“Ghost Guns Are A Nightmare”

On the heels of settling a lawsuit with Philly, the nation’s largest manufacturer of controversial ghost gun kits has now been sued by a local victim’s parents. Are we finally catching up to the ghost gun crisis?

By Mensah M. Dean

Why SEPTA Halted Its New Gun-Detection System

SEPTA didn’t expand its pilot with Conshohocken's ZeroEyes, which manages AI gun-detection technology. How will the City keep riders safe after a surge of gunfire this March?

By Mensah M. Dean

A “Wake Up Call” on Guns

A District Attorney diversion program is offering a second chance to those with no prior convictions and whose only crime was having an unlicensed gun. It aims to work around a state law that treats Philadelphians more harshly than other Pennsylvanians

By Mensah M. Dean

Working Under the Gun

Gun violence citywide decreased in 2023 — but attacks on public employees continued to rise. Can the City keep its bus drivers — and other workers — safe?

By Mensah M. Dean

View From The Streets

For the first time in three years, the city is poised to start a new year with fewer than 500 fatalities, thanks to a renewed focus on the most violent neighborhoods. But the gunshots, sirens, and recurring cycles of mourning persist

By Mensah M. Dean

What Should Cherelle Parker Do to Drive Down Shootings?

The Mayor-elect campaigned on stop-and-frisk, increasing police and bringing in the National Guard. Her constituents have strong views on all of that

By Mensah M. Dean

Can Temple Keep Its People Safe?

Officer Christopher Fitzgerald’s murder came 15 months after the university’s last high-profile killing. Students, parents and staff are searching for solutions

By Mensah M. Dean

Shot on the Job

Two City workers were shot and killed on the job last year, while several others were threatened. The Trace looks at how the City of Philadelphia is responding

By Mensah M. Dean