Weather Authority: Damp and overcast Friday night sets up rainy Saturday, with possible storms

WEST READING, Pa. - A Pennsylvania candy-maker ignored warnings of a gas leak at its chocolate factory and bears responsibility for a subsequent explosion that killed seven workers and injured several others, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.The family of Judith "Judy" Lopez-Moran, a 55-year-old mother of three, filed what their lawyers called the first wrongful-death suit against R.M. Palmer Co.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The shooter who opened fire at a Louisville bank legally bought the weapon from a local dealership a week ago, police said Tuesday.Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel said at a news conference that bank employee Connor Sturgeon, 25, bought the gun on April 4 and targeted certain people in the attack.Armed with the rifle, Sturgeon killed five people — including a close friend of Kentucky’s governor — while livestreaming the attack Monday on Instagram, authorities said. Another eight people were wounded.Gwinn-Villaroel also said that officers' body camera video from shooting will be released Tuesday afternoon.FILE - Rose petals lay at the entrance of the Old National Bank on April 11, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY, Del. - A 20-year-old woman and 13-year-old boy were both hospitalized after a blaze broke out inside a New Castle County home Tuesday morning.The 3-story home was fully engulfed by flames when fires crews arrived to Everett Avenue in Claymont around 9 a.m.The woman and boy were both found in the front yard, and transported to local hospitals.Officials say they are both in serious condition for smoke inhalation.MORE HEADLINES:Damage to the house is estimated at $200,000, according to fire officials, who say three adults and one child were displaced.The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

PHILADELPHIA - Love is all about making grand gestures, right? Or was this latest gesture just a little too grand?If you were driving along I-95 North near Exit 32 Tuesday, you may have come across a not-so-typical billboard.It appears a man named "Felipe" bought one to propose to Andressa, who we can only assume is his girlfriend.The billboard reads," I want you today, tomorrow and forever. Andressa, will you marry me? Voce Quer Se Casar Comigo.

NEW YORK - Saying she is ready to share the "unfathomable" experience of being arrested and incarcerated in Russia, basketball star Brittney Griner is working on a memoir that is scheduled for spring 2024.Griner was arrested last year at the airport in Moscow on drug-related charges and detained for nearly 10 months, much of that time in prison. Her plight unfolded at the same time Russia invaded Ukraine and further heightened tensions between Russia and the U.S., ending only after she was freed in exchange for the notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.A WNBA All-Star with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner had flown to Moscow in February 2022 to rejoin UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian women’s team she has played for in the off-season since 2014."That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share," Griner said in a statement released Tuesday by Alfred A.

FILE - Free-range hens walking around. (Tim Graham/Getty Images)A man in China was sentenced to prison after he snuck onto his neighbor's property and scared 1,100 chickens to death.The man, identified only by his last name Gu, snuck onto his neighbor Zhong's chicken farm and used a flashlight to frighten the chickens, causing them to kill each other, China Daily reported.The light from the flashlight terrified the chickens, causing them to flee to a corner of the coop where they trampled over one another trying to get away.The incident came during a feud between the two neighbors that began in April 2022, when Gu cut down Zhong's trees without his permission, the outlet reported.

WEST READING, Pa. - A devastating explosion claimed the lives of seven innocent people after it leveled a historic chocolate factory, leaving a West Reading community to pick up the pieces in so many ways.Seven people were killed, and several others wounded in the powerful blast at the R.M Palmer Co. plant last month in West Reading, Pennsylvania, which is about 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia. One survivor was pulled from the rubble hours after the explosion rattled windows and shook houses.Rescue workers searched for days in the hopes of pulling more survivors to safety, but their heroic efforts came to a tragic end for several families.RELATED COVERAGE: West Reading explosion: 7 confirmed dead, all accounted for after blast rocks chocolate factoryNow, as a community tries to rebuild emotionally, the town is doing the same physically. West Reading Mayor Samantha Kaag announced that a demolition project will begin Wednesday at the site of the deadly blast, where debris and parts of the factory still remain.The demolition will remove the north-facing wall from Building 1, which officials say is in danger of collapse. RELATED COVERAGE: West Reading community joins together to support families, first responders following devastating explosionA crane was delivered to the site Tuesday, which temporarily closed Penn Avenue.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - A shooting on the SEPTA Broad Street Line, at the Snyder Station, in South Philadelphia has led to an arrest and two people hospitalized.According to SEPTA officials, the shooting happened Wednesday evening, just after 9:30, on the northbound SEPTA Snyder Station platform.A man was shot in the back. He is in critical condition at a local hospital.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - A shooting on the SEPTA Broad Street Line, at the Snyder Station, in South Philadelphia has led to an arrest and a victim hospitalized.According to SEPTA officials, the victim was shot on the mezzanine level.A suspect was arrested by Philadelphia Police.The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital.

