Oswalt hurts back; Phillies fall to Marlins

Oswalt hurts back; Phillies fall to Marlins: "THERE WAS NO warning, but, then again, bad news almost never knocks in these situations. One moment, Roy Oswalt, the Phillies' third ace, was trotting to the mound to begin the seventh inning, trying to protect a one-run lead against the Marlins. Next thing you know, he was joined by Charlie Manuel, home-plate umpire Rob Drake and assistant a"

Soul folds in fourth quarter to spoil homecoming

Soul folds in fourth quarter to spoil homecoming: "It was a banner night for the Soul until the final 15 minutes of the game. Another horrendous fourth quarter led to a 51-48 loss to Tampa Bay on a last-second field goallast night. The consecutive collapse ruined a historic night for the reborn franchise."

Gonzalez gets $154M deal from Bosox

Gonzalez gets $154M deal from Bosox: "The Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on a new contract that will pay him $154 million over 7 years from 2012 through 2018."

McKie trying to help Sixers' Holiday know what to expect on court

McKie trying to help Sixers' Holiday know what to expect on court: "AARON McKIE remembers well. It was 1995 in Phoenix, a first-round game against Charles Barkley's favored Suns, which featured point guard Kevin Johnson and super-sub Dan Majerle."

Clout: Street's looking for a debate

Clout: Street's looking for a debate: "AND NOW a report from the correspondence office at the mayoral-campaign headquarters of T. Milton Street Sr. Street, a former state legislator still on supervised release after serving 26 months in federal custody for not paying taxes, has been sending his rival in the May 17 primary election, Mayor Nutter, emails asking for information about topical subjects like city schools and public safety."

Santorum takes step toward 2012 presidential run

Santorum takes step toward 2012 presidential run: "THERE'S AN OLD saying in politics, that as Pennsylvania doesn't go, so goes the nation six years later. OK, actually there's no such saying, but that's the theory behind former Pennsylvanian Rick Santorum's audacious new career move: seeking the 2012 GOP presidential nomination by rallying social conservatives, who tend to be strongest outside the ex-senator's supposed home base."

Man attempting to rape student is scared off, police say

Man attempting to rape student is scared off, police say: "1MAN ATTEMPTING TO RAPE STUDENT SCARED OFF, POLICE SAY Police are investigating an attempted rape of a Temple University student who was grabbed near campus as she texted on her cellphone about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday."

Mummer accused of taking 437G from firms

Mummer accused of taking 437G from firms: "Well, this is nothing to strut about. John Pignotti, former head of the Philadelphia String Band Association, was indicted by the feds yesterday on identity-theft and mail-fraud charges."

Parents rally for Ackerman at Rep. McGeehan's office

Parents rally for Ackerman at Rep. McGeehan's office: "Superintendent Arlene Ackerman got a show of support yesterday for the second straight day in the form of a protest outside the Northeast Philadelphia office of a state legislator who had called for her ouster."

North Philly neighbors angry after police shot man

North Philly neighbors angry after police shot man: "On a North Philadelphia street early Thursday night, residents welcomed unseasonably warm temperatures as neighborhood kids played nearby. In "the drop of a penny," as one neighbor put it, the scene at Newkirk Street and Huntingdon Avenue changed dramatically to one of chaos between Philadelphia police and residents. Both sides can agree on the following facts: Kwende Williams, 20, was shot by police. He had been carrying a gun."

Woman Allegedly Kills Cat for Lady Gaga Outfit

Woman Allegedly Kills Cat for Lady Gaga Outfit: "

"

TNT's Harlan not surprised by success of ex-sidekick Collins with the Sixers

TNT's Harlan not surprised by success of ex-sidekick Collins with the Sixers: "TNT broadcaster Kevin Harlan likes to say of Sixers coach Doug Collins, his old sidekick: "Nothing surprises me with that guy.""

