THE 12:30 REPORT: Your News Update
20 hospitalized in school bus and SEPTA crash: A school bus collided with a SEPTA bus this morning in Philly’s Lawncrest section, sending 20 people to the hospital. Although the severity of the injuries is currently unknown, 17 students headed to Maritime Charter School are being treated at St. Christopher’s Hospital, while both drivers and another passenger were taken to Einstein Medical Center. [6 ABC]
Gas-guzzling government employees: While the rest of us are struggling at the pump, a dozen New Jersey government employees have been filling up all willy-nilly at taxpayer expense. Six employees of the City of Camden and six current or previous workers for the Department of Children and Families have been indicted for stealing hundreds of gallons of gas. One of the deceptive dozen is Patrick L. Freeman, superintendent of Camden’s Bureau of Recreation, who has worked for the city for 30 years and makes around $72,000 a year. [Inquirer]
Puppy plight: In a state where puppy mills are far too prevalent, Gov. Ed Rendell is hoping to make a few changes in support of man’s best friend. Animal welfare groups will speak today in the state Capitol to discuss the treatment of dogs in kennels that sell more than 60 dogs a year. A bill being heard by the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee would eliminate the stacking of cages, along with the use of wire floors, while doubling cage size and mandating regular exercise and vet exams for our furry friends. [Inquirer]
Is it fall yet?: As the weather returns to relative normalcy, a 19-year-old Chester County woman is in critical condition after being struck by lightning outside her home. Emily Crikelair, a pre-med student, is showing signs of recovery by blinking answers to questions. This week’s heat wave left nine people dead, and eight of those deaths occurred in Philly. [Philly.com]
