🌱 TSA Finds Hidden Knives At PHA + Long Lines For COVID Tests

Hey, neighbors! Dan Casarella here with your brand-new edition of the Philadelphia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy and mild. High: 50 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Two knives were found hidden in a stuffed toy by the Transportation Security Administration agents at the Philadelphia International Airport Monday. According to the TSA, officers found the knives when the stuffed toy set off an alarm at a checkpoint. (Philadelphia Patch)
2. The struggle to meet surging demand for COVID-19 testing continues across the Delaware Valley. Several new locations opened Tuesday, but those sites are already being inundated and seeing long lines. The CDC recommends vaccinated people get tested five to seven days after a known exposure. People who are unvaccinated should test right away, then test again in about five days. (WPVI-TV)
3. A 44-year-old mother is in critical condition after she was struck by stray gunfire in Kensington Monday night. The shooting happened around 7:15 p.m. at B and Cambria Streets. Philadelphia police say two people fired more than 40 shots, hitting two men and the mother, who was out on her porch. (CBS Philly)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• PhilaYatHome Holiday Zumba Party At Columbia North Branch YMCA (12:00 PM)
• Evening Book Club Online At Yeadon Public Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Jasper Johns is very connected to the history of the museum. Hear from curator Carlos Basualdo about these connections including how the artist was influenced by Marcel Duchamp. (Instagram)
• Beginning January 3, all establishments in Philadelphia that sell food or drink for consumption will require everyone who enters to be fully vaccinated. (Facebook)
• According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, COVID cases have skyrocketed in Philly and around the U.S., but national supply chain problems are limiting access to COVID-19 tests. This problem should improve in the next few weeks, but until that happens, looking for testing can be frustrating and leave you with questions. (Facebook)

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That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.