Morning Headlines: Knott Asks to Do PSA, Not Jail
Kathryn Knott walks from the criminal justice center Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, in Philadelphia. Knott is charged with taking part in a violent attack on a gay couple.
Good morning, Philadelphia. Here’s what you need to know today:
Kathryn Knott, convicted in 2014’s Center City gay bashing, would rather make a public service announcement than serve out her jail sentence.
Knott is serving a five-to-10-month sentence in the attack, but PhillyVoice.com reports her attorney is asking that the alternative sentence be considered. “Frankly, my client will be out in a few months either way,” said Bill Brennan, her attorney. “It’s to establish dialogue with the community and begin to heal the wounds with the victims, the community and the city.” A judge considers the request on March 8.
A half-dozen New Jersey newspapers are calling on Chris Christie to resign.
USA Today reports that the papers include Gannett-owned — the Asbury Park Press, the Cherry Hill Courier-Post and the Morristown Daily Record — angered by Christie’s refusal to answer questions about his nomination of a state judge. “We’re fed up with Gov. Chris Christie’s arrogance,” the papers jointly state. “We’re fed up with his opportunism. We’re fed up with his hypocrisy.” They note he was gone from the state 261 days during the last year: “For the good of the state, it’s time for Christie to do his long-neglected constituents a favor and resign as governor. If he refuses, citizens should initiate a recall effort.”
Police have arrested a 24-year-old woman for stabbing and killing a transgender woman.
CBS3 reports that the suspect has not been identified yet, nor her motives discussed. But they are saying it is probably not the last arrest to be made in the death of Maya Young, 25, who was found stabbed late Feb. 29 in the 4800 block of Penn Street. A $20,000 reward had been issued for information leading to a suspect in the case.
The Society Hill Playhouse sees its final performances this weekend, closing after 56 years.
NewsWorks reports the venerable theater was opened in 1960 by Jay and Deen Kogan. Deen Kogan recently sold the theater to a develop to demolish and build condos in its place. “The fiscal challenges are heavier. This is not a social theater. I never went for a law firm to underwrite the play. Getting funding is much harder,” she said. “I’ve reached the point where I don’t want to bother.” Items from the theater will be sold at an indoor yard sale on March 13.
Another Philadelphia institution, A Man’s Image, is also closing — after 60 years of selling men’s clothing in South Philly.
The owner, “Dr. Abe” Mandel, announced this week the store will close March 17, NBC10 reports. “The most difficult part about closing our doors is that I will really miss the many people who have not only been customers for many, many years, but more importantly have become friends with whom we have shared experiences, seen our children become adults, and shed a tear in times of sadness and happiness.”
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