What to know about Penn’s new interim president
Penn named a new interim president, Dr. J. Larry Jameson, who is also the executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine, and his research focuses on molecular medicine in the field of endocrinology.
Jameson was tapped for the role days after Liz Magill resigned following months of criticism for her handling of campus safety concerns amid rising antisemitism and Islamophobia. [WHYYx2/Penn/BP]
Philly tops Google trends report for ‘batting cages near me’
Maybe it’s the Phillies’ effect? Joe or Jane Philadelphia hoping to channel their inner Bryce Harper and swing for the fences? Whatever the reason, Philadelphia searched for “batting cages near me” more than any other location in the U.S., according to the 2023 Google search trends data unveiled this week.
A quick glance through search results turns up just a handful of locations in the city where batters can relive their little league glory, as well as several hitting spots more dedicated to more serious up-and-coming young players hoping to play in college and beyond. Thankfully, we can all catch our breath more easily after the exercise now that we all searched for “AQI” and “air quality near me” in 2023. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• As Pa. lawmakers clash over public and private school funding, critics say the “school choice” program discriminates against students on the basis of religion, LGBTQ identity, and disability status. [WHYY]
• SEPTA police vote this morning on whether to strike after pausing an earlier strike threat before the Thanksgiving holiday. [NBC10]
• Kelly Drive’s speed limit is being lowered to 25 mph (down from 35 mph) as transportation officials seek to reduce traffic accidents on the most dangerous roads, including Cottman Avenue and Vine Street. [PhillyVoice]
• Shipping deadlines means Philly’s version of the North Pole – the USPS processing center in Southwest Philly – is seeing a 20% increase in volume. [CBS3]
• Wishing Pa. native Taylor Swift a happy birthday today is as simple as donating to your local animal shelter, says the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which launched the #TaylorSwiftChallenge. [Billy Penn]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
• When Emily Johnson’s only child was shot and killed, she found herself thrust into a West Philly gang war and defended her son at all costs. [Inquirer$]
• Portraits of 30 gun-violence victims were displayed at a Peace In Philly event in North Philly, bringing family and friends together for the art show. [Tribune]
• Statewide vigils were held last Friday to mark the 200th day without action on a gun violence bill. [6ABC]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 23: Shooting victims recorded last week, vs. 13 the week prior. [PCGVR]
- 1,612: Shooting victims as of last week were down 27% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 395: Year-to-date homicides, down 19% vs. last year’s pace; up 20% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney has no public appearances scheduled today. There are 19 days left in his term.
ON THE CALENDAR
🛍️ Holiday markets abound across the Philly region. Check out our updated guide with the season’s latest offerings. Next up: Church Street Holiday Pop-Up on Weds, Dec. 13 and Punk Rock Flea Market on Friday, Dec. 15.
🎶 Over 100 tuba players serenade you with festive holiday classics at Cherry Street Pier during Tubachristmas. (2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17)
🥒 Feast of the 7 Pickles returns at Kensington’s Martha with a “Philly favorites” edition. 5 and 7 p.m. seatings are sold out, but 9 p.m. is still available. $95 tickets. (9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19)
Catch up on the previous week
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