Angel Ortiz daughter, 21, grazed in holdup attempt

Angel Ortiz daughter, 21, grazed in holdup attempt: "A daughter of former City Councilman Angel Ortiz was grazed by a bullet during a terrifying encounter with a trio of armed robbers earlier this week."

La Salle paper goes topless after school's stripper-story mandate

La Salle paper goes topless after school's stripper-story mandate: "Student journalists at La Salle University were told by administrators not to run on the top half of their front page an article on a professor who allegedly hired strippers to perform at an ethics symposium."

Ex-police inspector: Hiring legbreakers 'the biggest mistake of my life'

Ex-police inspector: Hiring legbreakers 'the biggest mistake of my life': "An FBI informant told former Philadelphia Police Inspector Daniel Castro in September that debt collectors were frustrated trying to recover a $90,000 debt Castro was owed by a businessman."

Supporters rally over state rep's calls for Ackerman's ouster

Supporters rally over state rep's calls for Ackerman's ouster: "IN HIS CONTINUING quest to have Superintendent Arlene Ackerman canned, state Rep. Michael McGeehan yesterday called for Gov. Corbett to fire her."

Broad Street Bully: No doubt about it, fans stoked for Flyers fortune

Broad Street Bully: No doubt about it, fans stoked for Flyers fortune: "WE DOUBTED them last year, and they gave us a thrill ride to the Stanley Cup Finals. We've doubted them this year, but they . . . could. . . go . . . all . . . the . . ."

To wear or not to wear

To wear or not to wear: "Prince William shuns wedding bands; do you? E-mail crubin@phillynews.com with your name, contact information, and ring preference."

2011 NFL Draft TV schedule

2011 NFL Draft TV schedule

The Future: What Books Will Become

The Future: What Books Will Become: "

A book is a self-contained story, argument, or body of knowledge that takes more than an hour to read. A book is complete in the sense that it contains its own beginning, middle, and end. In the past a book was defined as anything printed between two covers. A list of telephone numbers was called a book, even though it had no logical beginning, middle, or end. A pile of blank pages bound with a spine was called a sketchbook. It was unabashedly empty, but it did have two covers, and was thus called a book.

Read More... More on eBooks

"

Why Obama Can Call for Tax Hikes

Why Obama Can Call for Tax Hikes: "In this case, it isn't terrible politics. Really. Much has been made of President Obama's attempts to emulate Ronald Reagan. But in his flag-planting deficit-reduction speech this week, Obama sounded a lot more like Walter Mondale, Reagan's 1984 opponent, who famously and disastrously told voters, 'Mr. Reagan will raise taxes, and so will I. He won't tell you. I just did.' Since Mondale's landslide loss, presidential candidates have taken great pains to disavow any hint of a tax increase--including George H.W. 'Read My Lips' Bush and Bill Clinton, who both, in fact, raised taxes as president. Obama broke that trend by campaigning in 2008 on letting George W. Bush's tax cuts expire for the wealthiest Americans. On Wednesday, in a policy address that sounded like the first major salvo of his reelection campaign, Obama doubled-down on his tax-raising pitch.

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MORE FROM NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama to GOP: 'You Think We're Stupid?' Donald Trump Is a Joke Gallery: Candidates Who Ran on Zero Experience

