🌱 1M COVID Tests Ordered + Police Investigate Fishtown Explosion

Good morning, Philadelphia! Like many of you, the Patch team is taking some time off to celebrate the New Year, so there will not be a newsletter in your inbox tomorrow. We appreciate your understanding of this slight pause in our schedule, and I will be back on Monday with the next edition of the Philadelphia Daily! Now, here's everything happening around town today.

First, today's weather:

Patchy morning fog. High: 54 Low: 50.

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Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. The city Health Department has ordered more than one million at-home rapid tests from different vendors, but department spokesman James Garrow said officials don't know how many, or if any at all, will arrive. But based on where orders are in the process, staff feels confident they’ll receive about 140,000 over the next month, he said. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
2. According to police, a 14-year-old boy was critically injured in a West Philadelphia double shooting on Thursday evening. It happened on the 5600 block of Arch Street around 5:40 p.m.
   Police say the teen was shot once in the back. He was transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in critical condition. (CBS Philly)
3. Surveillance video recently captured two people on bikes setting off an explosive in Philadelphia's Fishtown section causing police to open an investigation. Neighbors say the incident happened Wednesday around 10:45 p.m. on Wildey Street near the Eyre Street intersection. (WPVI-TV)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Universal Hour of Peace At Abraham Lincoln (All Day)
• New Year's Eve 2022 At Harrah's Philadelphia (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Start the year off right with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art this weekend. With Pay What You Wish admission on Sunday, Jan. 2, you can see exhibitions dedicated to #JasperJohns, #EmmaAmos, and #RichardBenson. All three shows are closing soon, so d..." (Instagram)
• Not fully vaccinated yet? Beginning Jan. 3, proof of a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours before entry is required at all establishments that sell food in Philly. (Facebook)
• Philadelphia is 1 of 95 global cities to receive the top score on climate action from environmental impact non-profit, CDP. Learn how A-List cities - only 10 percent of all cities scored - are acting on climate adaptation. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. Have a very happy New Year!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.