Vivek Ramaswamy habla en conferencia de prensa afuera de la corte penal de Manhattan, el martes 14 de mayo de 2024, en Nueva York. (Foto: Foto/Stefan Jeremiah/Archivo)
Un hombre de Nueva Hampshire acusado de amenazar las vidas de candidatos presidenciales el año pasado fue hallado muerto al tiempo que un jurado decidía su veredicto, según documentos judiciales del jueves.
El jurado comenzó a evaluar el caso contra Tyler Anderson, de 30 años, de Dover el martes después de un juicio que comenzó el lunes. Un mensaje enviado al abogado de Anderson en busca de comentarios no ha sido respondido de momento. Un expediente judicial indicaba que “el gobierno se ha enterado de que el acusado ha fallecido”. Los fiscales han decidido desestimar la acusación luego de enterarse del deceso de Anderson.
Anderson fue acusado formalmente por un jurado investigador federal en diciembre de tres cargos de enviar una amenaza por medio del comercio interestatal. Cada cargo prevé una sentencia de hasta cinco años de prisión, hasta tres años de libertad supervisada y una multa de hasta 250.000 dólares.
La fiscalía federal no nombró a los candidatos. Cuando Anderson fue arrestado, un portavoz del candidato republicano Vivek Ramaswamy reveló que los textos estaban dirigidos a su campaña.
Anderson fue arrestado el 9 de diciembre y liberado el 14 de diciembre. Un juez federal estableció varias condiciones para su liberación, incluyendo la de evitar contacto con cualquier candidato presidencial y sus campañas políticas.
A Anderson, que estaba recibiendo tratamiento médico por salud mental, también se le ordenó tomar todos los medicamentos recetados.
Según documentos judiciales, Anderson recibió un mensaje de texto de la campaña del candidato notificándole sobre un desayuno en Portsmouth. El personal de campaña recibió dos mensajes de texto en respuesta. Uno amenazó con dispararle al candidato en la cabeza y el otro amenazó con matar a todos los presentes en el evento y profanar sus cadáveres.
Anderson había aseverado al FBI en una entrevista que envió mensajes de texto similares a “otras múltiples campañas”, según un documento judicial.
Al no poder trabajar después de recibir un disparo en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs en febrero, Jacob Gooch Sr. inicialmente recibió pagos por discapacidad a corto plazo. Pero esa asistencia se detuvo abruptamente en mayo cuando comenzó a ver a un nuevo médico que estaba en la red de su plan médico. El problema se resolvió en junio y pronto espera recibir pagos retroactivos. (Foto: CHRISTOPHER SMITH FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS)
Abigail Arellano tiene todas las facturas médicas de su hijo Samuel en una carpeta azul en un armario arriba del microondas. Incluso ahora, cuatro meses después que el niño de 11 años fuera herido de bala en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs, las facturas siguen llegando.
Hay una de $1,040 por el traslado en ambulancia al hospital aquella tarde de febrero. Otra de $2,841,17 por una visita a la sala de emergencias tres días después del tiroteo porque la herida de bala parecía infectada. En marzo, más seguimientos y consejería agregaron otros $1,500.
“Creo que me faltan algunas”, dijo Arellano mientras hojeaba las páginas.
Los Arellano no tienen seguro y están contando con la asistencia del fondo que recaudó casi $2 millones después del tiroteo que dejó un muerto y al menos 24 personas con heridas de bala. También guarda esa solicitud en la carpeta azul.
Los costos médicos para los sobrevivientes del tiroteo son muy altos y no terminarán pronto. Según un estudio de la Escuela de Medicina de Harvard, el gasto médico promedio para alguien que recibió un disparo se eleva a casi $30,000 el primer año. Otro análisis halló que esa cifra sube a $35,000 en el caso de los niños. Diez menores fueron heridos por balas en el desfile.
Luego están las facturas regulares que forman parte de la vida —alquiler, servicios públicos, reparaciones del auto— que no dejan de llegar solo porque alguien sobrevivió a un tiroteo masivo, incluso si sus lesiones les impiden trabajar o mandar a los niños a la escuela.
La carga financiera que conlleva la supervivencia es tan común que tiene un nombre, según Aswad Thomas de la organización sin fines de lucro Alliance for Safety and Justice: deuda por victimización. Algunos la pagan de su bolsillo. Otros solicitan una nueva tarjeta de crédito. Algunos reciben ayuda de desconocidos generosos. Otros no pueden llegar a fin de mes.
“Ahora mismo estamos realmente en bancarrota”, dijo Jacob Gooch Sr., otro sobreviviente, quien fue herido en el pie y aún no ha podido volver a trabajar.
“Estamos, como, agotando nuestra tercera tarjeta de crédito”.
Samuel Arellano (centro) junto a sus padres, Abigail y Antonio, afuera de su casa en Kansas City, Kansas. La familia no tenía seguro cuando Samuel recibió un disparo en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs en febrero. La familia cuenta con la ayuda del fondo que recaudó casi $2 millones después del tiroteo que dejó un muerto y al menos otras 24 personas con heridas de bala.(Foto: BRAM SABLE-SMITH/KFF HEALTH NEWS)
Como es común después de tiroteos masivos, en esta ciudad de Missouri surgió un abanico de recursos nuevos y establecidos prometiendo ayuda. Entre ellos, el fondo #KCStrong creado por United Way of Greater Kansas City, que se espera comience a pagar a las víctimas a finales de junio.
Los sobrevivientes deben navegar cada oportunidad para solicitar ayuda lo mejor que puedan, y esperar que el dinero llegue.
