Robert K. Lawson - News of Philadelphia

Robert K. Lawson became a journalist after spotting a zoning story gone wrong. A Penn State grad, he now covers Philadelphia City Hall’s hidden machinery—permits, budgets, and bureaucracy—for Newsofphiladelphia.com, turning data and documents into accountability reporting.

MetroCard slides into fare machine with OMNY symbol glowing and golden dusk light on a New York subway platform.

Local News Transportation News

New York’s MetroCard to Retire Dec. 31, 2025-City Moves to Contactless OMNY

Robert K. Lawson December 28, 2025No Comments

At a Glance MetroCard will be retired on Dec. 31, 2025. OMNY contactless taps already cover 90% of trips. Riders can still use MetroCards until...

Man leaning against silver sedan with head wound and woman clutching leg in dawn Speedway parking lot

Crime Local News Police Report

Speedway Parking Lot Shooting Leaves One Victim Critical, No Arrests Made

Robert K. Lawson December 28, 2025No Comments

At a Glance A shooting occurred at a Speedway parking lot in Kensington at 11:08 a.m. Sunday. A man was shot in the head and a woman in the leg; the...

Mourners gather outside University of Delaware Bob Carpenter Center with white floral arrangement and police badge on steps

Breaking News Local News

Delaware Officer Matthew Snook Killed in DMV Shooting; Funeral Set

Robert K. Lawson December 28, 2025No Comments

> At a Glance > - Matthew T. "Ty" Snook, a 34-year-old Delaware State Police Corporal, was shot and killed at a Wilmington DMV on Dec. 23, 2025. > -...

Cargo container revealing lobster stack with dim glow invoice shows $400k truck in shadow

Breaking News Business News

Stolen $400,000 Lobster Shipment Highlights Freight Theft Surge

Robert K. Lawson December 28, 2025No Comments

At a Glance $400,000 shipment of lobsters stolen en route to Costco stores. Driver impersonated a legitimate carrier using spoofed emails and burner...

Zelenskyy sits across from Trump at a lavish hotel table with warm lighting and a map of Ukraine behind them.

Political News World News

Zelenskyy to Meet Trump in Florida for Security and Economic Talks Amid War

Robert K. Lawson December 28, 2025No Comments

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida over the weekend. The two...

Katie Begley holds a spellbook while browsing a spell-themed marketplace on her laptop with a cozy mystical desk.

Consumer News Feature Story

Etsy Witches Take Center Stage as New York Creator Credits Spells for Commercial Breakthrough

Robert K. Lawson December 27, 2025No Comments

In late August, 25‑year‑old New York content creator Katie Begley told TikTok viewers that a simple online spell purchase may have helped her land a...

Dust plume rises over desert with palm forest reaching horizon and sunset sky ablaze

News Report Political News World News

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State Militants in Nigeria’s Sokoto State

Robert K. Lawson December 27, 2025No Comments

U.S. airstrikes Thursday in Nigeria’s Sokoto state marked a major escalation in the West Africa nation’s long‑standing fight against Islamic State...

Joel Embiid stands alone in front of the Chicago Bulls bench with dim arena lights and a city skyline at night.

Local News NBA Sports News

Sixers Fall 109-102 to Bulls as Bench Dominates in Chicago

Robert K. Lawson December 27, 2025No Comments

Sixers fall 109-102 to Bulls in Chicago, as Embiid's 31 points couldn't stop a bench‑heavy Bulls squad. Game Summary The Philadelphia 76ers...

Eagles trophy glowing on podium with newspaper clipping partially covering it and sunset sky

Feature Story Local News

NBC10 Reflects on 2025’s Most Impactful Local Stories

Robert K. Lawson December 27, 2025No Comments

The year 2025 brought a series of events that reshaped the Philadelphia landscape. NBC10 captured each moment, from a tragic jet crash to a...

Shoppers browse holiday gifts in a crowded thrift store with bright signage and sidewalk displays

Business News Consumer News Market News

Holiday Shopping Shift: Thrift Stores Surge as Returns Drop and Spending Tops Last Year

Robert K. Lawson December 27, 2025No Comments

The holiday shopping rush has ended, but a new trend has taken hold. While overall spending on gifts is still strong, shoppers are turning to thrift...