Tragedy Strikes as Body of Young Girl Found in Delaware River After Flash Flood

Authorities have recovered the body of a young girl from the Delaware River, suspected to be that of 2-year-old Matilda Sheils, who was one of two children swept away from their family's vehicle during a flash flood last weekend.

The grim discovery occurred near a Philadelphia wastewater treatment plant, approximately 30 miles away from the spot where Matilda was carried away. Although the body matches Matilda's physical description, the Philadelphia coroner will perform an autopsy on Saturday for confirmation.

The search continues for Matilda's 9-month-old brother, Conrad, who remains missing.

The Sheils family, hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, had been visiting relatives and friends when they were unexpectedly hit by a devastating "wall of water," as reported by Upper Makefield Fire Chief Tim Brewer.

Regrettably, their mother, 32-year-old Katie Seley, also lost her life in the flood.

During the tragic incident, the children's father, Jim Sheils, managed to rescue their 4-year-old son. Simultaneously, Seley and a grandmother attempted to save the other children, resulting in Seley and the grandmother being swept away. While the grandmother survived, the fate of Matilda and Conrad remained uncertain until the recent discovery.

The disaster claimed the lives of four other individuals in the area, according to the Bucks County Coroner's office, namely Enzo Depiero (78) and Linda Depiero (74) of Newtown, Yuko Love (64) of Newtown, and Susan Barnhart (53) of Titusville, New Jersey.

The devastating loss and the ongoing search for the missing children have prompted an outpouring of support, particularly on social media, from the community in the suburb, located approximately 35 miles north of Philadelphia.

Fatal Flash Flooding in Bucks County Highlights the Urgent Need for Preparedness and Caution

The recent fatalities following a heavy rainstorm in Bucks County last weekend have brought to light the grave dangers of flash flooding.

Water can be extremely unpredictable, even for experienced first responders. In light of this, everyone should prioritize safety and exercise caution during such events.

To prepare for potential flooding, it is crucial to stay informed about weather conditions and pay close attention to alerts issued by reliable agencies like the National Weather Service or your local municipality. Familiarize yourself with the difference between a flood watch, which means flooding is possible, and a flood warning, which indicates that flooding is already occurring or imminent.

For residents in Pennsylvania, signing up for emergency alerts through Ready PA is a wise precaution, while Philadelphia residents can do the same through ReadyPhiladelphia. Additionally, ensure that severe weather alerts are activated on your phone to receive timely notifications. FEMA Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney also suggests resetting your weather app to the location you are visiting and downloading a local news app for the area to stay updated with accurate information.

To identify high-risk areas susceptible to flash flooding, heed the guidance of the National Weather Service, which highlights urban regions, low-lying areas, mountainous streams or rivers, and locations close to storm drains or culverts as being most prone to this type of flooding.

If you encounter a flooded area, it is imperative to refrain from walking or driving into floodwaters. Trust your instincts and avoid attempting to traverse submerged roadways. According to FEMA, just six inches of moving water can easily knock a person off their feet, while a mere foot of water can sweep away even large vehicles.

Remember, flash floods can materialize rapidly, sometimes within a matter of minutes after heavy rainfall. Staying vigilant, informed, and prepared can significantly reduce the risks associated with flash flooding, protecting both yourself and others in your community. Always prioritize safety first and heed the warnings of local authorities and emergency services during such hazardous weather events.

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Former 'Jackass' Star Bam Margera Faces Criminal Charges in Hometown: Preliminary Hearing Looms

Former 'Jackass' reality television star Brandon 'Bam' Margera is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on assault charges related to a domestic incident at his home.

The incident involved physical confrontation and threats towards family members. Margera's tumultuous life, including recent psychiatric concerns and substance abuse struggles, has been making headlines.

The hearing is a significant step in the legal process, with strict restrictions on Margera's interactions with the victims and court-ordered evaluations and treatment.

The former skateboarder's hometown is bracing for his anticipated court appearance.