GoFundMe, desconocidos generosos y una nueva línea de crédito
Tradicionalmente, son las mamás quienes mantienen las facturas organizadas. Apiladas sobre el microondas. En una cartera. En capturas de pantalla guardadas en el celular. Y luego hay un laberinto de papeleo: el formulario de compensación para víctimas del estado de Missouri tiene cinco páginas, incluidas las instrucciones. Son otras seis páginas para la ayuda de United Way.
Emily Tavis mantiene pilas de papeleo con diferentes clips de colores en su sótano: negro para su pareja, Gooch Sr.; azul para su hijastro, Jacob Gooch Jr.; rosa para ella misma. Los tres fueron heridos de bala en el desfile.
Tavis pudo volver a caminar después que una bala atravesara su pierna y consideró rechazar el viaje en ambulancia porque estaba preocupada por el costo; en ese momento no tenía seguro.
Gooch Sr. no podía caminar porque le habían disparado en el pie. Así que compartieron una ambulancia al hospital con dos de sus hijos.
“No voy a pagar por esta m…. No pedí esta vida”, recordó Tavis, riendo. Pronto se dieron cuenta que el joven Gooch Jr., de 14 años, también tenía una bala en el pie.
Samuel Arellano (centro) levanta su camiseta con la ayuda de su madre, Abigail Arellano (izq.), y su tía Eunice Salas (der.), para mostrar en dónde le dispararon en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs en febrero. (Foto: AP/BRAM SABLE-SMITH/KFF HEALTH NEWS)
Tavis y Gooch Sr. recibieron facturas separadas de $1,145 por la ambulancia. Gooch Jr. no, posiblemente porque tiene cobertura de salud a través de Medicaid, dijo Tavis.
Ella envía las facturas médicas a la compensación para víctimas, un programa para ayudar con las pérdidas económicas derivadas de un crimen, como los gastos médicos y los salarios perdidos. Aunque Tavis y Gooch viven en Leavenworth, Kansas, su compensación proviene del programa en Missouri, donde ocurrió el tiroteo.
El programa paga solo por pérdidas económicas no cubiertas por otras fuentes como el seguro de salud, donaciones y recaudaciones de fondos colectivas. Gooch Sr. y Jr. tenían cobertura médica al momento del desfile, por lo que la familia ha estado enviando solo la porción no cubierta a la compensación para víctimas.
Al principio, la familia recibió mucho apoyo. Amigos y familiares se aseguraron de que tuvieran siempre comida. El fundador de un grupo en línea de fanáticos de los Kansas City Chiefs envió $1,000 y regalos para la familia. Una página de GoFundMe recaudó $9,500. Y su reembolso de impuestos ayudó.
Con Gooch Sr. sin poder trabajar sabían que el dinero podía comenzar a faltar, así que pagaron tres meses de alquiler por adelantado. También gastaron en el arreglo de su Ford Escape para que eventualmente pudiera volver a trabajar y compraron un Honda Accord usado para que Tavis pudiera conducir al trabajo, al que volvió 12 días después del desfile.
Jacob Gooch Sr. y Emily Tavis recibieron una gran cantidad de apoyo emocional y financiero en los días posteriores a que ambos recibieran disparos en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs. El hijo de Gooch también fue herido de bala. Sin embargo, en junio, la pareja había abierto una nueva tarjeta de crédito para ayudar a cubrir sus facturas.(Foto: CHRISTOPHER SMITH FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS)
Y como las donaciones estaban destinadas a toda la familia, decidieron comprar pases de verano para el parque de diversiones Worlds of Fun para los niños.
Pero recientemente, han estado apretados. Los pagos por discapacidad a corto plazo de Gooch Sr. dejaron de llegar abruptamente en mayo cuando su seguro de salud le pidió que viera a un médico de la red. Dijo que el plan de discapacidad a corto plazo inicialmente no aprobó el papeleo de su nuevo médico y comenzó una investigación. El problema se resolvió en junio y espera recibir pagos retroactivos pronto. Mientras tanto, la pareja solicitó una nueva tarjeta de crédito para cubrir sus facturas.
“Definitivamente hemos estado robando a Pedro para pagar a Pablo”, dijo Tavis.
Idealmente, el dinero que llegue de United Way, la compensación para víctimas y, esperan, el pago retroactivo por discapacidad a corto plazo, será suficiente para pagar sus deudas.
Pero, dijo Tavis, “tienes que hacer lo que tienes que hacer. No vamos a quedarnos sin luz”.
Al no poder trabajar después de recibir un disparo en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs en febrero, Jacob Gooch Sr. inicialmente recibió pagos por discapacidad a corto plazo. Pero esa asistencia se detuvo abruptamente en mayo cuando comenzó a ver a un nuevo médico que estaba en la red de su plan médico. El problema se resolvió en junio y pronto espera recibir pagos retroactivos.(Foto: CHRISTOPHER SMITH FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS)
En espera del pago de United Way a fines de junio
Con cada tiroteo masivo, inevitablemente fluyen donaciones para los sobrevivientes, “como la mantequilla con la mermelada, porque la gente quiere ayudar”, dijo Jeff Dion, director ejecutivo del Mass Violence Survivors Fund, una organización sin fines de lucro que ha ayudado a muchas comunidades a gestionar esos fondos.
Dijo que, típicamente, se tarda unos cinco meses en distribuir el dinero de estos grandes fondos comunitarios. Las víctimas pueden recibir dinero antes si su comunidad tiene un plan para estos tipos de fondos antes de un tiroteo masivo.
Los fondos también pueden adelantar dinero a personas con necesidades financieras urgentes que seguramente calificarán.
