Teens come together to host play on traumatic issues facing Philadelphia

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday committed to new steps his government will take to combat foreign interference, including additional independent investigations and further steps toward establishing a foreign agents registry.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department hopes to hire hundreds of new officers over the next year with the help of a revamped recruitment process. Commanding Officer of the Recruitment and Background Investigation Unit Captain John Walker called the need for more officers "dire" and touted the upward mobility the department offers. "We are in dire need right now we want to hire over 1,000 people over the next few years, and we want to hire diverse groups of people from all over," Walker told FOX 29's Kelly Rule. There are immediate areas where the city can improve, especially in neighborhoods that deal with less crime and some districts that offer a higher starting salary. "If you want to have daily interaction and a lot of opportunity, the chance of promotion in a big city where you have 1 year in rank and you can promote up is unheard of in smaller departments," Walker said.The department's desperate need to find more officers isn't unique to only Philadelphia, cities across the country are also finding their police forces severely depleted. The biggest challenge seems to be trying to convince people to become police officers amid rampant gun violence and issues with community relations. In Philadelphia, the department is offering full benefits and a salary of almost $64k after six months in the academy.

Chinese interference in Canadian elections and society amid calls for a public inquiry, the leaders of the federal Conservative and New Democratic parties say.Their calls come as the RCMP says it has opened an investigation into possible violations of the Security of Information Act concerning recent media reports about alleged foreign interference, and that its probe is not focused on any one security agency.Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the comments to reporters on Monday as the House of Commons resumes following a two-week hiatus, and as suspected Chinese foreign interference in Canada is expected to be a hot topic this week.

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway after a man was found deceased in Philadelphia, according to police. On Monday, just after 12: 45 a.m., police responded to the 200 block of Cobbs Creek Parkway in West Philadelphia for reports of an unresponsive male, authorities say. Officials say a man, believed to be in his mid-to-upper 60s, was found in the area unresponsive and pronounced dead by medics at 2:59 a.m. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to authorities, the man's body was then transported to the Medical Examiner's Office. Police say the investigation is ongoing and active. 

(ACCT Philly )PHILADELPHIA - Animal control authorities in Philadelphia are warning residents about the dangers of abandoning animals & pets after a caiman was discovered in a local park. According to the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly), police called the agency on Sunday morning around 10:30 a.m. to report the reptile, which was abandoned in FDR Park. Agency officials were able to recover the reptile from the park with no injuries. "If you are struggling to keep your pet, or have decided that having an animal who will grow to be 5 feet long, live up to 40 years, and requires a minimum small studio apartment that is half water (kept at a minimum of 70 degrees) was not the wisest decision you made, please DO NOT simply release them," ACCT Philly wrote on Facebook.

UPPER DARBY, Pa. - "Unsettling" behaviors, "worn out" staff and "potentially unsafe" situations has left one local school superintendent feeling the need to reach out to parents directly for help."I send this communication with hope and optimism of better days ahead for us as a community, but recent student behaviors are unsettling to say the least," Daniel McGarry, superintendent of Upper Darby School District, wrote in a letter to families last week.McGarry described the past few months as being emotionally and physically draining as physical fights and social media bullying have escalated in the district's schools, on buses and even outside school hours."We will not tolerate threats of violence or acts of violence in our schools or community. We have to do better," he wrote.The superintendent joined Good Day on Monday to discuss the "mixed" reactions from parents after sending out the letter asking parents to speak with their children about their behavior, and how to "treat one another with respect.""The reaction from some folks in the community is that teachers and administrators could do more," he told FOX 29's Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are investigating a crash that left a driver critically injured in the West Philadelphia section of the city. According to authorities, the crash occurred on Sunday evening just after 10 p.m. on the 2000 block of Belmont Avenue. Officials say a 32-year-old woman in a 2017 Mercedes-Benz was traveling north at a high rate of speed up Belmont Avenue before hitting an electrical pole.MORE LOCAL HEADLINESThe car burst into flames after hitting the pole and then hit a tree, per police. Medics transported the driver to Lankenau Medical Center, where she was placed in critical condition, authorities say. This is a developing story.

People living in Toronto feel less safe on public transit than other Canadians, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning in Game Six of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 05, 2022 in Houston, Texas. ( PHILADELPHIA - Wearing a tan suit and flanked by two Las Vegas showgirls, Bryce Harper raised a microphone to his mouth with his left hand and issued the command, "Drivers, start your engines!"He raised his right index finger and mimicked turning a car key.

Ontario’s largest youth group home operators alleging that kids were treated in an “abusive” manner and the company’s key figures “enriched” themselves at the expense of vulnerable children in their care.The Ontario-based law firm Siskinds LLP has launched the suit and is seeking $50 million in general and special damages and an additional $10 million in punitive damages on behalf of children or young persons who have received residential care from Hatts Off.The lead plaintiff is Jamar Morrison, who was 12 years old when he was placed in a Hamilton-area group home operated by Hatts Off.Morrison said he is still traumatized from his time as a resident and often wakes from “night terrors” with images of kids being physically restrained and screams still echoing in his mind.The proposed legal action, he hopes, will be a “wake up” call for all for-profit group home companies across Ontario’s child-welfare system.“Children before money,” Morrison said. “That’s what the overall message is.

measles, Health Canada has warned.In a series of tweets Saturday, the national health agency said people who attended the gathering at Asbury University between Feb. 17-18 and were not updated with their measles vaccination should isolate themselves.

STRAWBERRY MANSION - Asbestos discovered at a Philadelphia school and students and staff at one Philly school won’t be going back to their building. But, they are not happy with the back-up plan.Fireworks flew at Strawberry Mansion High School Sunday.

Also Read: UK health minister Matt Hancock resigns after breaking Covid rules with affair in office Throughout the pandemic, the UK government has been accused of scaremongering, but it has denied such allegations. Hancock's department stated that the accusations were "misleading". The WhatsApp conversation between Hancock and his media adviser, Damon Poole, took place on 13 December 2020, two days after the emergence of the new variant, known as alpha or the Kent variant.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he is not “ruling out” making a public inquiry into foreign interference a condition for continuing the governance deal with the federal Liberals, but says that is not a decision he is making just yet.

PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating several shootings from Saturday night to early Sunday morning that left five people dead, including a 14-year-old boy. An early-morning shooting on Sunday left a man dead, marking the fifth person to be killed in Philadelphia since Saturday night.Shortly before 5 a.m., police responded to the 2500 block of North Franklin Street for reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they say they located a man who had been shot at least eight times. Medics transported the victim to Temple University Hospital where authorities say he was pronounced dead just after 7 a.m. This shooting came hours after a violent Saturday night left four others dead. The weekend gun violence began around 8:30 p.m.

WEST PHILADELPHIA - West Philadelphia was the scene of a fatal double shooting Saturday night.Officials say two men, aged 33 and 24, were on the 6000 block of Sansom Street around 8:30 p.m., when they were hit with a barrage of gunfire.Each man was shot multiple times. They were both rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where the 33-year-old died.

CENTER CITY - After it was held outdoors the last two years, the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show is back inside the Convention Center. The 9-day event kicked off Saturday, welcoming guests into an immersive and colorful world of landscape and floral design."How can you not get one of these when you’re at the Philadelphia Flower Show"It’s the electric feeling you get when you receive something or give something in a beautiful way, like flowers," Director of Experience and Engagement for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Rebecca Schuchart, stated.Appropriately named Florastruck, the elaborate design is captivating with eyes wandering from one arrangement to the next."So, that’s the joy that we wanted to create and portray through the show this year, that electric feeling you get when you see all this beauty around you," Schuchart explained.The Philadelphia Flower Show is the largest and oldest one in the country and has been for nearly 200 years.The Philadelphia Flower Show kicked off Saturday, welcoming guests into an immersive and colorful world of landscape and floral design."Every single year, since I was about 10," Amy Jachimski said.Jachimski, from Ocean City, Maryland, is at the show with her daughter, mother and their flower crowns.

CENTER CITY - Were you able to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Philadelphia Flower Show, once again, back inside the Philadelphia Convention Center?The nearly two-centuries old event has been a staple in Philadelphia, hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, since 1829, putting its first floral display at the Masonic Hall on Chestnut Street.This year's nine-day event kicked off Saturday at the Convention Center in Center City. It was held in FDR Park, in South Philadelphia, for the last two years, due to COVID-19 concerns.

