🌱 24-Year-Old Abducted + Carjackers Facing Federal Charges

Rise and shine, Philadelphia! Let's get you all caught up to start this Friday, February 25 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know today in Philadelphia.

First, today's weather:

A.M. rain; breezy in the p.m.. High: 50 Low: 25.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Philadelphia police are investigating the abduction of a 24-year-old woman that occurred on Wednesday. At a store on the 4900 block of North Broad Street, a man forced a woman to withdraw cash from an ATM at gunpoint. The suspects then engaged in gunfire with another man before taking the woman by force. The woman was later located but no arrests have been made. (WPVI-TV)
2. The carjackers who were shot after attempting to steal a Lyft driver's car will face federal charges. The incident occurred in early January when Alex Fernandez-Pena and Juan Jose Rodriguez allegedly attempted to steal the vehicle in a "bump and run" style carjacking but were thwarted by the driver. If convicted, the two will face the maximum possible sentence of life in prison. (Philadelphia Patch)
3. A Philadelphia woman has been charged with a fatal stabbing that took place at Lincoln University. After a fight broke out between students, Nydira Smith allegedly stabbed several people, killing Jawine Evans. When police arrived at the scene, they found Evans, 21, on the grass outside with a knife wound to his neck. According to Chester County Detectives, the fight happened on the first floor of the dormitory. Smith's hearing is scheduled for Mar. 8. (PhillyVoice.com)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Short and Sweet Play Festival At Arts Academy (5:00 PM)
• Sixers + Corona Watch Party At Misconduct Tavern (7:00 PM)
• PHL Metsquerade Gala At Crystal Tea Room (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Tuesday, Mar. 1 at 6:30 p.m., the City will host a Washington Avenue public open house for anyone who is interested in joining! It will be held in person following COVID-19 guidelines with a virtual option via the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, & Sustainability on FB Live! (Facebook)
• City funding is available to help you reduce waste at your organization. Any business, nonprofit, or organization based in Philadelphia county can apply for a grant of up to $1000 and personalized Waste Coaching. Learn more and apply by April 15. (Facebook)
• The main period of precipitation is still expected to last from Thursday evening through this morning and possibly afternoon. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.