🌱 Gritty Saves Christmas + Eviction Diversion Extended

Good morning, Philadelphia! Like many of you, the Patch team is taking some time off to enjoy the holidays, so there will not be a newsletter in your inbox tomorrow. We appreciate your understanding of this slight pause in our schedule, and I will be back on Monday with the next edition of the Philadelphia Daily! Now, here's everything happening around town today.

First, today's weather:

Milder with clouds and sun. High: 49 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Gritty has saved Christmas for a South Philadelphia couple.A homemade holiday wreath made to look like the Flyers mascot was recently stolen from Dan Jackson and Tim Popp's door. While the original wreath has not been located, Gritty - dressed as Gritty Claus - surprised the couple with a new one. (WPVI-TV)
2. Philadelphia’s eviction diversion program that gained national attention during the pandemic is set to continue through 2022. The program requires landlords to participate in mediation with tenants and apply for rental assistance at least 45 days before filing an eviction request with the courts and was set to expire at the end of the year. The city council voted last Thursday to continue the program locally through December 2022 as long as there is enough rental assistance. (Philadelphia Sunday Sun)
3. The Philadelphia Health Department canceled its giveaway of rapid COVID-19 tests, scheduled for Thursday after demand at earlier giveaways depleted its supplies. A department spokesperson announced late Wednesday that the giveaway scheduled for Waterview Recreation Center in the city's East Germantown neighborhood would be canceled because of a lack of tests, but that the city would move forward with a free vaccine clinic at the center. The department began giving away tests Saturday at a series of community events that have seen high demand and people waiting in long lines to get the kits.(The Philadelphia Tribune)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• Christmas Eve High Mass At St. Thomas Gospel Choir (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Due to extremely cold conditions, the City is implementing special measures to keep people who are homeless safe. If you see someone who needs shelter, call (215) 232-1984. (Facebook)
• The large majority of Philadelphia homeowners have already paid their 2021 property tax. If you haven't taken care of your bill yet, please do so by December 31! (Facebook)
• The Free Library system will close at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24, and will remain closed through the weekend in observance of Christmas. They will reopen on Monday, Dec. 27. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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 Bryant, 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.