said Dorell. “I don’t think I’ve ever hurt so much in my life.”
In light of the immense tragedy, Hocker’s family says they have been supported by the tight-knit community.
“Our house hasn’t been quiet once,” said Colp. “We’ve had people in and out, and I think that’s helped.”
As well as finding strength in these moments, loved ones stood together and supported each other as they honored their beloved Hocker.
Vigil held for Damien Hocker in Ridley Township, Delaware County
“Everyone’s staying strong for him, and we’ll always remember him for the kind and courageous person he was,” said Kyle Luner.
“I hope he’s looking down and watching us gather to be here for him,” said Banks.
Hocker also saved several lives as an organ donor when he died, officials say.
As of Saturday night, it is unclear if the driver in this incident has been charged. Anyone with information on the crash should contact the police.
EAST LANSDOWNE, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — Six people from the same family are presumed dead after a shooting and fire at a home in East Lansdowne, Delaware County on Wednesday, a surviving family member tells Action News.
That number includes the apparent gunman.
A fire that erupted in the home shortly after the gunfire, which also left two police officers injured, left the building in ruins.
Three bodies, including that of a child, and a gun, had been recovered from the charred rubble by Thursday afternoon.
“We’re still at the stage of trying to get into the house bit by bit and recover bodies and evidence,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.
It all began with a 911 call for a report of a shooting at 58 Lewis Ave. The alleged shooter was identified by his mother as 43-year-old Canh Le.
Le’s mother, Chin Le, told Action News that she heard Canh Le having an argument with his 13-year-old niece in a upstairs bedroom.
Chin Le said she heard Canh Le say he was going to get a gun.
That’s when Chin Le said her husband took her out of the home and the shots were fired. Chin Le said it was her husband who called 911.
Chin Le said she has no idea why Canh Le had a gun. She went on to say her son has no known history of mental illness.
Canh Le is dead, Chin Le told Action News.
She went on to say her other son, Xuong Le, and his wife, Britni Le, were also presumed dead, along with their three children, NaKayla, 13, NaTayla, 17, and Xavier, 10.
McLaughlin Family via ABC News
Exactly how many victims were shot is unclear and cause of death will be determined by an autopsy. Crews spent the day trying to recover the bodies.
Chin Le said the family did not have a history of arguments. Chin Le she and her family came to the United States in 1981 and lived in this area for 40 years.
It’s believed the children went to schools in the William Penn School District. District officials released a statement on Thursday saying it is still gathering information and providing counseling.
Responding officers immediately met with gunfire
Police were immediately met by gunfire when they arrived at the scene Wednesday afternoon.
Sources told Action News on Thursday that the shooter was believed to be firing from the third floor of the house. Two officers were hit and the suspect retreated back into the home.
Officer David Schiazza, 54, who is with the Lansdowne Police Department, was shot once in the leg. The 22-year veteran of the department was released from Penn Presbyterian Hospital at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Police officer released from hospital after being shot in East Lansdowne
Officer John Meehan, 44, who is with the East Lansdowne Police Department, was shot once in the left arm and his injury required surgery. Meehan is still being treated at Penn Presbyterian Hospital.
CHOPPER VIDEO: Officers shot while responding to shooting involving child
2 officers shot in East Lansdowne, Delaware County
Upper Darby police quickly grabbed ballistic shields and dragged the injured officers to safety.
“I heard a lot of gunshots as I just came from the store and then I smelled the smoke about 10 minutes later. And I just seen cops come everywhere, running in their vests and everything,” said one resident. “I heard [them] yelling ‘active shooter, get in the house, barricade, don’t come out,’” a neighbor said.
Neighbor Derrick Richardson recorded cell phone video of the chaotic scene as officers helped an injured officer and called for a medic while they were under fire.
Neighbor Derrick Richardson recorded cell phone video of the chaotic scene as officers helped an injured officer while they were under fire.
