Philly, NYC declared tops on 'most toxic city' list

Philly took first in toxicity.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York City, New York have been declared the No. 1 and No. 4 "most toxic" cities in the United States for 2011. The Greater Philadelphia Area is home to more than 50 federal Superfund sites.

Superfund areas are those that no longer in use but still contain hazardous materials. Researchers examined the country's 80 largest metropolitan statistical areas, as defined by the United States Census Bureau.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Philly leads nation in new HIV, AIDS cases

Even though cases of HIV and AIDS peaked during the 1990s, and have fallen off to a great degree since, Philadelphians are becoming infected at a rate five times the national average, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Reportedly, Philadelphia area residents are being infected at a rate of 114 persons per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the national average for rate of infection is 23 persons per 100,000 people.

Consequently, more than a hundred educators and human services professionals from as far away as Maryland are gathering in Bensalem to discuss the latest trends involving HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The conference is being sponsored by the Family Service Association, the Bucks County Health Department and the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission.