How Fixing Up Homes Reduces Gun Violence
Does sprucing up abandoned homes really help reduce gun violence? The answer is yes, according to a 3-year study done by University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University researchers. Dividing the 258 randomly-selected houses into three groups and providing varying levels of interventions to them, they found that the houses that received both maintenance and yardwork saw a 13% drop in gun assaults. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Sammy Caiola, gun violence prevention reporter at WHYY, about these results and their implications, what it would take to widely implement this solution, and other work communities around the city are doing to clean up vacant lots.
Check out Sammy’s reporting on this, and dive deeper into the study itself.
Learn more about the Young Chances Foundation, the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), and #JustServicesPHL.
We mentioned the dumping that happens around the city. Listen to yesterday’s episode to learn more about "Why Illegal Dumping is Still a Messy Issue.”
Want a cheatsheet to what’s happening in the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly!
We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly
Have some thoughts on a recent episode? Let us know your hot takes by leaving us a voicemail or sending us a text at 215-259-8170.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
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...
How Your ZIP Code Determines 311 Response Times
Missed trash pick-up, abandoned car, fallen tree, and a pothole — what do these all have in common? You call 311 if you want the city to...
LeBron James Hype, Social Media Credibility & Keeping Cabs in Philly
Ever since LeBron James announced he’s going to wear the red, white, and blue Philadelphia 76ers uniform, the Philly and regional impact...
Mayor Parker Talks 250th Outcomes, New City Program & Legacy Work
Summer 2026 has been a historic summer for the city. Reports show 1.4 million people poured into Philly this summer to attend FIFA World...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Philly
It’s not a given that every Philadelphian will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with wri...
FBI Excavates Olney Home, Voter Registration Help & Dating Tips
Philly needs help voting and dating! So host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz are discussing the city’s summer voter outreach s...
Is Philly A Good City For Renters?
May through September is peak moving season in Philly. So, before you lug boxes and furniture into a moving truck, look over contracts an...
Rideshare Regulation, Companionship A.I. & Prison Reform: A Lawmaker’s Summer Recess
Summer recess and a wrapped-up state budget don’t mean Pennsylvania legislators get to relax. This is when these lawmakers can focus on i...
Was the World Cup Worth It? Plus, Reimagining Market East & Traffic Safety
The numbers are starting to roll in, and whether or not Philly cashed in on the summer festivities is a mixed bag. But Host Trenae Nuri,...