⚕️ Philly’s new vaccination guidelines

💉 New Vaccine Guidelines

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health released guidelines to support immunity against the flu, RSV, and a newer strain of COVID-19. You can receive a COVID and flu shot together, and it’s ideal to do so before flu season begins next month. New antibody shots for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are also available, and according to Philly health commissioner Cheryl Bettigole, they’re a “game changer” for preventing hospitalizations among infants. [KYW News]

⚖️ Fanta Bility Lawsuits Resolved

In August 2021, 8-year-old Fanta Bility and her family were leaving a football game in Sharon Hill, Delaware County, when police opened fire on their vehicle, killing Fanta and injuring others. This week, the Borough of Sharon Hill and Bility’s family reached a settlement which resolved three lawsuits. The victims will receive $11 million in damages. Additionally, Sharon Hill officers must undergo training on using deadly force. [Inquirer 🔒]

❤️ Keeping Students Safe

State legislators want to enhance the School District of Philadelphia’s “Safe Path” program, where community members de-escalate student conflicts, monitor school perimeters, and more. Lawmakers are calling for $50 million in funding for the program. Meanwhile, the District plans to hire more police officers and install minimally invasive metal detectors at 14 middle schools. [WHYY]

• Where can Philly kids feel safe? [City Cast Philly 🎧]

It’s that time again. Here’s what you, our esteemed Hey Philly readers, are buzzing about. Let’s get into it:

🏡 We recently journeyed through Cedar Park, and I asked what you loved most about this neighborhood.

• “I help teach a martial arts class at the Calvary Community Center. That corner on 48th and Baltimore is particularly beautiful, and it’s awesome to have a place to practice our art and feel like part of a community. - Will T. 🥋
• “I love the water ice, pretzels, and access to public transportation.” - Vedia F.

😢 But living in Philly can often leave us feeling frustrated and disheartened. ICYMI: we have a guide for where to cry in the city!

• Elaine G. prefers to let the tears flow in the comfort of her own shower, “full power and hot!” 🚿

🎨 Sip & Paint | Monday | 7 p.m.

Head to Penny Gardens to learn how to paint step-by-step and bring home your own masterpiece. [$30, Northeast Philly]

🫘 Latin Flavors | Wednesday | 3:30 p.m.

Savor Latin American-inspired dishes like veggie tostadas and Ecuadorian lentil stew at the South Philly Library. Masks encouraged 😷 [free, East Passyunk]

📕 Story Fest | Thursday | 5 p.m.

Hear from Philly journalists and storytellers at the Bok Building. Featuring surprise performances, live music, and more. [$0-$100, South Philly]

🪩 Steve Aoki | Friday | 10 p.m.

Experience a stellar night at NOTO with sounds by renowned DJ Steve Aoki. [$55, Chinatown]

Philly’s Police Watchdog Might Need a Watchdog

Police hold residents accountable to the law, but who holds police departments accountable in cases of misconduct? In Philly, that’s the job of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission, created in 2021.

Now, an Axios Philadelphia probe has found that two commissioners invoiced the organization for thousands of dollars for meetings unrelated to their duties, which may not be permitted under city law. Yikes!

Lead producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Axios Philadelphia’s Isaac Avilucea about this story, other recent allegations of misconduct lodged against the Commission, and how these scandals impact the group’s mission.