'Some will argue we should not even consider ever--ever--raising taxes, even if only on the wealthiest Americans,' he said in announcing his plan to cut the deficit by $4 trillion over 12 years. 'It's just an article of faith to them. I say that at a time when the tax burden on the wealthy is at its lowest level in half a century, the most fortunate among us can afford to pay a little more.' It was a hanging curveball for Republicans who have long knocked Democrats around the electoral park on tax policy. 'Any plan that starts with job-destroying tax hikes is a nonstarter,' House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said in a written statement after the speech. 'We need to grow our economy--not our government--by creating a better environment for private-sector job growth.' Voters hate taxes as much today as they did during Reagan's tenure, maybe more. But setting the economic arguments on various deficit-reduction plans aside, it's not clear that the tax attack will be the millstone around Obama's neck that it was for Mondale, for three reasons. First, the deficit fight isn't an up-or-down choice on taxes. It's an either-or choice between two concepts that voters detest. The Republican plan, championed by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., cuts federal health care spending by transitioning Medicare to a private insurance-voucher program. Check out the polling on Medicare popularity--Gallup's latest numbers show that three in five Americans want only minor changes to the program, or none at all. Second, raising taxes on the rich actually polls pretty well. The same Gallup survey found that three in five Americans want next year's federal budget to 'include higher taxes for families with household incomes of $250,000 and above.' By contrast, a CNN poll this week found that seven in 10 respondents believe that GOP-pushed budget cuts 'unfairly favor some groups more than others.' The swing-voter group that feels most defensive about Medicare--senior citizens--might well be the least-defensive group about tax rates. A Fox News poll released on Wednesday shows that two in three seniors say they pay 'about their fair share' in taxes. That's more than any other group, including self-identified liberals. Finally, Obama isn't alone in the deficit fight in talking about raising some tax rates. Ryan is, too--at least if you count eliminating some tax loopholes as a tax increase, which, for some individuals and corporations, it would be. That's true even if, as Ryan proposes, a tax-reform package reduces marginal rates across the board and ends up revenue-neutral. In other words, the whole 'reform' discussion complicates what has long been a black-and-white tax argument. That's not to say the Republican presidential nominee won't have ample opportunity to convince voters that Obama's tax hikes would be far more damaging than any budget cuts, a message that several GOP contenders amped up this week. It's just not clear that the message will work as well now as it has in the past. 'There's a ton of evidence that voters don't want cuts or a major overhaul of Medicare/Medicaid; there's a ton of evidence that voters don't like tax hikes generally but would approve of a modest increase for the most wealthy,' said Mark Blumenthal, senior polling editor for The Huffington Post. 'When poll questions try to combine these concepts or force voters to prioritize, you get a lot of variation and sensitivity to wording.' No one's sure which voters fear more, the taxes or the cuts. Consider the next year and a half one big experiment to determine if attitudes have changed since 1984.
Image credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP "

Growing the Revenue Pie

Growing the Revenue Pie: "

On Wednesday, educators, students, advocates for women and domestic violence victims, faith groups and others delivered pies to all 253 of our state lawmakers in Harrisburg. Yes, pies.

The event, organized by the Better Choices for Pennsylvania Coalition, brought this group together to deliver a simple message to lawmakers: Grow the state's revenue pie by closing tax loopholes and ending special interest tax breaks. A cuts-only budget is going to hurt middle-class families and drive up local property taxes.

Below the fold is a 4-minute video highlighting the best of the speakers to join us for the Capitol press conference. Take a few minutes to watch it — then check out the Better Choices web site to learn how you can help send a message to your lawmakers about growing the revenue pie.

read more

"

Second Philadelphia officer pleads guilty in drug sting

Second Philadelphia officer pleads guilty in drug sting: "The second of two Philadelphia police officers arrested in October in a sting in which they helped drug dealers rob a man they believed was a drug courier pleaded guilty Wednesday before a Philadelphia judge."

Social-media gigolo sentenced to 31/2 years in prison

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Nutter and Ramsey consider putting armed police officers in some schools

Nutter and Ramsey consider putting armed police officers in some schools

Atlanta police know Iverson now

Atlanta police know Iverson now: "Allen Iverson launched an expletive-ridden tirade against police when a car belonging to him was pulled over for a traffic violation in Atlanta last week, at one point telling the officer, "Take the vehicle, I have 10 more," according to a police report obtained by CNN."

Win gives Collins a lot to talk about

Win gives Collins a lot to talk about: "DOUG COLLINS said all the right things about what his team was looking to do against the Toronto Raptors. Before last night's game, the 76ers coach talked of his team needing to improve and gain confidence in its shooting, about how Toronto was a dangerous team because it wasn't playing for anything as its playoff hopes vanished long ago."