United Way colgó pancartas con los colores de los Chiefs en la Union Station de Kansas City con su campaña #KCStrong en los días posteriores al tiroteo. Impulsado por grandes donaciones del equipo, la NFL, el mariscal de campo Patrick Mahomes, otros individuos y empresas locales, finalmente recaudó más de $1.8 millones.
La promesa de un gran pago ha mantenido la esperanza de los heridos, incluso cuando a muchos los confundió el proceso. Algunas personas entrevistadas para esta historia no quisieron decir nada negativo, temiendo que pudiera afectar su asignación.
Los funcionarios de United Way anunciaron en abril que las donaciones se cerrarían a fin de mes. El 1 de mayo, la organización publicó un aviso diciendo que emitiría “formularios de reclamación” y que la Oficina del Fiscal del condado de Jackson estaba ayudando a verificar a las víctimas del tiroteo. La junta de fideicomisarios de la filial de United Way planea reunirse el 26 de junio para determinar las asignaciones, con los pagos llegando tan pronto como el 27 de junio.
Kera Mashek, vocera de United Way of Greater Kansas City, dijo que los pagos se harán a 20 de los 24 sobrevivientes del tiroteo. Los otros cuatro no pudieron ser verificados como víctimas o rechazaron los fondos, dijo. Agregó que los solicitantes no incluyen a las 67 personas que los fiscales dicen fueron pisoteadas en el tumulto.
Pendiente de la aprobación de la junta, el dinero también se distribuirá a 14 grupos comunitarios que apoyan iniciativas de no violencia, preocupaciones de salud mental y socorristas, dijo Mashek.
Ante las críticas de que United Way no se comunicó bien con las víctimas, Mashek dijo que intentaron responder de manera oportuna.
“Hemos tratado de mantener esta línea de comunicación abierta lo más rápido posible y la mayoría de la gente ha sido muy paciente”, dijo. “Creo que estarán muy agradecidos y, creo, gratamente sorprendidos con la cantidad de fondos que recibirán”.
Los visitantes de Union Station en Kansas City, Missouri, el 19 de febrero de 2024, observan el monumento creado tras el tiroteo en la celebración del Super Bowl de los Chiefs.(Foto: CARLOS MORENO/KCUR 89.3)
Otros recursos disponibles
Abigail Arellano no había oído hablar de la compensación para víctimas, lo cual es común. Una encuesta de 2022 de la Alliance for Safety and Justice encontró que el 96% de las víctimas no recibían ese apoyo y muchas no sabían que existía.
Arellano y su esposo, Antonio, no fueron al desfile, pero también han tenido gastos médicos. Antonio ha estado yendo a terapia en un centro de salud local para ayudar con la tarea estresante de guiar a su hijo a través del trauma. Ha sido útil. Pero ha estado pagando unos $125 de su bolsillo por cada sesión, dijo, y las facturas se están acumulando.
Una de las hermanas de Samuel creó un GoFundMe que recaudó $12,500, y Abigail dijo que ayudó que la familia compartiera su historia públicamente y que Abigail se pusiera en contacto para ayudar a otros en la comunidad latina afectada por el tiroteo.
De hecho, fue Abigail quien conectó a Sarai Holguín, de 71 años, con el consulado de México en Kansas City. El consulado, a su vez, ayudó a Holguín a registrarse como víctima oficial del tiroteo, lo que le permitirá recibir asistencia de United Way. Las facturas de Holguín ahora incluyen una cuarta cirugía, para quitar la bala alojada cerca de su rodilla con la que había hecho las paces de “vivir para siempre”, hasta que comenzó a sobresalir a través de su piel.
Alivio “generoso y rápido” para las víctimas
Varios sobrevivientes se sintieron aliviados y agradecidos de recibir fondos de un grupo menos conocido y no confesional llamado “The Church Loves Kansas City”.
El día después del tiroteo, Gary Kendall, quien dirigía una organización cristiana sin fines de lucro llamada “Love KC”, comenzó una cadena de mensajes de texto a las 6 am con líderes de la ciudad y grupos de fe, y eventualmente recibió promesas de $184,500. (Love KC ahora se ha fusionado con otra organización sin fines de lucro, “Unite KC”, que está distribuyendo sus fondos).
El primer pago fue para la familia de la popular DJ Lisa López-Galván, de 43 años y con dos hijos, quien fue la única fatalidad durante el tiroteo del desfile. Unite KC pagó $15,000 en sus gastos de entierro.
Unite KC gastó $2,800 para que James y Brandie Lemons pudieran recuperar su seguro de salud porque James no podía trabajar. Unite KC también pagó $2,200 de su bolsillo por los costos quirúrgicos cuando James decidió que le quitaran la bala de su pierna.
“Lo aprecio”, dijo un emocional James Lemons. “No tienen que hacer esto, abrir sus corazones sin razón”.
James Lemons, quien recibió un disparo en el muslo derecho, el 7 de junio, el día en que le quitaron los puntos después de una cirugía para extraer la bala alojada en su pierna. Unite KC ayudó a la familia de Lemons con pagos al seguro para que puedan sobrevivir hasta que Lemons regrese a trabajar.(Foto: PEGGY LOWE/KCUR 89.3)
Erika Nelson estaba luchando para pagar los gastos de su casa, y tuvo que tomarse tiempo libre de su trabajo de atención médica a domicilio para llevar a su hija herida, Mireya, de 15 años, a las citas médicas. Mireya recibió disparos en la barbilla y el hombro, y se está recuperando.
