Newtown's Most Read Stories Of 2020: Year In Review

NEWTOWN, PA — With 2020 coming to a merciful close, we wanted to take the opportunity to look back at the most read stories by our Newtown Patch readers this year.

Whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic forcing non-essential businesses to close, a dueling Trump parade and women's march in Doylestown or a senseless fatal shooting in Nockamixon State Park, a variety of stories caught our readers' attention this year.

Without further ado, here are the most read stories on Newtown Patch in 2020:

Coronavirus Pandemic Leads To Widespread Shutdowns

It should come as no surprise that some of the most read stories this year were related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing shutdowns of schools, bars, restaurants, gyms and retail stores across Pennsylvania. On March 19, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses in the state to close by 8 p.m. At the time, the state had only 185 cases of coronavirus and one confirmed death. As of Tuesday, there have been 631,333 total cases and 15,672 deaths, according to data from the state health department.

Newtown Man Charged Following Incident Captured On Video Outside Starbucks

On June 1, Anju Madnani was with her adult son and daughter hanging up flyers related to the death of George Floyd when they were accosted by a couple. The incident was captured on video and viewed widely on Facebook. Vincent Lewis, 63, of Newtown, was later charged with harassment and criminal mischief in connection with the incident. MORE

Could Bucks County Girl Be PA's First With Rare COVID-Linked Syndrome?

Ivyland resident Amy Fitzpatrick took her 8-year-old daughter to the ICU at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia after she began experiencing a high fever, gastrointestinal issues, panting and a racing heart. She later tested negative for COVID-19 antibodies. MORE

PA's 10 Most Dangerous Cities

Back in February, a website called RoadSnacks, which analyzes cities and states using various data, released its ranking of the state's most dangerous cities — an assessment created using violent crimes and property crimes in cities with a population of 5,000 or more. See which cities topped the list. MORE

A Year Of Sacrifices

Teachers and administrators in the Council Rock School District made salary concessions in the face of a $4.6 million budget deficit brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures included an 18-month total salary freeze through December 31, 2021. MORE

Black Lives Matter Arrives In Newtown

A BLM protest against the death of George Floyd was held in Newtown on June 6. Floyd, 46, died on May 25 after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on his neck for several minutes while three other officers looked on. MORE

Trump Supporters March Over Washington Crossing Bridge

Supporters of President Donald Trump walked across the Delaware River on Sunday, Nov. 1, to pay homage to George Washington and the American troops who fought in the Revolutionary War. The event was organized by the People 4 Trump organization, which was founded by Newtown Athletic Club owner Jim Worthington. MORE

Newtown Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar Lays Off 70 Workers

The Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar chain, which has a location in Newtown, laid off 700 employees, including 70 in Newtown, back in March. The layoffs were a result of the emerging crisis surrounding the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, company officials said. MORE

Best Christmas Light Displays In Eastern PA

Our readers really took to this roundup of the best holiday light displays in the region, including the Peddler's Village light display and the annual holiday light show at Shady Brook Farm. MORE

'He Was Family': Bucks Co. Pediatrician Dies Of Coronavirus

Dr. Victor Rivera, who worked for Margiotti & Kroll Pediatrics, died April 4. Former colleagues and patients mourned his loss. The practice operates multiple offices throughout the county, including in Newtown, Warrington, Trevose and beyond. MORE

Like what you're reading? Sign up to get daily Patch emails and stay in the know on local news: https://patch.com/subscribe