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As monkeypox lands in Philly, officials call risk ‘extremely low’

Monkeypox, the smallpox-related disease that’s popped up in 30 countries and 10 U.S. states, has arrived in Pa. with a known case in Philadelphia.

  • Unlike the virus that causes COVID, it’s not transmitted through air droplets — it spreads through close contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Right now there are only 500 cases worldwide.

“The threat to Philadelphians from monkeypox is extremely low,” per a health official, but if you have an unexplained rash, contact your health care provider.

10 best moments (so far!) from Ryan Long’s Jeopardy run

It’s been three weeks, and Philadelphian Ryan Long is still on his “Jeopardy!” winning streak after yet another victory last night.

  • Long, a Mt. Airy resident who’d been driving rideshare to make a living, has so far racked up $279k and a spot on the show’s “Leaderboard of Legends” with the ninth most consecutive wins in program history.

From some nail-biting comebacks to his brief run-in with a president, avowed Jeopardy fan Asha Prihar recaps Long’s 10 best moments so far.

March On: The Fight for Pride

Podcast by Billy Penn reporter Michaela Winberg
Out now: Ep. 2: “No Timbs allowed”  | Next up: Ep. 3, June 9

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

  • After another massive junkyard fire broke out yesterday (this one in Port Richmond), Philly health officials warned residents in the area to stay inside because of air quality concerns. [6ABC/@billy_penn]
  • Former Philadelphia homicide detective Philip Nardo was convicted of sexually assaulting multiple witnesses among other charges, leading to the reversal of several homicide convictions, including one in a high-profile murder of a special needs athlete. [AP/HuffPost]
  • Philadelphia church leaders kicked off a 30-day initiative to have reps on North Philly street corners from 9 to 11 p.m. in hopes of deterring shootings. [KYW]
  • A coalition of business orgs like the Chamber of Commerce advocated for tax cuts at City Hall on Wednesday, describing the push as a chance to “give Philly a raise.” [Capital-Star]
  • Julian Lurie, son of Eagles owner Jeffery, is now officially employed by the franchise as the leader of business and football operations strategy — and, yes, we also are getting “Succession” vibes. [CBS Sports]
  • The WNBA commissioner said two new franchises could be announced by 2024, and Philly’s on the shortlist (as it should be). What we want to know from you: What should our women’s basketball team be called??  [NBC10/Billy Penn]

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Kenney is in Reno at the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ annual summer gathering. His office yesterday announced road closures for Sunday’s PHL Pride march and festival in Old City and the Gayborhood.

ON THE CALENDAR

? Cutting through the Budget BS: Join Billy Penn at Parks on Tap for a happy hour chat with Controller Rebecca Rhynhart about how Philly spends taxpayer money — and who gets a say in the process. Free with RSVP. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 8)

? Nobody *needs* to try 100+ hard seltzers, but you can if you want when Seltzerland hits the Navy Yard. The fest promises cocktails, Instagram activations, and tons of swag. Tickets start at $35. (11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4)

? Join bike brand Trek for rainbow-themed Pride rides between their Center City store and the hills of Manayunk. The vibe is casual, with free drinks, snacks, and swag provided. (9 a.m. Sunday, June 5)