Una página de GoFundMe creada por la mejor amiga de Nelson recaudó alrededor de $11,000, pero fue congelada después que Nelson intentara ingresar a la cuenta y GoFundMe pensó que estaba siendo hackeada. Temía que cortaran la luz en su apartamento por las facturas de electricidad no pagas y estaba desesperada.
“Estoy luchando con, ya sabes, comestibles”, dijo Nelson. “La gente decía, ‘Oh, ve a los bancos de alimentos’. Bueno, los bancos de alimentos no están abiertos en los momentos que puedo salir. No puedo simplemente irme del trabajo para ir a un banco de alimentos”.
Después de reunirse con Gary Kendall, Nelson recibió dinero para pagar tres meses de renta y servicios públicos, alrededor de $3,500.
“Un peso menos sobre mis hombros. Quiero decir, sí. De una gran forma”, susurró. “Porque nunca sabes. Nunca sabes qué puede pasar en dos días, cinco días, dos semanas, dos meses”.
Recientemente, la familia de Samuel Arellano se conectó con Unite KC, que pagará su factura de ambulancia, una de las cuentas del hospital y algo de terapia, por un valor de unos $6,000. La factura por el traslado inicial a la sala de emergencias era de aproximadamente $20,000, dijeron sus padres, pero el hospital se mostró reacio a enviarla y finalmente cubrió el costo.
Y Unite KC también tiene la intención de pagar una factura de tarjeta de crédito de $1,300 para Emily Tavis y Jacob Gooch Sr.
Hasta ahora, Unite KC ha distribuido $40,000, y espera conectarse con más de las familias heridas, con la esperanza de ser tan “generosos y rápidos como podamos”, dijo Kendall. United Way será como un “ráfaga” de alivio para las víctimas, agregó, pero su grupo apunta a algo diferente, más como una fogata que arda durante el próximo año.
“Estamos de acuerdo en que esto es algo horrible que sucedió. Es un triste estado de la humanidad pero es una parte real”, dijo. “Así que queremos recordarles que Dios no los ha olvidado. Y que aunque permitió esto, no los ha abandonado. Creemos que podemos ser como una extensión de su amor para estas personas”.
Image of French digital influencer Anne Kerdi, ambassador of Oceanopolis, a fund for the conservation and preservation of the oceans in Brittany. (Foto: EFE/Fanvue World Ai Creator) Awards
Finalists of the Miss IA contest have a few things in common – a beautiful face, nearly flawless skin and an attractive figure, sometimes even too slim, along with with advocacy of multiple social causes
Miss IA is the world’s first beauty pageant for virtual influencers developed using artificial intelligence.
The judges have selected the 10 finalists of the competition, whose winner is to be announced this week, on parameters such as their appearance and realism, the good use of artificial intelligence, and their influence on social networks.
More than 1,500 participants registered for the first edition of this contest that was launched in April by Fanvue, a content platform based on artificial intelligence, according to the organization.
One of the finalists is Turkey’s Seren Ay, who has more than 20,000 followers on Instagram, where her creators show her traveling in Istanbul, Paris and Taiwan, or at the controls of an aircraft.
“The standard of her content is incredibly high and we loved the originality and imagination behind each piece. Showcasing herself in interesting scenarios is really interesting and shows how AI creators can seamlessly place women in traditionally male dominated roles and arenas,” the jury said about Ay.
The involvement of AI in the contest goes to the extent that its panel of judges includes two of the most popular virtual influencers: Aitana Lopez and Emily Pellegrini, who have more than half a million followers on social networks.
Ay, however, was not developed specifically to compete in the pageant but was created in December 2023 to promote a jewelry brand.
“We wanted to work with an influencer to create visibility for our jewelry brand, Sirena Arte, but due to costs and various extravagant demands, we looked for other solutions. The idea of creating our own influencer emerged,” Furkan Sahin, in charge of the project, explained to EFE.
“While creating the character, we analyzed the type of content produced by popular female influencers in Turkey using artificial intelligence and created a character accordingly,” he added.
Meanwhile, in India, the digital marketing agency Digimozo created Zara Shatavari to advertise one of its nutrition products.
“We wanted a fresh face that could advocate a healthy lifestyle. AI played a crucial role in developing Zara’s look and personality. We used AI to create a relatable and engaging personality that aligns with our brand values. Additionally, AI helped us generate her physical appearance,” the company’s co-founder Rahul Chowdhry told EFE.
However, despite the endless possibilities that artificial intelligence provides, Shatavari’s immaculate complexion, slim figure and attractiveness seem to be governed by the same beauty standards as the other participants.
«Our goal was to create a Bollywood-style celebrity,» explained Choudhry, who admitted that her creation follows the patterns of conventional beauty and has received comments that Shatavari was «too thin».
It is a similar story with the rest of the finalists, who all project an image of perfection that is not in line with the supposed everyday life that they try to project in their personalities.
Shatavari focuses on social causes, gaining her points in the competition where the issue is prioritized by the jury in its assessments.
The Indian AI model claims to be a warrior in the fight against depression and passionate about fashion and travel. She combines this with her blog in which she publishes articles on topics such as hormonal imbalance, as well as stress and anxiety.
“Her role is to inspire and educate others on health and wellness, leveraging her celebrity appeal to make a positive impact,” said Choudhry, who produces these posts with the help of ChatGPT, another artificial intelligence tool.
Meanwhile, other contestants such as the Romanian Aiyana Rainbow stands as an advocate of the LGTBI movement, and the French Anne Kerdi is an ambassador for Oceanopolis, a fund for the conservation and preservation of the oceans.
How well these initiatives perform could decide the winner of Miss AI, who will receive a prize of $13,000 and PR support.