“It was very scary, it was very scary. My whole house was surrounded by police officers. Everybody had their guns drawn. Long rifles and the gunshots,” he said.
Chopper video also showed one officer being carried away from the scene and being put in an ambulance.
Chopper video: Officers dragged to safety after being shot in Delaware County
Upper Darby Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt described a volatile and dangerous scene when officers from his department responded to the home and were able to rescue the two wounded officers.
“All officers that were on scene initially were taking on fire, and then when they removed themselves from it, there was no more gunfire at that point,” Bernhardt said.
DA Jack Stollsteimer provides update on shooting the injured 2 officers in East Lansdowne
DA Jack Stollsteimer, law enforcement officials provide update on 2 officers shot in East Lansdowne
“It was because of the Upper Darby Police Department, who also responded to that call, that these officers are alive today. They were dragged out of danger by Upper Darby police officers,” said Stollsteimer. “Everybody in law enforcement and Delaware County works together.”
“I just can’t thank these officers and this team enough for the heroism displayed every single day by our police officers throughout the county, or particularly today. I can’t thank Upper Darby police officers enough for what they did to drag these two gentlemen away from the gunfire – or we might be having a whole different conversation tonight about what happened,” Stollsteimer added.
Home goes up in flames
Stollsteimer said a person inside the home started a fire about 15 minutes after officers arrived.
Intense flames were initially seen rising from the roof and top floor of the three-story home before spreading to the lower levels, largely gutting the structure.
The blaze raged on for hours as crews worked to get it under control. Fire crews were initially kept away from the scene due to the gunfire.
The massive plume of smoke could be seen across the community. It was so intense it was picked up on StormTracker 6 radar.
Firefighters remained on the scene Thursday as wisps of smoke were visible from the charred remains of the house. Heavy machinery moved into the neighborhood as investigators were examining the home.
An excavator was being used to tear down the walls left standing after the fire gutted the building, scooping debris to be sifted by investigators. A medical examiner’s office vehicle was also there.
Neighbors recall chaos
The incident unfolded as school was letting out and families were walking back home.
The entire block was evacuated, according to the district attorney. A man who lives nearby described the frightening scene.
“There was rapid gunfire. I was just sitting on the couch, then I heard, ‘Pop! Pop! Pop!’ (I) peeked out to see, then literally 10 seconds later cops were coming out from everywhere in every direction yelling, ‘Active shooter! Close your door,’” he said.
‘Get in the house’: Resident recalls emergency response after officers shot
‘Get in the house’: Resident recalls emergency response after officers shot
Other residents described the chaos as they ran into their homes.
“All the cops was coming with guns, rifles out and I said, ‘Close the door, leave the groceries’. My hood was up and my car was open,” recalled Veronica Carrington.
“My kids were scared and then I said, ‘Get away from the windows, get down, until we know it’s all safe and everything.’ And my little 4-year-old goes, ‘Mommy I’m so scared.’ And I’m like, ‘It’s OK babe,’” added Stevie Ann of East Lansdowne.
A SWAT vehicle was also seen breaking down a wall of the home.
SWAT vehicle rams burning Delaware County home after officers shot
“I saw the SWAT team, they were parked up on my lawn, they packed into the back of the SWAT vehicle. I think they were attempting to use the SWAT vehicle as shield, but the fire just got to be out of control,” Richardson said.
“Everybody in Delaware County should be praying for these two officers who ran towards fire when everybody else can run away from it,” Stollsteimer said.
“I feel sorry for the people involved [and] the officers that got shot. I feel like if it is true with this 11-year-old — I hope it’s not true because I couldn’t imagine losing one of mine — It’s just a sad situation,” said Stevieann, who is also a neighbor.
“Seeing an incident like this happen is like, nobody would’ve ever seen this type of thing coming. It’s shocking, it’s still shocking. Loss for words, so prayers and condolences,” added fellow nieghbor Tayvon.
District Attorney, law enforcement officials provide update on house fire, officer-involved shooting in East Lansdowne, Pa.