FILE-Second Lieutenant Kody Sims instructs students participating in the Army's new Future Soldier Prep Course at Fort Jackson on September 28, 2022 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) WASHINGTON - Last August, Daysia Holiday decided to try one more time to join the Army.She’d taken the academic test and failed three times.

X Factor finalist Amelia Lily has opened up to fans about an ongoing health issue which keeps her awake "all night," after suffering for seven years. Amelia, 28, shared a post on her Instagram Story about an injury she has been suffering with since 2016 and asked for recommendations from anyone with similar problems.The singer, who found fame on the ITV talent show in 2011, wrote: "I've been suffering with a shoulder injury now since 2016 and it's got worse and worse.

HONOLULU - Hawaii authorities on Tuesday say they have referred 33 people to U.S. law enforcement after the group allegedly harassed a pod of wild dolphins in waters off the Big Island.It's against federal law to swim within 50 yards (45 meters) of spinner dolphins in Hawaii’s nearshore waters.

BRISTOL, Pa. - Quick actions from those in charge of a water treatment facility near a chemical spill along the Delaware River prevented the harmful toxins from entering the plant. Health officials in Bucks County said Sunday that between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of a water-based latex-finishing solution spilled into the river late Friday because of a burst pipe at the Trinseo Altuglas chemical facility in Bristol Township.The midnight spill happened at low tide less than half a mile upstream from the AQUA Pennsylvania water treatment facility. AQUA President Mark Lucca said by the time he heard about the spill the plant had already been shutdown thanks in part to early warning sensors that helped them decide to shut off water intake from the river. "The first thing people are asking us is ‘is my water safe to drink?’ It absolutely is safe to drink, how do we know? Because it never got into the plant" Lucca said. RELATED COVERAGEAQUA's local water reserves were fairly high, so Bristol's water supply was never threatened.

PHILADELPHIA - Mayor Jim Kenney announced Tuesday that Philadelphia's tap water is safe to consume and use following a weekend chemical spill along the Delaware River. "I'm pleased to announce Philadelphia's drinking water will not be impacted by the spill in Bucks County that occurred over the weekend," Kenney said at a Tuesday press conference. "The threat is passed, I repeat: all city's drinking water is safe to drink and will not be impacted by the spill."Health officials in Bucks County, just north of Philadelphia, said Sunday that between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons (30,700 and 120,000 liters) of a water-based latex-finishing solution spilled into the river late Friday due to a burst pipe at the Trinseo Altuglas chemical facility in Bristol Township.Reporters stopped Mayor Kenney at an event to press him on the status of Philadelphia's tap water after a chemical spill and confusing communication from the city left residents panic-buying bottled water.Residents in Philadelphia have accused Kenney and city leaders of mixed messaging about the safety of the city's tap water since the spill.

PHILADELPHIA - Police came to find grim scenes inside a home in Philadelphia's Olney section when they were called to a shooting Monday night.A 24-year-old man was discovered bleeding heavily in the back of a home on the 300 block of East Sheldon Street.

PHILADELPHIA - Shelves were left empty as Philadelphia residents fled to grocery stores to wait in endless lines for bottled water after news of a chemical spill broke over the weekend.Mayor Jim Kenney was confronted by local reporters Tuesday after the city sent out several contradictory advisories, leaving residents confused and concerned about the city's water quality.Although he admitted to the chemical spill being a "scary" situation, the mayor said he does not regret the city's response."When we weren’t sure, we had to give people some advisory, so people would be safe," he said. "If we had held onto the information you would be asking me why we didn’t say anything."RELATED COVERAGE: Tap water deemed 'safe' to drink, use in Philadelphia at least through Wednesday night, officials sayIn response to panic-buying across Philadelphia and beyond, Kenney said the city didn't set up a water distribution center because they didn't think there would be a run on bottled water."Look we had a run on toilet paper during Covid that didn’t make sense either, and people buy 10 cases of water is pretty selfish," he said.RELATED COVERAGE: Philadelphians panic-buy bottled water despite reassurance from city leaders about tap waterThe mayor went on to confirm that the water supply is safe, and that the bottled-water advisory was merely a suggestion made out of an abundance of safety."I don't think this is rocket science here," the mayor said.As of Tuesday afternoon, Philadelphia officials say tap water is safe to drink until 11:59 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA - City leaders in Philadelphia reiterated Monday that the tap water is safe to use following a chemical spill in Bucks County, but their reassurance has not been enough to quell the concerns of some residents who rushed to the stores to stock up on bottled water. Health officials in Bucks County, just north of Philadelphia, said Sunday that a leak late Friday evening at the Trinseo Altuglas chemical facility in Bristol Township spilled between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons (30,700 and 120,000 liters) of a water-based latex finishing solution. Officials said it is non-toxic to humans, and no known adverse health effects have been reported in the county.Mike Carroll, deputy managing director for the city’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, said Monday evening that the office believes water in city taps will be unaffected until at least 3:30 p.m.

