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Can journalism that centers community help stop shootings?
In his 17 years at the Philadelphia Daily News, Jim MacMillan thinks he probably reported on 2,000 shootings.
- But he increasingly began to question how it was done. MacMillan founded an org dedicated to improving this — and it recently published research showing episodic coverage can actually lead to more violence.
How should journalists cover the shooting epidemic? BP contributor Maria Mitri has a look inside a two-year effort to make reporting part of the solution.
10 things you’ll find at Christmas Village & Made in Philly market
Seeking that intangible winter wonder we call holiday cheer? You’ll find it at the center of Philadelphia.
- The annual winter pop-ups are back, filling Dilworth Park, the City Hall courtyard, and Love Park with nearly 200 vendors offering gifts, food, and a bustle of colorful activity.
It’s worth going even if you’re not shopping, just for the vibe. Here are 10 things to look for at Christmas Village and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- The number of taxicabs in Philly has shrunk by half over the past three years, and since Uber arrived in 2014, the value of a medallion has plummeted 98%, from $545k to $12k. [Inquirer$/BP 2014]
- Center City foot traffic last month was back to nearly three-quarters of prepandemic levels. Taxable sales from shops and retail were at 88%, with bars and restaurants at 87%. [Center City District]
- The movement to create an official “Africatown” in Southwest Philly got a $9 million boost from a state RACP grant. [WHYY]
- The singing Candy Lady is a local celebrity. With boxes of treats atop her head, she’s everywhere — but still working to capitalize on her fame. [Biz in the Hood/Inquirer$]
- Kalaya opens Tuesday in Fishtown, with a huge new space that feels a world apart from the original Italian Market BYOB, but serves the same food inspired by chef Nok Suntaranon’s childhood in Thailand. [Philly Grub/Philly Mag$]
- During the Birds high-scoring victory at the Linc last night, Eagles fans trolled the Packers with “Philadelphia cream cheese” heads. Off the field, meanwhile, Eagles players bond over video games like Grand Theft Auto. [Billy Penn/NYT$]
The story you didn’t read
? Highlighting good BP articles few people clicked on ?
- North Philly 8th grader Aazim Ferrell’s dream is to own a ranch and train horses. Along with emotional support classes at school, he credits his riding club with helping turn his life around.
MAYOR WATCH
No public events for Mayor Kenney today. He spent Small Business Saturday touring Germantown Avenue storefronts, including Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery and others.
ON THE CALENDAR
?? BP Quizzo is back! Join us at Padelphia on the Schuylkill River across from Manayunk. We’ll have three rounds of local trivia, drinks, snacks, prizes — and a chance to find out more about the apparently trendy racket sport called Padel. Free RSVP here. (7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15)
?️ A discussion at the African American Museum explores what we might learn from the House of Umoja, known for a 1970s peace treaty that reduced city violence. (6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30)
? Get dressed in your best and hop on a bicycle: “A Proper Ride” meets at 30th Street Station and ends at a pub, with prizes for top fashion. (2:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3)
