Winter finally arrived —unfortunately just when these people plunged into the ocean

Winter finally arrived —unfortunately just when these people plunged into the ocean

by Jacob Adelman and Elizabeth Robertson
Then again, those who signed up for the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City had to know comfort was not going to be part of the experience on a February weekend on the East Coast.
Five injured in two shootings in another violent overnight in Philadelphia

Five injured in two shootings in another violent overnight in Philadelphia

by Jacob Adelman
The victim in most serious condition is a 26-year-old woman who was shot multiple times in the abdomen, police said.
Five injured in two shootings in another violent overnight in Philadelphia

Five injured in two shootings in another violent overnight in Philadelphia

The victim in most serious condition is a 26-year-old woman who was shot multiple times in the abdomen, police said.
What happens when renters with disabilities need support animals? Officials seek to ease landlord-tenant clashes.

Multiple cats? Fish? A bird? Housing officials clarify rules for emotional support animals.

by Michaelle Bond
Can a fish be an emotional support animal? Can’t tenants share one animal? The federal government issued new guidelines to clear up some of the confusion landlords and tenants face.
What happens when renters with disabilities need support animals? Officials seek to ease landlord-tenant clashes.

Multiple cats? Fish? A bird? Housing officials clarify rules for emotional support animals.

Can a fish be an emotional support animal? Can’t tenants share one animal? The federal government issued new guidelines to clear up some of the confusion landlords and tenants face.
The new Miss West Chester University picked homelessness as her platform. She knows it firsthand.

The new Miss West Chester University picked homelessness as her platform. She knows it firsthand.

by Susan Snyder
Allison "Allie" Short is one of about 70 West Chester students on the 17,700-student campus who are homeless or former foster care youth. Nearly 50 of them, including Short, seek support through West Chester’s Promise Program.
The new Miss West Chester University picked homelessness as her platform. She knows it firsthand.

The new Miss West Chester University picked homelessness as her platform. She knows it firsthand.

Allison "Allie" Short is one of about 70 West Chester students on the 17,700-student campus who are homeless or former foster care youth. Nearly 50 of them, including Short, seek support through West Chester’s Promise Program.
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Philadelphia Catholics have long known Nelson Pérez as a buddy, mentor, and friend. Next week, he becomes their archbishop.
Special Report

Philly’s new Catholic archbishop may turn out like no other the city has seen before

by Jeremy Roebuck
The man set to become Philly’s new Catholic archbishop Tuesday loves Star Trek, once faced down ICE to stop a deportation, and has a host of old friends in the city wondering what to call him now. “I hope,” he told one, “they’re going to call me Nelson."
Feds in N.J. charged 10 with “quick cash” scam using Snapchat, Instagram

Feds in N.J. charged 10 with “quick cash” scam using Snapchat, Instagram

by Robert Moran
One of the defendants, Kayla Massa, 22, allegedly used her substantial online following to lure victims.
Asbestos delays students’ return to Feltonville school

Asbestos delays students’ return to Feltonville school

by Kristen A. Graham
On Friday, officials determined that damaged insulation in the school’s boiler room represents an imminent hazard and must be closed off and abated, effectively cutting off the school’s heat.
Police shoot teen who allegedly had a gun in North Philly

Police shoot teen who allegedly had a gun in North Philly

by Robert Moran
The shooting occurred at 28th and Newkirk Streets just after 9 p.m.
Man critical after after pouring gasoline on backyard fire pit in Fox Chase

Man critical after after pouring gasoline on backyard fire pit in Fox Chase

by Robert Moran
The explosion occurred just after 7:10 p.m. in the 500 block of Solly Avenue.
Philly’s Catholic archdiocese paid a six-figure clergy sex-abuse settlement. Then the accuser’s lawyer admitted he identified the wrong priest.

Philly’s Catholic archdiocese paid a six-figure clergy sex-abuse settlement. Then the accuser’s lawyer admitted he identified the wrong priest.

by Mensah M. Dean and Jeremy Roebuck
The accuser's lawyer admitted he had blamed the wrong priest — who shares the same name as the alleged abuser — after The Inquirer raised questions about the discrepancies between his account and that of archdiocesan officials.
Philadelphia’s Free Library is no longer charging late fines for overdue books

Philly's Free Library officially ends late fees for overdue books

by Oona Goodin-Smith
Philadelphia’s library system has officially closed the books on charging fines for overdue materials.
7-year-old Guatemalan girl wins key court appeal — but she and her father still can’t leave Berks detention center together

Guatemalan girl wins key court appeal — but she and her dad still can’t leave Berks detention center together

by Jeff Gammage
The government has offered to immediately release Maddie to her mother. But not freeing her father, the family’s lawyers argued, made the overture merely a different form of family separation.
With finances growing tighter, state universities told to cut back on adjuncts, combine underenrolled programs

With finances growing tighter, state universities told to cut back on adjuncts, combine underenrolled programs

by Susan Snyder
The directive follows a meeting with the 14 university presidents this week where they examined the financial plans for the schools and collectively decided action was needed.
Longtime South Philly residents are hopeful after refinery sale: ‘I could dance all over the street.’

Longtime South Philly residents are hopeful after refinery sale: ‘I could dance all over the street.’

by Ellie Silverman
“This is a blessing,” resident Sylvia Bennett, 76, said after the refinery property was sold to a Chicago firm that plans to remake the site.
Lawyer for ex-Temple frat prez tells jury the word ‘no’ has ‘shades of gray.’ Prosecutor says ‘no shade of gray’ when women don’t want sex.

Lawyer for ex-Temple frat prez tells jury the word ‘no’ has ‘shades of gray.’ Prosecutor says ‘no shade of gray’ when women don’t want sex.

by Julie Shaw and Chris Palmer
Attorneys gave closing arguments Friday in the sexual assault trial of Ari Goldstein, former president of Temple's Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.
Philly police: Cop’s body camera caught his punch on apparently overdosing man who died

Philly police: Cop’s body camera caught his punch on apparently overdosing man who died

by Chris Palmer
Inspector Sekou Kinebrew said Friday the footage was a key part of the ongoing investigation into the incident. The 28-year-old man who was punched died a few minutes later en route to a hospital.
Pennsylvania is spending $4 million to ensure hard-to-reach groups are counted in the 2020 census
Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania is spending $4 million to ensure hard-to-reach groups are counted in the 2020 census

by Cynthia Fernandez of Spotlight PA
With $4 million in state funds, Pennsylvania is buying ads and preparing to award grants to nonprofit organizations, grassroots groups, and colleges to ensure every resident is counted in the 2020 census.
Nation & World
Americans in Japan to trade one quarantine for another
Americans in Japan to trade one quarantine for another
by Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press
China reports fall in new virus cases for 3rd straight day
by Yanan Wang, Associated Press
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