Wawa Welcome America will feature a lineup of tried-and-true programming that Philadelphians have come to know and love, combined with new events designed to showcase and celebrate the rich multicultural fabric of Philadelphia, all while activating iconic public spaces across our great city.
As Wawa Welcome America continues to grow and expand leading up to America’s 250th birthday in 2026, this year’s festival will feature a slate of world class talent designed to put Philadelphia and the festival on a global stage. In addition to Ne-Yo and Kesha, Wawa Welcome America will also feature performances by LeAnn Rimes, Tamela Mann, Kid ‘n Play, Kathy Sledge, Jennifer Holliday, Philadelphia Orchestra, The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and more!
July Fourth Concert and Fireworks
Philly’s largest free outdoor concert, the legendary July Fourth Concert + Fireworks will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, featuring performances by three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ne-Yo, and Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actress and activist Kesha.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on NBC10. Gates open at 4 p.m. All guests must enter at Logan Circle at 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the secure checkpoint, including magnetometers. Bags and beings are subject to search. Entry to the July 4th Concert & Fireworks is free and tickets are not required.
The July Fourth Concert will be followed by a large, public firework display over the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Wawa beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. (Time subject to change.) The official fireworks soundtrack was curated by DJ Ghost and will air on Q102FM. The complete fireworks spectacular will be televised live on NBC10 at 9:30 p.m. and simulcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia+. The fireworks will be live streamed on the NBC Philadelphia News channel on Peacock, Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto and Xumo Play as well as www.nbc10.com. The fireworks will be streamed in Spanish on Telemundo Noreste on Roku and Samsung TV Plus as well as www.telemundo62.com enabling viewers to watch on any device.
Weather & Heat-Related Precautions
Stay connected to important information from the City, like weather and event-related details. Text “AMERICA” to 888–777 to receive free Welcome America alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.
With potentially high temperatures, there is a risk of heat-related health issues. Many heat stress or heat exhaustion issues can be avoided by taking simple precautions.
Attendees should follow all proper precautions to protect themselves and their families against the heat. All festival-goers should stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, and avoiding alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and excessive layers of clothing.
Consider the Three L’s Rule: light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting. Wear garments made of natural fibers like cotton.
For the safety of event attendees and participants, unauthorized sUAS/drone usage is prohibited over crowds by the FAA. If you see a drone at an event, please report it to the nearest police officer with a location and description of the operator.
Attendees should never leave bags or other items unattended. In the event of an emergency or to report a suspicious person, activity, or item (backpack, package, container, etc.), notify a police officer immediately or call 9-1-1. Do not try to open, move, cover or touch a suspicious item.
For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.
Road Closures
In the event of weather or incident-related postponements or cancellations, the road closures are subject to change and this list will be updated accordingly. Below are the street closures for upcoming 2024 Wawa Welcome America events. For the full list of Wawa Welcome America events, including FREE museum days, visit the official 2024 Wawa Welcome America Brochure, also available in Spanish, French, and Chinese.
Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day, honoring local heroes, and building and serving 25,000 Wawa Shorti Hoagies. Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon along Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets in the Independence Mall area.
5th and 6th Streets between Chestnut and Arch Street from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Arch Street between 5th Street and 6th Street from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Avenue of the Arts comes to life with entertainment, art, food and more! Enjoy high-powered entertainment on the PNC Arts Alive Stage and the PA Lottery Groove Stage from local and world-renowned artists, including Carla Gamble, Javon Newman, Omar Wilson, Verbosity, WeRRedemption, Will Elsworth, winners from the I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College and Vanguard, and more!
South Broad Street between Walnut Street and South Street, with access to Symphony House from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Spruce Street between Watts Street and Broad Street from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Locust Street between 15th Street and Broad Street from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Join us for a moving and soul-stirring performance by the Welcome America Mass Choir under the direction of Austin Woodlin and Zak Williams. This year’s performance, hosted by WDAS Patty Jackson, pays tribute to 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lane Closure – North Traffic LANE on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets
Pedestrian Sidewalk closed on North side of Market Street
The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus presents “America the Beautiful,” a celebration of all there is to love about our nation. Take in unparalleled natural landscapes and meet the warm and welcoming people on a musical and visual journey across our country.
Market Street between 5th Street and 6th Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Lane Closure – North Traffic LANE on Market between 5th and 6th Streets from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Pedestrian Sidewalk closed on North side of Market Street
In preparation for the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, the following road closure will be in effect:
6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street from 8 a.m. to noon
With Independence Hall as the backdrop, celebrate July 4th and observe the evolving history of America’s freedom, with remarks by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and a variety of notable guest speakers. Join us for the presentation of the inaugural Mayor’s One Philly Award, the Wawa Foundation Hero Award and The Celebrate Freedom Award presented by Freedom Mortgage.
6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage placement on 07/03 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
6th Street between Chestnut Street and Walnut Street for stage removal on 07/04 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Dress in your red, white and blue and wave a flag as the Salute to Independence Parade celebrates the 248th birthday of the United States in grand style and pageantry.
The following streets will be closed for the formation area of the parade:
2nd Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chestnut/Market Street Viaduct between Chestnut and Front Streets to 2nd and Market Streets from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Market Street between 3rd Street to Front Street from 6 a.m.to 1 p.m.
