Northeast
Philadelphia judge vacates homicide conviction, freeing man after 34 years
A man has been released from Pennsylvania prison after more than three decades following a judge’s decision to vacate his conviction in a 1990 murder.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that 61-year-old Ronald Johnson was released from State Correctional Institution-Phoenix on Monday night following a Philadelphia judge’s decision and the prosecutor’s move to dismiss charges, according to the nonprofit public interest law firm Phillips Black, which advocates for incarcerated individuals.
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The law firm said on its website that Johnson and “three generations of his family” had “fought tirelessly to prove his innocence” for more than three decades. Stephen Lazar, a legal apprentice on the team, quoted Johnson as saying his “first plan as a free man” after 34 years was to visit the burial site of his mother, who “always believed” in his innocence.
The Philadelphia Energy Solutions oil refinery is seen in front of the Philadelphia skyline. (REUTERS/David M. Parrott )
Johnson was convicted in the murder of Joseph Goldsby, who police said was dealing drugs when he was shot to death in his car in the Tioga section of north Philadelphia in March 1990.
Defense attorneys argued that Johnson was convicted on the basis testimony offered by two men whose stories changed “considerably” over the course of police interviews, and the conviction was unsupported by fingerprint, DNA, or other forensic evidence.
Johnson’s lawyers said the witnesses initially said their client wasn’t present and later identified someone else as a potential suspect, but police and prosecutors at the time withheld that evidence.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office’s conviction integrity unit said in November that the evidence “undermines confidence in the outcome of Johnson’s trial.”
Read the full article from Here
The rest of the world may be a wee bit jealous, because – based on his upcoming appearances – Santa absolutely loves the Bay State.
From cozy Back Bay parlors to Cape Cod seashore backdrops, the Big Guy (and the Mrs. most times) – will hop across Massachusetts until he returns to the North Pole for his Big Night. Consider these day trips/visits.
Santa in the Hub: Like all of us, Santa loves a true Back Bay vibe, which is why he not only has his own brownstone to kick off his boots in; he invites us all to visit him in his own city-based open house.
“Santa In the City,” takes place Dec.13 and Dec. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. in the brownstone directly across from Sweetgreen in Hynes Place. Stop by and be welcomed into the brownstone with classic Back Bay decor, holiday decorations (but of course), and Santa himself. Santa is happy to review wish lists, discuss gift choices and pose for photos. Santa will have his personal photographer there as well to capture your visit.
There ‘s bonus fun too: Right across the road at the Pru you’ll find Treehouse Brewing’s Winter Garden, as well as an immersive winter light show. (https://www.prudentialcenter.com/experiences/events/santa-in-the-city-2/)
Santa shares his posh holiday escape: You can’t blame Santa for needing some posh TLC pre-game so it’s no surprise he finds time to stay a night or two at The Dagny Boston (https://www.thedagnyboston.com/). Their holiday “Gilded Suite” is available to him – and to you – all holiday season.
The limited-time decor immerses you in holiday ambiance, with twinkling garlands and more. You’ll be greeted by Santa’s favorite scent – fresh baked cookies (from the Tradesman Coffee Shop). The lights of Boston via the impressive view out your window add the perfect touch.
Even better: if you book now, Santa promises to find time for a private visit in your suite. He’s not only bringing his love of all things Christmas, he’ll also come with stories to share, a smile for photos and Boston-themed gifts.
No time to stay over? No worries: Santa will appear in the hotel’s beautifully decorated lobby Dec. 18-22 where you can take your own photos or grab the hotel’s classic Polaroid to capture one. Times vary each day and can be found on the hotel website.
Santa likes grown-up holiday fun too : Which is why he applauds Cambridge’s Kimpton Marlowe (https://www.hotelmarlowe.com/) and its annual “Miracle” pop up bar.
In its eighth season, the pop up bar surrounds you in holiday cheer with lighted garlands, a crackling fire and festive decor.
And then there are the adult holiday cocktails, with names like Dancing Sugar Plums, Candy Cane Lane, Cherry Cherry Chocosaurus, Blitzen Barrel, Miracle Mouse and Coconut Hot Chocolate. Their “Nice and Naughty” shots are back too. Santa knows we don’t all imbibe though, so they’ve introduced new non-alcoholic options like the Snow Day Sipper, Silent Night and Mellow Mouse.
You’ll sip on season-themed cocktails served in cool glassware shaped like Santa’s head, a “Santa-saur” and a holiday unicorn. You can purchase the limited edition glassware for holiday gifts
Santa near the sand: As any Bay State lover knows, Santa understands a good escape to the Cape is always in order. That’s why you’ll find him at the Pelham House (https://www.pelhamhouseresort.com/) the beautiful resort set right on the beach in Dennisport. There, on Dec. 21, he’ll be up close and personal at his annual brunch.