FAIRMOUNT - A premiere outdoor entertainment venue in Philadelphia is getting a huge makeover.Renovations at the Dell Music Center are now underway.City officials joined local broadcasting legends for a ceremonial groundbreaking on the $6.9 million project Friday.The major overhaul will include a new stage and renovated amphitheater roof, to enhance acoustics.Dell Music Center General Manager Susan Slawson explained, "This is a place where people come to experience a great time.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 20: Zach Pascal #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, and Prince George's County native, Zach Pascal was robbed at gunpoint in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on Friday morning.According to Prince George's County Police, the robbery happened around 2:25 a.m.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - A 40-year-old man is in critical condition after he was stabbed three times inside a North Philadelphia store and police say a suspect is in custody.Officials say 22nd District Police responded to the stabbing on the 2200 block of North Broad Street Saturday afternoon, about 3:45, inside a store at the intersection of North Broad and West Susquehanna.When they arrived, police found the 40-year-old victim suffering with stab wounds in the abdomen.MORE HEADLINES:Police then rushed the man to Temple University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.Police apprehended one man and recovered a weapon at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.___Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847).

PHILADELPHIA - An investigation is underway after a cemetery in Philadelphia's East Germantown section became victim to an act of vandalism this week.A manager at Northwood Cemetery on Haines Street reportedly told police that several headstones were found with black, blue or red paint poured over them Friday morning.MORE HEADLINES:Police say most of the headstones were older, except for one placed two weeks ago that had a red marker with explicit wording written on it.It is unclear when the incidents may have taken place, and a motive is unknown at this time.Police have also not released any possible suspects.

PHILADELPHIA - With the primary election for Philadelphia's next mayor just months away, the number of candidates throwing their hats in the ring continues to grow.FOX 29 has parented with the Lenfest Institute in their "Every Voice, Every Vote" initiative to create an informed electorate, providing detailed information about each candidate up until Election Day.On this week's "Race for the Philadelphia's Next Mayor," Bill Anderson spoke to community members and activists about how the current candidates are handling one of Philadelphia's most important issues - gun violence.We asked the questions:Discover how the people of Philadelphia feel about the upcoming election, what is driving their vote, and how the current mayoral candidates stand on the election's largest issue in the full FOX 29 Special "You Decide: The Race for Philadelphia's Next Mayor" above.

global health agency also added that the information about the origins of Covid 19 virus is not about blaming someone, but more about advancing our understanding of how this pandemic started. “...and the international scientific community – not so as to apportion blame, but to advance our understanding of how this pandemic started, so we can prevent, prepare for and respond to future epidemics and pandemics" the tweet added.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police officials say the South Philadelphia school placed on a lockdown was given the all-clear after officers and K9 inspected the situation.About an hour earlier, the Stanton School was placed on a lockdown after a live round was found inside the school building.Officials said the incident happened Thursday morning, around 11:30, on the 900 block of South 17th Street.School district police placed the school on the lockdown after someone found a live round on the gym floor, inside the school.Philadelphia police, with K9, inspected the premises and cleared the incident around 12:40 Thursday afternoon.

tranq dope" has sparked serious new health concerns as users have reportedly seen their own skin rot as a side effect. Tranq is a mixture of fentanyl and Xylazine, an animal sedative commonly used for livestock like horses and cows. According to the DEA, Xylazine-positive overdose deaths drastically rose in every region from 2020 to 2021, with the south seeing a 1,127% increase year-over-year.A 2022 report found that nearly 20% of overdose deaths in Maryland had traces of "tranq dope" — the second largest in the country behind Philadelphia. Philadelphia business owner Frank Rodriguez, a former drug addict, said the drug is eating users’ flesh."It's finding the easiest way out, the path of least resistance, and that is coming straight out through the flesh and eating their skin," Rodriguez said on "Fox & Friends First" Thursday.Xylazine is reportedly being found in over 90% of Philadelphia’s drug supply. Fentanyl has claimed the lives of thousands upon thousands of Americans.

Before “Everything Everywhere All at Once” hit the big screen last year, bringing nothing but praise and success to Ke Huy Quan and his co-stars, the actor was faced with a few setbacks.