Ex-Owen J. Roberts Teacher Granted Bail During Appeal to PA Supreme Court

Former Owen J. Roberts High School teacher Stephen Eric Raught, convicted of inappropriate contact with a student, has been granted permission to remain free while awaiting a further appeal of his conviction.

Despite the prosecution's objections, Common Pleas Judge Analisa Sondergaard used her discretion to allow Raught to stay on bail. Raught was initially set to serve a sentence of six to 23 months in county prison, along with probation, after the state Superior Court upheld his conviction for endangering the welfare of children.

Raught filed a notice of appeal with the state Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the lower appellate court's decision. The judge's decision allows him to remain on bail while the high court considers whether to hear the case. However, the prosecution argues that there are limited issues Raught can argue in the appeal, mainly focusing on whether the conviction was against the weight of the evidence.

The case involved allegations by the student, that Raught had engaged in inappropriate behavior with her. Raught has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

The school district faced criticism for its handling of the case, as Raught had been the subject of earlier complaints about inappropriate behavior. Former students wrote letters expressing concern about the district's lack of action, leaving them vulnerable to potential harm. An investigation by former Philadelphia District Attorney Kelley B. Hodge revealed that policies governing responses to allegations of inappropriate behavior were not properly followed in prior complaints about Raught.

In May, the district settled claims related to Louis's case, agreeing that they failed to protect her from Raught's misconduct and inadequately investigated previous complaints. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Spotify Set to Increase Subscription Price in the US Next Week

Spotify's Subscription Cost Set to Rise: Price Increase Scheduled for Next Week

Spotify, known for its resistance to raising its monthly subscription price, is reportedly gearing up to implement a price increase in the US. According to the Wall Street Journal, the popular subscription music service plans to introduce the price hike as early as next week.

The proposed change entails raising the standard subscription rate by $1, bringing the monthly cost from $9.99 to $10.99. However, it is important to note that this pricing adjustment will only affect the ad-free premium tier. On a global scale, other markets are also expected to witness price increases in the upcoming months, as mentioned in the report.

This move comes nearly a year after Apple Music took a similar step, increasing its subscription price from $9.99 to $10.99. Consequently, Amazon Music and other music streaming services followed suit earlier this year.

Although Spotify has yet to officially announce the price change, Apple has attributed its own increase to rising licensing costs. By adjusting the pricing, artists and songwriters are expected to benefit from higher earnings for the streaming of their music. Furthermore, Apple Music claims to continuously enhance the listening experience by incorporating innovative features, positioning itself as the world's leading music service.

In addition to the price increase, Spotify recently decided to remove its legacy subscribers from App Store payments, compelling them to make direct payments to Spotify instead. By doing so, Spotify avoids paying Apple's cut, ensuring the platform receives the entire revenue stream.

While these moves may prompt some user concerns, it appears that both Spotify and Apple Music are striving to strike a balance between maintaining affordability and providing a robust and sustainable platform for artists and users alike.

Upcoming Local Events

• Family Friendly Illusionist Show w/ Tom Coverly July 22nd, 3:30 PM

• Stephanie Grace Band / Free Outdoor Show at Rivet! July 22nd, 6-10 PM

• Sean Donnelly and Friends headline at SoulJoel’s inside SunnyBrook - July 22nd, 7:00 PM

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PHILLIES

Bryce Harper Shines in First Career Start at First Base, but Philadelphia Phillies Fall to Cleveland Guardians

In a memorable performance, Bryce Harper made an impact in his debut as a first baseman, relishing the feeling of the soft infield dirt under his cleats. However, the Philadelphia Phillies couldn't extend their interleague winning streak as they were edged 6-5 by the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night.

Harper, a two-time MVP renowned for his outfield prowess, transitioned to first base ahead of the trade deadline to explore his versatility. He wasted no time showcasing his ability, stunning the crowd with a remarkable catch in foul territory during the third inning. Diving into an empty photographer's pit after securing Amed Rosario's foul pop, Harper's agile move left fans gasping and his manager, Rob Thomsen, momentarily holding his breath.

"He looked pretty comfortable," Thomsen commented on Harper's performance. "He didn't look out of place."

José Ramírez's four hits and David Fry's two-run contribution propelled the Guardians to victory, as they improved their record to an impressive 28-7 when scoring at least five runs.

Not to be outdone, the Phillies had their moments, with J.T. Realmuto delivering a two-run homer and Bryson Stott adding a solo shot. However, the team struggled to capitalize on early scoring chances and suffered only their fourth loss in the last 19 road games.

Despite the defeat, the Phillies came close to tying the record of 13 consecutive interleague wins, a feat shared by some baseball giants like the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay, Miami, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Harper, who surprised everyone with his swift recovery from Tommy John surgery last year, had been diligently preparing for his new position as a first baseman under the guidance of infield coach Bobby Dickerson. His readiness was put to the test right away, as he fielded a bouncer from Cleveland's Steven Kwan cleanly and assisted in securing the out.

"It was good to be back out there," Harper expressed after the game. "I missed playing in the field. It’s been a year and a half, so it was nice to be in the flow of the game. I felt good and felt prepared. It was good."

In the seventh inning, Harper's lead-off walk set the stage for Realmuto's impressive 413-foot homer. The excitement continued as Stott followed three pitches later with his towering ninth home run, narrowing the score to 6-5.

Despite the late rally, the Guardians managed to hold on to their lead, with Trevor Stephan and closer Emmanuel Clase delivering exceptional performances.

The game was filled with thrilling moments, showcasing the resilience and talent of both teams. While Harper's outstanding debut as a first baseman was a highlight, the Guardians ultimately emerged victorious, ending the Phillies' hopes of extending their remarkable interleague winning streak.

Phils take on the Guardians in Game 2 Tonight at 7:10 PM

USWNT

U.S. Women's Soccer Team Kicks Off 2023 FIFA World Cup with a Convincing 3-0 Victory against Vietnam

The U.S. women's national soccer team opened their 2023 FIFA World Cup campaign with a resounding 3-0 win over Vietnam. Sophie Smith, making her Women's World Cup debut, stole the spotlight with an impressive brace in the first half, setting the tone for a dominant performance at Eden Park on Saturday.

As the top-ranked team, the United States showcased their trust in the younger generation, and it paid off with a standout display from the 22-year-old forward. Smith not only netted two crucial goals but also played a key role in co-captain Lindsey Horan's goal in the second half.

Vietnam, making their World Cup debut, found it challenging to breach the U.S. defense and struggled to create significant scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh, however, made an exceptional save diving to her right, denying Alex Morgan's first-half penalty among other chances that the U.S. missed.

Smith made her mark in the 14th minute with a well-timed flick from Morgan, opening the scoring for the U.S. She continued her exceptional form, finding the net again from close range during stoppage time at the end of the first half. Although initially ruled offside, the goal was confirmed after a VAR review.

In the second half, co-captain Lindsey Horan redeemed herself for an earlier miss, capitalizing on Smith's excellent play to secure the third goal in the 77th minute.

The crowd of 41,107, predominantly American supporters, erupted with joy as veteran Megan Rapinoe, set to retire later this year, graced the field in the second half. Despite the excitement, Rapinoe couldn't convert her chance to score.

The U.S. team continued to dominate in the latter stages of the match, with midfielder Rose Lavelle coming close to scoring twice, hitting the crossbar in the 85th minute and missing another opportunity in stoppage time.

Looking ahead, the U.S. women will face the Netherlands in their second Group E match on Thursday, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch of the 2019 World Cup final. Meanwhile, Vietnam will take on Portugal in their upcoming fixture. The U.S. team's impressive start has ignited hopes of securing a third consecutive World Cup title, and fans are eager to see their journey unfold in the tournament.

UNION

Union Take on Tijuana in Chester PA in 2023 Leagues Cup at 8:00 PM

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