Birds could be holding camp at NovaCare

Birds could be holding camp at NovaCare: "Lehigh University would like to know by around June 1 whether the Eagles are coming for training camp this year, dean of athletics Joe Sterrett said this week. Eagles president Joe Banner said yesterday that right now, the team is preparing for a normal spring and summer, including training camp, as unlikely as that might seem with the NFL in lockout limbo."

Nuisance bars: Violent, noisy, often difficult to close

Nuisance bars: Violent, noisy, often difficult to close: "PAST A SEA of empty 40-ounce beer bottles that litter a neighboring lot, patrons enter the dimly lit T&J's Lounge in East Germantown through a broken glass door lined with duct tape."

Commonwealth Court sends DROP suits to state Supreme Court

Commonwealth Court sends DROP suits to state Supreme Court: "An effort to remove City Council members Marian Tasco and Frank Rizzo and City Commission Chairwoman Marge Tartaglione from the May 17 primary election ballot is in the hands of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court."

Two endorsements later, Milton Street's having a solid week

Two endorsements later, Milton Street's having a solid week: "T. Milton Street Sr., the former state legislator and ex-con running for mayor in the May 17 Democratic primary election, is having a banner week."

12nabbed in coke, heroin ring

12nabbed in coke, heroin ring: "A vast, Philadelphia-based drug ring that annually moved more than $16 million worth of cocaine and heroin was busted by state drug authorities, officials said yesterday."

For Tiger, not winning is a major issue

For Tiger, not winning is a major issue: "AUGUSTA, Ga. - Last April, he returned to Augusta National to begin the rest of his golfing life, coming off a rather cumbersome offseason."

'Unstoppable' UConn can't take away Butler's two memorable postseason runs

'Unstoppable' UConn can't take away Butler's two memorable postseason runs: "HOUSTON - It was like a really good movie where the audience tested several endings and ended up choosing the one that had nothing to do with anything that preceded it. There were the compelling first 66 games of this NCAA Tournament and Monday's championship game."

Tattle: Sheen looking to trademark his remarks

Tattle: Sheen looking to trademark his remarks: "CHARLIE SHEEN may have been booted from "Two and a Half Men," but he's not looking to take a spot on the breadline any time soon."

Buzz Bissinger: Dear Mayor Nutter: Ramsey must stay. Do what it takes

Buzz Bissinger: Dear Mayor Nutter: Ramsey must stay. Do what it takes: "AN OPEN LETTER to Mayor Nutter: I am not writing to you as a columnist. I am writing to you as one citizen of the city to another. We share in common what all residents of Philadelphia share in common - pride, optimism, pessimism and too many damn taxes."

Ex-cop admits robbery, drug-sting charges

Ex-cop admits robbery, drug-sting charges: "Another chapter in Philadelphia police corruption closed yesterday when disgraced ex-cop Christopher Luciano entered a courtroom to plead guilty to a battery of charges stemming from an Oct. 4 drug sting that he walked into with his then-partner, Sean Alivera."

Ramsey's grown to love Philly ... but is the pull of Chicago too strong?

Ramsey's grown to love Philly ... but is the pull of Chicago too strong?: "IT SEEMED LIKE a done deal, almost from the start. Chicago newspapers began reporting rumors early last month that Philadelphia's top cop, Charles Ramsey, was going to be a prime candidate to run Chicago's Police Department under Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel."

The lowdown on the possible government shutdown

The lowdown on the possible government shutdown: "What do you get when the American electorate cooks up progressive change in the 2008 election, then throws in a large dose of angry conservative backlash in 2010, spiked with tea?"

High-profile celebs lured for other, big jobs

High-profile celebs lured for other, big jobs: "* Seven years after Rollie Massimino led Villanova to the 1985 NCAA title, UNLV lured him to Nevada with a secret side deal that lifted his salary above what was reported. He was forced out two years later."

