Serving Justice for Families of Fallen First Responders

City Council’s new law follows reporting from The Trace about relatives whose health insurance and benefits were cut when their family member died by suicide

By Mensah M. Dean

No Skills Games for You

Amid concerns over robberies and fatal shootings at stores that have them, PA Supreme Court bans skill games, and Philly (mostly) rejoices

By Mensah M. Dean

Letters To My Murdered Brother

In Brother Epistles, set to be released this month, Dr. Shanda McManus delves into her decades-long grief after losing her brother to a shooting, and examines the forces shaping the lives of other young Black men.

By Mensah M. Dean

Gun Safety or Retaliation?

Police revoked the licenses of a Black Panther-inspired group because of their “character and reputation.” The Black Lions argue it’s payback for policing the police

By Mensah M. Dean

“The Only Problem was the Job”

When police die by suicide, their loved ones often lose benefits. Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, may now change that

By Mensah M. Dean

“It Felt Like God Gave Me Another Chance”

A new Philadelphia program — modeled on an already-successful version for adults — helps young people put down the guns

By Mensah M. Dean

Solving Gun Violence with Group Therapy — and $50

Is this City-funded program — which also helps participants build job skills and rethink decisions — responsible for Philadelphia’s declining homicide rate?

By Mensah M. Dean

“It Hasn’t Slowed Down For Us”

How community organizers in Philly plan to keep gun violence down in 2026

By Mensah M. Dean

Could Philly’s $2 Billion Bet on Housing Help Cut Gun Violence?

Research has found that fixing up abandoned homes can make a city safer. The H.O.M.E Plan calls for building and rehabbing 30,000 homes in four years

By Mensah M. Dean

“This Has to be a Bottom-Up Strategy”

As officials create a new public safety plan, Philadelphians offer City officials their ideas on how to continue fighting gun violence

By Mensah M. Dean