🌱 Philly Lifts Restaurant Vaccine Mandate + 12-Year-Old Shot

Dan Casarella
Updated ·3 min read

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Dan Casarella, your host of the Philadelphia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Increasingly windy. High: 66 Low: 53.

Attention, top law firms! We're now offering sponsorship opportunities for local firms interested in building lasting connections with clients in Philadelphia. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Philadelphia:

  1. Due to a recent drop in cases, the City of Philadelphia has lifted its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for dining establishments, effective Wednesday. The change comes as the Department of Public Health released its four COVID-19 response levels: "Extreme Caution," "Caution," "Mask Precautions Only," and "All Clear." Based on Wednesday data's, Philadelphia has entered Level 2 ("Mask Precautions Only"). (WPVI-TV)

  2. A gunman opened fire into a crowd outside a Philadelphia grocery store on Tuesday afternoon, sending a child to the hospital. According to police, the 12-year-old girl was on her way home from school and entering the grocery store when she was shot in the stomach, then rushed to an area hospital. Police do not believe the child was the intended target. (WPVI-TV)

  3. Two foundations have awarded a total of $450,000 in grant funding to local startup, The Growth Collective. $200,000 came from The Patricia Kind Family Foundation, with the other $250,000 coming from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Growth Collective supports Black-owned and operated development groups in Philadelphia. (WHYY)

Today's Philadelphia Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Philadelphia:

  • Jazz In The Park Til Dark - Rittenhouse Square (4:00 PM)

  • The Free Library Of Philadelphia Presents Jabari Asim - Parkway Central Library (7:30 PM)

  • Beat The Bucks - Misconduct Tavern (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

  • The Philadelphia Police Department shared footage of a suspect wanted for aggravated assault in the 22nd district. (Facebook)

  • The School District of Philadelphia encourages families to sign up for a new Parent Portal Account between now and Mar. 27. Not only will families get instant access to their children's records, but they'll also be entered to win an iPad or $50 Visa gift card! (Facebook)

  • Need to take care of your water bills before shutoffs resume? Get help completing assistance forms at virtual Utility Fairs hosted with Philadelphia Gas Works and PECO on Wednesdays and select Saturdays through March. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

Gigs & services:

Loving the Philadelphia Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

  • Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe

  • Get your local business showcased in front of readers

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— 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.

This article originally appeared on the Philadelphia Patch