Southwest Airlines to cancel 100 flights

Southwest Airlines to cancel 100 flights: "Southwest Airlines expects to cancel about 100 flights from its Monday schedule as investigators continue inspecting its fleet, the airline said.

"

GlaxoSmithKline Pledges $5 Million Grant to City of Philadelphia For Youth Development

GlaxoSmithKline Pledges $5 Million Grant to City of Philadelphia For Youth Development: "

The City of Philadelphia issued the following press release yesterday, March 24, 2011:

During a reception hosted by Mayor Michael A. Nutter to honor GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for its leadership in the community, GSK’s CEO Andrew Witty surprised Mayor Nutter as well as attending business and civic leaders by pledging a $5 million grant for youth development. Witty made the announcement with GSK’s North American leadership including Deidre Connelly, the President of GSK North American Pharmaceuticals, and Dan Phelan, Senior Advisor to the CEO. Witty described the $5 million pledge as an instrument to encourage and inspire young people to excel in the 21^st century workforce. The City of Philadelphia will work with GSK to determine how the funding will be allocated.

“I couldn’t have been more surprised and delighted with GSK’s pledge of $5 million for the youth of Philadelphia. The generosity and ongoing commitment of GSK to Philadelphia, is greatly appreciated,” said Mayor Nutter. “This funding will be used for the development of our young people, to help them reach their goals and drive the economy forward.” “GSK has prospered in the Philadelphia region for 181 years because of the talented employee base,” said Andrew Witty, CEO, GlaxoSmithKline. “We are delighted to pledge $5 million to the city and non-profits to inspire the next generation of leaders.”

The gift will be in addition to the philanthropic programs that GSK already has in place to drive sustainable changes in healthcare in the community. Over the past ten years, GSK has contributed more than $15 million to Philadelphia non-profit organizations.

In February 2011, Mayor Nutter announced “Jobs Week”, a series of jobs-related economic opportunity events throughout the city to announce the development or expansion of businesses in Philadelphia. As one of the premier announcements that week, Mayor Nutter and GSK announced that the pharmaceutical company will move their Philadelphia operations to The Navy Yard Corporate Center starting in the fourth quarter of 2012. GSK signed a 15.5 year lease for the $81 million, LEED platinum certified building that will be developed by Liberty Property Trust and Synterra Partners. It will be designed as an inspiring, collaborative work space. The relocation will preserve 1,300 jobs in Philadelphia.

The reception was held in collaboration with the British-American Business Council (BABC), the largest transatlantic business network and a program of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and Select Greater Philadelphia, an economic development marketing organization and affiliate of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information go to us.gsk.com, follow us on twitter.com/GSKUS or visit our blog (http://www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/ohttp:/www.morethanmedicine.us.gsk.com/blog/).

"

Sixers: RT @preston76: Lou Williams had MRI which confirmed rt hamstring strain. The injury will be re-evaluated on a reg. basis in order to det ...

http://twitter.com/Sixers/statuses/54689242282082304

Ahmir “?uestlove" Thompson Philadelphia Cook Off for the 4th Annual Roots Picnic

Ahmir “?uestlove" Thompson Philadelphia Cook Off for the 4th Annual Roots Picnic: ""

Friend is foe: Oswalt makes first start vs. Houston

Friend is foe: Oswalt makes first start vs. Houston: "The homecoming will have to wait. Roy Oswalt is slated to pitch against Houston -- the team that drafted and developed him -- for the first time on Sunday, but he'll do it at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park."

Antonio Daniels Called Up By Philadelphia 76ers To Replace Lou Williams

Antonio Daniels Called Up By Philadelphia 76ers To Replace Lou Williams: "

Despite the NBA Development League's regular season coming to a close on Saturday, the D-League call-ups are still coming as Marc Stein reported (while I was watching Snooki on Wrestlemania) that the Philadelphia 76ers have called up Antonio Daniels from the Nancy Lieberman led -- and playoff bound -- Texas Legends.

