What Phoenixville Read In Patch: 2020's Top Story Isn't COVID!
PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The most-read Patch story of 2020 in Phoenixville wasn't about the coronavirus or bad weather, it was about a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania.
Legal Pot Of Great Interest To Phoenixville Readers
More Phoenixville Patch readers opened Justin Heinze's story about a recreational marijuana bill than any other in 2020. House Bill 2050 was introduced in February and proposed making legal marijuana part of Pennsylvania's economy, taxing growers and directing funds to a variety of social programs.
Coronavirus, Of Course, Was Most-Read Topic Back When There Had Been 34 PA Deaths
The next most-read stories were all about the spread of the coronavirus, of course, as readers followed reporting on where cases were showing up across Chester and Montgomery counties. When the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Phoenixville at the end of March.
The state was under a stay-at-home order at the time, and there were then fewer than 3,000 COVID-19 cases across the state. Patch reported as the first case appeared in Phoenixville Borough that statewide there had been 34 deaths on March 28 — exactly nine months ago.
As of Dec. 28, there have been 15,086 deaths in Pennsylvania from COVID-19.
Next Most Popular Reads? Historic Farmhouses!
Two of the most-read stories of 2020 were about historic Chester County farmhouses that were for sale. Everyone loves to look at those stone and wood features and read about the history of the property. One such property near Downingtown listed for $1.1 million in October.
These stories surpassed readership about protests, PPE shortages, nursing home deaths, and infrastructure improvements. Readers just need a diversion sometimes.
George Floyd Death Response Was A Big Story In Phoenixville
While Philly saw rioting and unrest, Phoenixville Police Department called the death of Floyd, 46, a Minneapolis man who was killed after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes, "shocking and incomprehensible." The Patch story was high on the most-read list for 2020.
Phoenixville police said that they thoroughly investigate all complaints against officers alongside the mayor. All Phoenixville officers have a body camera and each patrol vehicle has a car camera, and footage is frequently reviewed, authorities said.
Other Top Stories
When Bluebird Distilling started producing hand sanitizer in March, readers were interested.
The outbreak of COVID-19 at the Vincent Township veteran's home was a great concern to our readers in April. A call went out for help getting medical supplies and employees reported feeling they were in a "death trap."
This article originally appeared on the Phoenixville Patch
