Temple Health and health insurer Keystone First reached a two-year contract deal, avoiding what would have been a major disruption in care for thousands of patients in the region. The current contract was set to expire July 31.
The agreement includes higher insurance reimbursements for delivered health care services. Continue reading…
Philadelphians have a thing about climbing greased poles. Whether it’s after a Super Bowl win, at the Italian Market festival, or just because, it’s ingrained in our city’s culture. So when Red Bull chose Philly to debut its Championship Run event, the challenge was on.
Ultimately, 100 competitors tried to grab the flag at the end of the greased-up pole that jutted over the Delaware River, with hilarious results.
BP’s Santiago Ortiz joined the race and brings us behind the scenes. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Spotted lanternflies’ knack for hitchhiking is proving crucial to their staying power in Pa. and as far away as Illinois. [WHYY]
• The Pa. Turnpike Commission announced plans to convert its tolling system to Open Road Tolling (ORT) east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension in January 2025. [Glenside Local]
• A South Korean maker of electronic warfare and communications equipment paid $240 million for a 60% controlling stake in Philly-based Ghost Robotics, whose dog-like, four-legged robots are used by the military and law enforcement, including by Israel in Gaza. [Inquirer$/Billy Penn]
• Neighbors want to see Philly’s Logan Triangle redeveloped. Will it ever happen? [WHYY’s Plan Philly]
• Penn State’s Stephen Nedoroscik won the Olympic bronze medal in men’s gymnastics with a historic performance. See who else from the region is competing in Paris. [PennLive.com/Billy Penn]
• Philly’s historic Mount Vernon cemetery is for sale for $1 million, even as cemetery volunteers are working to make the urban forest open to families with loved ones buried there. [WHYY]
• Applications are due Sept. 30 to nominate yourself or someone you know for Eagles Fan of the Year. [CBS3]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public appearances scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
Wednesday, July 31: Summer Gardening Series: Native Plants for Birds
Come to Chestnut Hill Library to explore native plant ecology through the lens of backyard birdwatching. (2 to 3:30 p.m.)
Thursday, August 1: Chinatown youth outreach findings
Feedback from weeks of interviews and surveys with Philadelphians about the proposed 76ers arena will be presented at a public meeting at FACTS Charter School, as arena plans continue amid rumored negotiations with Camden officials and Comcast Spectacor’s ongoing redevelopment of the South Philly sports complex. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
🎞️ Thursday, August 1: BlackStar Film Festival
The 13th annual celebration of independent Black, brown, and Indigenous filmmakers returns with expanded productions from 90 filmmakers, running August 1-4 both in-person and online. See our coverage from 2023 ahead of this year’s programming.
Friday, August 2: Cats ‘n’ Crafts
A laidback, two-hour workshop to explore your artsy side with feline and human pals by your side at Le Cat Cafe in Fairmount. Supplies and light snacks provided. Free with RSVP. (6:30 p.m.)
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