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Philadelphia starts tracking monkeypox cases, amid criticism
There are now thought to be 82 cases of monkeypox in Philly, and the Health Department has launched a weekly-updated tracking page.
- Vaccines have been in short supply for the virus. Only people at high risk are being prioritized for the shots — the city has so far received fewer than half the 6k doses promised by the federal government.
Some have criticized the Health Department’s response to the outbreak as lax. “This is very much deja vu from COVID,” Councilmember Bass told CBS3.
How to recycle in Philly, from getting a bin to finding the schedule
Philly has had a municipal recycling program since 1989, but it’s not always easy to follow.
- Tip: Curbside bins are free for city residents, and you can even get a second one if your first disappears. But they’re also in short supply, so call before you pick one up at a sanitation convenience center.
What goes in them, and when are they supposed to go out? Lizzy McLellan Ravitch has a guide to everything recycling in Philadelphia.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- With 768 carjackings to date, this is set to be one of Philly’s worst years on record. Toyotas, Hondas, and Chevys are the most frequent targets, and 11:45 p.m. is the most common time. [NBC10]
- Without acknowledging allegations of discrimination and mismanagement against Dan DiLella, President Biden replaced him as chair of the Semiquincentennial Commission. Former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios will now lead the Philly-centric celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. [Philly Mag$/WSJ$]
- The landmark statewide school funding lawsuit wrapped up last week after eight years of litigation. The coming verdict will likely be appealed to the state Supreme Court regardless of how it’s decided. [WHYY]
- Newcomers to Philadelphia spent an average of 40% more than locals to buy houses in the city this year. Many are transplants from places like New York, Los Angeles, or the suburbs. [Redfin/Inquirer$]
- That traveling immersive Van Gogh exhibit — or something like it — is coming to Philly for good: the production companies signed a lease on a 32,000-sq.-ft. space at the Washington on Walnut Street, which has been empty for 10 years. [Billy Penn/Biz Journal$]
- West Chester’s AWSM Sauce is trying to raise $57 million to buy naming rights to Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, which is now known as Acrisure Stadium. [Indiegogo/CBS Sports]
- Philly Fringe is back! Almost 90% of annual performance festival’s shows will be in-person this year. Tickets go on sale this weekend and Monday. [KYW/FringeArts]
MAYOR WATCH
No details from Mayor Kenney’s office on his public schedule today. His social media accounts highlighted the city’s free Civic Engagement Academy, with virtual classes about how to get involved and make change in your community.
ON THE CALENDAR
? BP Quizzo is taking over the casino at the South Philly sports complex! Help us swarm the Sports & Social bar with nerdy trivia about all things Philadelphia. Prizes include gift cards and beach chairs, all free with RSVP. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17)
?? Anyone working in tech or at a startup can find networking Valhalla at the PHL Innovation Picnic, back at the Navy Yard after a pandemic pause. Tickets start at $25. (5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4)
?️ BYO chairs and blankets to watch “Spider-Man: No Way Home” at Dilworth Park’s free movie night. Popcorn and snacks are available to purchase, plus booze for adults. (8:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5)
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