Quebec provincial police say a nine-year-old girl has dead after an accident in the snow behind a home in Saint-Ubalde, Que. on Sunday afternoon.

PHILADELPHIA - A chemical spill sparked a mad dash for bottled water, leaving many Philadelphia residents confused and concerned about the safety of the water in their own homes and local restaurants.Officials say 8,100-12,000 gallons of a water-based latex finishing solution leaked upstream of the Baxter Treatment Plant Friday night. The plant provides drinking water for 975,000 Philadelphia customers.The Philadelphia Water Department now says tap water is safe to drink and use until midnight Monday after a bottled water advisory was issued Sunday, clearing grocery shelves across the city.Dr.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Water Department, in an update regarding a chemical spill in Bucks County, assures the public the tap water is safe to drink and use until Monday, March 27 at 11:59 p.m. Water Dept.

PHILADELPHIA - No contamination has been found in Philadelphia water after a chemical spilled into the Delaware River, according to the Philadelphia Water Department. However, officials are telling residents they may want to drink to bottled water "out of an abundance of caution."Officials say a latex product released contaminants after spilling along a Delaware River tributary in Bristol Township, Bucks County, Friday night. Despite the spill, testing at the Baxter Drinking Water Treatment Plant revealed no contaminates in the Philadelphia water system, officials said during a press conference Sunday morning."At approximately 12:15 a.m.

PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - The Troup County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia said it’s investigating reports that a tiger is unaccounted for inside the Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain after a possible tornado ripped through the region early Sunday morning.Severe weather was reported across the South on Sunday morning, and the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for Pine Mountain just before 7 a.m. EDT as the storms moved over the area.HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER"We are receiving multiple reports of trees down, damage on houses and power lines down," the Troup County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook.

PHILADELPHIA - After a rainy Saturday, overnight into Sunday, visibilities are reduced. While the rain is making its way offshore, fog is taking its place.Temperatures overnight will remain steady in the mid-40s across the region. The Jersey shore will likely hear a rumble of two of thunder as the system lifts away.Sunday looks beautiful as the sun casts a warm glow and temperatures climb into the lower-60s.

U.S. actress Gwyneth Paltrow enters the courtroom after lunch break, on March 23, 2023, in Park City, Utah where she is accused of injuring another skier, leaving him with a concussion and four broken ribs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A 10-hour water cut will be in effect for Colombo and its suburbs on Saturday (25), said the National Water Supply and Drainage Board.Accordingly, the water cut will be in effect from 11 AM to 9 PM on Saturday (25).The areas that will be affected are:Colombo, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kotte, and Kaduwela Municipal Council AreasMaharagama, Boralesgamuwa, and Kolonnawa Urban Council AreasKotikawatte and Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha areasRatmalana and Katubedda 

PHILADELPHIA - After a spring-like Wednesday brought warmth and sunshine to the area, spring showers will now move in and linger for several days. Rain began to move into the area early Thursday morning, according to FOX 29's Sue Serio. Showers will continue on and off throughout the afternoon before quiet weather returns in the evening. By Friday morning, showers will come back and be on and off throughout the day. Saturday will be more of the same, with on-and-off showers all day. Conditions will finally dry out by Sunday, with no precipitation expected. ________SEVEN-DAY FORECASTTHURSDAY: High: 66, Low: 49FRIDAY: High: 55, Low: 51SATURDAY: High: 55, Low: 44SUNDAY: High: 63, Low: 50MONDAY: High: 56, Low: 40TUESDAY: High: 54, Low: 40WEDNESDAY: High: 52, Low: 37

