iradiophilly | News - State of Emergency in Atlantic County, Occupy at Independence Mall, Jim Thome Traded to Orioles

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State of Emergency in Atlantic County, Occupy at Independence Mall, Jim Thome Traded to Orioles

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 07/01/12 5:12 am | updated: 07/01/12 5:12 am

Severe thunderstorms overnight Saturday left Atlantic County with widespread damage and a large number of power outages. A State of Emergency has been declared in the county that restricts travel so that crews can assess damage and clear debris. Temperatures in the mid-90's and numerous downed-trees and power lines hampered efforts to restore power as quickly as possible to the 206,000 households that lost it during the storm. It could take several days to restore power to all customers due to the widespread damage. Stay away from all downed wires and don't disrupt any utility crews as they do work in your area.

UPDATE: 7/1/12 7:00pm

A curfew between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. is now in effect in all municipalities in Atlantic County, with the exception of Atlantic City. The curfew will remain in effect until further notice, but does not effect individuals who are lawfully evacuating. It could take until midnight, Friday, July 6 before all Atlantic City Electric customers are back in service, although the majority of customers are expected to have power restored by sometime on July 4. They have called in crews of 1000 line workers from around the Northeast to assist and are thankful for their customer's patience. Around 122,000 are still without power as of 7pm Sunday. Residents can call 1-866-704-4636 for all status updates or to find a nearby cooling center.

The National Occupy Movement has set up at 5th and Market on Independence Mall for the next 5 days as part of a gathering of members/protesters from Occupy groups from across the country. Since they are 'Occupy' they do plan to be in the historical district throughout the entire 4th of July festivities day and night, but whether or not they'll be able to set up proper camp will be seen. The city expects 1 million regular tourists to be in Philadelphia as well. This national gathering has plans for activities, workshops, teach-ins, and speakers over the next few days happening around that central location. Nate Kleinman, an organizer with Occupy Philly, says â€œMatt Taibbi, the journalist from Rolling Stone, Chris Hedges another journalist; Michael Moore is also coming from what Iâ€™ve heard. Thereâ€™s still more people who are signing up to come every day and itâ€™s going to be a really amazing event.â€ Afterwards, a group plans to make a 99-mile march to New York on July 5th. The biggest conflict with having the Occupy protesters there would be on July 3rd when the Philly Pops is scheduled to perform a free concert at Independence Hall and a large crowd is expected. I guess they'll get good seats being there first.

Jim Thome was traded today to the Baltimore Orioles for two young prospects in right-hander Kyle Simon and catcher Gabriel Lino. Thome signed a 1-year $1.25 million contract with the Phillies this offseason. He has struggled in a pinch hitting role and hasn't been able to play first base because of a back injury. During inter league play Thome caught fire with the regular at-bats as our DH. He will slide right into the DH position for the Orioles and should immediately contribute. It is a bittersweet trade for everyone on the Phillies. Thome is a Hall of Fame player, a true gentleman, and a fan favorite here in Philadelphia that we'd love to stay. On the other hand, moving him to Baltimore will give him a great opportunity to continue his career in a way he couldn't do here. We'll all remember that last record breaking shot he took a week ago in a walk-off win against the Rays. That was his 609th HR which is tied for 7th all time and his 13th walk off, the most all time. Best of luck Jim!

Sunday Weather Partly Cloudy High 94, tonight Clear low 69