Front Street between Dock Street to Market Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chestnut Street between 2nd Street and Front Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The following streets will be closed from 10:30 a.m. until conclusion of parade:
3rd Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
4th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
5th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
6th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
7th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
8th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
9th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
10th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
11th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
12th Street between Arch Street and Chestnut Street
JFK Blvd. between Market Street and 15th Street
N. Broad Street between JFK Blvd. and Vine Street
S. Penn Square from S. Broad Street to E. Market Street
The festival culminates with a star-studded concert on the Parkway, featuring performances by three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B hitmaker, iconic songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Ne-Yo, and Grammy-nominated and award-winning musician, actress and activist Kesha.
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 2 a.m. on Friday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:
1900 Race Street
1800-1900 Vine Street
I-676 Off-Ramp at 22nd Street
I-676 On-Ramp at 22nd Street
I-76 eastbound Off-Ramp at Spring Garden Street
Spring Garden Tunnel
Park Towne Place between 22nd Street and 24th Street
20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
19th Street between Callowhill Street and Cherry Street
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 4 a.m. on Friday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:
Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to Eakins Oval (all lanes)
Eakins Oval (all lanes)
Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (Kelly Drive inbound closed at Fountain Green Drive beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m.)
Rear of Art Museum – Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive
2000-2100 Winter Street
MLK Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval
Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
All closures listed below are in effect from approximately 5 a.m. on Thursday, July 4 to 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5 unless otherwise noted:
22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
The following roads will be closed on Thursday, July 4 beginning at approximately 1 p.m. until approximately 1 p.m. on Friday, July 5:
All roads from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street, 18th Street to 22nd Street (local access maintained for residents)
All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue, 22nd Street to Corinthian Street (local access maintained for residents)
16th and 17th Streets, between Arch Street and Spring Garden Street will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety
1600-1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed only if conditions warrant in the interest of public safety
Due to public safety interests relating to the fireworks show, all roads listed below will be closed from 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 to approximately 1 a.m. on Friday, July 5, unless noted otherwise:
Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue to Fountain Green Drive
Lemon Hill Drive
Sedgley Drive
Waterworks Drive
Poplar Drive
Note: Parkway closures may begin earlier in the evening, depending on crowd size.
Parking Restrictions
The above-listed streets will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones. Motorists must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
Public Transportation
Philadelphia’s mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.
Check SEPTA’s website, septa.org, for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules on July 4, visit njtransit.com.
Fieles esperan el inicio de la misa de Pascua en la Iglesia del Espíritu Santo en Múnich, Alemania, el domingo 4 de abril de 2021. (Foto: AP/Matthias Schrader/Archivo)
Otras 400.000 personas abandonaron formalmente la Iglesia católica en Alemania el año pasado, aunque la cifra fue inferior al récord establecido en 2022, en un momento en que los líderes de la Iglesia luchan por dejar atrás un escándalo sobre abusos sexuales y abordar llamados a reformas, mostraron cifras oficiales el jueves.
La Conferencia Episcopal Alemana indicó que 402.694 personas abandonaron la Iglesia en 2023. Esta cifra es inferior a las 522.821 del año anterior, pero sigue siendo la segunda cifra más alta hasta el momento. Al mismo tiempo, 1.559 personas se unieron a la Iglesia y otras 4.127 se reincorporaron.
En Alemania, las personas que son formalmente miembros de una Iglesia pagan el llamado impuesto eclesiástico que ayuda a financiarla, además de los impuestos regulares que paga el resto de la población. Si registran su salida ante las autoridades locales, ya no tendrán que pagar eso. Existen algunas exenciones para personas con bajos ingresos, desempleados, jubilados, estudiantes y otros.
La Iglesia católica del país tenía alrededor de 20,35 millones de miembros a finales del año pasado. En un resumen anual de estadísticas, la conferencia episcopal no detalló los motivos de las salidas.
Pero muchas personas le han dado la espalda a la Iglesia en los últimos años en medio de las consecuencias del escándalo sobre los abusos sexuales cometidos por el clero y otros. En respuesta a esa crisis, los obispos alemanes y una influyente organización laica encabezaron un proceso de reforma de tres años, el “Camino sinodal”, que estuvo marcado por tensiones entre liberalizadores y conservadores y enfrentó una abierta oposición del Vaticano. Su asamblea final el año pasado pidió a la Iglesia que aprobara las bendiciones de las uniones entre personas del mismo sexo.
General view of the wall of the colonial quarter of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, 02 April 2024. (Foto: EFE/Thais Llorca/File)
While the mainstream debate on Puerto Rico’s political status oscillates between annexation to the United States and independence, there is a small minority that wants the Caribbean island to return to Spanish rule, championed by the organization Adelante Reunificacionistas (Forward Reunificationists).
The organization, created in 2017 and made up of only 36 people, participated in the debate of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization for the first time last week, an opportunity it has been seeking for some time.
«We believe that Puerto Rico’s case before Spain is a decolonizing alternative to the colonial situation of Puerto Rico,» which is currently an unincorporated United States territory, José Alfredo Lara, president of the organization, told EFE.
«In Puerto Rico, there are a lot of people who follow and tune in to the reunification, but they are not in the streets and they do not present themselves as such because they are afraid of repression and of losing their jobs,» said the president of the movement.
Although this option is not being considered at the political and popular level, according to Adelante Reunificacionistas, in a survey conducted by the organization in 2022, 16% of those questioned supported the option of rejoining Spain.
Lara recalled that Puerto Rico was » Spain’s first autonomous community» before the current 17 were created, and that in October 1897 the island had deputies and senators in the Spanish Court.
In the same vein, another of the movement’s leaders, Anette Falcón, who spoke before the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, expressed the desire to «regain representation in the Spanish Congress of Deputies».
«We want to return to Spain because it is a democratic and modern country committed to our Western civilization. And long live Spain, motherland, and long live Spanish Puerto Rico. Olé!» said Falcón.
