Your Daily Guide

City Council Member Warns Rat Infestation Is a Public Health Emergency

Councilmember Anthony Philips introduced a resolution urging the city to address Northeast Philly’s growing rat problem, pointing to improperly stored trash and structural gaps attracting the rodents. The resolution calls on several agencies to prioritize inspections, sanitation enforcement, and property remediation. [🎧City Cast Philly]

The Story Behind Philly’s Most Popular Sandwich Right Now

Mayfair’s Jordan Johnson restaurant goes through 6,000 to 8,000 pounds of fish a month, frying up viral sandwiches like its signature butterfried fish hoagie. Owner and former boxer Jordan Johnson credits the sport for creating a foundation of discipline and sacrifice that he applies to his restaurant’s philosophy. [Bon Appétit]

Could a City-Owned Grocery Store Work in Philly?

Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson plans to introduce a legislative package addressing food insecurity. The proposals include the creation of a municipal grocery store and the establishment of a permanent food insecurity office. The move comes after enrollment for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dropped due to new work requirements. [Metro Philadelphia]

• Related: Changes to SNAP rolled out at the beginning of October. Here’s what you need to know. [📝 City Cast Philly]

Lemon Hill Gets Major Rehab Post-World Cup

The historic Fairmount Park site is getting a touch-up after thousands of soccer fans flocked to the park for the FIFA Fan Festival. The changes include a new playground, adult fitness center, picnic pavilions, and additional lighting. [Axios]

• Related: Did Philly benefit from hosting the World Cup? [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Coding Nonprofit Fills In the Gaps As Tech Jobs Become Scarce

Launchpad Philly was originally created to teach high school students and grads software engineering skills. But as AI dries up coding jobs, the nonprofit is shifting gears to provide certifications in AI tools and hone skills on workflow management. [Chalkbeat]

• Related: AI is touching every aspect of our lives, including in our local government. [🎧City Cast Philly]

Philly’s home to all sorts of animal life. Whether they’re native or nonnative, domesticated or wild, there are plenty of furry creatures roaming around. But not all may be friendly or healthy. If you spot an animal where it shouldn’t be, or if you or the animal is in danger, here’s what to do.

What do I do if I see a loose animal?

The city is home to animals such as coyotes, foxes, and deer who sometimes may wander far from their usual homes in forested areas. And Philly’s has had its fair share of domesticated animals on the run over the years, from horses to pigs to cows.

So if you find a farm or wild animal on the loose, or some other form of an animal emergency, call Philadelphia Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT Philly) at 267-385-3800. Do not contact 911 unless an animal is acting aggressively toward people or a person is injured.

If you find someone’s lost pet, you can file a report at Petco Lost Love and post on local social media before dropping it off at a shelter.

What if I find an injured animal?

Always assess the situation first before intervening to determine if an animal is truly injured, and whether it may require transport.

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education runs a wildlife clinic that nurses animals back to health before returning them to their natural habitats. The clinic cares for the following animals:

• Songbirds
• Waterfowl (ducks)
• Raptors (owls, hawks)
• Small mammals (chipmunks, squirrels)
• Reptiles (non-venomous snakes, turtles)
• Amphibians (frogs)

You can report an injured animal to its 24/7 hotline at 215-482-7300 or text 215-853-6271. Do not move or treat an animal without guidance from a professional.

The Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center serves Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware counties. You can contact the field hospital at 267-416-9453 before bringing in an animal, and its website has a detailed FAQ with guidance on interacting with creatures such as raccoons, opossums, and rabbits.

If you find injured, dangerous, or diseased animals like deer or raccoons that may be demonstrating aggression, foaming at the mouth, or suffering from visible tumors, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 610-926-3136.