Brunch takes place at the resort’s Rooftop Restaurant. While you’ll feel like you’re outside thanks to the floor to ceiling windows taking in the expansive seaside view, you’ll be snug since it is enclosed and heated in the winter,
Santa will be on hand to mingle, take gift requests, pose for photos and just plain celebrate with you. Reservations via the website are required.
Pittsburg, PA
Arizona signee Brandon Smith, prolific offense leads Central East past Pittsburg in NorCal 1-A final
PITTSBURG, Calif. — The game was decided, the Bengals of Central East of Fresno had given up a couple easy fourth-quarter scores but Brandon Smith wasn’t quite satisfied.
The 6-foot, 190-pound senior running took the direct snap, raced up the middle and carried two Pittsburg defenders on his back the final eight yards to finish off a 19-yard run.
He could have gone down easily five to 10 yards earlier, but that’s just not his style. And perhaps, he was making a statement.
The Bengals want to finish the job.
Even though Smith got banged up late in the third quarter, he too wanted to finish and did so with a career high 38 carries for 270 yards and two touchdowns as the Bengals went wire-to-wire to hand an equally hungry Pittsburg squad a 55-36 CIF Northern California Division 1-A home championship game defeat Saturday night under brisk and breezy conditions.
Smith’s determined run came on his 35th carry.
“He’s an absolute stud an a great kid,” Central East coach Kyle Biggs said. “He’s been amazing on both sides of the ball and just does everything for us.”
“Our goal since January was to finish the job,” said Biggs, whose team did so in his fourth season (2019), when they went 15-0, beating favored Sierra Canyon 34-19 in the State 1-AA finals at Cerritos College.
This team (13-1) has one hiccup, a 42-26 loss at Grant in Week 2, but have since rattled off 12 straight wins utilizing perhaps the most complete offense in the state, one which averages 49 points and 541 yards per game.
The Bengals upped those numbers on Saturday, piling up 563 yards and going for 55 points against a prideful program and a defense that had given up just 81 points in its last eight games with two shutouts.
Besides Smith, who signed to the University of Arizona on Wednesday, churning out hard yards inside and outside, junior quarterback Jelani Dippel threw for four touchdowns, two more to Bayon Harris for 49 and 30 yards, his 24th and 25th TD catches of the season. Dippel also rushed for a touchdown to put the finishing touches on this one.
“Jelani has been great all year long and keeps getting better,” Biggs said.
He also hit Cal-signee Eli Morgan with a pretty 35-yard bomb to start the third quarter and a 22-yard to Andrew Garcia, his first TD catch of the season, to start the game.
Add in two brilliant play calls, a 52-yard reverse by speedy Xavier Jones and an 11-yard keeper from Dippel — neither runner was touched on either play — and the Central East offense was on full diplay, leading to a 48-14 lead midway through the third quarter.
The Pirates (12-3), who largely outplayed Northern California Open Division representative De La Salle-Concord in a 24-17 defeat about a month ago, showed all sorts of pride and athleticism all night, including the brilliant one-hand 7-yard touchdown catch by RJ Mosley, a long and fleet 6-foot-4 receiver who will join Smith at the Unviersity of Arizona.
Mosley (seven catches, 95 yards) added a 42-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter, when fleet sophomore receiver Kenneth Moore, a big play machine, added a 67-yard touchdown from senior quarterback Carlos Torres (13 of 23, 247 yards).
Moore also had a 79-yard catch-and-run — he was caught at the one by Smith — that set up a short TD run, and an 18-yard touchdown catch.
But the Pirates, who bring back many of its top players next year including sophomore quarterback Javale Jones (three completions, 117 yards, and two runs for 45 yards), couldn’t overcome five turnovers, including a fumbled kickoff after Morgan’s touchdown catch to start the second half.
When the Bengals turned that immediately into seven more points on Smith’s second TD run of the night, this one was essentially over at 48-14.
That said, after long touchdown passes to Mosley and Ward cut the deficit to 48-28 early in the fourth and the Pirates forced a three-and-out, a miracle was still in reach.
But linebacker Juan Ochoa made a leaping interception of a Torres pass which sorta sealed it. Dippel did so officially with his 11-yard keeper with 4:41 to go, making it 55-28.
Mostly clear tonight with temps falling into low 20s by the morning.
Mostly cloudy skies are expected Sunday afternoon with temps returning to the upper 30s to near 40.
Another cold blast into early next week–potentially colder than what we saw Friday morning. Low temperatures Monday night and into Tuesday morning will likely fall into the single digits and for some towns, closer to zero.
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