🌱 Stick To City-Run Testing Sites + NYE Shooting Victim ID'd

Happy Tuesday, people of Philadelphia! Let's get this day started. Here's everything happening today in town.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 37 Low: 25.

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Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

1. Need a COVID-19 test? Philadelphia Health Department officials are warning residents to avoid "pop-up testing sites that are not affiliated" with the city. Last week, the department was alerted to the existence of small pop-up tents offering free COVID-19 testing in Center City and claiming to be operated by FEMA. However, city officials confirmed over the weekend that these sites are not funded by FEMA. Residents who see these pop-up tents are asked to report them to the city health department. (FOX 29 Philadelphia)
2. A local teachers union wants the School District of Philadelphia to temporarily implement remote learning to bolster COVID-19 mitigation strategies in schools as students return from winter break today. Jerry Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), sent a letter to Superintendent Dr. William Hite asking for a week-long shift to virtual classes "so that the district will be given the time … to be able to get all of the strategies that the doctors are saying are necessary in place." (WHYY)
3. The teenager killed in a New Year’s Day shooting near Temple University has been identified as 16-year-old Byron Thompson of Trenton, New Jersey. Four other victims were injured during the shooting, which happened on the 1600 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue in the early hours of Saturday morning. According to Philadelphia police, Thompson was shot in the back of the head and killed during the incident. No arrests have been made at this time. (CBS Philly)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Terrifying Trivia At Monster Vegan (6:30 PM)
• Virtual Self Love Series At Vitality Philly (7:00 PM)
• Philly Rising Open Mic At World Cafe Live (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Today is the first day of Philadelphia's vaccine mandate for indoor dining. For those who need them, medical and religious exemption request forms are available on the Health Department's website. (Facebook)
• The Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs is looking for community leaders who are deeply connected to the African & Caribbean Immigrant communities in Philadelphia to serve on the Commission. Apply by Jan. 15 (Facebook)
• Last call! To be included among the sponsors for the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra's Legacy Gala invitations, please pledge your support by this Thursday, Jan. 6. For more information, contact Danielle Johnson at djohnson@pyomusic.org or 215-545-0502. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.