The FTC’s proposed ban of noncompete clauses would help low-wage workers
“Janeci Suarez-Martinez faced a $12K lawsuit after following her client to a new home-care agency.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
People with criminal records face barriers getting loans. A new fund wants to fix that for Philly residents
“The Fountain Fund has just launched in Philly hoping to alleviate barriers to access to capital for returning citizens.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Mariposa Food Co-op’s union employees are trying to unseat CEO
“At Mariposa Food Co-op, union members are taking organizing up a notch by trying to unseat their CEO.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
When and how to get an updated COVID booster in Philadelphia
coronavirus
Updated boosters – known as bivalent vaccines, which target both the original coronavirus and “Omicron strains – were rolled out for adults in September, and, last month, they became available for children between 6 months and 4 years old.” From: Metro Philly (Read more.)
Free at-home COVID tests in Philadelphia: Where to go – On top of Philly news
coronavirus
The Philadelphia Health Department recommends testing before attending any holiday parties or gatherings, particularly if you might be around folks who are older or immunocompromised. Per the department’s guidance, you should stay home if you test positive OR feel sick with COVID-like symptoms. From: BillyPenn (Read more.)
Philadelphia is piloting a guaranteed income program to reduce rates of infant mortality
“The funds given to mothers will come with no-strings-attached, according to the city. Interested participants will also be offered financial counseling, lactation support, and doulas.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Where to find food resources in the Delaware Valley
“Multiple food pantries and distribution sites can be found throughout the Delaware Valley to aid families facing SNAP cutbacks. Here’s a breakdown by area.” From: WHYY (Read more.)
People with criminal records face barriers getting loans. A new fund wants to fix that for Philly residents
“The Fountain Fund has just launched in Philly hoping to alleviate barriers to access to capital for returning citizens.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
LIHEAPalooza: Philly resource fair offers utility bill help
“Philadelphians struggling to pay their utility bills can learn how to lower them at a resource fair in South Philly Friday.” From: WHYY (Read more.)
Housing voucher discrimination widespread in Philly. Renters need more resources, advocates say
“City Council members are considering what Philadelphia can do to prevent housing discrimination against tenants who have what are commonly known as Section 8 vouchers.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Home repairs needed in Philly area total $3.7 billion, Philadelphia Fed says
“The cost of everything has gone up, due to inflation and supply-chain issues, and that includes home repairs.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Pa. hopes to diversify home appraisal industry with virtual reality
“Advocates say home appraisal bias can be traced to the industry’s lack of diversity. They say having an alternative to apprenticeship hours could help.” From: WHYY (Read more.)
Black, Latino residents around Philly offered help buying first home
Freddie Mac’s BorrowSmart Access program offers down payment assistance for first-time Black and Latino home buyers in the Philadelphia metro area. | From: The
Inquirer (Read more.)
We Buy Houses. You Lose Out.
According to a new report by Drexel Metro Finance, investors prey on homeowners in distressed communities. That could mean hundreds of millions of dollars lost citywide. | From: The Philadelphia Citizen (Read more.)
Philly is getting better street lights, free WiFi as part of the city’s budgeting for racial equity plan.
It’s too early to know whether Philadelphia’s approach will be effective in combating the city’s deeply entrenched race disparities. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
We Buy Houses. You Lose Out.
According to a new report by Drexel Metro Finance, investors prey on homeowners in distressed communities. That could mean hundreds of millions of dollars lost citywide. | From: The Philadelphia Citizen (Read more.)
SEPTA expands employer-provided transit pass program, Key Advantage
“SEPTA is opening the zero-fare pass program to any business or institution that wants to offer employees an incentive to take transit — at no cost to the workers.” From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
How would Kenney’s proposed zero-fare SEPTA plan work?
“If approved, the zero-fare trial would be a first for Philadelphia, granting thousands access to SEPTA’s entire system, including Regional Rail.” From: Metro Philadelphia (Read more.)