Daniels, who turned 36 last month, averaged 14.5 points, 8.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds while making 43 percent of his attempted three-pointers in 38 games this season. While those statistics aren't all that impressive, the fact that his Legends (24-26) went 4-8 while he was out with a hand injury in December show how important the NBA veteran was to the expansion franchise.

Daniels was called up to replace Sixers' rap star point guard Lou Williams due to a hamstring injury. In the Sixers last game, Jrue Holiday played more than 46 minutes, leading to the need to sign an additional point guard (and also leading to everyone to wonder if Evan Turner will be a bigger bust than Hasheem Thabeet. Hint: He won't).

The 12-year-NBA vet and former fourth overall pick of the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1997 NBA Draft told me earlier this season that he hoped that playing in the D-League would be a quicker avenue to get back to the NBA than playing overseas. While it may not have been quick, the D-League did develop into an NBA call-up.

'Instead of going overseas, playing in China, it's just easier for me to get back to where I'm going -- where I need to be -- by coming to the D-League,' Daniels said, noting that his best asset is his leadership. 'I've taken being a leader upon myself from day one -- to be the leader, the vocal voice, to do all I can to influence. Basically I'm just trying to lead by example.'

Daniels did an excellent job of leading by example, as is obvious from this call-up, and also was able to keep in check what one would have perceived was a team of NBA misfits (fellow former NBA first round picks Joe Alexander, Rashad McCants, Sean Williams, Reece Gaines and Dominique Jones all appeared in games for the Legends this season) by playing his role perfectly as a coach on the floor.

The veteran point guard handled the offense very well, taking what was given to him and not trying to do too much (though there were times early in the year where he'd pound the ball waiting for his first option to get open). He made enough oh his jumpers to keep defenses honest and was able to distribute when his creating own offense wasn't available at a proficient rate as his 3.63 assist-to-turnover ratio led the D-League by quite a wide margin.

As one might expect, a 36-year-old with 867 NBA games under his belt and a recent meniscus surgery (he tore it during the 2009 NBA playoffs with the New Orleans Hornets) didn't look the best on defense in the D-League this season. However, with Andre Iguodala around, that probably wasn't the biggest concern for the Sixers' brass.

This is just the second all-time call-up in Sixers history with Lou Amundson during the 2006-07 season being the only other case.

"

76ers plan to sign veteran Antonio Daniels

76ers plan to sign veteran Antonio Daniels: "The 76ers intend to sign veteran guard Antonio Daniels to a 10-day contract, a league source confirmed late Sunday night."

Coffeehouse Rape Suspect Captured

Coffeehouse Rape Suspect Captured: "

Police have arrested Friday a man in Chester wanted in connection with the robbery of a South Philadelphia coffeehouse and for sexually assaulting one of its employees Thursday.

"

Union Trouble Brewing For Coffee Shop

Union Trouble Brewing For Coffee Shop: "

When a city labor union gave the owners of a coffee shop in Ardmore a bid much higher than a non-union contractor, they thought it would be better for their business to go with the lower offer. However, that decision has drawn protesters to their store, which they think could also damage their business.

"

Program to help students and limit violence seen as a widespread failure

Program to help students and limit violence seen as a widespread failure: "Rashaan Carr should have been in class at Martin Luther King High School. Instead, he ended up wading into a crowd of fourth and fifth graders in a bustling elementary school playground, swinging a silver-and-white Louisville Slugger aluminum baseball bat, witnesses said."

Principal Otis Hackney's daily struggle to heal South Phila. High's wounds

Principal Otis Hackney's daily struggle to heal South Phila. High's wounds: "In the early morning, Otis Hackney parks behind South Philadelphia High, unlocks the back door of the school, and strides down the corridor into the principal's office."