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Constitutional Council is scheduled to meet on Friday (24), chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.The Speaker said the appointment of new members to independent commissions will be discussed at the meeting.New members are set to be appointed to 10 independent commissions.1,600 applications have been received in this regard.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said the applications have been evaluated.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe had noted that if Sri Lanka's debt is not restructured, Sri Lanka would have had a foreign debt burden of 06 billion dollars per year for many years to come. "Because it is difficult to pay, the debt payment is temporarily suspended and this process is used to restructure the debt," he told a meeting at the President's Office on Thursday (22)."We are unable to pay under the current terms, so we are asking the commercial institutions and private sectors and the respective governments that have granted us loans, to give us a relief period," he had noted, said the President's Media Division.The PMD also quoted the Central Bank Governor as saying that the first step in that process is the assurance given by the bilateral countries, and the International Monetary Fund has set targets for debt sustainability.

PHILADELPHIA - Hundreds of students and teachers from Philadelphia magnet schools gathered Thursday at the district headquarters to protest possible budget and staffing cuts. The protesters specifically refuted the enrollment policy for special admission schools that relies strictly on PSSA test scores to increase equity. They say the new testing cut-off has unintended consequences that has lead to lower enrollment, empty seats in classrooms and staffing cuts for highly coveted schools. "Taking away this opportunity for teachers  to do their jobs over an algorithm, over a number is unjust and frankly sickening," Connor McFarland, a senior at Franklin Learning Center said.Students at Saul High School in Philadelphia's Upper Roxborough neighborhood organized a walk-out on Thursday to participate in the protests. MORE LOCAL HEADLINES"I love my school, I feel like the programs at my school are going to help people get jobs when they're finished," Kenya Woods, a Saul High School sophomore said. Heeyoung Yim, a teacher at Franklin Learning Center said in the past, the school was able to cut candidates some slack by speaking with qualified students who may have just missed the cut.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Milk Powder importers have decided to reduce the price of imported milk powder products.This decision was taken due to the drop in prices in the Global Market.Accordingly, the price of a 1 Kg packet of imported milk powder will be reduced by Rs. 200/-.The price of a 400 g packet of imported milk power will be reduced by Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); United State is partnering with Sri Lanka to improve water management to support communities that are facing challenges in accessing clean drinking water.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, joined Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister Jeewan Thondaman in celebrating World Water Day on Wednesday (22), where she made these remarks."It seems a little ironic to talk about water conservation in a country that annually averages benefits from about 2,000 millimeters of rain. But the reality is this generous gift from nature doesn’t benefit all Sri Lankans as much as it could, with less than half of rural Sri Lankans having access to piped water," said the Ambassdor."That is why I’m so proud that the United States is partnering with Sri Lanka to improve water management.

COLOMBO (News 1st); University Students including Convener of the Inter-University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige visited the University Grants Commission for talks.The students activists visited the premises to discuss the student issues at the Sabaragamuwa University.Water cannon trucks and Riot Police were deployed in the area during their visit.

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Police Department's Homicide Unit is investigating a shooting that left one man dead on Tuesday evening. According to authorities, a 29-year-old man was found shot twice in the head in a Chrysler 200 parked in the area of S Cecil & Chestnut Streets. Police say the car was still running when officers arrived on scene and found the victim. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESChief Inspector Scott Small says one shell casing was discovered on the passenger side of the vehicle while another was discovered in the road beside the car. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, officials say. This is a developing story.

PHILADELPHIA - A man is dead after police say he was found shot nearly 10 times on a Philadelphia street Tuesday night. Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 100 block of East Indiana Street just after 8 p.m.

Agency officials could make the decision on clearing another round for people at high risk within a few weeks Federal health regulators are closing in on a decision whether to authorize a second round of the Omicron-targeted booster shots for the elderly and other people at high-risk of severe Covid-19, people familiar with the agency’s deliberations said.

RELATED COVERAGE: 'It looked like an apocalypse': Neighbors react to deadly house explosion in Pottstown | 'It's really sad': Investigation into Pottstown house explosion continues as victims identifiedThe homes were originally damaged in May of 2022 when a home across the street exploded in the area of Hale Street and Butler Avenue, leaving five people, including four children, dead. The victims were later identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood, 13, Jeremiah White, 12, Nehemiah White, 10, and 8-year-old Tristan White. Jeremiah White, 12, Nehemiah White, 10, were both killed in the explosion along with three others.

