🌱 Officials Say To Limit Gatherings + Saving Historic Buildings

Hey, people of Philadelphia! It's me again, Dan Casarella, your host of the Philadelphia Daily.

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Breezy, warm. High: 64 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories today in Philadelphia:

1. If you plan to have a holiday gathering, keep it limited to one household or keep it very small. That's the advice offered by Philadelphia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole Wednesday. During a news conference, Bettigole urged residents to keep the holiday gatherings small, as the coronavirus sends more people to hospitals and infects more people. (Philadelphia Patch)
2. Fans of Philadelphia’s historic architecture have reason to celebrate. As part of an effort to save more historic buildings from the wrecking ball, the city is adding two full-time employees to the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Advocates hope the extra staff power will help move more properties out of harm’s way by reducing the time it takes for the commission to review a growing list of nominations for historic buildings, as well as proposals for new historic districts. (WHYY)
3. Police are investigating a double shooting Wednesday that left two teens injured in North Philadelphia. The incident happened just after 11:30 a.m. on the 900 block of N. 11th Street. Police say a 13-year-old girl was shot once in the chest and a 17 year old boy was shot in the left arm. (WPVI-TV)
4. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw is staying in Philly. Rumors connected Outlaw to the top cop job in New York City, but on Tuesday night, mayor-elect Eric Adams announced Keechant Sewell as his choice to lead the NYPD. (CBS Philly)

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Today in Philadelphia:

• St. Thomas Gospel Choir At the Fashion District (5:00 PM)
• Jeni's Grand Opening Party In Rittenhouse Square (7:00 PM)
• An Evening with Chris Thile At Penn Live Arts (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• December is Read A New Book Month! What books have you enjoyed this year that you would recommend to someone else? Let us know! (Facebook)
• The City will hold virtual ceremonies to accompany the lightings of Boathouse Row in honor of Christmas on Monday, December 20 at 4 p.m." (Facebook)
• The Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement sends weekly #EngagingPHL email updates to residents across the city! Sign up to stay engaged with the latest City information, resources, events, and opportunities to support your community (Facebook)

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— 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.