‘Diarrhea parasite’ leaves 13 sick in Philly so far

Cases of the diarrhea-inducing parasite hiding in leafy greens have officially reached Philadelphia.

• The parasite has led national headlines for months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a major increase in domestic cyclosporiasis cases beginning in May.
• What’s cyclosporiasis? The intestinal illness is caused by microscopic parasites that can contaminate food and water. The current outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico and sold by Taylor Farms, a major food producer, at retailers across the country. This includes grocery stores and fast-food chains such as Taco Bell.
• Philly has 13 confirmed cases. There are around 4,100 infected people across the country. Last week the city health department noted the “larger than usual” increase in local cases. Some infected people likely contracted the parasite outside of the city.
• What to look out for. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom and usually begins within a week of being infected. The effects can last from two days to two weeks.
• Preventing the spread. While it is mostly in the hands of producers to follow food safety practices, there are some ways to lessen your chance of exposure: Wash your hands with soap before handling food, rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly under running water (even if they’ve been pre-washed), cut off damaged parts of any product, and cook your produce.
• Shop local. Buying local produce from small farmers is viewed by some Philadelphians as a safe alternative to grocery stores. This is because the food is touched by fewer people, transported shorter distances, and has more transparent growing practices. As a result, local farmers’ markets report an increase in customers. Thinking that this may be the way to go? We have a guide on finding local produce.

250th Upgrades Here To Stay

While some semiquincentennial upgrades were only temporary, the reopening of the First Bank of the United States, improvements to historical buildings such as Independence Hall, and two new soccer fields are just a few of the additions from this summer’s celebrations that are here to stay. [PhillyVoice]

• Related: Was the money spent on this summer's celebrations worth it? Mayor Parker told City Cast Philly that the city is doing an economic impact study. It’s going to cost $75,000. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]

Fourth of July Concert Contract Had No Other Bids

Local laws usually require a competitive process for contracts with the City of Philadelphia. However the Parker administration skipped this step when planning the $15.5 million One Philly Unity Concert for America this year. [Axios Philadelphia]

Is the Frank Rizzo Statue Coming Back?

The 10-foot bronze statue depicting the controversial former mayor and police commissioner has finished undergoing repairs. The statue was taken down amid civil rights protests in 2020, and the Frank L. Rizzo Monument Committee is looking to display the statue in Philadelphia once again. [🔒 The Inquirer]

Gov’s Race Turns To Attack Ads

Philadelphians have started seeing ads from both sides of the gubernatorial race — one liking Republican nominee Stacey Garrity with President Trump, and another saying Democratic incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro is too lenient on data center development. [City & State PA]

Epstein Tried to Influence a Student’s Admission to Penn

The convicted sex offender tried to leverage his connections to Marc Rowan, who is a University of Pennsylvania alum and board member, for the son of Faith Kates, a modeling agent. Kates introduced Epstein to women who worked with her agency. Kates' son did not attend the University, and the school denies Epstein interfered with the admission process. [The Daily Pennsylvanian]