Police arrested a 36-year-old man after he allegedly robbed at gunpoint a 24-year-old man near 50th and Walton.The robbery took place on Monday night, around midnight, after the victim, a Penn student, exited the 34 Trolley at 50th, according to information provided by his friend.

The suspect followed the young man onto Walton Avenue, then approached him, pointed a black handgun at him and demanded his wallet, according to police. The suspect took the young man’s backpack that contained his tablet, phone, wallet and other small items. After the robbery the suspect fled on foot.

Police surveyed the area and apprehended the suspect near 60th and Christian Streets. Police recovered the phone and $80 from the suspect. The backpack was found on the street. Police also found and confiscated a black long barreled revolver.

Police say that the same suspect was involved in a robbery that took place on August 21, at around 11:40 p.m., when a woman was robbed near 48th and Hazel. Police also confiscated a Canon camera from the suspect that was taken from the woman during the robbery.

Global Citizen, in partnership with Interstate General Media (publishers of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and Philly.com), Uber & 900AM-WURD yesterday launched a citywide school supplies drive to benefit some of the most underserved Philadelphia public schools. The only drop-off location for donations in West Philly is HipCityVeg at 214 S. 40th Street.

The following items are accepted through Sept. 7: No. 2 pencils, ballpoint pens, copy paper, calculators, dry erasers, crayons, rulers, hand sanitizers, and more (check out the flier below for the full list of accepted donations). You can drop off your donation at HipCityVeg every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Photo via www.westphillycoopschool.com.

Here’s a great chance for children to play together and their caretakers to socialize. All neighborhood kids and their parents or guardians are invited for a weekly playgroup at the West Philadelphia Cooperative School (WPCS) located at 4625 Baltimore Avenue. The playgroup meets every Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m., so there’s a playgroup happening today. Children can enjoy free play, snacks, and circle time.

Donations are welcome, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Just come and play!

For more information or if you have questions, please email Sochi Thomas, a WPCS parent member, at Dearsochi [at] gmail.com
 

Nelson Ngo, foreground, and Chy Kan man the counter at the newly opened Love Vape University City. (Photo by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local)

A fully stocked vape shop has come to Baltimore Avenue.

Love Vape University City opened earlier this month at 4714 Baltimore Ave., the former home of the Talking Headz salon.

“It was a good spot,” said Stephanie Ngo, one of three employees on hand when we visited on Saturday. “There’s a little bit of night life here.”

“Vaping” is the slang term for the “smoking” of e-cigarettes, which turn special flavored liquids (sometimes with a bit of nicotine) into vapors through the use of a battery powered device.

The new shop, which is one of four Love Vape locations around the city, is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A water main break was reported this morning, around 7:40 a.m., on Locust Street by the Parent Infant Center. As of 8:40 a.m., the street is closed to traffic between 42nd and 43rd. (Photo by Veronica Alvarez).

The Nehemiah Davis Foundation is holding its annual Back To School Extravaganza and book bag giveaway on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2 – 5 p.m., at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine). During the event, volunteers will help distribute more than 300 book bags, school supplies and clothes to local families. There will also be entertainment for the whole family, including free pony rides, moon bounces, and face painting, complimentary haircuts for kids, refreshments and food.