Welcome back to our weekly behind-the-scenes glimpse at what’s getting our team talking. Let us know what you think at [email protected].
Home team
While evictions are on the rise across the US, thousands of renters in Philadelphia have been able to stay in their homes thanks to the city’s eviction diversion program, according to a Wall Street Journal story shared by RTBC Executive Editor Will Doig. The program requires landlords to negotiate with tenants, with the help of a counselor, to try to reach an agreement before taking the case to court.
Will says:
We wrote about this during the program’s trial period — now, Philadelphia’s eviction diversion program has been made permanent, and the data showing its effectiveness on preventing evictions is pretty stunning.
Just a test
For many women, getting the cervical cancer test known as a Pap smear is an uncomfortable experience — and it may no longer be necessary: A new self-sampling method is catching on, the New York Times reports, and it allows patients to test themselves in private. Experts hope these new tests will reach women who don’t get screened regularly, which could bring down the number of preventable deaths from cervical cancer. Contributing Editor Michaela Haas shared the story with us, noting the huge impact this could have.
Michaela says:
Since I wrote the story about how cervical cancer could be prevented, I know this is really great news that will save thousands of women’s lives.
What else we’re reading
🐟 With Dams Removed, Salmon Will Have the Run of a Western River — shared by RTBC founder David Byrne from the New York Times
🏫 Every NYC school building now carries Naloxone. Is it enough? — shared by Editorial Director Rebecca Worby from Chalkbeat
🪷 Risking His Own Extinction to Rescue the Rarest of Flowers — shared by Michaela Haas from the New York Times
In other news…
Last week, Editorial Intern Valerie Morales-Soto finished up a productive summer at RTBC. In case you missed it, check out her story on permeable pavement in New York City.
