Fire department: 911 calls should be emergencies

In 2015, the Philadelphia Fire Department’s emergency medical service responded to about 270,000 911 calls. That volume represented an increase of almost 25,000 from the prior year and more than 55,000 from 2007.

Wissinoming to launch town watch

Community activists in Wissinoming will soon have another outlet for their public service. Two years after the Wissinoming Civic Association resumed its monthly meetings, neighbors are now forming the Wissinoming Town Watch in an effort to suppress local crime.

2014 Pathmark attacker convicted

In a criminal career that’s spanned 18 years and at least 15 prior arrests, Dondi DeCosta had been on relatively good behavior leading up to Oct. 12, 2014.

But on that day, something seemingly snapped as DeCosta pulled a knife on a couple outside…

O’Neill hands out grants to volunteer organizations

City Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist.) presented Philadelphia Activities Fund grants to the following volunteer organizations in the 10th Councilmanic District:

Man faces homicide charges after Boulevard crash

Schinella

Mayfair residents hung up on pawn shop sign

A Mayfair pawn shop was on the receiving end of king-size criticism as members of the Mayfair Civic Association considered three zoning appeals during a June 20 community meeting.

Wave that flag

MARIA YOUNG / TIMES PHOTO

About a year ago, Philadelphia’s City Council challenged its constituents to…

Water Department plans construction work in Holmesburg

Hailey Stern, of the public affairs division of the Philadelphia Water Department, told members of the Holmesburg Civic Association that the utility is planning a construction project in the street and on the sidewalk.

SEPTA moves to keyless fares

SEPTA began its transition to a contactless card-based fare system on June 13 when it launched the SEPTA Key Early Adopter pilot program.

It took just over two weeks for the transportation agency to sell out of 10,000 contactless cards, which will take…

Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame names 13th class

Picture this: Filmmaker, 14, receives accolades for her work

Calendar of Events: July 6, 2016

Thursday, July 7

EVENTS

Acme Sav-on Pharmacy KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. 10 a.m. Wellness information, programming, inoculations, health screenings. Free. 215–698–7300.

Pets of the Week: July 6, 2016

Tilly

Sonic booms with personality

Man admits bilking Medicare out of $66,000

Bassem Kuran started a private ambulance company in the Northeast in 2011 after federal authorities locked up his mom for using her own local ambulance company to bilk millions of dollars from Medicare.

Around Town: July 6, 2016

Thrift shop offering weekend discounts

The Medical Mission Sisters Thrift Shop, 8400 Pine Road, is hosting a sale every Friday and Saturday throughout July. All clothing is $1.

Calendar of Events: July 6, 2016

Thursday, July 7

EVENTS

Acme Sav-on Pharmacy KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. 10 a.m. Wellness information, programming, inoculations, health screenings. Free. 215–698–7300.

Letters to the Editor: July 6, 2016

Schools need our help

Doctor convicted for illegal prescriptions

Dr. William J. O’Brien III, a former Bustleton-based family physician, has been convicted of illegally dispensing more than a half-million prescription pills in collaboration with the Pagans Motorcycle Club, a conspiracy that netted the doctor about $2…