«We are calling for a conversation between Spain and the US to resolve more than 126 years of unnecessary colonialism in Puerto Rico, a product of the Spanish-American War,» Lara explained.
The 1898 Treaty of Paris ended the war in which Spain lost Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Philippines and Guam.
A population divided over its political future
According to Lara, the alternative of returning to Spain should be taken into account, and the debate should not be based solely on maintaining the current status, becoming a US state, becoming fully independent, or becoming a freely associated state.
There is currently a bill before Congress in Washington calling for a binding referendum on the island in which Puerto Ricans can choose between statehood (annexation to the US), independence, or “sovereignty in free association with the United States.”
It remains to be seen whether Washington will ever approve a binding plebiscite.
In Puerto Rico, the governing New Progressive Party (Partido Nuevo Progresista, NPP) has made statehood its slogan, while the opposition Popular Democratic Party (Partido Popular Democrático, PDP) and the Puerto Rican Independence Party (Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño, PIP) advocate maintaining the current status and independence, respectively.
Puerto Ricans are US citizens, abide by the Constitution, and are subject to federal law, and the island’s borders, defense, and foreign relations are the responsibility of the US government.
Despite this, Puerto Ricans do not have the right to vote for the president of that country, so Adelante Reunificacionistas demands the right to vote for the president of Spain.
The United Nations has been studying the political status of Puerto Rico since 1953 and in 1978 determined that a «colonial relationship» existed between the US and Puerto Rico.
Montage of two photos provided by the Houston Police Department showing Johan José Martínez (l.), 22, and Franklin José Peña, 26, the two men accused of killing a girl in Houston, Texas, US. June 24, 2024. (Photo: EFE/Policía Houston)
The Organization of Politically Persecuted Venezuelans in Exile (Veppex in Spanish), based in Miami, on Wednesday, expressed its deep disapproval of the rape and murder of a minor in Texas by two Venezuelan migrants and asked the Prosecutor General’s Office to request the death penalty.
The body of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was found in a creek in northern Houston last week with signs of violence.
The alleged perpetrators of the crime, Franklin José Peña, aged 26, and Johan José Martínez, aged 22, were arrested a few days after Houston police released several images of the two men talking to the minor.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed to the media that Peña and Martínez were recently detained at the border by immigration authorities and released with electronic tagging and an order to appear before an immigration court.
A Texas judge imposed a 10 million dollar bail on both due to a high risk of flight. Nungaray’s tragic death has fueled the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Republicans and the campaign of former President Donald Trump (2017-2021).
At a rally this weekend, Trump mentioned the murder of Jocelyn Nungaray, for which the two recently arrived Venezuelans were arrested, and also referred to four other investigations linked to immigrants.
Biden expressed against the criminalization of immigrants on Tuesday and accused Trump of exploiting these tragedies to dehumanize them.
Veppex stated in its release that the Venezuelan community in the US is deeply affected by «the crimes committed by immigrants of our nationality.»
The organization urged the Prosecutor’s Office leading the investigations in this case to «request the death penalty for these two criminals from Venezuela,» to guarantee there is justice.
United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero. (Photo: File)
PHILADELPHIA. – United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Tammy Simpson, 51, of Pocono Lake, PA, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone to 41 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and filing false tax returns, charges stemming from the defendant’s employment with Metal Traders, Inc., d/b/a Triad Metals International (“Triad”), where she worked as the Assistant Controller for fourteen years.
Simpson was also ordered to pay $3,199,192.68 in restitution and $708,643 to the Internal Revenue Service.
In June of 2022, Simpson was charged by indictment with eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of making and subscribing a false tax return. In June 2023, Simpson pleaded guilty to all charges against her.
Between 2012 and when she was terminated in October 2019, Simpson used her position at Triad to steal company money and use it to pay personal expenses charged to her credit cards and to make payments on personal loans. She did so by paying her personal credit card bills and loan payments with electronic transfers from the company’s business checking account. The defendant also kept credit cards from employees who had left the company and used them to charge personal expenses, including airfare and other entertainment expenses for her family and friends, and to pay her personal tax liabilities and those of other individuals for whom she prepared tax returns. None of these payments or transfers were for legitimate business expenses of her employer. Further, Simpson failed to report the money stolen from the company as income on her tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2018.
“Tammy Simpson was a valued employee, entrusted with significant financial responsibilities,” U.S. Attorney Romero said. “For years, she abused that trust and her access to the business’s accounts, stealing more than $3 million of Triad’s money so she could continue to live beyond her own means. This sentence holds her accountable for her crimes and sends a message loud and clear that this is not the way to go about boosting your bank account.”
“From paying personal credit cards to purchasing airfare and entertainment, Tammy Simpson stole company money to fund her lifestyle,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI alongside our partners at the IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue criminals who orchestrate their schemes out of greed.”
“Anyone contemplating cheating on their taxes should know that our largest enforcement program is directed at the portion of American taxpayers who willfully and intentionally violate their known legal duty of filing and paying their taxes,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Denise Leuenberger. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to continue aggressively investigating individuals who engage in money laundering, tax fraud, or other types of white-collar crimes.”
This image provided by The Episcopal Church shows Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania Bishop Sean Rowe in his official 2024 church photo. (Photo: AP/The Episcopal Church)
Sean Rowe, a 49-year-old bishop from western Pennsylvania, on Wednesday became the youngest person ever elected as leader of the Episcopal Church.
He immediately issued a sobering call for the church, which has faced division and chronic membership loss, to confront an “existential crisis” that he compared with the steel industry collapse in his native Rust Belt.
