🏛️ Holiday day trip destination: DC

News Crew Killed in Helicopter Crash

A pilot and a photographer for the Philadelphia ABC affiliate were killed when one of its helicopters crashed in a remote section of the New Jersey Pine Barrens late Tuesday night. Their colleagues at Action News expressed their shock and grief on-air after the crash, and condolences poured in from competing stations. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating what caused the chopper to go down. [6ABC/NBC10]

How Police ID'd the Alleged “Fairmount Park Rapist”

Prosecutors charged Elias Diaz, 46, with a murder-rape in Fairmount Park that has been unsolved for over 20 years. Diaz had been identified as the suspect earlier this year, when police used forensic genealogy to link him to DNA evidence from the scene. But they had no idea where to find him until earlier this week, when they arrested a man who turned out to be Diaz for attacking two people in Pennypack Park. He's also suspected of assaulting three other women in 2003 and 2007. [Inquirer]

City Reveals Plan for Chinatown “Stitch”

Philadelphia officials shared plans to cover the Vine Street Expressway between 10th and 13th Streets to “stitch” together the neighborhood it has long divided. Construction of the cap could begin as soon as 2027, and would bring public green space to the neighborhood. [CBS3]

Parker Names More Cabinet Picks

Philly’s incoming mayor, Cherelle Parker, has chosen two Latinas for top posts in her administration. Alba Martinez will lead the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, becoming the first Latina and first LGBTQ+ person to hold the post, Parker said. The mayor-elect also promoted Renee Garcia, who was Chair of the Litigation Group for the Philadelphia Law Department since 2021, to the post of city solicitor. [NBC10]

• Listen to City Cast Philly’s interview with then-candidate Parker 🎧

Insider’s Guide to a DC Day Trip

Have some free time this holiday season? Why not take a day trip to our nation’s capital! Earlier this year, host Trenae Nuri talked with City Cast DC host Bridget Todd about the most iconic spots to grab a bite, which tourist traps to avoid, and how folks from the City of Brotherly Love and Washington, D.C. relate to each other.