FILE - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint press conference with Nigerien Foreign Minister Hassoumi Massoudou (not seen) at the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger, on March 16, 2023. (BOUREIMA HAMA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)NIAMEY, Niger - An American aid worker held by Islamic extremists in West Africa for more than six years and a French journalist abducted almost two years ago were both freed Monday, authorities said.They were brought together to Niger’s capital.

PHILADELPHIA - It's officially the first day of spring! And you know what that means? Free water ice, of course!Rita's Italian Ice is carrying on its beloved 30-year tradition to celebrate the first day of spring with its Free Ice Giveaway.Join in on the springtime fun by grabbing a cup of your favorite Italian ice, or try out the new flavor launching Monday - gummy bears!The free water ice is available all day at participating locations, and no app is needed this year!

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning of thundershowers across many regions of the island today (20), particularly in the evening and at night.The Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva, North Central, and Eastern provinces may face heavy downpours of up to 50 mm.In addition, wind speeds are expected to increase to 80 km per hour in the coastal areas from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara, according to the Department of Meteorology. With these conditions, the fishing and coastal communities are advised to exercise extreme caution and be vigilant while at sea.The general public is urged to monitor weather updates and be prepared for possible disruptions in daily routines.It is essential to follow safety precautions and avoid outdoor activities during periods of heavy rain and strong winds to prevent accidents and injuries, said the Met Department.

Delaware State Police are investigating a social media post that could threaten a New Castle middle school on Monday.  NEW CASTLE, Del. - Delaware State Police are investigating a social media post that could threaten a New Castle middle school on Monday. On Sunday, Delaware State Police Troop 2 said they were made aware of a social media post that threatens the safety of Gunning Bedford Middle School. "The DSP takes threats to any school very seriously and has initiated proactive safety measures to ensure the safety of secuiry of all students and staff," the DSP said in a statement. Authorities are encouraging families to keep lines of communication open with their children and share any critical information with school administrators or state police. Troopers have not yet announced if the school will be open on Monday. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective A.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Bills were filed, hearings were planned and blame was cast as Congress reacted this past week to the abrupt failure of two banks. A look at what lawmakers are saying and planning as the fallout continues from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.While President Joe Biden called Monday on Congress to strengthen the rules for banks to prevent future failures, lawmakers are divided on whether any legislation is needed.Some congressional leaders are skeptical that a closely divided Congress will act at all."There’s people who are going to choose bills, but I cannot imagine that, with the hold banks have on Republican members of Congress, that we can pass anything significant," said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.Republicans say the laws already in place were sufficient to prevent the bank failures, if only regulators had done their job by spotting obvious problems and directing the banks to take steps that would reduce their risk."If there are ideas out there that people have, you know, at some point, we would be willing to entertain those, but I think it would be premature to start talking about solutions before we fully define the problem and ultimately get answers from the regulators about why they were asleep at the job," said Sen.

PHILADELPHIA - The sun is here to stay this weekend, but that spring weather is taking a back seat to cooler conditions.A cold front is responsible for bringing more winter weather as Saturday temperatures reach a high of 53 degrees, and Sunday dips down even further to 43 degrees.However, the weekend will bring plenty of sunshine as Friday night clears for dry, and pleasant days - plenty of time to bundle up and still get outside!Spring begins Monday, along with a warming trend that will help temperatures return to the 60s by Tuesday.______SEVEN-DAY FORECASTSATURDAY: Clearing, cooler. High: 53, Low: 41SUNDAY: 10 degrees below average. High: 43, Low: 29MONDAY: Spring arrives. High: 53, Low: 29TUESDAY: Sunny, pleasant. High: 60, Low: 32WEDNESDAY: Stays mild. High: 62, Low: 39THURSDAY: Partly cloudy. High: 63, Low: 47FRIDAY: Chance of showers. High: 67, Low: 43

Officials in Minnesota are monitoring the cleanup of a massive spill of radioactive water from a nuclear power plant just outside Minneapolis. About 1.5 million litres (400,000 gallons) of nuclear wastewater leaked from the plant back in late November, but the incident wasn’t made public until Thursday.

Colombo (News 1st) – It is of "utmost importance" that the next Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka "should be an officer whose service in the police force is exemplary and free of any blemish and able to restore public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police," stated the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The BASL letter has been issued in response to news that the office of the IGP is due to fall vacant on the 23rd of March, 2023."It is of utmost importance that the best possible appointment be made to that office" the BASL urged the President."During the last few decades there has been a serious erosion of public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police. The lack of independence, politicisation, police brutality, custodial deaths, lack of professionalism have all contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the Police.