🌱 Phillies Grand Slam Google + City Hall Gets Robbed + "Tripledemic "

Good morning, Philadelphia. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town, including updates on...

• The Philadelphia Phillies are the most searched MLB team on Google in 2022.
• A bandit sawed off and walked away with an antique brass railing from City Hall.
• Pediatric doctors' offices and Childrens' Hospital ERs are overflowing because of the "tripledemic."

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But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 43 Low: 29.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. OK Google, search Philadelphia Phillies! While the Philadelphia Phillies didn't make the top 10 searches in the United States, they were the number one trending sports team and the number four trending ticket search behind Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny and Disneyland. The trends were likely due to their surprising trip to the World Series against the Houston Astros. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
2. Only in Philadelphia can a bandit saw off an antique piece of City Hall and get away with it. Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help in identifying a City Hall theft suspect.
   The theft happened on December 8 around 6:25 a.m. near the southeast corner of City Hall in Center City. Police released video of an unknown man using a red shopping cart to transport a 20-foot section of an antique brass railing, worth between $10,000 to $20,000, away from the building. Guess you can say this bandit has brass ones. (6abc Philadelphia)
3. The so-called "tripledemic" of respiratory illnesses is leading to packed waiting rooms at local hospitals and urgent care centers. Among those most impacted by this rise in RSV, flu and COVID-19 cases are children. The Philadelphia School District says its goal is to keep students in the classroom learning in person. But officials are seeing COVID cases rising. "We're seeing all these viruses at once. It just means we're seeing children sicker, much sicker than usual and just sicker in greater numbers," said Lauren Carr, pediatric emergency medicine attending at St. Christopher's Hospital For Children. (WPVI-TV)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Vaccine and Physical Event - Carver Engineering & Science (12:00 AM)
• Jewelry for Your Walls! (7:30 PM)
• Flyers vs Avalanche @ Misconduct Tavern (9:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Philadelphia Police Department: "The Philadelphia Police Department is now hiring through January 6 . A $2,000 sign-on bonus is being offered for all new recruits. (Psst, maybe you'll catch the City Hall Brass Railing Bandit!) Apply at JoinPhillyPD https://joinphillypd.com/" (Philadelphia Police Department via Facebook)
• If you live in Philadelphia or reside nearby and some of your favorite songs include "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love to You," "One Sweet Day," and "Motownphilly" then you're in luck.
  Boyz II Men will be coming to Philadelphia for their annual Valentine's Day Weekend visit. The group will be performing at The Met Philadelphia on Saturday, February 11. (phillytrib.com)
• Thankfully, these mayoral candidates aren't looking for a room at the inn on Christmas Eve-because it's already a full house! Everybody and their mother wants to be mayor of Philly. How many more candidates will enter the Philadelphia Mayor's race? ( 6abc Philadelphia)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Holiday Shopping Event (December 14)
• Open House | 3 BR Colonial in Hatfield, PA | Alderfer Auction (December 15)
• Abington PAL Presents "REAL DIAMOND" Concert (December 16)
• Ardmore United Methodist Church: Christmas Eve Outdoor, Family-Style Candle Light Worship Service (December 24)
• Ardmore United Methodist Church: Christmas Eve Candle Light Service (December 24)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll see you soon!

— Patty-Pat Kozlowski

About me: Patty-Pat Kozlowski has been writing community news and Philly-cenric Op/Eds for over 20 years. A Jill of all trades she's been a stand-up comedian, chef, DJ, newspaper editor, food trucker and Parks Director for Philadelphia Parks & Rec as well as a community relations/legislative aide for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Philadelphia City Council.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Philadelphia Daily? Contact me at philadelphia@patch.com