🌱 Eviction Diversion Extension? + Making Roosevelt Blvd. Safer

Welcome back, Philadelphia! It's Monday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 52 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Philadelphia's successful and nationally recognized Eviction Diversion Program is set to expire at the end of the year. The program compels landlords and tenants to ask for mediation and rental assistance before heading off to court. But as the city aims to move toward a long-term solution, members of the Philadelphia City Council are considering legislation that would authorize the city and courts to operate the program for another year, with the caveat that rental assistance is available. If sufficient funds do not materialize, the city would change the program to focus on mediation between landlords and tenants to avoid evictions. (Sunbury Daily Item)
2. Pennsylvania has set aside $12.5 million to make safety improvements to Roosevelt Boulevard in Philly, Governor Tom Wolf announced on Friday. The city released a study on the boulevard titled Route for Change earlier this year, which includes both short-term goals to be achieved by 2025 and longer-term goals to be accomplished by 2040. The funds will go toward improving bus stations, installing right turn lanes for local bus stops and businesses, and improving intersections. (PhillyVoice.com)
3. The mask mandate is still in effect for schools, daycares, and early childhood education settings in the City of Philadelphia, despite the Pennsylvania Supreme Court throwing out the statewide school mask mandate on Friday. The Philadelphia Health Department says the indoor mask mandate issued on Aug. 12 is still in force. (CBS Philly)
4. A Temple University shuttle bus crashed after a man fired gunshots nearby, which reportedly startled the driver. On Friday, the shuttle bus was driving south on 12th Street near Dauphin and Nevada streets and stopped after hearing gunshots. At that point, a dark-colored vehicle came from Nevada onto 12th and struck the Temple University shuttle bus causing minor damage to the front. According to police, the driver of the car got out and fired at least three more shots in the area where the shuttle bus was located, though they did not appear to be aiming for the bus driver. (WPVI-TV)
5. Halal carts returned to the streets of Philadelphia in full force this fall, but as winter approaches, many owners and workers are still struggling. Disruption in global supply chains has affected prices, with the cost of both wholesale ingredients and serving materials skyrocketing. Because of this, customers in Philly will find a typical lamb or chicken over rice platter now costs $7 or $8 at most halal carts, instead of the $6 it cost for the past couple of years. That’s only a bit more expensive, though, and the price point remains appealing to many.(Billy Penn)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• 7th Annual Globy Awards (12:00 PM)
• JFCS - Art Connection Group for LGBTQ Youth - Winter 2021 Series (6:00 PM)
• JFCS - Youth Volunteer Program (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: "We're pleased to welcome public tours back to the museum. These limited-capacity tours are a great way to take a deeper dive into the art. Included with admission; first come, first served." (Instagram)
• ACCT Philly: "We have so many great dogs (as well as cats and guinea pigs!) looking for homes! Here are just some of the special pups we have who recently enjoyed a pajama party with their volunteer pals and a few of our staff!" (Facebook)
• City of Philadelphia Government: "If you’re a homeowner in Philadelphia and your home is in need of repairs, you may be eligible for @PHLPlanDevelop Basic Systems Repair Program. It’s helped thousands of families in Philadelphia and could help yours too! Get more info here: https://phdcphila.org/residents/home-repair/basic-systems-repair-program/" (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Byrant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.