School Lockdown and Evacuation Updates

On Friday, October 16, 2026, Philadelphia Police responded to reports of threats made against three Philadelphia schools. Preliminary information indicates that the threats were made by the same caller, prompting precautionary lockdown and evacuation procedures at the affected schools.

At Masterman School, located at 1699 Spring Garden Street, a lockdown began at approximately 8:30 a.m., and the school was cleared at 9:31 a.m.

At the School of the Future, located at 4021 Parkside Avenue, an evacuation was initiated at approximately 9:32 a.m. Normal school operations resumed at 10:28 a.m.

At Benjamin Franklin High School, located at 550 N. Broad Street, an evacuation was initiated at approximately 9:28 a.m. Normal school operations resumed at 9:56 a.m.

Following police assessments of the affected locations, all three threats were determined to be unfounded. The Philadelphia Police Department continues to review the circumstances surrounding the calls.

Enjoy the Fall Weather and the Happenings in the First State

October brings a noticeable shift across Delaware. Cooler temperatures settle in, leaves begin to change and wildlife prepare for the months ahead.

It’s also a great time to experience the outdoors and see how Delaware’s natural spaces change with the season. This month, we’re sharing some of what’s happening across DNREC and a few ways to make the most of fall in the First State.

Two young girls decorate pumpkins at Pond Fest at Lums Pond State Park, which will be held this year on Oct. 10.

Pumpkin decorating is just one of the fun activities available during festivals at
Delaware State Parks this fall. /DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation photo

Join Delaware State Parks for Fall Events Throughout the 17 Parks

This fall, visitors can turn a trip to Delaware State Parks into the ultimate fall road trip with festivities popping up across the state.

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Philadelphia Police Incidents

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at approximately 9:03 a.m., officers responded to the unit block of North Edgewood Street for a report of a person with a weapon and a possible stabbing.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent stab wound. The male was pronounced deceased at 9:19 a.m.

During the incident, a barricade situation was declared. The barricade has since been resolved, with one adult male taken into police custody. No one else was injured during the incident.

The investigation is ongoing with the Homicide Unit.

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Winslow Township-Free Health Fair

Winslow Township invites residents to attend a free community health fair.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Winslow Township Senior Center
33 Cooper Folly Rd
Atco, NJ 08004

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HUD Makes It Easier to Build More Housing

HUD today announced that its Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is expanding access to quality rental housing by allowing Build to Rent communities to qualify for FHA-insured financing under two of its Multifamily mortgage insurance programs. Effective immediately, this update makes it easier to finance new rental homes and helps increase the supply of rental housing, particularly in light of manufactured housing innovation.

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Justin D. Barci, age 43, Pleads Guilty to Theft and Burglary Charges

Woodbury, NJ – Justin Barci, 43, of Sicklerville, was sentenced to three years in state prison by the Honorable Niki Arbitter consistent with a negotiated plea agreement.

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By the numbers: Black bear hunting season underway

New Jersey’s annual black bear hunt began this week, as the highest number of bear incidents continue to be centered in the state’s western counties but reaching into more suburban counties as well. The biggest jump this year so far was in Morris and Warren counties. Sussex continues to see the most activity overall.

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‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Surface Water Statewide

New study finds prevalence in more than 90% of NJ’s sampled rivers and lakes

Benjamin J. Hulac, Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON — A new survey of water quality across the country found a widespread presence of dangerous chemicals from coast to coast, including in each of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

Using federal water data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the report from a coalition of environmental organizations found significant of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS chemicals, detected at roughly 83% of 1,602 locations nationwide.

In New Jersey, the prevalence exceeded 90% of sampled sites.

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Lincoln Mill Haunted House Debuts Paranormal Tow Path Ghost Tours

Philadelphia (Manayunk), PA – Philadelphia’s scariest haunted attraction is back – darker, more twisted and more terrifying than ever before. Lincoln Mill Haunted House in Historic Manayunk returns with its most chilling chapter yet. Descend into the depths of the historic mill and face the tormented souls trapped within. With each new season, emerges new rooms including The Gatehouse, The Infirmary Passage, and The Sewing Room, plus new terrifying characters, immersive photo ops and an all-new Mill Yard Experience. For the first time ever, the Mill Yard will transform before your eyes with an enhanced experience featuring a projection mapping system.

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NJ State Parks Extends Trail Accessibility With All-Terrain Wheelchairs

Building on the Department of Environmental Protection’s commitment to making the outdoors more accessible to all, New Jersey State Parks today announced the deployment of five new all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks and historic sites across the state.

The wheelchairs are now available at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, Liberty State Park in Hudson County, Waterloo Village Historic Site in Warren County, Round Valley Recreation Area in Hunterdon County and Parvin State Park in Salem County.