Philly’s Murder Rate Dropped 35%. Are We Safer?
The city’s homicide rate dropped 35% in 2024 compared to the previous year. And according to police data, shootings have dropped by half in the last two years. But are Philadelphians safer? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ellie Rushing, law enforcement reporter at The Inquirer, and Mensah Dean, Philadelphia staff writer at The Trace, about the stories behind these numbers and what their work means to them.
Thoughts on the murder rate and the stories behind these deaths? Leave us a voicemail or text us: 215-259-8170.
For more Philly news, you gotta sign up for our morning newsletter: Hey Philly.
We’re also on Instagram @citycastphilly.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
A New Walk in Old City, 'Smart' Loading Zones in Center City & Must-See Fall Shows
Independence Day is officially behind us, but Philly is continuing to explore 250 years of American democracy with a new walking tour. Me...
No PPA, Luxury Living & Jobs: Philly's New Perfect Neighborhood?
Philly’s newest booming neighborhood has tons of jobs, amenity-filled luxury apartment buildings, plenty of green space – and no PPA rest...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Philly
As much as you love Philly, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compla...
ICE at PHL, Package Thieves on Your Stoop & a Major Film Fest This Weekend
Immigration advocates say Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has increased at the Philadelphia International Airport. Meanwhile...
New SEPTA Bus Routes, Key Card Perks, and Pro Tips
SEPTA gets us around the city, to the airport, to the stadiums, and to the surrounding suburbs. And later this month, the transit agency...
Cyclospora in Philly, Policing in The Gayborhood & More Speed Cameras
The nationwide cyclospora outbreak has found its way to Philly. We’ve got what you need to know to stay safe. Meanwhile a public hearing...
Stop Complaining About Your Neighborhood: Make Change at These Organizations
What do you do when you want your voice heard on great ideas you have to support your neighborhood? Let's say you want to organize a bloc...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Philly
Do you know how zoning laws affect Philly’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...
Is Philly Really the Most Walkable City?
For the fourth year in a row, Philadelphia has been crowned the nation's most walkable city. Yet for most locals, walking to work or even...
Your Guide to August 2026 in Philly
While some Philadelphians are still down the shore this summer, there’s plenty of fun events happening in the city in August. We recommen...