PHILADELPHIA - It’s been one year since a law went into effect in Philadelphia, meant to combat racial profiling and make traffic stops more equitable across the city. The controversial measure banned traffic stops for minor infractions like bumper issues and driving with missing headlights."If pulling people over made this city safer? I’d be the first volunteer for my rights to be violated.

foreign interference efforts, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.Trudeau made the comments to reporters in Winnipeg on Friday as pressure grows on the federal government to call a public inquiry over reports of attempted Chinese interference in Canadian elections and society.“We know that Chinese Canadian parliamentarians, and Chinese Canadians in general, are greater targets for interference by China than others,” he said.“We know the same goes for Iranian Canadians, who are more subject to interference from the Iranian government. Russian speakers in Canada are more vulnerable to Russian misinformation and disinformation, and we get updated regularly on how we can make sure that our integrity and that the work that Canadians do to serve in politics is done with full protections.” Read more: Most Canadians believe China did try to interfere in elections - poll Trudeau had been asked a question regarding a Global News investigative report that cited information from intelligence officials who allegedly provided Trudeau’s party with an urgent, classified briefing in late September 2019 regarding Toronto-area Liberal candidate Han Dong.The sources said that over the summer, CSIS had been tracking Dong — a former Ontario Liberal MPP — because they were concerned he had replaced Don Valley North Liberal incumbent Geng Tan under what they thought were suspicious circumstances.They were concerned that Dong was believed to be the favoured candidate of officials in the Toronto Chinese consulate, according to an official with direct awareness of the alleged threat brief about Dong.Responding to questions from Global News for the story, Dong has denied the allegations and on Monday stated he would defend himself.

World Health Organization (WHO) is still working to identify the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, its director general said on Friday, after a U.S. agency was reported to have assessed the pandemic had likely been caused by a Chinese laboratory leak.

If a pandemic were to occur, there are tools available to combat the disease, including approved human vaccines against avian flu and the use of antiviral drugs The largest bird flu outbreaks in recorded history have brought back the fear of another pandemic. Dr.

SILVERDALE, Pa. - Bucks County officials have announced an arrest in the murder and kidnapping of a Sellersville man who has been missing since Oct. 2021. Matthew James Branning was last seen with a co-worker near their workplace in Silverdale Borough back on Oct.

PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating the death of a man who was found unresponsive outside of a library in Philadelphia’s Logan neighborhood early Friday morning. Investigators say a man who was walking his dog near Old York Road and West Duncannon Avenue flagged down officers on patrol after he made the gruesome discovery. The man appeared to have been shot in the chest, and three spent shell casings were found just a few feet away from where he was. MORE HEADLINES: Police say his death is being investigated as a homicide and that they received no reports of gunshots or a shooting in that area.

PHILADELPHIA - A 71-year-old man is in stable condition after police say he fought back against two suspects during a robbery attempt.The incident happened late Thursday night on the 2400 block of North 10th Street in North Philadelphia. The victim told police was walking home from a takeout restaurant when two suspects emerged from an alley and attempted to rob him.According to police, the victim pulled out a revolver and exchanged gunfire with the suspects. He was struck once in the leg and later transported to Temple University Hospital.MORE HEADLINES: The suspects were last seen fleeing on foot through an alley.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Friday (3) issued an interim order on the country's Finance Secretary, and the Attorney General who represents the Finance Minister preventing them from withholding any funds allocated by the 2023 Budget for the Local Government Poll 2023.The interim order was issued after permission was granted to examine an application that was filed by General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya Ranjith Madduma Bandara.The application was taken up in the presence of Supreme Court Justices P.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Election Commission will meet on Friday (3) to decide on the Local Government Election.The 2023 Local Government Election was scheduled to take place on the 9th of March, however, it was postponed indefinitely due to various issues, including the lack of funding.However, the Election Commission is expected to announce the next date of the Local Government Election following Friday's (3) meeting.

PHILADELPHIA - No one was hurt when authorities say someone inside a vehicle fired at police during a traffic stop Thursday in West Philadelphia.Investigators say a patrol car with two officers inside pulled over a Chevy Tahoe near the intersection of 54th and Summer streets just before 8 p.m. Deputy Commissioner Krista Dahl-Campbell told reporters someone inside the vehicle fired at least one shot at an officer who returned fire. No one was hit during the brief exchange of gunfire, according to police. Three people inside the vehicle were taken into custody and a weapon was recovered. Police say there may have been a fourth occupant of the suspect's vehicle who fled.