Sixers: #Sixers @teamlou23 making bird reflectors out of used cd's during 76ers Green Week event @ the Vaird Boys & Girls Club http://t.co/im1RaPP

http://twitter.com/Sixers/statuses/53557025019404289: "Sixers: #Sixers @teamlou23 making bird reflectors out of used cd's during 76ers Green Week event @ the Vaird Boys & Girls Club http://t.co/im1RaPP"

'Source Code' a smart, original sci-fi thriller

'Source Code' a smart, original sci-fi thriller: "Prepare to be blown away -- again and again and again.

"

Is Snooki worth more than a Nobel winner?

Is Snooki worth more than a Nobel winner?: "Snooki, whose novel 'A Shore Thing' was released in January, may not win a Nobel Prize for Literature, but she is earning more money than someone with that honor for speaking at Rutgers University.

"

Stu Bykofsky: The error in the Marcus Perez sentencing is ... typographical?

Stu Bykofsky: The error in the Marcus Perez sentencing is ... typographical?: "YESTERDAY, I told you I'd ask what District Attorney Seth Williams had to say about the case of Marcus Perez."

Philadelphia teachers ready for a kick in the class

Philadelphia teachers ready for a kick in the class: "TEACHERS across the district, both seasoned and novice, are wringing their hands over the future of their jobs after district officials this week announced a slash in teacher positions."

Photos to take a bite out of grime in Philadelphia

Photos to take a bite out of grime in Philadelphia: "If you dump bags of trash from your car near vacant lots or on the side of the road, smile for the camera - and be ready to hand over $300 to the city."

$6,500 reward offered in hunt for sex-thug suspect

$6,500 reward offered in hunt for sex-thug suspect: "Police are offering a $6,500 reward to catch the creep who sexually assaulted a Bella Vista barista Thursday morning. Investigators say Christopher Reeve, 32, entered the Bean Exchange Coffee House at 7th and Bainbridge streets shortly after the 29-year-old barista, who was working alone, opened for the day at 6 a.m. He asked her for money, she gave him a small amount, and he left, said Capt. John Darby, head of the Special Victims Unit."

Rodman says he's going to the Hall of Fame

Rodman says he's going to the Hall of Fame: "Dennis Rodman insisted it was easier to guard Michael Jordan than it was to talk about what it meant to have the Detroit Pistons retire his jersey."

76ers' Brand ready for second playoff appearance

76ers' Brand ready for second playoff appearance: "The 76ers are headed to the postseason, and it's difficult to find a player who appreciates the journey more than forward Elton Brand."

Former 76er Ollie at Final Four as UConn assistant

Former 76er Ollie at Final Four as UConn assistant: "HOUSTON - Kevin Ollie retired last season after 13 years in the NBA, including three tours of duty with the 76ers. He then became an assistant coach at Connecticut and now finds himself in the Final Four in his rookie year."

Obama Set To Launch 2012 Campaign

Obama Set To Launch 2012 Campaign: "

People familiar with the decision say President Barack Obama will officially open his 2012 re-election campaign as early as Monday, a step to be followed by an announcement to supporters and a series of fundraising trips across the country, The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday.

"

Obama Set To Launch Re-election Bid

Obama Set To Launch Re-election Bid: "

President Barack Obama is about to make one of Washington's worst kept secrets official: He wants a second term.

"

Haitian couple in Philadelphia hope for humanitarian parole for kin

Haitian couple in Philadelphia hope for humanitarian parole for kin: "On the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2010, nursing assistant Andreanna Pierre and her husband, William, a kitchen worker, finished up their shifts at the Gwynedd Square Nursing Center in Lansdale and headed home to devastating news."

Camden gets to rehire about a third of laid-off public safety workers

Camden gets to rehire about a third of laid-off public safety workers: "Dressed in a too-small Camden Fire Department shirt with someone else's name printed on it, Roberto Prado beamed Friday during the City Hall swearing-in ceremony of 86 formerly laid-off public-safety workers."

Phillies refused to lose

Phillies refused to lose: "Losing just didn't feel right. Not on this opening day. Not with Roy Halladay pitching so beautifully in the leadoff spot of the Phillies' dream rotation."