- Is Philadelphia in Decline? New Report Shows a City with Marked Challenges [The Daily Beast] “The city’s unemployment rate is 10.5 percent, significantly higher than the country’s average. Its real-estate market has dropped substantially every year since 2005. And its K-12 enrollment has slowly receded, as more students turn to charter schools than ones run by the public district, but with fewer students in the city overall. Violent crimes have increased over the past few years, and the poverty rate—one of every four people—is now among the highest of the country’s.” The story was answered by an op-ed from former Inquirer city hall reporter Patrick Kerkstra.
- Local group to buy Phila. Media Network for $55 million [Philadelphia Inquirer] Later in the week, the New York Times and other outlets reported that Bill Marrimow, former Editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer from 2006-2010 will return as Editor under the new leadership.
- Hack Philly: Deadline Extended to April 9th [Hack Philly] “Hack is an open call for technology-based projects. We are asking for a range of works: From 2D to 3D works, applications, wearable’s, installation, objects, and performances.” Hack will take place during Philly Tech Week.
- Ten States Where Green Jobs Thrive [24/7 Wall St.] Philadelphia is number 8. “Green job growth in Pennsylvania is slower than the national average growth of clean economy jobs. Public mass transit is the largest green segment for employment in the state, employing nearly 25,000 people.”
- Philadelphia: Texting While Walking Is No Joke [NPR] “Philadelphia has installed a pilot lane for distracted pedestrians. The first of its kind in the world, the lane was installed on a city sidewalk just in time for April Fools Day. The lane will be up all week as a creative campaign to raise awareness on pedestrian safety. “
- Philly gets a credit upgrade — still, only Detroit has a worse rating [The Naked City: City Paper]
- Should an Eco Brand Put Money Before Mission? [Inc.]
- His mission: To rid Philly of ‘bandit’ signs [Daily News] — Using a website to crowd source solutions