Rowe, who leads two small dioceses along Lake Erie, will succeed Bishop Michael Curry, the first African American to hold the position, when Curry’s nine-year term ends on Nov. 1. The presiding bishop serves as the denomination’s chief pastor, president and CEO.
Rowe was elected on the first ballot in the House of Bishops, which convened behind closed doors Wednesday in the Episcopal cathedral in Louisville. Rowe received 89 votes, the required majority, with other votes widely dispersed among the other four candidates.
The House of Deputies, consisting of clergy and lay people, confirmed his election with 95% of the vote, followed by strong applause.
The only presiding bishop to take the post at a younger age than Rowe was the first one, William White, who was 41 when he served briefly in 1789 when there was no leadership election.
Rowe was 32 in May 2007, when he was elected bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania, based in Erie. For almost 12 years, he was the youngest bishop in the Episcopal Church.
In 2019, he also began overseeing the Diocese of Western New York, based in Buffalo. The adjacent dioceses, with less than 10,000 members between them, have been collaborating on ministries in recent years.
He said that sort of collaboration is just one example of how the church needs to adapt to new realities.
“It’s not too strong to say that we’re facing an existential crisis,” Rowe told the House of Deputies after his election. “It’s not because our church is dying, or because we’ve lost the belief in the salvation of God in Jesus Christ, but because the world around us has changed and continues to change. It changes all the time. And God is calling us ever more deeply into the unknown.”
Bishop Michael Curry speaks outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Sept. 22, 2021. The Episcopal Church, at its General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, is scheduled to elect a new leader Wednesday, June 26, 2024 to replace Curry, who for the past nine years has served as the first African American presiding bishop of the 239-year-old denomination. (Photo: AP/Susan Walsh/File)
The Episcopal Church is an offshoot of the Church of England in the United States and has been the spiritual home of many of the American founding fathers and U.S. presidents.
But as with other mainline Protestant denominations, membership in the Episcopal Church has been declining for decades. After peaking at 3.4 million in 1959, it had fallen to 1.9 million when Curry was elected leader in 2015 and dipped to under 1.6 million in 2022. Average Sunday church attendance for Episcopalians nationwide was 614,241 in 2015; by 2022 it had dropped to 372,952.
Rowe compared the church’s challenges to the collapse of the steel industry, which had employed his grandparents, when he was growing up in Pennsylvania.
“I’ve been around to see things that I love go away,” he said. “I watched everything that I had known evaporate.”
He cited tensions within the denomination, without giving specifics, and called on members to be more gracious and forgiving toward each other. He called on them to turn their “anger at injustice instead of turning it inward on each other.»
Still, he offered reassurance by quoting the late Catholic monk and author Thomas Merton — a favorite son of the convention’s host state of Kentucky — about proceeding in faith despite uncertainty.
“You do not need to know precisely what is happening» to embrace challenges «with courage, faith, and hope,” he said.
On a practical level, Rowe called for the church to avoid top-heavy structures and steer more of its funds and resources toward local and diocesan ministries.
Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Rowe graduated from nearby Grove City College in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in history.
He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2000, before returning to western Pennsylvania.
The bishop is known for his research and work on organizational learning and adaptive performance in the church. He earned a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership at Gannon University in Erie in 2014.
After the election, Curry praised his successor in a news conference. He credited Rowe with both “a vision and a sense of the mechanics that will help us get there.”
Curry, in opening remarks to the General Convention on Sunday, urged delegates to remain optimistic.
“This Episcopal Church is stronger, more durable and has a future that God has decreed and that God has figured out,” he said. “Don’t you worry about this church. Don’t you weep and don’t you moan. Just roll up your sleeves and let’s get to work. That’s our future.”
Throughout his ministry, Curry has been an outspoken leader on a range of challenging issues, including racial reconciliation, climate change, immigration policy, and LGBTQ+ equality. Among his favored causes: establishing ecumenical summer day camps for children, creating networks of day care providers, and encouraging large investments in urban neighborhoods.
In 2018, he became a global star with a stirring sermon at the widely televised royal wedding of Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Curry, 71, has battled a variety of health problems since May 2023, when he was hospitalized for treatment of internal bleeding and an irregular heartbeat. In March, doctors successfully surgically inserted a pacemaker as part of ongoing treatment.
This Jan. 14, 2013 file photo shows Bam Margera at the LA premiere of "The Last Stand" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The former “Jackass” star will spend six months on probation after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct Wednesday, June 26, 2024, over an altercation with his brother at his home near Philadelphia last year. (Photo: AP/Todd Williamson/Invision/File)
WEST CHESTER, Pa. Former “Jackass” star Bam Margera will spend six months on probation after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct Wednesday over an altercation at his home near Philadelphia.
Margera, 44, had been charged with assaulting his brother and making threats to other family members during what the brother called a “frightening and unpredictable” two-week visit home last year.
The plea ends a long legal case that spun out of his stay at the Chester County home known as Castle Bam. At a hearing last year, Margera told the judge he was getting drug and alcohol treatment.
Jess Margera, at the same court hearing, called his brother “a good dude when he’s not messed up” but said he had exhibited troubling behavior for two decades and, while home, had been awake for days. Jess Margera suffered a ruptured eardrum in the altercation, while Margera’s girlfriend called police when he kicked in her bedroom door, the brother testified.
Defense lawyer William J. Brennan said Margera pleaded guilty to two summary offenses, and is now clean, sober and productive a year after the arrest.
“You can really say he won his case before today just by turning his life around,” Brennan said Wednesday.