HONG KONG - A gruesome murder case that happened in the former British colony of Hong Kong has sent shockwave throughout Asia and the rest of the world.According to officials with the Hong Kong Police Force, four people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Abby Choi, a model and social media influencer who was known amongst the city's rich and famous.Here's what you should know about the murder.(This story contains details that some may find disturbing. Discretion is advised)While statements issued by officials with the Hong Kong Police Force did not identify the victim, Hong Kong English newspaper South China Morning Post (SCMP) has identified the victim as Abby Choi Tin-fung.The Associated Press, along with Hong Kong Chinese news website HK01, have also identified the victim as Abby Choi.According to Hong Kong Police, Choi was last seen during the afternoon hours on this day.In an article published by SCMP, it is stated that Choi was set to pick up a daughter she had with her ex-husband, but the child was never picked up.A missing person's report, according to police, was filed on Feb.

UPPER DARBY, Pa. - Police in Upper Darby say an infant girl who was inside a car when it was stolen Wednesday night has been safely located and the man suspected of stealing the vehicle is in police custody, sources tell FOX 29’s Steve Keeley.The Upper Darby Police Department tweeted a photo of a gray Hyundai Elantra with New Jersey license plates that was taken from 69th street around 5:30 p.m. with the child still inside.Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt told FOX 29 the mother of the child was picking up a food order for a delivery service when the car was stolen.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police officials say the South Philadelphia school placed on a lockdown was given the all-clear after officers and K9 inspected the situation.About an hour earlier, the Stanton School was placed on a lockdown after a live round was found inside the school building.Officials said the incident happened Thursday morning, around 11:30, on the 900 block of South 17th Street.School district police placed the school on the lockdown after someone found a live round on the gym floor, inside the school.Philadelphia police, with K9, inspected the premises and cleared the incident around 12:40 Thursday afternoon.

An impressive array of more than 50 Canadian recording artists have pooled their talents for a new single to promote an excellent cause.

PHILADELPHIA - A man has died after police say he was stabbed multiple times in North Philadelphia.Police responded to the 2600 block of North 4th Street shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday morning. Officers arrived on scene to find a 43-year-old man had been stabbed three times in the neck, and once under his right arm. Paramedics rushed the victim to Temple University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. No weapon was recovered at the scene, and no arrests have been made.

Alex Murdaugh stands during a break in his murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Antonio Lamotta, Joshua Macias (Philadelphia Police Department) PHILADELPHIA - Two Virginia men who were convicted of weapons charges in an incident during the 2020 election were each sentenced to 11.5 to 23 months behind bars Wednesday.Joshua Macias and Antonio LaMotta were charged following a Nov. 2020 incident in which they were found with guns an ammunition near the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia where votes were being counted. Following their arrests, prosecutors argued that Macias, co-founder of Vets for Trump, and LaMotta planned a mas shooting as the outcome of the presidential election remained uncertain.

FILE - This photomicrograph depicts the histopathologic characteristics associated with a case of amebic meningoencephalitis due to Naegleria fowleri parasites. Naegleria fowleri infects people when water containing the ameba enters the body through A man in south Florida died from a brain-eating infection last month after using tap water during sinus rinses, according to FOX 4.The man, who has not been named but was identified as a resident of Charlotte County, died on Feb.

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The first group of Chinese tourists to arrive via direct flight to Sri Lanka following the COVID-19 pandemic reached the Katunayake Airport on Wednesday (1) night.Accordingly, 125 Chinese tourists reached Sri Lanka from Guangzhou aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight at 11:10 PM.Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, State Foreign Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, and Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong welcomed them to Sri Lanka.From the 1st of April, 9 direct flights will operate between China and Sri Lanka per week.China was a leading source market for inbound tourism to Sri Lanka and one of SriLankan’s premier leisure traveller segments before the pandemic, and SriLankan is positioning for a strong comeback in China upon its return.With Chinese travellers eager to make up for lost time in globetrotting, SriLankan will be working closely with the local travel trade to reignite enthusiasm for Sri Lanka as a leisure destination in China. 

Covid jab has married the love of her life in a moving ceremony. Katie Pritchard, 37, from Tysoe, Stratford-upon-Avon tied the knot with boyfriend Tom Cronin, 35, after she was given just months to live. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year after medics had initially said that her symptoms may have been caused by the Pfizer vaccine.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was provided “multiple” intelligence briefs regarding Beijing’s role in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, Trudeau’s national security and intelligence adviser confirmed Thursday at a multi-partisan committee on foreign interference.