A lion’s heart

Tacony Charter first-year head coach Sean Riley has inspired his team with his motivational tactics. BILL ACHUFF / FOR THE TIMES

Neighbors complain about fumes; company continues operating

Complaining of chronic dirt clouds and fumes outside their homes, neighbors asked the operators of a Torresdale Avenue landscaping materials yard for some relief last Thursday during the monthly meeting of the Upper Holmesburg…

One injured in two shootings at Mayfair bar

One man was wounded by gunfire at a Cottman Avenue bar early Sunday. Another man surrendered later to detectives, and a third man was placed under arrest after allegedly driving to the shooting scene and exiting his vehicle with a gun in his hand.

Gun found at Samuel Fels High School

No shots fired: Police inform parents waiting outside Samuel Fels High School that the lockdown…

Four guilty in gambling extortion ring

A federal jury on Dec. 15 found four area men guilty of racketeering for their roles in a gambling and loan-sharking ring that operated in several Mayfair businesses.

Senior man still missing

Missing: Vito Maglio was last seen in Bustleton on Dec. 14.

Relatives and police are still searching for a senior man from Bustleton who disappeared more than a week ago after leaving a neighborhood restaurant.

Suspects sought for stealing FedEx box

Surveillance photo

Dr. Seuss had only one Grinch that stole Christmas but Northeast Philadelphia has at least two of them, according to Philadelphia police.

Woman critically injured after being run over by her own car

A 46-year-old woman was critically injured when she was run over by her own car late Friday afternoon outside the Klein JCC on Jamison Avenue near Red Lion Road, police said.

Pair arrested in botched Target break-in

Philadelphia police caught two suspected burglars lying down on the job after they allegedly broke into a Somerton department store on Dec. 17 and tripped off a silent alarm.

7th PDAC honors officers

Two officers from the 7th Police District have won the district’s Officer of the Month award for the second month in a row. Officers John Conway and Barbara Tiano received their awards during the monthly meeting of the 7th Police District Advisory Council on Dec. 18.

Lawncrest Action Center now open

Open for business: A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Lawncrest Community Action Center on Dec. 17…

GOP condemns Democratic corruption

The Republican City Committee believes that the indictments last week of two Democratic state representatives on corruption charges shows “the continued arrogance of incumbency in the Cradle of Liberty.”

Local program guides business leaders

Head of the class: Students recently graduated from a Leadership Development Program…

Gunman robs NE cell phone stores

Surveillance photo

The same gunman robbed three Northeast Philadelphia cell phone stores earlier this month, police say.

Police have released surveillance video and photos from the heists, which all involved Metro PCS…

Height of the season

Congregations of Shaare Shamayim assembled for the ceremonial lighting of the “World’s Largest Balloon Menorah” as part of…

Sounds of the Season

On stage: All six cantatas of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio will be performed on New Year’s Eve at Philadelphia Episcopal…

All lives matter

Uniformed officers escort peaceful anti-police brutality demonstrators during a march near City Hall on Sunday night.

Festival of lights

Klein JCC held a ceremony in honor of the first day of Hanukkah on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Reunions: December 24, 2014

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Nativity BVM

(Port Richmond)

• Class of ’82. Searching for former classmates interested in a reunion. Jackie, 215–332–2997.

Relive ‘Beatlemania’ at Sellersville Theater

Showtime: Beatlemania Now! will take stage at the Sellersville Theater on…

Calendar of Events: December 24, 2014

Thursday, December 25

EVENTS

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Friday, December 26

EVENTS

Officials cut ribbon on new trail

New be­gin­nings: May­or Mi­chael Nut­ter helps cut the rib­bon at the Poquess­ing Trail on Dec. 10…

Pets of the Week: December 24, 2014

Madison and Margie

Letters to the Editor: December 24, 2014

No mercy for pension

I got an early Christmas present from Mayor Michael Nutter this year. My city-retiree health care coverage will cost me over $17,000 for 2015, and that’s for one person. I asked for a cheaper plan and was told it…

New bill will prohibit large accessory structures

A City Council bill passed Dec. 11 will prohibit superlarge sheds and other “accessory structures,” Councilman Brian O’Neill told Greater Bustleton Civic League members last week.

Ryan’s Chabot, Brockington banking on better season in ‘14-’15

2nd PDAC spreads holiday cheer

Kids received face paintings and gifts, including board games.

City Council approves plan to turn around city blight

Look around Philly. There are thousands of abandoned buildings and vacant lots.

On Dec. 11, City Council passed legislation aimed at putting those properties into the hands of families and businesses so they’ll…

Most holiday trash can be recycled

Picture an ideal Christmas Eve scene. The tree is trimmed, and wrapped gifts are stacked beneath it. Holiday tunes are playing. Soda and beer cans are popped open. Wine is chilled.

Sports Hall of Fame now accepting nominations

The deadline is Jan. 9 to nominate someone for the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.

“The Philadelphia fans are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate in the country, and we are excited to have their input to this…